10 Manga To Read If You Like Oshi No Ko: From Shoha Shoten! To Boy’s Abyss

As a voracious reader who has traversed the labyrinthine world of manga, I must say that these captivating stories have left an indelible impression on me. Each one offers a unique lens through which to view the tumultuous life of an artist striving for success in the cutthroat world of entertainment.

From a lifestyle perspective, delving into the often-overlooked challenges of the entertainment world isn’t exactly groundbreaking. Yet, what sets Oshi no Ko apart is its innovative blend of reincarnation and a relentless pursuit of a killer across multiple lifetimes. This unique narrative approach captivates readers, offering a fresh outlook on life, thanks to Aka Akasaka’s profound storytelling and Mengo Yokoyari’s enchanting artistic style that strikes a chord deep within our hearts.

Despite the disappointing news about its possible conclusion, which undeniably disheartened fans, take solace in the fact that numerous manga share similar themes, offering readers an array of enjoyable options. Here’s a compiled list of top-notch mangas, so you can unwind, relax, and dive right into discovering your new favorite.

10 Manga To Read If You Like Oshi No Ko:

Skip Beat

Yoshiki Nakamura’s Skip Beat tells the tale of Kyoko Mogami, who discovers that she has been used by her childhood friend and love interest, aiming for success in show business for a comfortable lifestyle. Faced with this harsh truth, Kyoko vows to outshine him as payback and the narrative unfolds as she navigates through this challenging situation and pursues her ambition to become an even more prominent figure in the entertainment world.

As someone who’s spent years immersed in the cutthroat world of the entertainment industry, I find a deep resonance with mangas like “Oshi no Ko” and “Skip Beat.” They capture the ruthless competition, the loneliness, the insecurities, and the heart-wrenching betrayals that are all too common in this field. Yet, amidst it all, they offer a glimmer of hope – a beacon that keeps us going even when everything seems lost.

Erased

Despite being set outside the dazzling world of showbusiness, Erased captivates us with the tale of Satoru Fujinoma, who acquires the power to revisit the past and avert disasters. Following the death of his mother, his ability transports him back to his childhood, equipped with the necessary information to prevent the unfortunate event.

The story becomes more intricate as he uncovers a link between the murders of his childhood companions, leading him to vow to safeguard them by tracking down the murderer. Erased grips readers with its captivating narrative, seamlessly integrating elements of mystery, second chances, redemption, and the complexity of human bonds, all while hunting a killer through different time periods.

Bakuman

Leaving behind the world of acting, Bakuman delves into the exciting lives of manga creators instead. The narrative centers around Moritaka Mashiro, a young man who lacks motivation and seems aimless in life. However, his perspective changes dramatically when the brightest student from his class, Takagi, proposes an intriguing opportunity for him to become a mangaka (manga artist), igniting a newfound passion within Moritaka.

In a new twist, their strategy shifts when Mashiro’s romantic interest decides to join them, aiming to secure the lead vocalist role should their manga ever be adapted for animation. What sets this manga apart is its portrayal of youthful charisma, the tough fight to succeed in a cutthroat industry, and the growing pains associated with maturing. It’s poignant, insightful, educative, and engaging enough to captivate its audience.

Kasane

Kasane subtly intensifies the theme of Oshi no Ko by introducing elements like tormentors, retribution, and cosmic retribution within its narrative. In the story, Kasane – Sukeyo’s daughter – sets out on a vengeful path against her former tormentors, which soon escalates into feelings of envy, insecurity, and an unrelenting drive to succeed in her chosen profession.

As a former entertainment industry insider, I can attest to the stark duality that permeates this world – the glitz and glamour on one hand, and the seedy underbelly of trauma and abuse hidden beneath the surface. This is a theme Daruma Matsura’s manga masterfully explores, shedding light on these dark realities while keeping mystery lovers captivated with Kasane’s unique ability to adopt other people’s characteristics using her late mother’s lipstick.

Shoha Shoten!

A lighthearted entry in a mostly dire list, Shoha Shoten brings the readers to a new world of a 1000-year-old Japanese comedy legacy. Manzai has been around for ages, as has Azemichi’s dream of becoming a comedy star. Although his excellent joke writing should ensure he lands a class act any day, his stage fright tends to get the best of him.

In a touching tale of resilience, redemption, and pursuing one’s aspirations amidst adversity, an accomplished manzai artist named Taiyo joins forces with a fellow artist who finds himself in hard times following the demise of his partner. Together, they embark on a journey towards success, facing life’s challenges at every turn. Shoha Shoten promises to offer readers an emotionally rewarding and uplifting reading experience.

Phantom of the Idol

In the tale of “Phantom of the Idol,” readers are transported into a chilling supernatural realm. The deceased idol Asahi strikes a deal with Yuya, a member from the two-person group Zings, who is despised for his lackluster and unmotivated performance style. To fulfill Asahi’s posthumous performing dreams, Yuya allows Asahi to take control during performances, giving him the chance to unwind while Asahi gets the spotlight.

Strife arises when people claim he intentionally mimics Asahi’s style to boost his own fame. Despite its lighthearted approach, the manga skillfully exposes the capricious side of the idol industry and the fanaticism it breeds. It also encourages readers to examine their lives in a deeper sense, parallel to Yuya’s journey as he gains new insights about himself through self-discovery.

Glass Mask

In the world of theater and acting, Glass Mask follows the tale of Maya, a struggling yet ambitious actress. Her dreams lead her to work tirelessly, even at the expense of her own well-being, in order to buy tickets for various performances. However, fate intervenes when she encounters a renowned former actress, which eventually grants her a scholarship to an elite acting academy.

To reach her dream of being Japan’s top actress, she finds herself immersed in a realm of manipulation, power struggles, deception, and rivalry that she must navigate to thrive. Just like Glass Mask, it reveals the extreme measures people take to safeguard their reputation in an industry where bright lights conceal the shadows. With intricate analyses and character dissection, this could resonate deeply with acting enthusiasts.

Act-Age

The narrative, Act-Age, focuses on Kei Yonagi’s journey as an aspiring actress. Her life is fraught with constant hurdles, and her distant goal of success in the acting world appears almost unattainable when she, along with her younger siblings, unexpectedly become orphans.

As a lifelong fan of manga, I have come across many stories that tug at my heartstrings and resonate with me on a deep level. This particular manga stands out due to its authentic portrayal of the struggles and triumphs faced by its protagonist. The allure of the camera, the burden of her family responsibilities, and the arduous journey towards stardom are experiences I can relate to, having been in similar situations myself.

Ikenie Touhyou

Ikenie Touhyou deals with the themes of social media addiction, cancel culture, empathy and lack thereof when the students of the prestigious Yanagizawa academy find themselves pulled into a game that turns deadly. Tactful handling of sensitive issues like bullying, harassment, depression and so on, all while maintaining the air of a dark thriller, makes this a must-read for fans of the genre.

Boy’s Abyss

The novel “Boy’s Abyss,” by Ryo Minenami, delves into the harsh realities of domestic violence, loneliness, and despair experienced by its protagonist, Reiji. This young boy has been deeply scarred by his tumultuous home life. His world takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a lost idol named Nagi and they venture to a place beyond their town called the Lover’s Abyss. However, their visit proves deadly, leaving them both in peril. Just when all hope seems lost, they are miraculously rescued at the last moment.

Intriguingly, events that suggest a sinister presence seem to befall those connected to Reiji, seemingly pulling them towards a dangerous precipice. With only his friend as a possible rescuer, they delve into the mystery in search of answers and self-discovery, uncovering aspects about life and themselves they never knew before. This tale carries a somber tone, but its exceptional artistic style adds depth to the narrative. If you enjoyed Oshi no Ko, this series is worth exploring.

As a voracious reader with a diverse taste in literature, I find myself constantly seeking out new books that cater to my ever-changing interests. From the laughter-inducing antics of comedy novels to the suspenseful twists and turns of murder mysteries, this list seems tailor-made for readers like me! Whether you’re a longtime bookworm or just starting your literary journey, I wholeheartedly recommend giving these titles a try. Trust me, you’ll soon discover a new favorite that resonates with you in no time at all!

2024-08-15 11:08