This time I have a non-BL gag manga. While I rated this three stars, if you like manga and are a K-pop stan, then this is a must-read for you. I know, I know—I said I would try to review more books, but lately, all the arc sites seem a bit dry. Plus, I’m trying to save some money and keep up with reviews, so I’m sticking to ARCs at the moment. But I requested a few books so hopefully I can get some book reviews started soon.
A yakuza enforcer becomes the gang world’s biggest K-pop stan in this cult comedy manga that went from webcomic to sleeper hit in Japan! Perfect for fans of Way of the Househusband, Phantom of the Idol, or Spy x Family.
Named one of the Best New Comics of 2023 by New York Public Library!
Ken Kanashiro is one of the top lieutenants in the feared yakuza outfit the Washio Clan. He lives his life by the code of the Japanese underworld, where nothing is more important than loyalty, and ties between soldiers and their aniki are sacred bonds. Ken’s never had time for hobbies… until the boss’s only daughter Megumi drags him to a K-pop concert, and he sees the glittering, charismatic Jun for the first time. Smitten like a new recruit on his first job, Ken plunges into fandom with the solemnity and passion only a true man who walks the way of the yakuza could muster.
I can’t believe I’m even saying this, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of this art style. It’s not that it wasn’t good, but it seemed quite grainy and lacked a lot of details, making it harder on my eyes. However, I checked the free sample on Amazon, and it looks better there.
I’ve never had this issue before, but it probably has something to do with my computer. Anyway, after looking through the art on the right, it is way better. However, it’s still not my favorite, so I’ll give the art style a 5/10. The art wasn’t bad by any means, just hard on the eyes. Sidenote: I’m like 90% sure it’s the same artist who did A Home Far Away, which has amazing art and is a super depressing yet amazing BL story. So I’m curious about this shift, haha.
I knew this was going to be a gag manga, and while I’m not a K-pop stan, I do enjoy pulling photocards for my favorite manhwa characters, so I’m not completely clueless about K-pop fandom stuff. However, I found the humor very hit or miss, and it was constant—there was no actual character development, plot, etc. The scenes where he was clashing with rival yakuza were the best, but I did find the cafe and club scenes hilarious. So, I have very mixed feelings about this manga.
I didn’t enjoy it in the beginning, but it definitely picked up a lot toward the end. However, I probably won’t be continuing this series. But like I said earlier, if you like K-pop and manga, then this is definitely a must-read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review~
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