First published in 2002, it's about Kyoko Mogami, a 16-year-old girl motivated by revenge and sworn to never love again. Damn Shotaro, the ex-boyfriend who broke her heart! He is a jerk you will love to hate, and admittedly the story gets a lot more interesting when he's involved. The plot is a little weak, but apparently the only way to truly get revenge on Sho, a major pop idol, is to make it in the entertainment business. And to do that, Kyoko changes her look and becomes an actress. And then comes Ren/Corn, the real love interest, and a bunch of unresolved history and it all gets a little twisted.
Kyoko keeps her minions in a metaphorical "Pandora's Box," locked up in her psyche until she gets angry. Then her little demons come out to play and threaten and scare the offender, although only one other character in the manga is able to actually see them. Most just feel an overwhelming, evil aura.
Like many manga, Skip Beat! can be a bit tedious to read at times. Things are drawn out but it's so worth it because it's freakin' hilarious. Kyoko is a good girl but very naive and has an overactive imagination. She fantasizes about princesses, mermaids, and of course, demon kings.
I watched the anime, and also saw a Korean live-action version. They've only made one season but it was great. The actresses and actors were well chosen, and adds to the characterization from the manga. The theme song is one of my favorites as well.
Toward the end of every month I get totally antsy as I wait for the email telling me the next Skip Beat! has been released. Then I text my sister "SKIP BEAT TIME!!!" and we read it in 5 minutes and then compare notes.
So you should totally read this shojo manga. If nothing else, I'll feel better knowing others are suffering with me as we wait for the next month's scans. Oh, and please support the mangaka, people.
Jess
"That's why I hate love so much. It is because I know precisely how low humans will fall. To become so weak and helpless."
Kyoko Mogami, Skip Beat!, Chapter 202
