Skip Beat! Vol.3

Synopsis:

Continuing the arc story from the end of volume 2, we have Kyouko now challenging Ruriko for the movie role. She totally blow everyone away with her skills, although it was later revealed that these skills were trained by Sho Fuwa’s mother (tea-ceremony skills, and on how to be the perfect host in front of guests). Naturally, there is also the part where Kyouko was acting together with Ren – and she realized that she is wayyyy below him in terms of acting skills – and that he was the one who brought out all the “correct reactions” needed. In other words, Ren actually forced her to act unconsciously.

However, Kyouko lost the challenge as she fainted midway. All was not lost though, as Ruriko finally see what a spoilt brat she has been and she actually gave Kyouko full marks! (Note: read my synopsis for volume 2 if you do not understand this).

After all that has happened, the director decided to let Kyouko have a special photo session as a remembrance of her work done (which means that she gets to put on makeup again... hehehehe). She met Ren there and there were some “interesting” scenes (Note: I ALWAYS find scenes between our 2 main characters “interesting”, if you get what I mean).

This volume also brought back some important side characters. First up is Kotonami-san (which I will call Moko-san from now on, because that’s the nickname given by Kyouko). Moko-san was at the same interview with Kyouko in volume 1, but she failed as well and is now the official 2^nd member of LoveMe section. Appearing as well is Maria, the grand daughter of LME’s president. It turns out that Maria’s mother died in an accident when on her way to celebrate Maria’s birthday. Therefore, she blamed herself for it and thought that her father hates her for that as well.

LME is coming out with a play which plot coincides with Maria’s story. However, Maria disagree with the storyline in which the child was to believe that her father didn’t blame her at all for her mother’s death. This is why Maria created so much trouble on set. The president requested that Kyouko would draw her out and try to help her.

Things came to a headstand when Kyouko unknowingly got herself into yet another challenge with the actresses of the play. She agreed to play the character of the child’s sister in which she was suppose to convince the little girl that her father doesn’t hate her.

Not surprisingly, Kyouko manage to start off really well (and really scary as well!!!). As for how this new story arc ends, we shall have to wait for the next volume.

Review:

Phew!!! There is a LOT going on in this volume. The ending to the “Ruriko-Kyouko’s challenge” was really good. There was nothing too obvious that will help us predict what is going on. The surprise elements are placed well indeed.Some scenes not to be missed includes the one where Kyouko found out that Moko-san would be a fellow member. It was fantastically funny. I really like both Moko-san & Maria, and I am glad that they will be permanent supporting cast in this manga.

Another thing to notice is the incredible talent of Kyouko in making dolls (voodoo dolls to be exact). She made one of Ren & Fuwa each. It was so detailed right down to the clothes that they wear! And she even have different “face” for different expression. Kyouko sure have a lot of weird talents. I wish I have one of those Ren dolls... Maria asked Kyouko to give the Ren doll to her, but she refused as well. Guess that means I won’t be getting one myself in this lifetime...

Labels: Skip Beat

Posted at 11:08 PM