I love discovering new manga and there is a variety of series for all types of readers. When seeking out manga I decided to check out Volume One of My Special One by Momoko Koda. Here are my thoughts on this manga from Shojo Beat!
Synopsis:
Sahoko tells off the nation’s top idol, Kouta, in her family’s restaurant for assuming that she’s his fan. Instead of being cowed by his mistake, Kouta comes in the following day with albums and VIP tickets to Like Legend’s next concert. Can Sahoko withstand his shining onslaught to charm her?
Review: If you are a fan of idol-themed manga stories such as Idol Dreams, Phantom Idol, or Ossan Idol then you’ll definitely enjoy this new romance series from Shojo Beat. Koda is back with her newest series about an introverted high school girl, Sahoko, who has been burned by love in the past. Because of this, she wants nothing to do with love whatsoever until she meets a top idol, Kouta. What starts out as a friendship between the two quickly develops into a crush as Sahoko starts to crumble under Kouta’s charming resolve. Will she be able to resist his charms, or will she fall deeper into love with the pop singer?
My Special One can best be described as a wholesome romance from its first volume. The narrative focuses a bit more on Sahoko who is so afraid to open herself to others that it prevents her from a lot of things in life. Being that her first crush turned her down really hurt her deeper than she tells herself, and because of this, she sees love as a distraction. It was so cute to read the interactions between her and Kouta as they develop a kindred friendship. Though they are complete opposites they actually get along well and amidst all of the fast-paced banter between them they help each other to bring out their best qualities.
Volume One has a solid pace and by the end of the novel, the story’s frame is set up. We’ll just have to read and see how the romance will develop over time as well as get more background from our main characters. I thought My Special One was lighthearted and fun to read from beginning to end. Only time (and reading more volumes) will tell if this series will stand out among the sea of shojo romances out there (for me). But if you like idol romances (as I said earlier) this is the manga for you!
Final Verdict:
If you are looking for a sweet and fluffy shojo manga with charming characters, check out My Special when Volume One hits stores on February 7, 2023! This manga gets a 3 out of 5 stars rating from me.
*I received this manga from Viz Media in exchange for a fair and honest review.
