Girl Crush

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An idol manga set in South Korea ? Yes, Girl Crush offers a modern take on this genre.

Story : 9/10
The realism really helps immerse us in the story allowing us to discover this world of competition and perfection where trainees battle each other to debut as real idols. The entire process, from auditions to group training, is depicted without neglecting several good twists that add depth to Tenka’s story. Additionally, there are references to major entertainment agencies for the pleasure of the aficionados.

Art : 7/10
While the drawings may appear somewhat rough, they effectively convey their message and shine during important moments, featuring stylish characters. Overall, ... the artwork is solid, and the author continues to refine her skills.

Character : 7/10
Tenka undergoes significant development from the start. Despite her goddess-like facade and powerful quirk, she struggles, and we feel her frustration.
Aside from the MC, only a few characters have been developed and caught my eye, but it still looks promising.

Enjoyment : 8/10
Girl Crush is my very first idol manga and I have been interested in this world for a while.
Following Tenka from her high school life to this restricted, distant world of trainees is a wonderful discovery.

You ever come across an underground artist that you just cannot believe is so underappreciated despite their talent? Well Girl Crush is that series for me. Cause at first glance, it kinda seems like it would be an ecchi series that would just be another dime a dozen. However, this misconception disappears the second you read chapter one. Not only does it become clear that this is a meaningful series, it shows originality from the get go.

(PLOT SPOILERS to show that it is original)
Tenka Momose, the protagonist of the story, is not a good person. She is self-absorbed, arrogant, and vain as in her ... eyes, she is better than everyone around her. Her rival, Erian Satou, on the other hand is likable, kind, and yet hopelessly outmatched when compared to Tenka. Their dynamic becomes the center of the first 15 chapters and highlights the difference in motivation and outlook. While on paper it seems as if their would be a clear hero and villain, they are both charismatic and intriguing, worthy characters of leading a series. And just when you think you sense some repetition... WHAM! The plot hits you like whiplash and changes the entire direction from where you thought it was going. And this change is a bold one where character flaws are brought into the light and hard choices have to be made. Within 20 chapters!
(PLOT SPOILERS OVER)

Besides the plot though, the art is incredibly stylistic. It feels messy but not out of control like a lesser shonen or a romance by an unexperienced mangaka. Tamaya is able to make it clear and distinct the entire time, bringing the motion to life (as it is ultimately an idol manga). There are those money panels that every good manga has with a clear ability to choose when to be minimal and when to go all out.

Currently it feels like a manga that can appeal to multiple demographics so whether you are a hardcore shonen consumer, an idol lover, or even a shojo fan, you will probably find something to like in this. My only complaint that I have is how hard it is to find online and how little it updates (I think it is a monthly manga?). Besides that though, this is a series everyone should at least try out and is criminally underrated considering it's quality.