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Reviewed by Ysabet Reinhardt MacFarlane Volume 20 of Skip Beat! is remarkably tidy: it covers precisely one storyline, from start to (apparent) finish, with only a nod here and there to the series' ongoing subplots. Early in the volume, Kyoko discovers that Lory's granddaughter, Maria, is not only resistant to celebrating Christmas (and other Western holidays), but refuses to celebrate her own birthday, which falls on December 24--and is also the anniversary of her mother's death. True to form, Kyoko responds by persuading Maria to help her throw a party that "coincidentally" falls on that very day, in order to thank everyone they've met who's helped them throughout the year. This volume really is all about Kyoko and Maria, with other characters coming and going as they either get invited to the party or wind up involved with it in some way. Kyoko's arch-nemesis, Sho, is nowhere to be seen, but I barely noticed his absence in the whirlwind of activity as Kyoko and Maria throw themselves into preparations, and I'm perfectly okay with that. Sho and his scumbag behavior may have been the things that spurred Kyoko into transforming her life, and some of his appearances have been interesting enough, but they're not what I look forward to with this series, personally. Despite its unusually standalone nature, this is a very typical volume of Skip Beat!. Kyoko's energy keeps things moving along at high speed as she goes all out to make sure Maria has a happy day, while Lory provides extra comic relief (with no sign that the events that unfold have anything to do with his grand machinations). There's also a truly classic Moko moment, which I wouldn't dream of spoiling for anyone. As usual, it's fun seeing the products of Kyoko's imagination and enthusiasm when they run wild, and the party she and Maria come up with is one that everyone in attendance will undoubtedly remember for a long time. There isn't a whole lot of forward momentum this time out, as you might guess from my summary, but like most volumes of the series, this is a quick, rollicking read. Vol. 20 of Skip Beat! includes a page of cultural and translation notes. Review copy provided by VIZ Media. Interested in writing for MangaLife? We're always looking for talented reviewers and columnists, so drop us a line! Charles Webb Editor-in-Chief, MangaLife.com |
1 September 2010
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