Idol Dreams: Volume 4 manga review

Idol Dreams Graphic Novel Volume 4 cover image

Chikage Deguchi believes that she has missed out on love and success.  During her high school reunion, the 31-year-old office worker is revealed to still be a virgin.  She is humiliated, but Chikage gets a chance to be 15-years-old again.  Thanks to weird science, Chikage can transform into a teen with the help of high school friend, Tokita.  She takes the name “Akari,” and on her first day being a teen, a chance at stardom comes her way, but is Chikage really ready to change... everything?

As Idol Dreams, Vol. 4 (Chapters 16 to 20) opens, Tokita discovers that Chikage is dating “Ru,” the 15-year-old member of the hot idol group, “Valentine.”  Of course, she is dating Ru as her 15-year-old self, Akari.  Chikage is shocked at how quickly Ru is falling in love with Akari, so she plans on telling him the truth.  However, what she wants and what Ru wants may cause heartache for both of them.

[This volume includes the story “The Mysterious Pipikopiko!”]

THE LOWDOWN:  I really like the Idol Dreams manga... well, I love it.  The world of comics is in a good place when we have new comics from mangaka Arina Tanemura.

Idol Dreams Graphic Novel Volume 4 is a pivotal volume.  The five chapters contained in this volume play up the puppy-love of teen romance, but also the drama and conflict when the realities of the adult world intrude on young love.  I was right:  Tanemura did plan on trapping Chikage Deguchi in a snare of young love, and Chikage's problems are reader gold.

POSSIBLE AUDIENCE:  Fans of Arina Tanemura are the target audience for the Shojo Beat title, Idol Dreams.

A
8 out of 10