Help Kyoko Get Revenge – Skip Beat!

With returns of old faces, new characters poised to write their own tales we are seemingly always find ourselves opening new doors to worlds both similar and even as distant as our own. From worlds that appear from paper or screen, film to novel and every other type of medium in between.

Every day there is something new. Something just announced or debuted for the first time, or something that one finds themselves stumped upon.

If you are like myself and follow anime very closely to the point of religiously following any and all anime news sites you probably have noticed a lot of chatter about one very specific anime title- Skip Beat.

It is said that Skip Beat is one of the best shōjo (series typically more female driven in terms of cast and central themes presented that feature strong characters with a lot of heart and passion. But do not be fooled, they are also widely enjoyed by males fans,) series of all time. A bold statement, yet a truthful one nonetheless. Skip Beat is not only a fine example of how fantastic shōjo is, but great writing.

Skip Beat follows sixteen-year-old Kyoko Mogami, unlike most girls her age Kyoko has forgone her own dreams and desires to support her childhood friend Shou Fuwa’s goal of making it the music industry. If Shou is happy, then Kyoko herself also feel joyful. But her life in a modern Cinderella of sorts, as Shou works towards his dream, Kyoko is working hard to support both of them. Notably working multiple jobs to be able to afford rent on their apartment.

But none of that matter to her, that is until she learns that he only counts on her as a useful thing that allows him to the lead the lifestyle he has, and plans to cast her aside. Shaken to the core, Kyoko swear she will get revenge on Shou. But the only way to truly achieve such a goal is to enter the industry herself.

Kyoko does just. Driven by her desire to seek revenge opens the door to a new path. Like most, Kyoko finds herself facing highs and lows as she enters the business herself and encounters characters that impact her along the way.

Even though Kyoko’s main motivation is driven by her desire to revenge for the heart-break she suffered, there is far more to this. Working past days prolonged, overcoming challenges and even finding one’s self are massive aspects of the series we see Kyoko struggle and thrive with. It is refreshing and heart-warming at the same time. Never mind universal.

The series has great heart and is not afraid to dig into the shadows of Kyoko’s past, but also knows when it is needed to lighten the mood with great humor. It is so easy to see Kyoko in yourself, we all have times when we have our confidence shot and have the past haunt us in ways that we just start questioning ourselves. Getting up after either is a feat alone filled with struggles. Kyoko is so, for lack of a better term, human in that aspect. You can see the pain and struggle-but also that desire.

I love that.

It truly is one of the great shōjo series of all time.

Skip Beat’s anime adaptation of the hit manga of the same name (licensed by Viz Media here in North America!)  debuted back in the fall of 2008. Yet despite being a great series with a strong following the series never was granted a home media release, it never even was acquired by any anime company in North America.

That is until now, Pied Piper Inc has launched a Kickstarter campaign to at long last give Skip Beat a North American release. Not only is Pied Piper aiming for a home media release, but also an English dub of the series- a requirement for the series. Said dub is slated to currently feature the talents of Erica Lindbeck, Grant George, Robbie Daymond, and Vic Mignogna.

As the goal is getting closer to being achieve anime history is happening before our eyes. So cheer for Skip Beat and let your voice be hear across social media so everyone will know. After all Kyoko is still looking for her revenge.

Support Skip Beat by joining the conversation on social media. I myself have donated and am excited to see this become something grand! If you can donate, do so if you wish and with parent’s permission depending on age. No matter how great the act it shows how beloved the series is and the strength of fan support.

Skip Beat is streaming for Crunchyroll (no membership required) and the manga is sold at bookstores and e-bookstores.

Join the conversation: Have you seen or read Skip Beat? If you want to see more anime articles be sure to let me know in the comments or on social media.