“Wanna be on top?” Cane Lele was destined to be a part of the fashion industry, as her mother was one of Taiwan’s top models, and her father was a distinguished model as well. However, tragedy befell the family when her parents were killed in an accident. After this event, Cane despises everything about fashion, for the industry “took” her family away from her. For a time, Cane grew up away from the limelight, but unexpectedly, her devious aunt pulls her back in. Opposing the idea at first, Cane later saw modeling as an artform instead of vanity with the help of American model, Angus Lanson. When a huge upcoming event draws close with the most prestigious fashion ambassadors in attendance, Cane is unaware that Angus’ twin brother, Eros, is scheduled to take part. What blooms from this occasion is a rekindled love for fashion and so much more. Work it honey!

The One and Cat Street focus on two young women who were big shots in the entertainment industry for a long time, until certain misfortune struck their lives. Taking a period of time away from the spotlight, Cane and Keito come back into their respective talents, finding a certain spark that didn’t exist before. Additionally, both manga have the intriguing elements of drama and romance, making their stories very similarly themed and interesting.

Sunadokei (Sand Chronicles) shares the aspiring story of Ann Uekusa. After the divorce of her parents, Ann and her mother packed their belongings from Tokyo, making their way to the rural town of Shimane, the place where her mother was born and raised. Although the hustle and bustle of city life has its advantages, it is commonly known that Tokyo emanates a sense of impersonality, as faces among the crowd start to blend and blur. Following the divorce, Ann was unaccustomed to the personable touch and kindness her family and new friends demonstrated in Shimane, but easily grew attached and devoted to her new home. In this manga, readers continue to celebrate and grieve with Ann, as she faces countless obstacles thrown her way.

Even though Sunadokei and Cat Street capture the story of two young women emerging from very diverse backgrounds, readers encounter -and perhaps become deeply saddened- when Ann and Keito experience such things as traumatic losses, heartaches, and unexpected changes, all within a very short time span. When all signs point to giving up, Ann and Keito display so much courage and optimism, reminding us to take life one small step at a time. Furthermore, both manga give us a taste of irresistible drama and romance, lots of it, which we can’t turn away from.

“Fame is a fickle friend.” Tenshi Ja Nai!! is all about Hikaru Takabayashi, a girl who was teased and bullied as a kid because of her appearance in a famous commercial. From all this negativity, Hikaru thought it best to have a fresh start at Seika Academy, an all-girls reform school, in order to wipe her slate clean. Unfortunately, luck is not on her side, as her roommate is the super-popular TV idol, Izumi Kido! Izumi appears perfect in every sense of the word, but Hikaru discovers that there are major secrets about “her” that could ruin Izumi’s career forever. Blackmail, deception, comedy, romance, and heartbreak; pick your poison!

In comparison, Tenshi Ja Nai! and Cat Street portray to the audience that being on the platform of the entertainment industry can have its advantages and disadvantages, such as no longer being able to keep your personal life to yourself. The many characters in each story are vibrant and diverse, adding tons of life to the plot. Moreover, there are copious amounts of love and drama in both that keep you fixated for volumes on end. Check it out!

Nineteen, Twenty-One captures the story of Yun-lee Lee and her attempt to nourish the part of her life she’s lost due to a terrible accident. This accident has scarred and plagued her because she has forgotten the period between ages 19 and 21. Yun-lee continues her studies, but remains miserable trying to figure out where her misplaced memories went. However, as a distraction, feeding stray cats offers Yun-lee a little bit of joy. On one occasion, Yun-lee comes across a young man named Ju Dong-hwi, someone who serves as a link to her past. In this manga, Yun-lee goes on a journey of self-discovery, recapturing and creating memories.

In comparing Nineteen, Twenty-one and Cat Street, our main characters, Yun-lee and Keito have similar traits to draw their stories in likeness. An example includes the elements of cats as a means of consoling. Both girls are learning to live fully after suffering a circumstance that has impacted their definition of existing and surviving. In this process, a charming male counterpart is there to aid in every way possible, acting as a support and shoulder to cry on. Moreover, Nineteen, Twenty-one and Cat Street are a bit SoL, offering the message that life is too precious to waste.

Touzuka High School is a school publically recognized as an institution with pretty low rankings. This stance changes when a transfer student from the state's top school, St. Katria, enrolls. The new student is Maria Kawai, a girl who was expelled because she committed violence against a teacher. Her stigma, along with a give ‘em hell attitude, causes many to avoid her, thus leaving her an outcast and loner. Is Maria truly able to escape her past and start anew? Give it a go!

“No man is rich enough to buy back his past.” – Oscar Wilde

Akuma to Love Song is very similar to Cat Street in a number of ways. For example, both with traumatic pasts, Maria and Keito are unable to move forward into the present and future without embracing their prior unpleasantries. As a method of dealing, they become recluse, trying to escape, but this doesn’t encourage any type of growth or comfort. Consequently, when the girls accept that a change needs to be made, Yuusuke and Kouichi come to their rescue. Opposites attract, so they say, and these guys become very helpful in the girls’ lives.

“But when I look at the stars…I see someone else;
when I look at the stars…I feel like myself”

Sakuya Shiina is a young girl who is dealing with the terrible impact of divorced parents. Abandoned by her father and despised by her evil step-mom, Sakuya now lives with her cousin, Kanade, and her foster parent. Under emotional stress, Sakuya loves to look up at the stars, drifting and dreaming of a happier place. One day, a mysterious boy named Chihiro suddenly shows up at Sakuya's house for her birthday, but she has no idea who he is or where he came from. Consumed with trying to find this mystery guy, Sakuya enlists the aid of her BFFs, Yuuri and Sei. Although everyone says it’s a lost cause, Sakuya wishes upon the brightest star that she would cross paths with Chihiro again.

Hoshi wa Utau and Cat Street present to readers the message of hope. Even though dark and unfortunate events are always temporary, if one keeps an open and positive mindset, things always work out for the best, unexpectedly and swiftly. Sakuya must deal with divorced parents and Keito is forced into the fashion world against her will. As a result, both use these moments to remain kind and warm-hearted towards themselves and those around them. In overcoming their trials, these gals relay to us a feeling of encouragement and virtue.