Cover of Hikaru in the Light, showing a young girl singing, wearing an earpiece and mic, and reaching toward the reader.

Hikaru within the Gentle, vol. 1

Story and artwork by Mai Matsuda

Graphix, printed 3/4/25

Age score: 8-12 years

After I first heard about Hikaru within the Gentle!, it was being supplied by Azuki of their digital assortment. It was receiving speedy reward, and deservedly so. Now that it’s obtainable in print courtesy of Graphix, Hikaru and her story will probably be receiving extra publicity.

The story of turning into an idol by means of the viewpoint of center schooler Hikaru Ogino was as actual as idol coaching will get, however very comprehensible to comply with for youthful readers. For these unfamiliar with the idol life-style in Japan, these performers begin very younger; some start coaching when they’re barely a teen. And these coaching classes are usually not a stroll within the park. They make or break anybody concerned. So when younger Hikaru is impressed to check out and audition to turn out to be a member of a brand new idol lady group, she is uncertain if she has what it takes. She sings at her grandfather’s bathhouse for enjoyable, and idolizes her pal Ran, who just lately graduated from a preferred lady group. When she learns that Ran can also be auditioning for a spot on this new lady group, Hikaru wonders if she actually has what it takes to turn out to be an idol.