Oshi no ko

This whirlwind regeneration story begins with fans of an idol being reborn as her children, but it takes readers through many plot twists in what Akasaka describes as the prologue to the main story. Ai is a 16-year-old idol (a popular, wholesome pop-music singer) who finds herself pregnant with twins. The truth would ruin her reputation, so she births them in secret and juggles a double life as an idol and a parent. Her twin children remember their past lives, but they only use their advanced language and reasoning skills in moments of self-interest. Akasaka blends several popular manga tropes here but keeps them fresh. Firstly, the reincarnation story supplants the reborn into our world, rather than starting them over in another world. Akasaka also peppers the narrative with comedy and lighthearted shojo elements, but at heart, this story is dark and occasionally tragic. Akasaka breaks every chapter with a documentary-style interview set in the future, and these tantalizing little peeks hint at bigger things to come. This first volume spans the first several years of the children's lives and sets up a tonally very different main story. These twists and turns are sure to keep readers glued to this story. Yokoyari's dazzling, vivid illustrations deftly use breakaway panels and varying layouts to build tension and emphasize key moments. This series promises to be full of heartbreak and intrigue that will hook readers for years to come.