Oshi no Ko Review: The Brutal Revenge Thriller Behind the Idol Facade

When I first saw the promotional art, sparkly eyes, cute dresses, and bright colors, I thought, “Great, another generic idol anime. Not for me.” I was looking for something with the intensity of a shonen or a dark thriller, not bubblegum pop.

But boy, was I wrong.

I gave the first episode a shot, and 90 minutes later, I was staring at my screen in total shock. This isn’t a story about cute girls doing cute things. It’s a brutal, psychological examination of the entertainment industry, mixing reincarnation with a revenge plot that hits harder than a truck. If you haven’t watched it yet because you think it’s “just an idol show,” this blog is your wake-up call. Let’s examine why the Oshi no Ko series is a masterpiece of deception.

Oshi no Ko Manga Overview

The oshi no ko series kicked off as a manga back in April 2020, written by Aka Akasaka – yeah, the same guy behind Kaguya-sama: Love is War – and illustrated by Mengo Yokoyari. It ran in Weekly Young Jump until November 2024, wrapping up with 16 volumes and bringing the oshi no ko ending to a dramatic close. That’s a solid run, and it really dug into the gritty side of Japan’s entertainment world. We’re talking about the stuff behind the glitz: the pressure, the scandals, and the dark secrets that come with fame

The story centers on the complex oshi no ko characters, specifically twins Aqua and Ruby Hoshino, who are reincarnated souls born to the idol sensation Ai Hoshino. Aqua, who serves as the oshi no ko main character, was once a doctor named Gorou Amamiya, and Ruby was his young patient Sarina. They get a second shot at life, but it’s far from easy. As they grow up in the spotlight, they uncover family mysteries and chase revenge. What I love about the manga is how it doesn’t hold back on social commentary. It shines a light on how celebrities are treated like products, the obsession fans can have, and the toll it takes on mental health. No wonder it sold over 17 million copies worldwide – a fact often cited on the oshi no ko wiki – because it’s relatable in a scary way, even if you’re not in showbiz.

I remember picking up the first volume during a rainy weekend, thinking it’d be a light read about idols. Boy, was I wrong. The art by Yokoyari is stunning, with those expressive eyes that convey so much emotion. Akasaka’s writing keeps you turning pages, blending humor with gut-punching moments. If you’re manga-first like me, it’s a must-read before jumping into the anime available on oshi no ko crunchyroll.

Oshi no Ko at a glance

Oshi no Ko Anime Adaptation

Fast forward to 2023, and Doga Kobo brought the series to life as an anime, streaming on Crunchyroll. They nailed the adaptation, staying true to the manga while amping up the visuals and soundtrack. The animation is crisp, especially in the performance scenes where idols light up the stage. When discussing the popularity of Oshi no Ko songs, the opening “Idol” by YOASOBI went viral for good reason. It’s catchy, emotional, and perfectly captures the series’ vibe. Furthermore, the Season 2 opening, “Fatal“, became another Oshi no Ko hit that fans keep on repeat.

For detailed episode breakdowns and character analyses, visit Shinime Anime.

Season 1 covered the early arcs, introducing us to the twins’ origins and Ai’s tragic story. It set the stage (pun intended) for the drama to come. Then Season 2, which dropped in 2024, dove into the theater world and ramped up the revenge plot. We saw more acting rivalries and family revelations, ending on that massive cliffhanger where Aqua makes a huge sacrifice. It left me staring at the screen like, “What just happened?!”

Now, as of late 2025, the anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans are buzzing about the official Oshi no Ko Season 3 release date, which is set to premiere on January 14, 2026. From what we’ve heard in teasers, it will shift focus to Ruby’s journey, introducing new characters and exploring her “dark starry eyes” side. Doga Kobo’s track record suggests it’ll be another hit, with even better production values. If you’re watching, Crunchyroll’s the spot – subbed or dubbed, it’s accessible for everyone. The anime really broadens the appeal, making the manga’s complex themes easier to digest with those eye-popping colors and fluid animations.

Oshi No Ko – Official Trailer | English Sub

Oshi no Ko Plot Summary

The story begins with Gorou Amamiya, a countryside gynecologist and die-hard fan of the idol Ai Hoshino. When Ai shows up at his clinic pregnant with twins, Gorou vows to deliver her children safely. However, tragedy strikes: Gorou is murdered by a stalker just before the birth.

In a supernatural twist, he is reincarnated as Aqua Hoshino, one of Ai’s newborn twins. His twin sister, Ruby, is also a reincarnated soul, formerly Gorou’s terminally ill patient, Sarina. Retaining their past memories, the two navigate the sparkling yet cutthroat world of showbiz as babies. But their happy new life shatters when the same stalker returns, leading to a brutal event that changes Aqua and Ruby forever.

While Ruby strives to follow in her mother’s footsteps to become an idol, Aqua walks a darker path. Realizing the stalker had help from someone inside the industry (likely their biological father), Aqua dedicates his second life to one goal: Revenge.

SPOILER WARNING: MAJOR PLOT TWISTS BELOW (Only read past this point if you have finished the manga or don’t mind spoilers!)

As the story progresses, the tone shifts dramatically from idol drama to psychological thriller. Aqua eventually identifies Hikaru Kamiki as the mastermind behind the tragedy, a manipulative serial killer who specifically targets top-tier actresses. This revelation sends shockwaves through the story, most notably triggering Ruby’s “Dark Star” arc. After learning the brutal truth about Gorou’s death, her innocent dream warps into a vengeance-fueled obsession.

This all builds to the controversial manga finale. In a move that deeply split the fanbase, Aqua orchestrates a plan to corner Hikaru, ultimately choosing a path of self-sacrifice. He executes a murder-suicide to permanently protect Ruby and the industry from his father. The story closes with Ruby carrying the heavy weight of that sacrifice, achieving stardom but losing her other half. It is a polarized ending that underscores the series’ main theme: In the entertainment industry, lies are love, but the truth often kills.

Oshi no Ko Key Characters

The characters are what make Oshi no Ko shine. They’re not one-dimensional; each has layers that peel back over time.

Starting with Aqua Hoshino: He’s the calculating protagonist, driven by revenge. As reincarnated Gorou, he’s smart and manipulative, excelling in acting to get close to suspects. But underneath, he’s haunted by loss. His sacrifice at the end? Heartbreaking. It shows how far he’ll go for family.

Then there’s Ruby Hoshino: Oshi no Ko‘s energetic deuteragonist and the other reincarnated half of the duo. She starts off cheerful, chasing idol dreams with wide-eyed optimism. But after learning the truth, she evolves into someone vengeful, adopting those “dark starry eyes.” Her growth arc is inspiring and scary – a reminder that trauma changes people.

Ai Hoshino is the tragic core. As the twins’ mom and top idol, she represents unattainable perfection. Her death sparks everything, and flashbacks reveal her loneliness despite the fame. She’s like a symbol of the industry’s cruelty.

The supporting cast adds depth. Kana Arima is the rival actress who’s talented but insecure, pushing Aqua to improve. Akane Kurokawa, Aqua’s ex, is a skilled method actress who gets tangled in the revenge web – her dedication is intense. Mem-cho, the streamer-turned-idol, brings comic relief with her bubbly personality. And Hikaru Kamiki, the antagonist dad? He’s chillingly charismatic, making you hate him while understanding his twisted motives.

These characters feel real, with flaws and motivations that drive the story. I found myself rooting for Ruby’s comeback, even as things got dark.

Oshi no Ko Review and Themes

Oshi no Ko isn’t just entertainment; it’s a bold take on fame’s toxicity. It subverts idol tropes by showing the ugly side – exploitation, stalkers, and mental breakdowns – while blending thriller elements with emotional depth. The reincarnation angle adds a fresh spin, making revenge feel personal.

Strengths? The character complexity stands out. Ruby’s descent into vengeance after Aqua’s death is gripping; it mirrors how loss can warp dreams. The music, especially B-Komachi tracks, is iconic – they enhance the idol scenes perfectly. Visually, the anime elevates the manga with dynamic staging and color pops during performances.

Weaknesses? Some fans, including me, felt the manga’s ending was rushed. After building so much tension, the final arcs zipped by, leaving loose ends. Pacing in later parts can drag with side stories, but it doesn’t ruin the overall impact.

Themes-wise, it’s all about the dark underbelly of celebrity life. Fame isn’t glamorous; it’s a trap that destroys. Revenge consumes Aqua, showing how grudges poison the soul. Family secrets highlight blood ties versus chosen bonds. And idol culture? It critiques how society idolizes (ha) perfection, ignoring the human cost.

I’d rate it 9/10. It’s bold, emotional, and thought-provoking. The anime makes it more accessible, drawing in non-manga readers with killer production. If you’re into series like Death Note or Your Lie in April, this’ll click.

Whew, that was a deep dive! Writing this brought back all the feels from my first watch. If you’re hyped for Season 3 or just starting, give it a go – you won’t regret it.

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