Backstage Prince
This title is only two volumes, and both have been released in the States, but it's well worth adding to your collection even if you aren't a girl and even if romance isn't generally your thing. Comedy, drama, fluff, and everyday life in just the right mix to make everyone smile. The lead female, Akari, is a little simple and the leading man, Ryusei, is anti-social, and their friends and not-so-friendlies are everywhere in-between. From the comical meddling of Toshiya, to the ranting of Ryusei's father, to the Akari-stealing scheming of Naoki, each one is impossible not to love, even if they do make our favorite couple's life... umm... interesting. Tied together by the drama of Kabuki and all that world involves, this story is one set of obstacles after another, interspersed with moments of sweetness that make you say "awwww" without being so sappy you want to roll your eyes. It's definitely worth reading and, at only two volumes, it won't even put a significant dent in your bank account.
High School first year Akari has little use for "hot boys"; in her opinion they're all cheaters. She has even less use for Kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese theatre she can't figure out. So when she accidentally injures the great Kabuki actor, Shonosuke Ichimura, otherwise known as anti-social High School senior, Ryusei Horuichi, she's a little out of her element. And it doesn't get any better when, later that same day, she follows a lost cat right into the backstage of the Kabuki Theatre and discovers the cat, Mr. Ken, belongs to none other than Ryusei! When his meddlesome friend and fellow actor, Toshiya Ichimura, discovers who Akari is - and that Ryusei seems more unsettled than unhappy to see Akari - he immediately demands that Akari become Ryusei's assistant "just until he's recovered". Feeling more than a little guilty, especially since she bruised Ruysei quite badly and he didn't even complain or demand apology, Akari quickly agrees. Ryusei doesn't stop her, but it quickly becomes apparent that he's more than a little lacking in people skills, and Akari finds herself forced to run interference for him with his fellow actors, the other assistants, and even the press! Despite that he treats her very well, and she quickly finds herself in love. To her surprise she discovers that he loves her too! But everything seems determined to stand in their way. If it isn't his overcrowded work schedule, it's her slipping grades; if it isn't his father's disapproval, it's the schemes of Noaki, a fledgling kabuki actor who also takes interest in Hikari. Will they ever be able to have a normal relationship? Will Ryusei quit acting, or will the world of "Kabuki Royalty" just have to make way for simple little Akari?
Title: Backstage Prince
Genre: Shoujo, romance, comedy, drama, school
Ratin: T (teen)
Mankaka (creator/author): Kanoko Sakurakoji
Japanese Publisher (manga): Shogakukon Inc.
English Language Publisher (Manga): VIZ media
Run dates (in Japan): February 24, 2006
Number of Manga Volumes: 2
Manga Status in Japan: Complete
Manga Status in the US: Complete
US Release date: March 6, 2007
There are no anime or movies for this manga.
Links: Backstage Prince at Shojo Beat