Manga Review: Fairy Idol Kanon Sings About Girl Power

If you've been anywhere near a pre-teen girl lately, you know that they're nuts about Hannah Montana, Disney Princesses and American Girls -- but not about manga. Why? Well, compared to the plethora of teen-centric titles out there, just isn't a whole lot of kid-friendly manga titles to appeal to the Nickelodeon and Disney Channel set. Sailor Moon, where are you?

But there are signs that things are turning around just a tiny bit, now that more North American publishers are putting out more kids manga, including one that's geared to appeal to the girl-y girl set, Fairy Idol Kanon by Mera Hakamada from Udon Kids / Udon Entertainment.

Fairy Idol Kanon brings together a few things that girls like: fairies, pop singers, friends and adventure. This cute fantasy series focuses on three aspiring pop singers and their efforts to hit the top of the charts with a little fairy magic. Compared to most shojo manga stories for teens, romance isn't so important here -- the emphasis is on friendship, and how these girls overcome setbacks (and a ruthless rival) thanks to their teamwork and positive attitudes. But can Kanon, Marika and Kodama beat the odds in the showbiz world when there is dark fairy magic conspiring to keep them from sharing their songs with the world?

Take a peek at my review of Fairy Idol Kanon Volume 1 and see if this sweet series hits the right notes with young readers or is pleasant and pretty but forgettable.

You can also get a taste of Fairy Idol Kanon with this 12-page online preview at Udon's Manga for Kids website.

Check out the other 11 super-fun new manga for kids that are worth adding to your summer reading list.

Image credit: © 2004 Mera Hakamada