Book Review: Detroit: Become Human - Tokyo Stories (Vol 1) - Oshi no Ko with Androids

Idol issues

Fans of manga series Oshi no Ko will likely feel right at home with Detroit: Become Human - Tokyo Stories, a new comic inspired by the 2018 universe created by Quantic Dream. This first volume, finally translated into English by publisher Yen Press, follows the story of Reina – an android idol who’s attracted fame and helped change the public’s perception of robots.

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Much like the game it’s based upon, there’s heavy-handed exploration of the role of androids within society, and their own acceptance of their place within the social pecking order. Of course, here we also learn more about the struggles of idols themselves; androids like Reina are generally preferred to human stars, due to their programmatic behaviour resulting in fewer career-ending scandals.

The story is threaded by Hanazawa, a former child talent turned manager who treats Reina and her adopted daughter Suzune with contempt. As the plot turns back time for medical android Seiji’s story, we’re teased aspects of Hanazawa’s past which give her more depth, and will hopefully bring the story full circle.

While it lacks the deft touch of something like Oshi no Ko, the broad strokes here are interesting, especially if you liked the themes of the main game. The artwork is inconsistent, with the empty environments of dancing gyms and a characterless office particularly disappointing, but there are some beautiful character close-ups. We also really liked the way one scene, showing Reina breaking from the boundaries of her programming, was depicted.

The pacing of the book is unusual, though, with Reina’s storyline taking up over two-thirds and then an abrupt tease of Seiji’s plot at the end. This will, of course, be continued in the second volume, but at just 144 pages this feels awkward and incomplete. Perhaps this would have worked better as a more premium one-shot story?

Still, structurally we like the idea of two intertwining storylines, and we think this was a real strength of the game, too. If you’re compelled by the idea of androids living among humans in regular society, and the trials and tribulations of idols, then this is worth a quick read. It doesn’t really require prior knowledge of the game, but we think you’ll get more out of the story if you enjoyed the PS4 adventure.

Detroit: Become Human -Tokyo Stories-, Vol. 1

• £12.99
• Amazon (UK)

Do you have any interest in reading the Detroit: Become Human manga adaptation? Would you like to see more PlayStation games get spin-off comic books like this? Prove your human in the comments section below.

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About Sammy Barker

As the Editor of Push Square, Sammy has over 15 years of experience analysing the world of PlayStation, from PS3 through PS5 and everything in between. He’s an expert on PS Studios and industry matters, as well as sports games and simulators. He also enjoys RPGs when he has the time to dedicate to them, and is a bit of a gacha whale.

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Comments 4

• 1
• AfroMario
• 4:04pm

Wow this book sounds like a fine read. Im hurling towards my nearest Barnes & Nobles on a golf cart to see if they have it in stock. Here's hopin'!

• 1

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• MeanBeanEgg
• 4:22pm

Didn't play the game but tbh the manga sounds good, and I prefer it as I don't really like those types of interactive movies/games.

• 0

• 3
• get2sammyb
• 4:45pm

@MeanBeanEgg You definitely don't need to have played the game, but I think it would increase your interest if you had.

• 2

• 4
• MeanBeanEgg
• 5:15pm

@get2sammyb Maybe i'll walch a playthrough then.

• 0

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