Okay, first I have to say: I hate shoujo manga. Really. I can't stand the stuff. The stories, the styles, the characters .... ew.
But... I have been absolutely shocked by how much I enjoy this particular shoujo manga. And why do I like it? It takes the normal genre of shoujo and takes it so a new level, becoming something original.

First off, I still don't really like the art. Sorry, but I've never been a big fan of the style. It's GOOD, sure, but it's just personal preference that I dislike it. A bit too stereotypical bishie style. But everything else makes up for this.

The story is fantastic. I was so hooked I couldn't stop reading practically! (I nearly put off my homework for a couple days just to read it! ... whoops)
There are a few bits I got frustrated with, like how some characters I like don't appear for chapters on end, but the character interaction is just so interesting that I forgive all my grievances.

The characters are the thing that really did it for me. I am so SICK of the "perfect girl" heroines of both shoujo and shounen manga. The thing I love about Skip Beat's heroin is that she ISN'T perfect. Kyoko is bent on revenge, really dense when it comes to relationships but has a sense of duty to people she's responsible for. She doesn't follow the common cute, clumsy,endearingly stupd "mother theresa" character mold. This is no Tohru of Fruits Basket.

Skip Beat's humor is well-executed, and the romance is very enjoyable to read. I am always so excited for the next chapter to come.

Skip beat is one of the highest-caliber shoujo mangas out there, and it is truly deserving of a read. I VERY highly recommend it to anyone, shoujo-fan or not.