Tamon's B-Side: The Anime That Just Pulled a Sneaky Crit on Idol Tropes (And Might Even Outrank Your Faves, Apparently)
AI Gaming News Author · Polygon ·
Dive into *Tamon's B-Side*, a surprisingly sweet rom-com that flips idol tropes on their head, offering a witty, heartfelt look at a gloomy idol and his devoted fangirl, perfect for those who loved *KPop Demon Hunters* but want something with a unique, self-aware twist.
Right, so we've all been absolutely enchanted by *KPop Demon Hunters*, haven't we? Seven months later and Huntr/x are still tearing up the Netflix charts, making us hum those ridiculously catchy tunes while wishing we had more time with the Saja Boys. It's a phenomenon, a proper digital spell cast on the masses. But what if I told you there’s a new anime that’s not just riding that wave, but subtly twisting it into something uniquely delightful? Something that's apparently – and I say 'apparently' with a raised eyebrow and a dash of gentle skepticism, seeing as it's based on 'one fan poll' – even outranked *Jujutsu Kaisen*?
Fair warning: this news sounds a bit like another idol rom-com at first glance. But stick with me, mate, because *Tamon's B-Side* isn't just another pretty face. This show, based on Yuki Shiwasu’s manga and animated by the wizards at J.C. Staff, takes the best bits we loved from *KPop Demon Hunters* – the 'will-they-won't-they' tension, the gloriously exaggerated physical comedy, the tantalizing peek behind the idol curtain – and flips the whole bloody script. Instead of demon-slaying spectacle, we're diving into a surprisingly sweet, self-aware rom-com about an idol who needs just as much saving as his most devoted fan.
Now, if you're missing the Saja Boys, the in-universe group F/ACE might just scratch that itch with their own banger tracks and distinct looks. But the real magic, the thing that keeps you glued to the screen like a perfectly executed combo, is the wild, inverse relationship between a member of F/ACE and his number one fan. See, the common wisdom is that idols bring smiles to their fans. But *Tamon's B-Side* dares to ask: what does an idol need to smile themselves?
Meet Utage Kinoshita, a high school fangirl so devoted she practically radiates fan energy. She lands a part-time housekeeping gig, only to discover she's been assigned to the home of her beloved Tamon Fukuhara, one of F/ACE's shining stars. And here’s where the plot thickens like a potion gone slightly awry. Offstage, Tamon is anything but the confident, larger-than-life persona he projects. He's gloomy, introverted, and riddled with self-doubt – his 'B-side,' if you will. It’s like finding out your favourite raid boss is actually a shy little critter in real life.
Utage, bless her cotton socks, steps into a role reminiscent of Bobby from *KPop Demon Hunters*. She gets that rare, golden-ticket access to her idol's private world, tasked with protecting his public image. But what sets Utage apart, beyond her all-consuming, hopeless love for Tamon (she literally *melts* at every glance, every tiny gesture – it’s brilliant), is how she navigates this. While Tamon's true self doesn't quite align with the polished god she adores, he's a master at slipping between these two versions of himself, oscillating between his withdrawn 'B-side' and the full-on performer whenever the situation demands. It’s a fascinating study in identity and the sheer emotional labour of being perpetually 'on'.
Tamon, in a way, embodies those feelings of inadequacy and the need to hide your true self, much like Rumi in *KPop Demon Hunters*. But instead of grappling with being a half-demon hunting demons, Tamon is terrified someone will discover he’s not the man he presents himself as. He worries his mission to spread smiles and love through F/ACE's music will be utterly ruined. He wants to inspire joy, not harvest fan energy like Huntr/x, but ironically, he desperately needs his personal housekeeper-fangirl to make him smile. Tamon's manager, seemingly at their wits' end trying to wrangle Tamon's erratic personality, pretty much entrusts Utage with all the heavy lifting. Talk about a quest objective!
While you won't find the high-octane action of *KPop Demon Hunters* here, *Tamon's B-Side* absolutely nails the humor. Nearly every time Utage reacts to the bizarre situations she finds herself in – especially when she and Tamon get a bit too close for her fangirl heart to handle – she 'dies' in some spectacular, over-the-top fashion. We're talking literal grave visits, explosions, or dissolving into dust. And if anyone dares to badmouth Tamon, or even if Tamon starts slagging himself off, her hair stands on end like a Super Saiyan preparing a Kamehameha, as she aggressively launches into a passionate defense of her idol. The faces might not be as meme-tastic as some, but the physical comedy is top-tier. Pair that with a couple of seriously catchy tunes, like “Supernova” (which has a familiar electronic hook, hello Robin S' “Show Me Love”!) and “Sweet Magic,” and the comparisons start to make perfect sense, even if J-pop and K-pop have entirely different vibes.
And what's an idol group without its diverse cast? Tamon might be the 'wild one,' but F/ACE is rounded out by a younger, princely member, a wise leader, a cutesy type, and a mysterious member – echoing the vibes of Jinu, Abby, Mystery, Romance, and Baby Saja from *KPop Demon Hunters*. It’s a familiar party composition, but expertly executed.
At its core, *Tamon's B-Side* is an affectionate, witty take on idol culture that genuinely explores both the alluring fantasy and the often messy, emotional reality beneath it all. By focusing on an insecure idol and the fan who's quietly holding his world together, the series delivers big laughs, buckets of genuine heart, and a lovely twist on familiar genre beats. If you're coming off *KPop Demon Hunters* and fancy something a bit lighter, sweeter, and surprisingly self-aware, *Tamon's B-Side* is an easy add to your watchlist. It's available on Crunchyroll, with new episodes dropping on Saturdays. Go on, give it a whirl – you might just find your new obsession.
*This article was inspired by Isaac Rouse's review, 'Tamon’s B-Side review: This surprise hit anime is perfect for Kpop Demon Hunter fans,' originally published on Polygon.*
Tags: anime, romcom, idol-culture, kpop, jpop
Original article: Polygon