Glass no Kamen

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Glass Mask and Skip Beat both focus on a young girl determined to make it big in the world of acting. However, while this connects both mangas, the difference between Kyoko and Maya's characters is vast. The dark, serious, and often times immature Kyoko provide much comic relief to the Skip Beat series whereas the creative, "genius" actress that sometimes lacks confidence allows readers of Glass Mask to wonder if she has what it takes to get the role of the legendary "Crimson Goddess". Despite the differences between the two characters, readers of one series will definitely be able to enjoy the other. Enter the world of comedy, mystery and subtle romance with Skip Beat and Glass Mask's portrayal of what the world of acting is like, the seriousness of an actor's role and what it takes to make it in the entertainment industry. read more 

Both are series about serious method actor girls. The rest of the cast draws parrells to. Kyoko=Maya, Ren=Masumi (and other characters *giggle*) Kanae sort of = Ayumi and Yahiro=Mizuki. There are many diffence in the plot (mainly cocerning the main characters motive for acting, but both series have humor, drama, bitchy actresses jealous of the main characters, and awesome romance scenes. 

Both involve female leads working hard as actresses to portray their characters in a way that impacts the audience strongly. 

Both stories are about the TV industry, about acting and about fighting for what you want.  

I've read some were before that Glass Mask is like Skip Beats mother and I would have to agree. Glass Mask is about a girl and her career in acting just like in Skip Beat and the romance is a lot like. If you like older manga and you like Skip Beat you have to try Glass Mask! 

Both have a girl who goes into show business and gradually gets more popular. Maya is kind of like the innocent side of Kyoko. Both characters surprise their coworkers when they get very into their characters, and there is the whole "I just can't get into the role" thing, and then they end up making up a character that surprises everyone. Kyoko and Kanae's relationship is similar to Maya and Ayumi's, except Kyoko and Kanae are more friendly with each other. 

If you like the premise of Skip Beat but want more depth on the acting part, or just more depth in general, try Glass Mask. At one point you stop comparing it to Skip Beat because it's on a much higher level. Both are very good in their own ways though, and kind of complement one another, Skip Beat having what Glass Mask lacks and vice-versa. 

Both of the main character want to be an actor. Glass no Kamen is long and kinda slow but worth the while, while Skip Beat is faster and so many things happening. Both of the main characters are both young girls and both of them have big love of acting. They have both flaws and in Glass no Kamen her flaws are bigger but they are both lovable. I love both manga and would own both of them if Glass no Kamen would be in english but they are only so on the internet, sadly. 

The one thing that will always amaze readers about both series is their ability to draw anyone in, no matter the gender...or age. Both takes on the same theme: acting. Whether theatrical or televised acting, Skip Beat! and Glass no Kamen (Glass Mask) tackles the said art. They are top-billed by overactive girls whose talent in that department so far outshines even veterans that leaves both friends and rivals alike gaping in their wake. Talented they may be, but the two female leads lack the sensitivity to notice that they may actually be far more amazing actresses than they made themselves believe. This recommendation is not made on the premise of the two works' similarities, but rather on giving the readers an alternative to the manga that left them wanting another creation with the same topic of discourse. They differ, however, in tone, Glass Mask is wrapped in a darker atmosphere despite Skip Beat having a female lead with a "dark" side. Accompany these quirky girls as they take to the stage of their dreams! read more 

UPDATE: Unfortunately, Act-Age ceased publication due to very regrettable circumstances... so now Glass no Kamen is the only one *still* left. Act-Age is the spiritual successor of Glass Mask: in a nutshell, both series revolve around the world of acting and its protagonists' dream within it. Act-Age has comedic elements Glass Mask lacks, or at very least, are not as present, and, while not the focus of the series, Glass Mask also adds a romantic subplot to the mix. I believe a fan of any of these series would easily enjoy the other one, since these things are the most notable differences between them, the rest is in essence the same! If you are a fan of Glass Mask, I urge you to read Act-Age to get a modern take on its themes with a fresh cast and a protagonist and main rival that can hold their ground against Maya and Ayumi. The other characters are all great as well! If you are a fan of Act-Age, you absolutely can't miss the opportunity to take a look at the classic that Glass Mask is, especially if you think you'd enjoy a more (melo)dramatic take and/or more focus on the main character. A word of warning though: the manga has been for a long time on indefinite hiatus, and a large part of it is not translated. I vividly recommend watching the 2005 anime version (it has an open ending).  read more 

Both of these manga are about theater. The scene where the main girl has a theatrical showdown with a rival character is a highlight of both works. I think Actage has less of a romantic element. 

Act-age is obviously directly inspired by Glass Mask, both are very good and tackle acting from roughly the same direction. 

Both mangas involves girls that are interested in the theatre, one scriptwrting/directing and the other acting. Both have amazing talent, and one ultimate goal. One wants to write a perfect one-actor script and the other to act in The Crimson Goddess.  

Just like Glass no Kamen the lead protagonist is passionate about theater, puts her heart out in the work she does and is determined to do her role perfectly. Moreover both of them work to become better at in their career and fame follows them with time. Both of them are successful in leaving all the people around them spellbound and moved by with their actions and words.  

The stories of the two lead characters (Nodame and Maya) have a great deal in common. Though Glass Mask is not comedic, like Nodame Cantabile, they both feature female protagonists who exist somewhat outside of their artistic communities. Both are phenomenal raw talents who struggle to find their niche amongst those who may be more technically skilled in their respective fields, but who often lack their same level of emotional committment. The romance stories in the two series are handled differently, but similarly at the same time. Instead of pairing these characters up with their respective partners immediately, and then facing numerous obstacles all together, these romances develop slowly and subtly. Even the smallest of moments between the various couples can make your chest clench. Anyone who has enjoyed one of these series will definitely enjoy the other as well. read more 

After becoming blacklisted/isolated from the entertainment world, both heroines show their strength and love of acting in order to perform again. They sink from tragedy & depression and learn to rise back to the top. Generally, these mangas are wonderful to read. The main characters are interesting and their dramas will give you twists & turns that you would never expect. It's true that Glass Mask is MUCH longer, but nevertheless, it would still get you hooked just as much as Cat Street. 

Both characters are prodigies and receive training from former legends in their career dance/acting). Also, both had difficult childhoods with mothers who did not believe in them.