Oshi no Ko fans are no strangers to the tragic story of Ai Hoshino, whose untimely death serves as the emotional and narrative cornerstone of the series. But what if Ai had survived her brief stint in the entertainment industry?
Yokoyari Mengo, co-creator of the series, recently explored this “what if” scenario in a collaboration with the fashion magazine SPUR. Ai is reimagined as a high-fashion model, hinting at a future she never had the chance to experience.
Ai Hoshino was more than just a fictional idol; she symbolized the highs and lows of stardom. In Oshi no Ko, Ai juggles the dual life of a rising idol and a secretive single mother. Her life was cut short when a deranged stalker stabbed her outside her home.
Ai Hoshino as a High-Fashion Model
Fast forward to the present: Yokoyari Mengo, known for her striking and emotive art, imagines an alternate timeline for Ai in a special illustration for SPUR magazine. The February 2025 issue, releasing on December 23, features Ai on the cover wearing a Valentino outfit.
The theme revolves around “Ai’s career in fashion after her idol days have settled,” offering fans a glimpse of what her life could have been if she had lived.
In this artwork, Ai is shown striking her signature peace-sign pose, exuding confidence and elegance. According to Yokoyari, Ai’s brief career didn’t allow her to explore opportunities like walking the runway or becoming a fashion icon.
Also Read: Did Aka Akasaka Lose Focus on Oshi no Ko? Manga Artist Publicly Corrects Him For His…
This collaboration with SPUR allowed the artist to portray a more mature, sophisticated side of Ai that fans never got to see in the story. Yokoyari stated, “I feel like I’ve met a grown-up Ai while imagining the kind of work she might have taken on if she were alive.”
The issue will also include additional illustrations of Ai in different outfits and an in-depth interview with Yokoyari, reflecting on her creative journey during Oshi no Ko’s four-and-a-half-year serialization.
Source: Mantan Web
