Meguru Ueno, the creator of My First Girlfriend is a Gal, has concluded their manga series PEEP. The final chapter was published on Kodansha’s YanMaga Web platform on April 5, 2025. This marks the end of the “youth x love/hate suspense” manga, which tells the story of a student who discovers that the person behind an extreme cosplay account is a popular “gyaru/gal” in their class.
What is PEEP About?
PEEP is a manga that delves into the complexities of youth, love, hate, and suspense. The story centers around a high school student named Riku, who becomes intrigued by an extreme cosplay account. The narrative unfolds as Riku discovers that the person behind the account is none other than a popular “gyaru/gal” from his school. The manga explores themes of identity, hidden emotions, and the often turbulent nature of relationships in adolescence.
Key elements of the story include:
- Cosplay and Identity: The use of cosplay as a means of exploring hidden identities and desires.
- Love and Hate: The interplay between love and hate, reflecting the intense emotions experienced during youth.
- Suspense: A suspenseful plot that keeps readers engaged as Riku uncovers the secrets behind the cosplay account.
Synopsis
The popular gal who was my childhood friend is secretly uploading provocative selfies!? In his quest to uncover the secret of this popular girl, high school boy Riku discovers that his own deeply hidden emotions were being observed by someone else… A sweet yet suffocatingly intense blend of youth, love, and suspense.
Characters
- Riku: The main character of this work. He has liked his childhood friend Mio Sakurazawa, but he is shy and timid. He is a nerd and outcast due to the trauma and guilt of not being able to save his friend who fell into the water when they were playing near the water when they were young.
- Aika: Later, according to the past, it is revealed that Aika shows a crush on Riku, and what he likes is that he sincerely feels grace and love for Riku . In fact, Aika was busy as a child, except for his father, the only normal person who was neglected in family education, and he was a psychopath who loved his son and abuses violence and verbal abuse to his daughter, Aika, and his father’s abuse and torture . At this time, he felt relieved and liberated because he could not save Riku, who was not available, and from that moment for Aika’s self -help relationship with Riku.
- CB: The real identity of CB , the student council president of Riku’s school and a 19-year-old cosplayer and dark influencer whom Riku regards as a fan . From the time of her first appearance, she appeared as a loyalist and urinated on Riku while he was lying on the rooftop. The reason why she is obsessed with Riku by teaching him femdom and other methods is because she has been watching him since childhood, but it is revealed that the decisive moment is none other than the situation in which Riku was unable to save her own brother when he drowned .
Publication History
PEEP was initially launched in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine on June 17, 2024. The series later transitioned to the YanMaga Web platform on March 1, 2025. Kodansha published the third compiled book volume on May 7, 2025. The series concluded after 30 chapters.
Meguru Ueno’s Other Works
Meguru Ueno is best known for creating My First Girlfriend is a Gal (Hajimete no Gal), which debuted in Kadokawa’s Monthly Shōnen Ace magazine in November 2015. This manga inspired a television anime that premiered in July 2017, which was streamed by Crunchyroll and Funimation under the title My First Girlfriend Is a Gal.
Other notable works by Ueno include:
- Gal-Sen: This manga debuted in Weekly Young Magazine in September 2021 and moved to YanMaga Web in September 2022. The series concluded in October 2023, with Kodansha publishing the ninth and final compiled book volume in February 2024.
- Does a Hot Elf Live Next Door to You? (Otaku no Tonari wa Elf desu ka?): This five-volume manga was launched in July 2019 and ended in March 2021. Seven Seas Entertainment released the manga in English.
- Gal to Tsukiacchatta Anthology
- Kanojo, Okarishimasu: Koushiki Anthology Comic
Reception and Style
Ueno’s works often feature elements of comedy, romance, and sometimes ecchi themes, appealing to a wide audience. My First Girlfriend is a Gal is particularly noted for its exploration of relationships and comedic situations, while PEEP takes a darker turn with its suspenseful narrative.
Ueno’s style encompasses:
- Relatable Characters: Characters that resonate with readers through their flaws and struggles.
- Humor: Incorporating comedic elements into the storyline to create an engaging and entertaining experience.
- Exploration of Relationships: Delving into the complexities of relationships, including the challenges and rewards of love and friendship.
What to Expect Next from Meguru Ueno
With PEEP concluded, fans are eager to see what Meguru Ueno will create next. Given their diverse portfolio, Ueno could explore various genres and themes in future projects.
Potential future projects might include:
- Another Romance Manga: Building on the success of My First Girlfriend is a Gal, Ueno could create another romance manga with a unique twist.
- A Different Genre: Ueno might venture into a completely different genre, such as action, fantasy, or science fiction, showcasing their versatility as a creator.
- A Sequel or Spin-off: Ueno could revisit one of their previous works, creating a sequel or spin-off that expands on the original story.
Where to Read Meguru Ueno’s Works
For fans interested in exploring Meguru Ueno’s manga, here are some platforms where their works can be found:
- MangaDex: A popular online platform for reading manga, including PEEP.
- BATO.TO: Another online manga reader that offers access to various titles, including PEEP.
- Amazon, eBookJapan, Book☆Walker: Platforms to purchase digital copies of the manga.
- Seven Seas Entertainment: For English releases of titles like Does a Hot Elf Live Next Door to You?.
- Kadokawa Shoten and Kodansha: The original publishers of Ueno’s works, offering access to Japanese versions of the manga.
Conclusion
Meguru Ueno’s PEEP has reached its conclusion, marking the end of an intriguing series. Fans of Ueno’s work can look forward to their future projects, which will likely bring fresh and engaging stories to the manga world. Whether it’s romance, suspense, or a completely new genre, Meguru Ueno continues to be a notable figure in the manga industry.
