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S・A（スペシャル・エー）[Special A] #1
Special A, Vol. 1
Her whole life, Hikari Hanazono has been consumed with the desire to win against her school rival, Kei Takishima--at anything. He always comes out on top no matter what he does, and Hikari is determined to do whatever it takes to beat this guy!
At age 6 Hikari lost to Kei in an impromptu wrestling match. Now, at 15, Hikari joins "Special A," a group of the top seven students at a private academy, for the opportunity to trounce the guy who made her suffer her first defeat. This opens doors to the discovery of many new things for both of them....
At age 6 Hikari lost to Kei in an impromptu wrestling match. Now, at 15, Hikari joins "Special A," a group of the top seven students at a private academy, for the opportunity to trounce the guy who made her suffer her first defeat. This opens doors to the discovery of many new things for both of them....
192 pages, Paperback
First published July 16, 2004
144 people are currently reading
9630 people want to read
About the author
Maki Minami
62 books266 followersMaki Minami ( 南マキ) is a Japanese manga author. She is best known as the author of manga series Special A.
In 2001, her short story Day Dream Believer (デイ・ドリーム・ビリーバー) received an Honourable Mention for Hakusensha's 25th Athena awards. She debuted in Hana to Yume's October 2001 issue with a short story titled Faraway Blue (彼方の青 Kanata no Ao).
Maki Minami's longest running series, Special A, began publication in 2003 and recently ended in 2009. Her current series, Seiyū ka-! began serialization in Hana to Yume in 2009, after the completion of Special A. Her recent works also include the oneshot Ane☆Mone Seikaten (アネ☆モネ 生花店), which appeared in the April 2009 edition of The Hana to Yume.
In 2001, her short story Day Dream Believer (デイ・ドリーム・ビリーバー) received an Honourable Mention for Hakusensha's 25th Athena awards. She debuted in Hana to Yume's October 2001 issue with a short story titled Faraway Blue (彼方の青 Kanata no Ao).
Maki Minami's longest running series, Special A, began publication in 2003 and recently ended in 2009. Her current series, Seiyū ka-! began serialization in Hana to Yume in 2009, after the completion of Special A. Her recent works also include the oneshot Ane☆Mone Seikaten (アネ☆モネ 生花店), which appeared in the April 2009 edition of The Hana to Yume.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
June 8, 2021
Rivals to lovers where one of them secretly pines after the other 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Some aspects have not aged well (like Kei's casual sexism) and Hikari is a typical shoujo heroine (naïve/oblivious, kind, and wants to help everyone even when they don't deserve it). I did like her determination and strong work ethic, and the art style is very cute. Also this was more violent than I thought it would be???
Not sure if I will continue the series, but this is a nice start!
Content warning: animal cruelty (a horse is kicked), violence (wrestling related), incest (sort of? it's one sided and involves an engagement)
Some aspects have not aged well (like Kei's casual sexism) and Hikari is a typical shoujo heroine (naïve/oblivious, kind, and wants to help everyone even when they don't deserve it). I did like her determination and strong work ethic, and the art style is very cute. Also this was more violent than I thought it would be???
Not sure if I will continue the series, but this is a nice start!
Content warning: animal cruelty (a horse is kicked), violence (wrestling related), incest (sort of? it's one sided and involves an engagement)
September 15, 2022
3.25⭐️
Review on IG: @xojazzle
I am a HUGE fan of the anime. Completely fell in love with all the characters! But this volume didn’t impress me. I felt like it was SUPER repetitive constantly introducing everyone’s rank and who there parents are (it worked well in the show but not the manga). It’s one thing to watch it, but to read it over and over? Not really a fan of that. But it was nice to see where some of my fav anime scenes originated from. We see right away how much hikari means to kei and of course, she’s oblivious. I know I have a long way to go with this being 17 volumes, so I’m excited and hopeful for what comes next. The anime is one of my fav rivals to lovers + a superior friend group🫶
Review on IG: @xojazzle
I am a HUGE fan of the anime. Completely fell in love with all the characters! But this volume didn’t impress me. I felt like it was SUPER repetitive constantly introducing everyone’s rank and who there parents are (it worked well in the show but not the manga). It’s one thing to watch it, but to read it over and over? Not really a fan of that. But it was nice to see where some of my fav anime scenes originated from. We see right away how much hikari means to kei and of course, she’s oblivious. I know I have a long way to go with this being 17 volumes, so I’m excited and hopeful for what comes next. The anime is one of my fav rivals to lovers + a superior friend group🫶
April 30, 2021
I loved this manga! The dialogue was witty, the characters had personality, the art was beautiful and I loved all of the relationships in it. I really enjoyed the main character's resilience, she was inspiring.
bookstagram | goodreads
bookstagram | goodreads
January 21, 2009
Yeah, yeah, comparisons are odious, but I can't help but compare SA with my beloved Ouran, as their premises have some superficial things in common (both being about a regular middle-class girl attending a very elite high school). The latter is continually saved by its comedic and subversive takes on fanservice-y shojo tropes, while the former doesn't bother to subvert those tropes at all. Meanwhile, my inner feminist is Not Pleased by the general premise of SA anyway, which involves a talented girl who is always second best to her brilliant bishounen love interest. I think I'll pass on more of this series.
October 15, 2020
I was inspired to reread this by a combination of reading the first few volumes of Hana-Kimi, and rewatching (for the third time) the anime of Ouran High School Host Club.
This is a not-dissimilar story about Hikari, a girl who comes from a middle-class background. She works hard to be accepted to an upper-class school that her rival Tamaki attends, and once accepted does well enough academically to gain entry into its "Special A" class, who have their own instructors (for seven students!) and their own huge manse of a clubhouse. Her sense of rivalry with Tamaki--who also, of course, ends up in SA--has been her main motivation, and that single-mindedness leads to funny situations. To her eternal frustration, he isn't easy to beat: he has a photographic memory and is good at everything he tries!
I like this story a little better than either of the other two mentioned, at least in their manga forms. Hikari's principled and oblivious--especially when it comes to Tamaki's feelings toward her!--and that's one of my favorite manga/anime tropes. Unlike in the other two stories, Hikari isn't just surrounded by hot guys, and has the opportunity to make friends who are also girls. I like the character designs--although the author's right, she does over-rely on bangs in her hairstyles. :D
The short bonus manga featuring puppet-Tadashi is delightfully weird, and he was popular enough that he ended up being a recurring character in the bonus sections of this manga as it goes along.
This is a not-dissimilar story about Hikari, a girl who comes from a middle-class background. She works hard to be accepted to an upper-class school that her rival Tamaki attends, and once accepted does well enough academically to gain entry into its "Special A" class, who have their own instructors (for seven students!) and their own huge manse of a clubhouse. Her sense of rivalry with Tamaki--who also, of course, ends up in SA--has been her main motivation, and that single-mindedness leads to funny situations. To her eternal frustration, he isn't easy to beat: he has a photographic memory and is good at everything he tries!
I like this story a little better than either of the other two mentioned, at least in their manga forms. Hikari's principled and oblivious--especially when it comes to Tamaki's feelings toward her!--and that's one of my favorite manga/anime tropes. Unlike in the other two stories, Hikari isn't just surrounded by hot guys, and has the opportunity to make friends who are also girls. I like the character designs--although the author's right, she does over-rely on bangs in her hairstyles. :D
The short bonus manga featuring puppet-Tadashi is delightfully weird, and he was popular enough that he ended up being a recurring character in the bonus sections of this manga as it goes along.
July 4, 2013
Hikari is sooo clueless and naive... Characters:
1. Kei Takishima - son of the president of the Takishima Group
2. Hilari Hanazono - daughter of a carpenter
3. Jun Yamamoto - son of a genius musician and producer
4. Megumi Yamamoto - daughter of a genius musician and producer
5. Tadashi Karino - son of the school board's director
6. Akira Toudo - daughter of the president of an airline company
7. Ryu Tsuji - son of the president of a sporting goods company
1. Kei Takishima - son of the president of the Takishima Group
2. Hilari Hanazono - daughter of a carpenter
3. Jun Yamamoto - son of a genius musician and producer
4. Megumi Yamamoto - daughter of a genius musician and producer
5. Tadashi Karino - son of the school board's director
6. Akira Toudo - daughter of the president of an airline company
7. Ryu Tsuji - son of the president of a sporting goods company
July 3, 2017
This is a cross between Ouran Host Club and Maid Sama to my mind. We follow Hikari who has to study long hours to maintain her top spot in school. Her rival is Kei and with his photographic memory he has genes on his side. There are 5 others who are part of the Special A group and they all have powerful parents behind them.
I was rather annoyed to meet Nagi already, Kei's wannabe fiancee as these kinds of girls give women a bad name. They can't seem to get it through their thick skulls - HE DOESN'T WANT YOU! Geeze!
The mangaka uses Kei to push Hikari's buttons very well and I like how she draws her men. Still I'm not sure I was captured by this like I am by Ouran Host Club.
BOTTOM LINE: Just an okay first volume.
I was rather annoyed to meet Nagi already, Kei's wannabe fiancee as these kinds of girls give women a bad name. They can't seem to get it through their thick skulls - HE DOESN'T WANT YOU! Geeze!
The mangaka uses Kei to push Hikari's buttons very well and I like how she draws her men. Still I'm not sure I was captured by this like I am by Ouran Host Club.
BOTTOM LINE: Just an okay first volume.
July 15, 2021
childhood enemies to lovers ✔
boy obsessed trope ✔
academic rivals to lovers ✔
in general are badass and genius couple ✔
rich bf x poor gf ✔
strong willed heroine ✔
this is why this series is my comfort series✨💗
boy obsessed trope ✔
academic rivals to lovers ✔
in general are badass and genius couple ✔
rich bf x poor gf ✔
strong willed heroine ✔
this is why this series is my comfort series✨💗
February 15, 2017
Manga Status: Complete
Number of Chapters: 99
Genres: Shoujo, Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
This review is for the manga series as a whole.
Special A follows Hanazono Hikari and Takishima Kei, two high school students. Hikari hates to lose, and since they were kids, Kei has beaten her at everything. Everything she can do he can do better. Hikari lives for the day when she will finally beat Kei and become number one.
Hikari and Kei belong to the Special A class - a class for the top seven students in the school. These students are not required to go to class but can instead do self-study. They get different uniforms, spend their entire day in a tropical greenhouse (with a kitchen) and do whatever they please whenever they want. Hikari holds the number two spot. The only person better than her is, of course, Kei.
The manga is full of cliches an comedy gags. Kei and Hikari are practically superhuman. They both excel in both academic and athletic settings. They both have the ability to send off waves of dark aura when they are displeased. They have the ability to do crazy, next-to-impossible physical stunts and survive things that would probably kill any other person.
So of course, they're meant to be together. Kei has known this for a long time: the girl for him is Hikari. But Hikari is hopelessly dense and can't pick up on his intentions, even when he's being painfully clear. So the entire story, Kei is trying to make Hikari realize that he's in love with her without being too forward.
Their personalities are pretty straightforward. Kei is stoic, serious, and generally hard to get along with. Hikari is his opposite: happy-go-lucky, incredibly ditzy for a girl of her academic standing, hopelessly clueless about romance.
That being said, they aren't horrible characters. It's easy to get annoyed with Hikari because you're sitting there saying OMG girl, open your eyes, he's so in love with you. I quite liked Kei; he's just an almost regular guy with the world's biggest crush. There are other side characters that are fun to read about, mostly the other members of the S.A. class.
The romance was okay. I liked Kei and Hikari together, and even though you know the moment you pick this up that they're going to end up together, it was fun to read how they got there. What was kind of annoying, though, was that everyone was paired off eventually. And I mean everyone. All seven S.A. members found some significant other, so there were several chapters that had very little of Kei and Hikari.
However, the manga dragged on. It was really long. Some of the chapters were comedy fluff pieces. Others were more central to the plot. However, despite its length, it almost felt like there was very little resolution. We all know that Hikari and Kei end up together, but there's a sort of open-ended feeling that can be a bit disappointing.
Overall, I liked the manga. I would recommend it when you're in need of a romantic comedy. But it doesn't have much depth besides that; it's purely a feel-good kind of story.
Number of Chapters: 99
Genres: Shoujo, Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life
This review is for the manga series as a whole.
Special A follows Hanazono Hikari and Takishima Kei, two high school students. Hikari hates to lose, and since they were kids, Kei has beaten her at everything. Everything she can do he can do better. Hikari lives for the day when she will finally beat Kei and become number one.
Hikari and Kei belong to the Special A class - a class for the top seven students in the school. These students are not required to go to class but can instead do self-study. They get different uniforms, spend their entire day in a tropical greenhouse (with a kitchen) and do whatever they please whenever they want. Hikari holds the number two spot. The only person better than her is, of course, Kei.
The manga is full of cliches an comedy gags. Kei and Hikari are practically superhuman. They both excel in both academic and athletic settings. They both have the ability to send off waves of dark aura when they are displeased. They have the ability to do crazy, next-to-impossible physical stunts and survive things that would probably kill any other person.
So of course, they're meant to be together. Kei has known this for a long time: the girl for him is Hikari. But Hikari is hopelessly dense and can't pick up on his intentions, even when he's being painfully clear. So the entire story, Kei is trying to make Hikari realize that he's in love with her without being too forward.
Their personalities are pretty straightforward. Kei is stoic, serious, and generally hard to get along with. Hikari is his opposite: happy-go-lucky, incredibly ditzy for a girl of her academic standing, hopelessly clueless about romance.
That being said, they aren't horrible characters. It's easy to get annoyed with Hikari because you're sitting there saying OMG girl, open your eyes, he's so in love with you. I quite liked Kei; he's just an almost regular guy with the world's biggest crush. There are other side characters that are fun to read about, mostly the other members of the S.A. class.
The romance was okay. I liked Kei and Hikari together, and even though you know the moment you pick this up that they're going to end up together, it was fun to read how they got there. What was kind of annoying, though, was that everyone was paired off eventually. And I mean everyone. All seven S.A. members found some significant other, so there were several chapters that had very little of Kei and Hikari.
However, the manga dragged on. It was really long. Some of the chapters were comedy fluff pieces. Others were more central to the plot. However, despite its length, it almost felt like there was very little resolution. We all know that Hikari and Kei end up together, but there's a sort of open-ended feeling that can be a bit disappointing.
Overall, I liked the manga. I would recommend it when you're in need of a romantic comedy. But it doesn't have much depth besides that; it's purely a feel-good kind of story.
February 15, 2011
I love Tadashi!!! He is my favourite character!!!!!!!!
Tadashi ♥♥♥ :D
So this review is for the overall series. I give the overall series 5 stars because it was raelly good.
Funny at times, romantic at times, cute at times, sad at times. Also, I really loved the art (It's true! I have some saved pictures from things in the book.)
I would like to say that Hikari is SOOOOOOOO dense. I mean like crazy. I'm not even joking. I'm not going to tell you why but I want to say that when she said that and Takishima was all surprised and some-what happy but then she said something else, I was like in my head, "Wow. She is just so... wow."
One thing I rally love in this book is how Megumi and Jun love Ryuu. It is just so entertaining watching them hug Ryuu. Be protective of you. Huh, it was so cute it was hilarious.
I find it very surprising what Finn is. I was like "HOLY SHIAT!" in the book when I found out. And then with Ryuu and then Hikari. LOL. I hate Finn's father for a reason you will find out if you read the books. :D
I'm not sure if you care but. in this manga there is this one picture of Takishimi and Hikari that I just love to stare at. It looks very nice and I love it for some reason. I even hang it up in my room. I'm such a loser.
I like Megumi's name. I like the fact that she can sing so good that it is dangerous. I also love how she writes down what she wants to say.
Takishima in the manga I like; not so much in the anime. This is probably because in the anime, Takishimi has brown hair a kinda really deep voice and is really thin and lanky (most of the characters in the manga are thin and lanky. :P. In the manga, Takishimi has blond hair, I imagine him with a slighter higher voice and he isn't that thin and lanky. Anyway....
Miss Number Too. I love how Takishima always finds a way to be number one. Like that one test when he got 105%. LAWLS!
So here's what I thought of the book. It was really good. Funny, romantic(in a weird way?) and entertaining. Even thoguh it is Shoujo, I think everyone should read it. :D
Tadashi ♥♥♥ :D
So this review is for the overall series. I give the overall series 5 stars because it was raelly good.
Funny at times, romantic at times, cute at times, sad at times. Also, I really loved the art (It's true! I have some saved pictures from things in the book.)
I would like to say that Hikari is SOOOOOOOO dense. I mean like crazy. I'm not even joking. I'm not going to tell you why but I want to say that when she said that and Takishima was all surprised and some-what happy but then she said something else, I was like in my head, "Wow. She is just so... wow."
One thing I rally love in this book is how Megumi and Jun love Ryuu. It is just so entertaining watching them hug Ryuu. Be protective of you. Huh, it was so cute it was hilarious.
I find it very surprising what Finn is. I was like "HOLY SHIAT!" in the book when I found out. And then with Ryuu and then Hikari. LOL. I hate Finn's father for a reason you will find out if you read the books. :D
I'm not sure if you care but. in this manga there is this one picture of Takishimi and Hikari that I just love to stare at. It looks very nice and I love it for some reason. I even hang it up in my room. I'm such a loser.
I like Megumi's name. I like the fact that she can sing so good that it is dangerous. I also love how she writes down what she wants to say.
Takishima in the manga I like; not so much in the anime. This is probably because in the anime, Takishimi has brown hair a kinda really deep voice and is really thin and lanky (most of the characters in the manga are thin and lanky. :P. In the manga, Takishimi has blond hair, I imagine him with a slighter higher voice and he isn't that thin and lanky. Anyway....
Miss Number Too. I love how Takishima always finds a way to be number one. Like that one test when he got 105%. LAWLS!
So here's what I thought of the book. It was really good. Funny, romantic(in a weird way?) and entertaining. Even thoguh it is Shoujo, I think everyone should read it. :D
November 1, 2016
This book is about Hikari Hanazono, a middle class high school student who attends the prestigious Private Hakusen Academy, and her rivalry with Kei Takishima, a student at this school for the rich. Hikari has spent almost her whole life trying to beat Kei. This book is a shoujo manga, meaning it is aimed toward young teenage girls and is generally about romantic relationships. So I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies.
All of Hikari's friends including Kei are extremely close because they are in the top of their class and have been friends since elementary school. Their relationship mostly consists of having fun, while Hikari's and Kei's relationship involves competition because of their rivalry. The most significant character relationship and conflict is between Hikari and Kei because their rivalry fuels the actions and friendship in the story.
The story is slow but, there is still some action. So I would recommend this book to someone who likes romantic comedies with a bit of action. As a whole this book was very good, but I think that in order to fully enjoy it you would have to continue with the series.
All of Hikari's friends including Kei are extremely close because they are in the top of their class and have been friends since elementary school. Their relationship mostly consists of having fun, while Hikari's and Kei's relationship involves competition because of their rivalry. The most significant character relationship and conflict is between Hikari and Kei because their rivalry fuels the actions and friendship in the story.
The story is slow but, there is still some action. So I would recommend this book to someone who likes romantic comedies with a bit of action. As a whole this book was very good, but I think that in order to fully enjoy it you would have to continue with the series.
May 31, 2016
4.5
Okay, now I realize why my old self did not shelf this as a favorite and here again. It is because it lacked in the chemistry aisle. The mangaka was able to thoroughly expose each characters' (even the side characters!) background but she was unable to focus on the main couple for very long. The chemistry and sizzle was only here and there and I just wanted more from them it was there but I, personally, wanted more!
I do, however, LOVED the humor! Hilarity is definitely up to scale and I found myself just laughing out loud (LOL!). Really enjoyed the reread and this manga will always be very special to me♡
It just really touches my heart that Hikari believes she is always 2nd but in Kei's eyes she is his number one♡
Okay, now I realize why my old self did not shelf this as a favorite and here again. It is because it lacked in the chemistry aisle. The mangaka was able to thoroughly expose each characters' (even the side characters!) background but she was unable to focus on the main couple for very long. The chemistry and sizzle was only here and there and I just wanted more from them it was there but I, personally, wanted more!
I do, however, LOVED the humor! Hilarity is definitely up to scale and I found myself just laughing out loud (LOL!). Really enjoyed the reread and this manga will always be very special to me♡
It just really touches my heart that Hikari believes she is always 2nd but in Kei's eyes she is his number one♡
November 19, 2018
i really enjoyed reading this series. it was really cute, and almost always made me happy when reading it. since i went on a marthon reading binge and read all of them in 3 days (majority of which was online), i really won't say much about all of the books. when i eventually get them all, i might write more reviews and so forth.
plus, i really liked the ending. so cute!
plus, i really liked the ending. so cute!
June 3, 2012
Yup, so far I'm liking it. We have the usual characters; rival best friends, a club of geniuses, rich kids and jealous underdogs. We have a possible romance blooming between the two characters? I'm kinda hoping for one here!
Reminds me a bit of Kare Kano and Ouran High School Host Club.
A wee bit confusing to begin with, but hey!
Reminds me a bit of Kare Kano and Ouran High School Host Club.
A wee bit confusing to begin with, but hey!
November 6, 2015
I have to admit that Hikari is kind of crazy character. She is so competitive and violent! But she is kind of funny too. She is in this crazy school for super-intelligent people (there are 7 of them) only to be better than Takishima Kei. And he is like the King of Ice, nothing upsets him; he is perfect. I will like to read more about the other members of the team.
February 16, 2020
Honestly, this was pretty dry, but I might have thought differently if I had read this when it first came out. I’m not going to make comparisons, but I have seen other series do this premise more entertaining. I’m not all shoujo-ed out, but I just did not find anything that stood out to me in this volume. I might watch the anime instead because I do not see myself continuing to read this.
April 12, 2011
This was really good as a beginning volume. I enjoyed it, but what annoyed me about this volumes is that Hikari kept introducing the members of Special A every chapter. I think the first time is enough. But the art for this manga is great and I'm looking forward to reading the next volumes.
May 2, 2014
URG!!!! I AM SO ANNOYED!!!! I absolutely LOVED this book but my stupid library DOESN'T HAVE ANY OF THE REST OF THE SERIES - AT ALL!!!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!! *murderous glare at library* And - get this - NEITHER DOES MY SCHOOL LIBRARY!!!!!!! No. Just no. WHY??!!!!!!???????!!!!!!!
August 8, 2010
This manga was certainly special.
April 16, 2011
Haha! This is going to be a great series! A girl who's not worried about love at all, but beating her rival! I like it!
July 29, 2019
Special A is a manga and anime series I've heard of before and was always interested in giving a shot. Several days ago it popped up in my Amazon recommendations, prompting a "oh yeah, I remember when news of that first was mentioned", and I decided to pick it up during the Amazon Prime days, because I was able to get it at a lower price due to the deals.
All in all, this is about par for the course with most first volumes of a manga; the pace moves a bit fast, but apart from introducing us to the [two] main characters [who will inevitably end up as a couple, if my intuition remains on-track] and drilling into us what the setting is, it feels like very little worth mentioning or of any great significance actually occurs. It isn't bad, but it suffers from typical First Volume Syndrome that a lot of manga struggle with. There is potential to be a good story, so I'm hoping the volumes after this one help bring that out.
Additionally, this volume also has an unrelated short story at the end, which I currently have not read. Truthfully there are times when I will be reading manga for the first time and if there is an unrelated short story at the end of a volume to beef up the size, I don't always catch that it's an unrelated short straightaway, and will end up confused. I'm sure I'll get around to re-reading this in the future, so when I do, I will try to read and add my thoughts on the short story to this review.
All in all, this is about par for the course with most first volumes of a manga; the pace moves a bit fast, but apart from introducing us to the [two] main characters [who will inevitably end up as a couple, if my intuition remains on-track] and drilling into us what the setting is, it feels like very little worth mentioning or of any great significance actually occurs. It isn't bad, but it suffers from typical First Volume Syndrome that a lot of manga struggle with. There is potential to be a good story, so I'm hoping the volumes after this one help bring that out.
Additionally, this volume also has an unrelated short story at the end, which I currently have not read. Truthfully there are times when I will be reading manga for the first time and if there is an unrelated short story at the end of a volume to beef up the size, I don't always catch that it's an unrelated short straightaway, and will end up confused. I'm sure I'll get around to re-reading this in the future, so when I do, I will try to read and add my thoughts on the short story to this review.
June 8, 2020
A shaky 2.5.
Our main character is in the top 10 of her class. She really wants to become #1, but the guy who is occupying that spot will not budge. She tries so hard again and again but every. single. time. she can’t make it.
It was a super frustrating read! I had to stop reading it and take a break so I wouldn’t get any angrier than I was.
I typically don’t like the late ‘90s-early ‘00s art style. And this is a prime example of that era’s style gone wrong. Some angles are disproportionate. The inking on the irises is typically too dark and has no highlights. The eyes are often too far apart. Etc.
The romance in this was on and off. Sometimes it was sweet. Other times it was just really weird because it didn’t match the story. The MC would be defeated then suddenly the love interest is happy or something and she’s like “omg woah.....” when she should be mad at him. Arghh.
There are some moments when everything was worth it but honestly I could have dnf-ed it and been okay with it.
Our main character is in the top 10 of her class. She really wants to become #1, but the guy who is occupying that spot will not budge. She tries so hard again and again but every. single. time. she can’t make it.
It was a super frustrating read! I had to stop reading it and take a break so I wouldn’t get any angrier than I was.
I typically don’t like the late ‘90s-early ‘00s art style. And this is a prime example of that era’s style gone wrong. Some angles are disproportionate. The inking on the irises is typically too dark and has no highlights. The eyes are often too far apart. Etc.
The romance in this was on and off. Sometimes it was sweet. Other times it was just really weird because it didn’t match the story. The MC would be defeated then suddenly the love interest is happy or something and she’s like “omg woah.....” when she should be mad at him. Arghh.
There are some moments when everything was worth it but honestly I could have dnf-ed it and been okay with it.
October 24, 2020
It was ok. I dont mind the 90's or early 00's art and to be fair I kind enjoy it. Its childhood to me. But I didnt really get hooked on the story. Its very copy pasted like many others series I have read before. Nothing wrong with it, its ok and I might finish the entire story. But right now I will just put it aside.
Read
April 15, 2020I have only one thing to say: my sister recommended it.
And it was pretty cute.
And it was pretty cute.
August 11, 2020
15 years old handling a big company.
Like
WHATTTTTTT?!!
It's absurd but funny at the same time.
Like
WHATTTTTTT?!!
It's absurd but funny at the same time.
May 11, 2025
3.5 stars. late 90s early 00s feeling manga. While frustrating that she can never beat this guy, it's cute that she is the only one he seems to show vulnerability around
December 30, 2023
The nostalgia is palpable! (I do just want to rewatch the basketball/wrestling competition episode now hehe)
June 24, 2014
Come check out my book blog! Teenage Bookaholic
SYNOPSIS: *Please note that this is a review for the entire series, comprised of 17 books*
Hikari Hanazono is not your typical high school girl. While she comes from a modest background, she strives to do her best at anything and everything to top her rival. After losing an impromptu wrestling match as a child, Hikari made it her life's goal to beat Kei Takishima, a wealthy child who is destined to work for the family business, any way possible. She is so determined, she enrolled in the same elite private school as Kei, and worked her way to be number 2 out of not just her class, but the entire school, making her a part of an elite group of 7 called Special A. For Hikari, it's not enough, as Kei is sitting pretty as number 1.
With her friends, Akira, Megumi, Jun, Tadashi, and Ryu along for the ride, Special A follows the comedic adventures of the top 7 students at Hakusenkan High- as Kei is forced to work for the family business, as Jun learns to love, as Megumi finds her voice, as Ryu discovers the hidden face of love, as Tadashi opens up, and as Hikari continues to fight for number 1!
REVIEW: Unlike YA novels, I do not know my favorite type of manga yet. I mostly pick manga based on what series has the first volume on my library's shelves.... It can be a hit or miss, but this was a hit.
Similar to Veronica Roth, the series has a fast pace to it, constantly creating new drama and plot twists that never let the series grow boring. Some things you could see coming, but others not so much. Either way, I was not bored, and the book did not have any prolonged focus on romances, which can be boring for me. The story was also relatable: a student striving for success with friend drama, as well as personal dramas.
With most manga, I have issue of telling characters apart; just when I think it's Person A talking, its Person R, a close look-a-like to Person A, and even when I can tell the characters apart (barely), I still cannot remember the long, authentic Japanese names. None of these issues came up in the series. Consistently, the series would use the formal last name AND informal first, which helped me remember the name as Hikari Hanazono, not Ms. Hanazono or just Hikari... something. Also, the art was very well done, allowing me to tell character differences by expression and hairstyle.
This leads me to the art, which was glorious! Much detail was taken in to the backgrounds (as pointed out by Minami in her novels), and outfits. I also enjoyed the sporadic and roaming quarter pages of commentary. How she talks about a pseudo burglary at her place while the gang is in some sort of peril added a sense of nonchalance that fit the series. It's about the adventure these characters take, rather than following the emotion of the drama.
While this all sounds like a great series, a few elements ruined the series for me. First was the panel styling. Many of the panels were overlapping, which led to a choppy flow of reading. Incredibly distracting and confusing, which stole from enjoying the series. Second, the focus could have been turned more towards other characters in the series. It is titled Special A, but the story mainly focuses on Hikari and Kei. I personally would have liked to learn more about what happened to Ryu and his lover before the conclusion, or whether Akira and her old friend could get along. It had more chapters on Hikari and Kei than any one S.A. member. Lastly, I was not a fan of outside girls, interfering with Kei and Hikari. I am not saying I was protective of Kei and Hikari, but I found it rather obnoxious. It was framed like the S.A. were a special elite group, which they were, and everyone else, who wasn't rich at least, was an outsider to the group. It was like the author had to put the characters on a pedestal to make the series work, which wasn't necessary. It seemed almost like the group was discriminatory towards anyone not of wealth, and when I say discriminatory, i mean they behaved like elitists rather than hateful. Hikari was an exception from an early age, mind you.
All in all, Special A was a comedic read that was pleasurable and realistic. It had good momentum until the end, and was interesting to see how the schooling system works in Japan. I would give it more stars if not for the misleading paneling.
I will now conclude with my favorite quote from page 10 of volume 12:
"Ryu: YOU DON'T GET TO PICK! And why a mountain?!!
Tadashi: A MOUNTAIN WOULD BE ANY GUY'S DREAM!!
Ryu: Go eat a s'more.
Tadashi: That's amore.
Ryu: Mahjongg!
Tadashi: GAME!"
SYNOPSIS: *Please note that this is a review for the entire series, comprised of 17 books*
Hikari Hanazono is not your typical high school girl. While she comes from a modest background, she strives to do her best at anything and everything to top her rival. After losing an impromptu wrestling match as a child, Hikari made it her life's goal to beat Kei Takishima, a wealthy child who is destined to work for the family business, any way possible. She is so determined, she enrolled in the same elite private school as Kei, and worked her way to be number 2 out of not just her class, but the entire school, making her a part of an elite group of 7 called Special A. For Hikari, it's not enough, as Kei is sitting pretty as number 1.
With her friends, Akira, Megumi, Jun, Tadashi, and Ryu along for the ride, Special A follows the comedic adventures of the top 7 students at Hakusenkan High- as Kei is forced to work for the family business, as Jun learns to love, as Megumi finds her voice, as Ryu discovers the hidden face of love, as Tadashi opens up, and as Hikari continues to fight for number 1!
REVIEW: Unlike YA novels, I do not know my favorite type of manga yet. I mostly pick manga based on what series has the first volume on my library's shelves.... It can be a hit or miss, but this was a hit.
Similar to Veronica Roth, the series has a fast pace to it, constantly creating new drama and plot twists that never let the series grow boring. Some things you could see coming, but others not so much. Either way, I was not bored, and the book did not have any prolonged focus on romances, which can be boring for me. The story was also relatable: a student striving for success with friend drama, as well as personal dramas.
With most manga, I have issue of telling characters apart; just when I think it's Person A talking, its Person R, a close look-a-like to Person A, and even when I can tell the characters apart (barely), I still cannot remember the long, authentic Japanese names. None of these issues came up in the series. Consistently, the series would use the formal last name AND informal first, which helped me remember the name as Hikari Hanazono, not Ms. Hanazono or just Hikari... something. Also, the art was very well done, allowing me to tell character differences by expression and hairstyle.
This leads me to the art, which was glorious! Much detail was taken in to the backgrounds (as pointed out by Minami in her novels), and outfits. I also enjoyed the sporadic and roaming quarter pages of commentary. How she talks about a pseudo burglary at her place while the gang is in some sort of peril added a sense of nonchalance that fit the series. It's about the adventure these characters take, rather than following the emotion of the drama.
While this all sounds like a great series, a few elements ruined the series for me. First was the panel styling. Many of the panels were overlapping, which led to a choppy flow of reading. Incredibly distracting and confusing, which stole from enjoying the series. Second, the focus could have been turned more towards other characters in the series. It is titled Special A, but the story mainly focuses on Hikari and Kei. I personally would have liked to learn more about what happened to Ryu and his lover before the conclusion, or whether Akira and her old friend could get along. It had more chapters on Hikari and Kei than any one S.A. member. Lastly, I was not a fan of outside girls, interfering with Kei and Hikari. I am not saying I was protective of Kei and Hikari, but I found it rather obnoxious. It was framed like the S.A. were a special elite group, which they were, and everyone else, who wasn't rich at least, was an outsider to the group. It was like the author had to put the characters on a pedestal to make the series work, which wasn't necessary. It seemed almost like the group was discriminatory towards anyone not of wealth, and when I say discriminatory, i mean they behaved like elitists rather than hateful. Hikari was an exception from an early age, mind you.
All in all, Special A was a comedic read that was pleasurable and realistic. It had good momentum until the end, and was interesting to see how the schooling system works in Japan. I would give it more stars if not for the misleading paneling.
I will now conclude with my favorite quote from page 10 of volume 12:
"Ryu: YOU DON'T GET TO PICK! And why a mountain?!!
Tadashi: A MOUNTAIN WOULD BE ANY GUY'S DREAM!!
Ryu: Go eat a s'more.
Tadashi: That's amore.
Ryu: Mahjongg!
Tadashi: GAME!"
March 17, 2017
Review posted 7/27/2011 at Owl Tell You About It.
Silly and cute are the best descriptors for this one. Hikari introduces the readers to her school and the unusual class system. The seven students with the highest grade point averages have their own class, where most of them goof off. Hikari, however worked hard to get the second highest GPA and spends a lot of her time studying and challenging her rival, Kei. Hikari is energetic and extremely competitive. Kei is laid-back and barely has to try for his spot as number one in the class.
There’s not much of an overall plot so far. I think it’s mainly Hikari trying to beat Kei at everything and being totally oblivious to his feelings for her. The chapters all contain a different “story.” They cover the mid-term, a basketball competition, Kei’s birthday, and his rebellious little brother.
It’s immediately apparent that Kei has a thing for Hikari. She seems totally oblivious to this, which is pretty stereotypical of manga. The two of them catch some students stealing answers for the mid-term and Kei goes into a big spiel about how hard Hikari works to stay where she is. Later, in a basketball competition, Hikari wears herself out practicing. When she collapses during the game, Kei yells at her for trying so hard. It’s the first time she’s ever seen Kei worry about anything. Things get a little complicated when the class visits Akira’s villa, where they plan to celebrate Kei’s birthday. There, they meet Kei’s fiancée, Nagi, who Kei doesn’t seem to care for. Hikari, however, decides to befriend her, though I’m not too sure Nagi is feeling it. She and Kei’s brother make some comments about how often Kei talks about Hikari. Surely, she can’t stay in the dark about this too long. It’s so obvious.
Not sure about this one yet. I just got the second one, so we’ll see how it is.
Prude Filter: There’s nothing to worry about in this one. VIZ has it rated Teen.
Silly and cute are the best descriptors for this one. Hikari introduces the readers to her school and the unusual class system. The seven students with the highest grade point averages have their own class, where most of them goof off. Hikari, however worked hard to get the second highest GPA and spends a lot of her time studying and challenging her rival, Kei. Hikari is energetic and extremely competitive. Kei is laid-back and barely has to try for his spot as number one in the class.
There’s not much of an overall plot so far. I think it’s mainly Hikari trying to beat Kei at everything and being totally oblivious to his feelings for her. The chapters all contain a different “story.” They cover the mid-term, a basketball competition, Kei’s birthday, and his rebellious little brother.
It’s immediately apparent that Kei has a thing for Hikari. She seems totally oblivious to this, which is pretty stereotypical of manga. The two of them catch some students stealing answers for the mid-term and Kei goes into a big spiel about how hard Hikari works to stay where she is. Later, in a basketball competition, Hikari wears herself out practicing. When she collapses during the game, Kei yells at her for trying so hard. It’s the first time she’s ever seen Kei worry about anything. Things get a little complicated when the class visits Akira’s villa, where they plan to celebrate Kei’s birthday. There, they meet Kei’s fiancée, Nagi, who Kei doesn’t seem to care for. Hikari, however, decides to befriend her, though I’m not too sure Nagi is feeling it. She and Kei’s brother make some comments about how often Kei talks about Hikari. Surely, she can’t stay in the dark about this too long. It’s so obvious.
Not sure about this one yet. I just got the second one, so we’ll see how it is.
Prude Filter: There’s nothing to worry about in this one. VIZ has it rated Teen.
June 24, 2013
I picked up a copy of SA during a random manga buying spree, and I wasn't sure if I'd think much of it at the time, but it sounded interesting enough for me to give it a shot.
I am so relieved that I did. That was in February 2008, and now SA has become my favourite manga of all time. It starts off like your average shoujo, but as I read more I was just so surprised how much I enjoyed the story and characters. It's very well written, every chapter is entertaining and the re-read value is very high for me. Needless to say I've done so quite a few times. :) The more I read the more obsessed I get with this manga...!
I usually find it hard to get into shoujo manga... I'll read them, but the cliches and events that happen over and over again makes me feel like all these manga artists are just copying each other's plots in order to show off their art. The stories feel empty. SA was different for me. I feel like it strays from the norm of the main female quickly falling for the main male and that was what grabbed me. It isn't just that, though, SA is different in a number of ways. There's a lot of characters and Maki Minami eventually gives all of them attention, and they all get their own stories. I really enjoyed that. Instead of everything revolving around Hikari and Kei at all times, she offers a good balance of character spotlight.
As far as art goes, I really didn't like it at first. It certainly has its moments, but it's nothing gorgeous, it's simple and sweet, backed with a quality story and loveable characters. I now have a soft spot for Minami's artwork because of how much I love SA; every panel doesn't have to amaze me like a Tanemura manga, for example. (I'll admit I'm guilty of buying manga just for lovely artwork. xD)
And Hikari is just an awesome character for a shoujo heroine. She always cracks me up with how ridiculous she is, and that's part of why her relationship with Kei is so much fun. 8D This is my absolute favourite manga.
I am so relieved that I did. That was in February 2008, and now SA has become my favourite manga of all time. It starts off like your average shoujo, but as I read more I was just so surprised how much I enjoyed the story and characters. It's very well written, every chapter is entertaining and the re-read value is very high for me. Needless to say I've done so quite a few times. :) The more I read the more obsessed I get with this manga...!
I usually find it hard to get into shoujo manga... I'll read them, but the cliches and events that happen over and over again makes me feel like all these manga artists are just copying each other's plots in order to show off their art. The stories feel empty. SA was different for me. I feel like it strays from the norm of the main female quickly falling for the main male and that was what grabbed me. It isn't just that, though, SA is different in a number of ways. There's a lot of characters and Maki Minami eventually gives all of them attention, and they all get their own stories. I really enjoyed that. Instead of everything revolving around Hikari and Kei at all times, she offers a good balance of character spotlight.
As far as art goes, I really didn't like it at first. It certainly has its moments, but it's nothing gorgeous, it's simple and sweet, backed with a quality story and loveable characters. I now have a soft spot for Minami's artwork because of how much I love SA; every panel doesn't have to amaze me like a Tanemura manga, for example. (I'll admit I'm guilty of buying manga just for lovely artwork. xD)
And Hikari is just an awesome character for a shoujo heroine. She always cracks me up with how ridiculous she is, and that's part of why her relationship with Kei is so much fun. 8D This is my absolute favourite manga.
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