Product Description

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...somehow!

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #232482 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-06
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

From Publishers Weekly
This competition manga reinforces traditional gender stereotypes under the guise of school comedy. Hikari has been obsessed with besting fellow student Kei ever since Kei beat her at wrestling when they were six, her first-ever defeat. They're both the best of the best at their exclusive school, but Hikari's eternally #2 to his #1. It's a familiar setup told through lots of closeups, carried by the artist's skill in capturing realistic expressions. The work's serial nature is evident in the reintroduction of the characters at the beginning of every chapter, but it's helpful to keep the various overachievers straight for the reader, although the supporting cast characterization is told, not shown. While the others have elite backgrounds and innate talents, Hikari continues to believe hard work is the only way to succeed, even when her determination loses to Kei's natural gift of a perfect memory. Hikari's defeats are supposedly mitigated by Kei's affection for her. Hikari must learn that no matter how hard she tries, a girl can't beat a boy. Kei's interest is held out as a kind of consolation prize, while the girl who goes after the guy she wants is a figure of ridicule, needing to be taught her place. (Nov)
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About the Author

Maki Minami is from Saitama prefecture in Japan. She debuted in 2001 with Kanata no Ao (Faraway Blue). Her other works include Kimi wa Girlfriend (You're My Girlfriend), Mainichi ga Takaramono (Every Day Is a Treasure) and Yuki Atataka (Warm Winter). Special A is her current series in Japan's Hana to Yume magazine.

Customer Reviews

Second Rate Part 1

Hikari Hanazono excels at so much. She's pretty, intelligent, active, and belongs to the most elite group in the top school in the district. The problem is this, she has a rival... and the rival has happened to eke her out of every event, subject, and sport since they were 6 years old. Hikari wouldn't even be at the school she is at if it were not for the fact that the charming and beautiful Kei Takishima was there himself.

Hikari vows that she will do everything she can to beat Kei, but what she doesn't realize is that she has already won him over in the most important way... his heart.

I'm only lukewarm on this so far. It's fun, but the repetitive element that Minami has in introducing her characters is downright annoying. Really. How many times can the same gag be funny? Still, the series seems like it might be good and I am willing to give it another shot. The art is nice also.

S.A Rocks
This grapich novle was asome I highly recomend this book it has dram romance and it keeps you wanting more I cant wait till I get book number 4

One of the best Shojo
Maniac shojo fan here who just wants to say this is one of the best of the best manga's so far that I have read. It fits up there with Fruits Basket, Fushigi Yugi, Kare Kano, Ouran High School, and Full Moon. Basic love story like Kare Kano where girl is always #2 and boy is always #1 so ultimately she wants to beat him no matter what. Of course he is head over heels in love with her and she seems to be totally clueless which makes for some hiliarious moments to be sure. I highly recommend this series!! (^.^)