Jul 13, 2020
Enjoyment (10):
I don't think this manga has the best story or characters, but it really does get your heart beating! It's manga comfort-food, and if you like romance, you will fall head-over-heels for Hana Kimi.
Art (8):
The art style in this manga is pretty "shojo." It's usually well done, and the characters are all expressive. Most importantly, when the manga wants a character to look cool or cute or excited, they do. However, there were minor anatomy flaws and it's not exactly my style? So personally, I'd rate it an 8. I never noticed the panelling, which means it's doing its job, but the page
...
layouts never blew me away. (As a point of contrast, I've often been impressed by the panel layouts in Fruits Basket and Blue, Clean.)
Character (8):
All the characters are really likeable and have fun dynamics with one another, but they aren't super deep (which is OK for a light manga like this). Though I love Sano (so much), Mizuki was pretty dense. I know they comment on it in-universe, but... It's a little frustrating? But she kind of had to be dense because...
Story (6):
...The show must go on! The story does wrap up in a satisfactory way, so this isn't an eternal rom-com, and it deals with all the sub-plots nicely (in my opinion.) That being said, I thought that the Sano/Mizuki relationship conclusion could have been more emotional/dramatic? You may disagree, though. One of my gripes with the story is that, sometimes, important moments are interrupted with fluffier stuff. It totally kills the mood! So, Mizuki being oblivious+OK conclusion+mood-kill=lower story-score. There are a lot of really tense, fun, and endearing moments in Hana-Kimi, but some of the more dramatically important ones fall flat.
Overall (8):
This is a great series for people who like engaging group dynamics and romantic tension (and mild homoeroticism). I was kinda harsh in this review, but when I first picked up this manga, I really needed it. Every time I sat down with a volume, I ended up feeling calmer, more happy, more optimistic. I recommend this fully if it sounds like your cup of tea, and even if it isn't... C'mon, c'mon, try it! Just one measly volume, it's probably in your local library for free...
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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