So, since I found out that Kaichou wa Maid Sama ended recently, I decided to finally go and start reading it yesterday, since it's been on my to do list for ages. I'm already on Chapter 57. Yep. Haven't been able to put it down.
I just want to write a quick summary of what I personally feel are the highlights, and good supporting points, of this series:
1. The characters. They are all excellent, and I particularly love how, for once in a shoujo manga, both of the main characters are dominant and aggressive, won't take no for an answer and are always fighting hard to get what they want. In this way it's similar to Special A, but I enjoy that while these characters do have a sense of rivalry at times, that's not an overwhelming theme to the manga. The interpersonal dynamic between the two leads is always very well played out and I really appreciate that.
As for the characters themselves, while there are definite elements of their personalities that I could connect to other popular shoujo characters ie. Takumi is rich and has family secrets like Tamaki in Ouran Host Club and Misaki is ultra-hard working like Hikari in Special A or Tohru from Fruits Basket, I still found both of the characters interesting and rather refreshing because I feel like the author approached these personality traits in new ways and didn't just rely on archetypes. They also have different combinations of traits than any other shoujo I've ever read, but I don't have a highly extensive knowledge on the subject so perhaps this is just something new to me.
The supporting cast is also very strong, quite interesting. Not every background character has a superb and unique personality, but I feel that's also very reflective of life and they still all filled out the environment of the story very well and made for great sub plots. I've so far spent a good few minutes reading where my only response has been going "Aww, Yukimura!!" and "Oh god, not again Kanou-kun!"
2. Story. While the story isn't anything particularly new or original, it's presented in a fresh, clean and well-executed manner. I'm over halfway through reading at the time of this review and I haven't gotten bored yet. In fact, I've barely put it down to go to work. The sub plots are also cute and sometimes more entertaining than the main plots in particular chapters, so kudos on a job well done with that.
3. Art. While I find it's nothing to write home about, it's clean, the designs are cute and it backs up a solid story and wonderful characters. Also, some of the chibi and super-deformed character illustrations are absolutely adorable and are some of my favorites of the series.
I don't actually have any real complaints about this manga so far, the only reason it's rated a 9 and not a 10 is because I feel that it lacks the strength in absolutely all areas that would deserve a 10 and make it absolutely superbly outstanding in my mind.
So, to summarize! This is a very character driven story, if you enjoy strong female heroines AND strong male companions as well as cute and hilarious supporting characters, give it a shot!
