Special A is another romantic comedy shoujo anime in my collection. This anime seems old because it was released in 2008. But this is one of those underrated romantic gems that everyone can enjoy. I didn't understand why my older sisters loved this but now I knew why. It may be a typical shoujo romance anime, but this is ridiculously romantic and fun.
The premise is about the two childhood friends and Hikari, the main protagonist/heroine wants to beat Takishima Kei because he's the first one who beat her. Even after many years, she attends a prestigious high school and joined the Special A-Class, to beat Takishima. But, she always loses to him in academics and athletics. She always carried the name of "Miss Second Place", the name labeled by Takishima. Thus, their everyday lives begin with their co-members of the SA class.
The story is light-hearted and funny, as expected from a shoujo demographic. It's not that different from other romantic shows, but this is unique in its ways. Some parts were episodic but it's connected to the central story and development of the characters. The slapstick humor among the members of the SA class is great, especially the shenanigans of the characters. It never fails me to smile many times when I watched it and I never got tired of it. It showed the side stories about the characters and it was pretty good. The chemistry between Kei and Hikari was cute and funny. It's like a love story between a tsundere and a numbskull, and the formula mixture of the romance and its type of comedy made the show more enjoyable. Many parts were cliched but I couldn't help but smile because of it. It's not perfect but it's so unique and special.
The characters were hilariously cute. I liked the chemistry between Kei and Hikari, and Akira and Tadashi. The other characters were likable and funny. Aside from that, the development of the characters was good. Kei found his happiness around him, especially in his harboring feelings for Hikari. He was a cold prince but throughout the series, he learned how to become sweet and protective of others. Hikari was a numbskull but she learned her new true feelings for Kei and her friends. Akira overcame her trauma by finding new friends, and her relationship with Tadashi. Even the other characters, found their true happiness and formed strong bonds within the SA class.
The animation was good, as expected from the collaboration of AIC and Gonzo. It's not that kind of superb like the modern ones because it was released back then. It's perfectly good for the series and I liked it. Especially when the romantic or heartwarming scenes come, the animation turned into like a painting or whatever. Overall, the designs were good and the animation was good also.
The sound was so heartwarming. It's sad when I couldn't get the soundtrack but it fits every scene. It reminds me of every retro romance anime and it couldn't get out of my mind. The music in every scene resonated inside me and made my heart fluffy. The OPs and EDs were good also, as well as the voice actings. Jun Fukuyama did a great job on how to portray a cold yet sweet prince.
Overall, it was great and fun to watch. I enjoyed this anime, despite it being just 24 episodes. I wished the anime was longer but the manga was worth it. Some parts were boring but I'll let that one slide. If you want a great romance and hilarious anime, this is for you. The anime was so romantic and it will capture your heart, by the time you watch this.
