This is in my top 5 manga (of any genre), I can reread it many times because it's so entertaining. There must be a new trend among shoujo mangakas to have smart, level headed female leads who always don't just have love on their mind. As most people may know that this is a sequel to Warau Kanoko-sama, but one doesn't have to read it (though I'd recommend to anyways). The manga is about a 16 year old Kanoko who joins the newspaper club and starts to participate in school politics, because she wants to disturb the balance of power.
Story (8)- It's wonderful blend of (little) suspense, subtle romance, and comedy. The situations that arise in the story are handeled wonderfully, though you'd never have thought that club rivaliries could turn out to be so interesting. It's a good look at school politics existing at smaller level in a humrous way. But the story also examines school life, different sterotypes and cliques are satirized. The only thing I don't like about the story is that I wish it would concentrate on Kanoko being more active in her club than creating disturbances in others. She could get scoops for the newspaper club and make it more popular (one of her goals).
Art (9)- At first one feels there're too many panels on the screen with smaller representation of insignificant characters. But it's very well drawn, as it could be expected from a shoujo manga though I am glad the characters don't have the typical saucer eyes, too many close ups and flowery backgrounds.
Character(9)- Of course the main character is my most favorite and the top 3 reasons I read the manga. Other characters are caricratures, not having much depth but the guy who has a crush on Kanoko seems to be developing a bit. Although I think he had a better character development in the Warau Kanoko-sama. I know it's a high rating just because I like only one character and could care less for the rest.
Enjoyment (9)- Again I enjoy it mostly because of the female lead. Though the subtle romance does add to the enjoyment, since it's one sided and for once it's from the guy's side (yay!), cus usually it's the girls who are made out to have no pride in shoujo mangas when they are in the one sided love.*cough*Strobe edge*cough*
Overall (9)- I recommend it especially to teens, because it can help them to learn and examine themselves. Because Kanoko really doesn't have any special abilities, she doesn't stand out, yet she is behind the scenes puppeter (sp?), all she uses is simple psychology and her brains. I look forward to its official release by one of the American licenced companies because I'd defintly want to enjoy it anytime, anywhere.
