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S・A（スペシャル・エー）[Special A] #5
Special A, Vol. 05
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.
Being No. 2 Sucks!
Kei's family has arranged for him to marry a girl named Sakura...but Sakura is already hopelessly in love with her ideal "prince," Jun! When Hikari finds out, she is all too delighted to play matchmaker between Jun and Sakura...but this latest attempt to humiliate Kei is about to backfire in a way she never expected!
Being No. 2 Sucks!
Kei's family has arranged for him to marry a girl named Sakura...but Sakura is already hopelessly in love with her ideal "prince," Jun! When Hikari finds out, she is all too delighted to play matchmaker between Jun and Sakura...but this latest attempt to humiliate Kei is about to backfire in a way she never expected!
200 pages, Paperback
First published November 18, 2005
14 people are currently reading
496 people want to read
About the author
Maki Minami
62 books266 followersMaki Minami ( 南マキ) is a Japanese manga author. She is best known as the author of manga series Special A.
In 2001, her short story Day Dream Believer (デイ・ドリーム・ビリーバー) received an Honourable Mention for Hakusensha's 25th Athena awards. She debuted in Hana to Yume's October 2001 issue with a short story titled Faraway Blue (彼方の青 Kanata no Ao).
Maki Minami's longest running series, Special A, began publication in 2003 and recently ended in 2009. Her current series, Seiyū ka-! began serialization in Hana to Yume in 2009, after the completion of Special A. Her recent works also include the oneshot Ane☆Mone Seikaten (アネ☆モネ 生花店), which appeared in the April 2009 edition of The Hana to Yume.
In 2001, her short story Day Dream Believer (デイ・ドリーム・ビリーバー) received an Honourable Mention for Hakusensha's 25th Athena awards. She debuted in Hana to Yume's October 2001 issue with a short story titled Faraway Blue (彼方の青 Kanata no Ao).
Maki Minami's longest running series, Special A, began publication in 2003 and recently ended in 2009. Her current series, Seiyū ka-! began serialization in Hana to Yume in 2009, after the completion of Special A. Her recent works also include the oneshot Ane☆Mone Seikaten (アネ☆モネ 生花店), which appeared in the April 2009 edition of The Hana to Yume.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 23, 2021
A couple of decent episodes in this one, a couple of least-favorite cliches (will he go overseas for school, or won't he?; post-hypnotic suggestion does not work like that), and and one or two episodes that were weird and not all that funny (Yappi). I'm disappointed that Sakura was introduced just a volume ago, and the author hasn't found much to do with her.
There have been other manga I've read that were rocky around volume 5 and that I enjoyed a lot more later on, and also some that churned along in a similar enjoyable-but-not-great vein and then ended. Sunk cost fallacy isn't very trying with content that takes so little time to read, so I'll keep on with it.
There have been other manga I've read that were rocky around volume 5 and that I enjoyed a lot more later on, and also some that churned along in a similar enjoyable-but-not-great vein and then ended. Sunk cost fallacy isn't very trying with content that takes so little time to read, so I'll keep on with it.
December 31, 2024
Kei Takishima, my beloved
July 18, 2020
Tadashi n Akira moment, they might love each other =). Megumi hit tadashi with her sketchbook n Akira beat tadashi again n forced him to come with them. That sakura- at first she's annoying girl but deep down she's nice person but still I don't like the characters much. Jun secret been revealed n to know his past too. Poor yahiro, he's trying to be with Akira but he knows Akira love tadashi. I wish I could see more side about yahiro past story n why he did to sui - Akira's childhood friend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2020
Faccio una fatica con questa serie…
Da un lato ci sono i disegni, che non sono molto kawaii. Dall'altro c'è la storia che ogni tanto mi confonde e non capisco bene cosa sta succedendo. Succede troppo spesso per i miei gusti.
Il fatto che la protagonista femminile sia così tanto mi infastidisce parecchio, però la parte che riguarda il nonno di Kei non mi è dispiaciuta.
Su, ancora dodici volumi… Con la calma posso farcela!
Da un lato ci sono i disegni, che non sono molto kawaii. Dall'altro c'è la storia che ogni tanto mi confonde e non capisco bene cosa sta succedendo. Succede troppo spesso per i miei gusti.
Il fatto che la protagonista femminile sia così tanto mi infastidisce parecchio, però la parte che riguarda il nonno di Kei non mi è dispiaciuta.
Su, ancora dodici volumi… Con la calma posso farcela!
August 24, 2017
Another good volume.
April 28, 2019
I love these characters and the situations they find themselves in. So fun to read and the illustrations and beautiful and yet hilarious at times!
October 8, 2020
Pretty good and cute school life manga, pretty decent story and love the characters and art style👌😁😻❤️
June 21, 2021
Awww there’s something between Akira and Tadashi… I’m all for it!!!!!
Read
February 16, 2024POOR TADASHI AHHAHAHAHH. also are akira and tadashi going to be a couple??? ngl i wanted akira with a girl. ALSO WHO WAS THAT AT THE END
February 18, 2024
not my fav volume tbh.
I do absolutely live for the little notes and comics the author puts in the margin she's funny as hell
I do absolutely live for the little notes and comics the author puts in the margin she's funny as hell
March 15, 2025
4/5
8/10
8/10
June 24, 2014
Come check out my book blog! Teenage Bookaholic
SYNOPSIS: *Please note that this is a review for the entire series, comprised of 17 books*
Hikari Hanazono is not your typical high school girl. While she comes from a modest background, she strives to do her best at anything and everything to top her rival. After losing an impromptu wrestling match as a child, Hikari made it her life's goal to beat Kei Takishima, a wealthy child who is destined to work for the family business, any way possible. She is so determined, she enrolled in the same elite private school as Kei, and worked her way to be number 2 out of not just her class, but the entire school, making her a part of an elite group of 7 called Special A. For Hikari, it's not enough, as Kei is sitting pretty as number 1.
With her friends, Akira, Megumi, Jun, Tadashi, and Ryu along for the ride, Special A follows the comedic adventures of the top 7 students at Hakusenkan High- as Kei is forced to work for the family business, as Jun learns to love, as Megumi finds her voice, as Ryu discovers the hidden face of love, as Tadashi opens up, and as Hikari continues to fight for number 1!
REVIEW: Unlike YA novels, I do not know my favorite type of manga yet. I mostly pick manga based on what series has the first volume on my library's shelves.... It can be a hit or miss, but this was a hit.
Similar to Veronica Roth, the series has a fast pace to it, constantly creating new drama and plot twists that never let the series grow boring. Some things you could see coming, but others not so much. Either way, I was not bored, and the book did not have any prolonged focus on romances, which can be boring for me. The story was also relatable: a student striving for success with friend drama, as well as personal dramas.
With most manga, I have issue of telling characters apart; just when I think it's Person A talking, its Person R, a close look-a-like to Person A, and even when I can tell the characters apart (barely), I still cannot remember the long, authentic Japanese names. None of these issues came up in the series. Consistently, the series would use the formal last name AND informal first, which helped me remember the name as Hikari Hanazono, not Ms. Hanazono or just Hikari... something. Also, the art was very well done, allowing me to tell character differences by expression and hairstyle.
This leads me to the art, which was glorious! Much detail was taken in to the backgrounds (as pointed out by Minami in her novels), and outfits. I also enjoyed the sporadic and roaming quarter pages of commentary. How she talks about a pseudo burglary at her place while the gang is in some sort of peril added a sense of nonchalance that fit the series. It's about the adventure these characters take, rather than following the emotion of the drama.
While this all sounds like a great series, a few elements ruined the series for me. First was the panel styling. Many of the panels were overlapping, which led to a choppy flow of reading. Incredibly distracting and confusing, which stole from enjoying the series. Second, the focus could have been turned more towards other characters in the series. It is titled Special A, but the story mainly focuses on Hikari and Kei. I personally would have liked to learn more about what happened to Ryu and his lover before the conclusion, or whether Akira and her old friend could get along. It had more chapters on Hikari and Kei than any one S.A. member. Lastly, I was not a fan of outside girls, interfering with Kei and Hikari. I am not saying I was protective of Kei and Hikari, but I found it rather obnoxious. It was framed like the S.A. were a special elite group, which they were, and everyone else, who wasn't rich at least, was an outsider to the group. It was like the author had to put the characters on a pedestal to make the series work, which wasn't necessary. It seemed almost like the group was discriminatory towards anyone not of wealth, and when I say discriminatory, i mean they behaved like elitists rather than hateful. Hikari was an exception from an early age, mind you.
All in all, Special A was a comedic read that was pleasurable and realistic. It had good momentum until the end, and was interesting to see how the schooling system works in Japan. I would give it more stars if not for the misleading paneling.
I will now conclude with my favorite quote from page 10 of volume 12:
"Ryu: YOU DON'T GET TO PICK! And why a mountain?!!
Tadashi: A MOUNTAIN WOULD BE ANY GUY'S DREAM!!
Ryu: Go eat a s'more.
Tadashi: That's amore.
Ryu: Mahjongg!
Tadashi: GAME!"
SYNOPSIS: *Please note that this is a review for the entire series, comprised of 17 books*
Hikari Hanazono is not your typical high school girl. While she comes from a modest background, she strives to do her best at anything and everything to top her rival. After losing an impromptu wrestling match as a child, Hikari made it her life's goal to beat Kei Takishima, a wealthy child who is destined to work for the family business, any way possible. She is so determined, she enrolled in the same elite private school as Kei, and worked her way to be number 2 out of not just her class, but the entire school, making her a part of an elite group of 7 called Special A. For Hikari, it's not enough, as Kei is sitting pretty as number 1.
With her friends, Akira, Megumi, Jun, Tadashi, and Ryu along for the ride, Special A follows the comedic adventures of the top 7 students at Hakusenkan High- as Kei is forced to work for the family business, as Jun learns to love, as Megumi finds her voice, as Ryu discovers the hidden face of love, as Tadashi opens up, and as Hikari continues to fight for number 1!
REVIEW: Unlike YA novels, I do not know my favorite type of manga yet. I mostly pick manga based on what series has the first volume on my library's shelves.... It can be a hit or miss, but this was a hit.
Similar to Veronica Roth, the series has a fast pace to it, constantly creating new drama and plot twists that never let the series grow boring. Some things you could see coming, but others not so much. Either way, I was not bored, and the book did not have any prolonged focus on romances, which can be boring for me. The story was also relatable: a student striving for success with friend drama, as well as personal dramas.
With most manga, I have issue of telling characters apart; just when I think it's Person A talking, its Person R, a close look-a-like to Person A, and even when I can tell the characters apart (barely), I still cannot remember the long, authentic Japanese names. None of these issues came up in the series. Consistently, the series would use the formal last name AND informal first, which helped me remember the name as Hikari Hanazono, not Ms. Hanazono or just Hikari... something. Also, the art was very well done, allowing me to tell character differences by expression and hairstyle.
This leads me to the art, which was glorious! Much detail was taken in to the backgrounds (as pointed out by Minami in her novels), and outfits. I also enjoyed the sporadic and roaming quarter pages of commentary. How she talks about a pseudo burglary at her place while the gang is in some sort of peril added a sense of nonchalance that fit the series. It's about the adventure these characters take, rather than following the emotion of the drama.
While this all sounds like a great series, a few elements ruined the series for me. First was the panel styling. Many of the panels were overlapping, which led to a choppy flow of reading. Incredibly distracting and confusing, which stole from enjoying the series. Second, the focus could have been turned more towards other characters in the series. It is titled Special A, but the story mainly focuses on Hikari and Kei. I personally would have liked to learn more about what happened to Ryu and his lover before the conclusion, or whether Akira and her old friend could get along. It had more chapters on Hikari and Kei than any one S.A. member. Lastly, I was not a fan of outside girls, interfering with Kei and Hikari. I am not saying I was protective of Kei and Hikari, but I found it rather obnoxious. It was framed like the S.A. were a special elite group, which they were, and everyone else, who wasn't rich at least, was an outsider to the group. It was like the author had to put the characters on a pedestal to make the series work, which wasn't necessary. It seemed almost like the group was discriminatory towards anyone not of wealth, and when I say discriminatory, i mean they behaved like elitists rather than hateful. Hikari was an exception from an early age, mind you.
All in all, Special A was a comedic read that was pleasurable and realistic. It had good momentum until the end, and was interesting to see how the schooling system works in Japan. I would give it more stars if not for the misleading paneling.
I will now conclude with my favorite quote from page 10 of volume 12:
"Ryu: YOU DON'T GET TO PICK! And why a mountain?!!
Tadashi: A MOUNTAIN WOULD BE ANY GUY'S DREAM!!
Ryu: Go eat a s'more.
Tadashi: That's amore.
Ryu: Mahjongg!
Tadashi: GAME!"
February 15, 2011
I love Tadashi!!! He is my favourite character!!!!!!!!
Tadashi ♥♥♥ :D
So this review is for the overall series. I give the overall series 5 stars because it was raelly good.
Funny at times, romantic at times, cute at times, sad at times. Also, I really loved the art (It's true! I have some saved pictures from things in the book.)
I would like to say that Hikari is SOOOOOOOO dense. I mean like crazy. I'm not even joking. I'm not going to tell you why but I want to say that when she said that and Takishima was all surprised and some-what happy but then she said something else, I was like in my head, "Wow. She is just so... wow."
One thing I rally love in this book is how Megumi and Jun love Ryuu. It is just so entertaining watching them hug Ryuu. Be protective of you. Huh, it was so cute it was hilarious.
I find it very surprising what Finn is. I was like "HOLY SHIAT!" in the book when I found out. And then with Ryuu and then Hikari. LOL. I hate Finn's father for a reason you will find out if you read the books. :D
I'm not sure if you care but. in this manga there is this one picture of Takishimi and Hikari that I just love to stare at. It looks very nice and I love it for some reason. I even hang it up in my room. I'm such a loser.
I like Megumi's name. I like the fact that she can sing so good that it is dangerous. I also love how she writes down what she wants to say.
Takishima in the manga I like; not so much in the anime. This is probably because in the anime, Takishimi has brown hair a kinda really deep voice and is really thin and lanky (most of the characters in the manga are thin and lanky. :P. In the manga, Takishimi has blond hair, I imagine him with a slighter higher voice and he isn't that thin and lanky. Anyway....
Miss Number Too. I love how Takishima always finds a way to be number one. Like that one test when he got 105%. LAWLS!
So here's what I thought of the book. It was really good. Funny, romantic(in a weird way?) and entertaining. Even thoguh it is Shoujo, I think everyone should read it. :D
Tadashi ♥♥♥ :D
So this review is for the overall series. I give the overall series 5 stars because it was raelly good.
Funny at times, romantic at times, cute at times, sad at times. Also, I really loved the art (It's true! I have some saved pictures from things in the book.)
I would like to say that Hikari is SOOOOOOOO dense. I mean like crazy. I'm not even joking. I'm not going to tell you why but I want to say that when she said that and Takishima was all surprised and some-what happy but then she said something else, I was like in my head, "Wow. She is just so... wow."
One thing I rally love in this book is how Megumi and Jun love Ryuu. It is just so entertaining watching them hug Ryuu. Be protective of you. Huh, it was so cute it was hilarious.
I find it very surprising what Finn is. I was like "HOLY SHIAT!" in the book when I found out. And then with Ryuu and then Hikari. LOL. I hate Finn's father for a reason you will find out if you read the books. :D
I'm not sure if you care but. in this manga there is this one picture of Takishimi and Hikari that I just love to stare at. It looks very nice and I love it for some reason. I even hang it up in my room. I'm such a loser.
I like Megumi's name. I like the fact that she can sing so good that it is dangerous. I also love how she writes down what she wants to say.
Takishima in the manga I like; not so much in the anime. This is probably because in the anime, Takishimi has brown hair a kinda really deep voice and is really thin and lanky (most of the characters in the manga are thin and lanky. :P. In the manga, Takishimi has blond hair, I imagine him with a slighter higher voice and he isn't that thin and lanky. Anyway....
Miss Number Too. I love how Takishima always finds a way to be number one. Like that one test when he got 105%. LAWLS!
So here's what I thought of the book. It was really good. Funny, romantic(in a weird way?) and entertaining. Even thoguh it is Shoujo, I think everyone should read it. :D
September 2, 2009
Hikari and the rest of S.A. are planning to have another festival but are going to be hosts instead, for a party at Yahiro’s school. Kei had said he was looking forward to it but had been asked by his grandfather that he attend another school in England and Hikari, determined to bring him back went to England even if she had to force him back. When she realizes his intentions she continues with the festival, but Hikari needs to give her last ticket away. Who did she give it to?
This book reminds me of new Moon when Bella goes to get Edward back before he killed himself thinking that Bella was dead. The only difference was that Kei wasn't dead; he was going to tell his grandfather that he refused his offer.
I give this book 5 stars because thought it was interesting that Hikari went through the trouble of going to get Kei back and her actually telling her true feelings to him.
This book reminds me of new Moon when Bella goes to get Edward back before he killed himself thinking that Bella was dead. The only difference was that Kei wasn't dead; he was going to tell his grandfather that he refused his offer.
I give this book 5 stars because thought it was interesting that Hikari went through the trouble of going to get Kei back and her actually telling her true feelings to him.
May 14, 2016
The rating and review are conclusion for all of the volumes. Except for the synopsis.
Okay, where do I begin? The first volume is not that bad. A bit like warming up. As the story goes on, it gets more interesting and funnier. I love the ending. It's totally cute!
It's good and I enjoy it! Totally worth giving it a try! :)
Synopsis for volume 5:
Sakura is Kei's matchmaking partner but it turns out that Sakura is falling for Jun! Hikari wants to help Sakura be with Jun, so they make a plan.
December 2, 2010
Note:This review is a series review, not really a volume specific review.
One of my favorite mangas. An excellent shoujo (meaning it is a comic aimed at teenage girls) story about Hikari whose life mission is to beat Kei. She goes to a very expensive school (one that her family can barely afford) for the sole purpose of trying to beat Kei. Poor Hikari is a clueless and loving girl who is always #2 in everything while Kei is #1. A good mix of drama, hilarity, and sweetness.
One of my favorite mangas. An excellent shoujo (meaning it is a comic aimed at teenage girls) story about Hikari whose life mission is to beat Kei. She goes to a very expensive school (one that her family can barely afford) for the sole purpose of trying to beat Kei. Poor Hikari is a clueless and loving girl who is always #2 in everything while Kei is #1. A good mix of drama, hilarity, and sweetness.
July 5, 2013
NOTES: BBQ Picnic (sponsored by Yahiro Saiga), Kokusen HS Festival, Hikari and Sakura's (with Yahiro) plan to embarrass Kei, Kei falling in love with a man (Hikari in disguise), Hikari saying "I like you." to Kei and Kei and Hikari's second kiss... Ahhhh... Such a fun read *giggles* ... Hikari invited Kei's grandfather to the Kokusen Festival to let him see how much Kei enjoys himself with them....
June 6, 2016
I wonder what will happen to Kei and who's the guy who came to the festival by helicopter? He looks annoying ^-^ also, it is really obvious Akira likes Tadashi and she's cute when she's jealous~ but, what about Yahiro? Tho I don't like him, he looks pitiful. I'm pretty much sure Hikari will go back to London (that's what I've remembered from the anime). Looking forward to it~
February 21, 2015
This series was amazing! Hikari and Kai's relationship is so comedic and heartwarming. I got through this series so fast and I just wanted to keep reading. All the characters are fun and this series is very entertaining.
If you liked Ouran High School Host Club I would recommend this series.
If you liked Ouran High School Host Club I would recommend this series.
September 21, 2014
Series Review: Special A is a interesting and cute manga that I really enjoyed. It was funny and entertaining plot and character wise. I most enjoyed the dynamic between the characters. I recommend giving this manga a try.
October 31, 2014
I really love this manga series, the characters are really funny and in each volume the tension between Kei and Hikari increases and you also get to see into some more of Kei's family and Akira's past. So that was very interesting ^-^
December 26, 2025
Read/rated in grade school.
February 6, 2012
This whole series was re-read in one day. That's how much I loved Special A. I might re-watch the anime episodes as well soon.
October 21, 2012
This is where the ending of Special A's anime happened. But it's way different from the manga. Since, there are a lot of volumes left. I'm so looking forward for more Hikari x Kei moments <3
August 13, 2013
This series was hilarious! I found myself laughing out loud ever so often as I eagerly read the story. This author's work is just remarkable!
March 1, 2015
Love how clueless Hikari is still... Poor Kei. And whats this helicopter????
So Akira abd Yahiro.... LOL yeaaaaa sure
So Akira abd Yahiro.... LOL yeaaaaa sure
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews