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S・A（スペシャル・エー）[Special A] #6
Special A, Vol. 06
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!
The Kokusen Academy Culture Festival is here, and the Special A crew is making sure it runs smoothly. But chaos erupts when Kei's grandfather tries to haul Kei off to London! Worse, when Hikari tries to intervene, she gets abducted! But the worst part of it all is that amidst all the drama, Hikari is starting to realize her true feelings for Kei...
Being No. 2 Sucks!
The Kokusen Academy Culture Festival is here, and the Special A crew is making sure it runs smoothly. But chaos erupts when Kei's grandfather tries to haul Kei off to London! Worse, when Hikari tries to intervene, she gets abducted! But the worst part of it all is that amidst all the drama, Hikari is starting to realize her true feelings for Kei...
200 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2006
12 people are currently reading
438 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 23, 2021
Character interactions are the keystone of ensemble pieces. Hikari and Kei are great fun to watch as Hikari very reluctantly starts to have other feelings for Kei beyond rivalry and friendship. Since they (and Aoi, to a lesser extent) were the focus of this volume, I liked it better than some of the others.
After character, the next most important components of comedy are the situations the author puts the characters into. As mentioned elsewhere, this manga often stumbles in that respect, relying too often on tropes and contrivance. I'm not sure if it's because I've seen some of these too many times, or if the specific presentation isn't great, or if I'm getting supersaturated with comedy manga after reading six volumes of two different series in quick succession.
"The person who falls in love first loses." Of course, that's the central conceit of the series Kaguya-sama: Love is War. I didn't realize that it might also be a Japanese saying or truism. Hikari will now have a new reason to focus on her rivalry with Kei!
After character, the next most important components of comedy are the situations the author puts the characters into. As mentioned elsewhere, this manga often stumbles in that respect, relying too often on tropes and contrivance. I'm not sure if it's because I've seen some of these too many times, or if the specific presentation isn't great, or if I'm getting supersaturated with comedy manga after reading six volumes of two different series in quick succession.
"The person who falls in love first loses." Of course, that's the central conceit of the series Kaguya-sama: Love is War. I didn't realize that it might also be a Japanese saying or truism. Hikari will now have a new reason to focus on her rivalry with Kei!
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
December 31, 2024
YES Hikari, you did it, you finally did it, now you can confess- oh, okay, nevermind, slower burn it is
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 6:
Hikari gives the ticket to Kei's grandfather. However, it's not Kei's grandfather who comes to the festival but it's Aoi, his worker. Things are getting worse when Aoi tries to bring Kei to London.
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.
July 21, 2020
Finally, hikari started to like kei. Kei told her that she will like him. Kei n hikari go on the dates together while their friends are still in school. Aoi started to like hikari when hikari talked with Aoi about wrestling. Hikari is about to kiss Aoi plus kei saw hikari do to aoi but it was closed call.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2017
Good volume.
June 29, 2019
So great and so funny! I love the illustrations and characters. Things are finally moving along
October 8, 2020
Pretty good and cute school life manga, pretty decent story and love the characters and art style👌😁😻❤️
June 22, 2021
A flustered Hikari is a funny Hikari!
February 18, 2024
Love this one cause shit rlly starts to amp up with them which like yass took you that fucking long
Read
March 11, 2024so much progress in this volume omfg
March 15, 2025
4/5
8/10
8/10
July 23, 2025
4.5
I don't really know what's going on, but I like it!!!
I don't really know what's going on, but I like it!!!
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!"
May 26, 2010
I liked the way the author draw the pictures. Everyone look so cute. I like to see Hikari and Kei together. Aww... they look so cute together. Kei is a really nice guy to have as a boyfriend. He always near Hikari's side when she needed him. But sometimes Hikari is so stubborn she still don't know that Kei loves her. So is Hikari she was about to tell Kei her feelings but because she hear from someone who ever said it lose and winning or losing means a bunch to Hikari so OMG their love confess was push way back in the next book.
I wish that Hikari will just tell her feelings to Kei. Kei told his feelings to Hikari and Hikari said she like him, Kei kiss her! but at the end Hikari was saying She like Kei as a friend and she was crying because she thought kei kiss her because Kei want to mess her life up. Poor Kei...
I love this book. I love this book because this have the feeling of being in love and how does it feeling to be in love and i think this book is really funny i always read and it makes me laugh i won't get bored of it no matter how many times i read it. I can't wait until the next book come out....
I wish that Hikari will just tell her feelings to Kei. Kei told his feelings to Hikari and Hikari said she like him, Kei kiss her! but at the end Hikari was saying She like Kei as a friend and she was crying because she thought kei kiss her because Kei want to mess her life up. Poor Kei...
I love this book. I love this book because this have the feeling of being in love and how does it feeling to be in love and i think this book is really funny i always read and it makes me laugh i won't get bored of it no matter how many times i read it. I can't wait until the next book come out....
September 2, 2009
Hikari had given her ticket to Kei's grandfather but instead his grandfather sent his loyal assistant Aoi, who was also to take Kei back with him but instead Kei refused and sent him away until Aoi was given another oder… to seduce Hikari. Aoi having Hikari trapped made her feel weak and couldn't defend herself until Kei came to her rescue. After that encounter Hikari couldn't look at Kei the same way, and she was finally realizing what her true feelings for Kei were.
This book reminds me of the vampire diaries, when Elena and Stephan are hanging out and are alone in Stephan’s room where Knew they actually were in love with each other. Hikari being thick headed finally realized that but wasn't going to admit because if she did she would lose.
I give this book 5 stars because I like the part when Kei and Hikari go out on a field trip and are hanging out together.
This book reminds me of the vampire diaries, when Elena and Stephan are hanging out and are alone in Stephan’s room where Knew they actually were in love with each other. Hikari being thick headed finally realized that but wasn't going to admit because if she did she would lose.
I give this book 5 stars because I like the part when Kei and Hikari go out on a field trip and are hanging out together.
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.
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 14, 2008
I WAS GOING CRAZY!
December 24, 2025
Read/rated in grade school.
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!
November 14, 2013
Va algo monotono, pero me gusta
March 2, 2015
So Hikari realizes it now... haha. I love how she is so stubron and thick headed sometimes. Aoi is an interesting character. I hope we see more of him
March 15, 2015
Best anime ever
June 7, 2016
HIKARI DO YOUR BEST AND DON'T LEAVE SA~~ T_T
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews