What a good ending! Maki Minami has definitely put me in a good mood after reading this series. I wasn't really expecting how Maki Minami ended it. There is to much to give away for me to review the story.So, if you finished 16 or haven't read the series yet, You better read the series and the last book! I recommend it to anyone who likes shoujo manga or manga romance! Bye S.A! ): My main problem with this series is summed up by the song Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning).Stupid Hikari. She's one of the worst shojo ingenue protagonists I've ever read. You're in love with him, get over it, get on with it, you don't need to beat him at everything you do together. But as shojo protagonists go, outside of that she's confident, quirky, talented, independent and determined. Thank God. Akira is the same, even if she's a totally-not-lesbian tsundere. I wish we'd seen the dere more, because Tadashi does not deserve how he's treated. Even if he likes it.Very disappointed that the defining characteristic of this manga - KEI ALWAYS WINS - was never subverted. There must be something that he just can't do. It's ridiculous. But then I comfort myself with the knowledge that with all the near-losses it was probably just chance. And to be fair he's right when he says Hikari's achievement is greater because she has to work at it. He admires her and it's sweet and it makes a change from Perfect Handsome Rich Smartest Guy In School falling for the Dumb Cute Klutz and having to tutor her and all that cliche. Finally, of course, Hikari is better than the rest of the school anyway, so that's something. (Except Ryuu, apparently, but that doesn't matter.)The pairing up got a bit much at times, and Jun's own particular, hilarious problem was never really resolved. Even if his girlfriend likes it. But Megumi sang and people didn't die. And there was no housewife-with-kids epilogue which so often happen to strong-willed intelligent shojo heroines. (I'm looking at you, Kare Kano.)Though you are left doubting whether or not they will eventually manage to settle down, since it doesn't look like Hikari will ever manage to satisfy her drive to 'defeat' him.
What do You think about Special A, Vol. 17 (2008)?
Hanazono Hikari is an intelligent student that is ranked number two in an elite school where her rival Takashima Kei also attends school. At this elite school, there is a group of intelligent children that consist of the top seven students in the school which is called Special A. This whole series of manga is about how hard Hikari tries to beat Kei but always results in failure as number two. Poor Kei has romantic feelings for Hikari, but the smartest girl in the school fails to realize his feelings. However, as she begins to get closer to him and his friends and family, she begins to develop feelings that she herself is oblivious to. All her surroundings begin to see the shy and cheesy couple that don't admit their feelings to each other. However, in the end, they both realize each other's feelings and poor Hikari NEVER BECOMES FIRST!!!I HATED THE ENDING!!!! If they wanted to end the story, they should have AT LEAST let her won first in one thing!!!!!!
—Rachett
Sometimes the staples that the Romantic Manga have can be really grating. The wrap of all characters, or the fact that there really wasn't much resolved. She remains in second. For some reason all the characters must be paired for all to have a happy ending. I still enjoyed the series so I'll still give it three stars, but I would really like to see some of the authors step outside these endings. Still make them happy, but sometimes you can just end without the severe wrap up.
—Chiquis
WHAT THE? Its over??? She hasnt even answered yet!! ARRGGGGHHH. :|
—Lilith
This represents that I have read the entire series.
—nick
