S.A (Special A), Vol. 1 - Softcover

Maki Minami

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1421513757 ISBN 13: 9781421513751

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC, 2007

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Maki Minami is from Saitama prefecture in Japan. She debuted in 2001 with Kanata no Ao (Faraway Blue). Her other works include Kimi wa Girlfriend (You're My Girlfriend), Mainichi ga Takaramono (Every Day Is a Treasure) and Yuki Atataka (Warm Winter). Special A is her current series in Japan's Hana to Yume magazine.

From Publishers Weekly:

This competition manga reinforces traditional gender stereotypes under the guise of school comedy. Hikari has been obsessed with besting fellow student Kei ever since Kei beat her at wrestling when they were six, her first-ever defeat. They're both the best of the best at their exclusive school, but Hikari's eternally #2 to his #1. It's a familiar setup told through lots of closeups, carried by the artist's skill in capturing realistic expressions. The work's serial nature is evident in the reintroduction of the characters at the beginning of every chapter, but it's helpful to keep the various overachievers straight for the reader, although the supporting cast characterization is told, not shown. While the others have elite backgrounds and innate talents, Hikari continues to believe hard work is the only way to succeed, even when her determination loses to Kei's natural gift of a perfect memory. Hikari's defeats are supposedly mitigated by Kei's affection for her. Hikari must learn that no matter how hard she tries, a girl can't beat a boy. Kei's interest is held out as a kind of consolation prize, while the girl who goes after the guy she wants is a figure of ridicule, needing to be taught her place. (Nov)
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About this edition

• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1421513757
• ISBN 13: 9781421513751
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208
• Editor: Nancy Thistlethwaite
• Illustrator: Maki Minami