Okay, let's talk Ouran Highschool Host Club. Specifically, the English manga set. I'm about to say something that might make some anime fans clutch their pearls.
Is the Ouran Manga Overrated? (Gasp!)
Don't get me wrong. I adore the anime. Tamaki's dramatic pronouncements? Iconic. Haruhi's deadpan reactions? Priceless.
But... the manga set? It's good. Just… not *as* good as everyone says, maybe?
The Art Style: A Little… Much?
Okay, hear me out. Bisco Hatori's art is definitely unique. Sometimes, though, the sparkly shoujo aesthetic feels like it’s cranked up to eleven.
Like, I get it. They're beautiful. But so. Many. Flowers. And stars. And perfectly coiffed hair. It can be a bit overwhelming!
Does anyone else feel like they need sunglasses when they open a volume? Just me?
Humor That Doesn't *Always* Land
The humor in Ouran is a big part of its appeal. The anime nails it. The timing, the voice acting – chef's kiss!
However, some of the jokes in the manga fall a little flat. Maybe it's a translation thing? Or maybe the visual comedy is just better suited for animation.
Sometimes I read a panel and think, "Wait, was that supposed to be funny?"
The Pacing Can Be… Weird
The story's great, no argument there. But the manga's pacing? It occasionally feels rushed.
Important plot points sometimes zoom by. Then, we're suddenly diving deep into a minor character's backstory. Talk about whiplash!
Did anyone else think Renge Houshakuji's introduction was a bit much in the manga? It's much more smoother in the anime.
Character Development: Hit or Miss
Some characters get amazing development. Haruhi, obviously. And Tamaki, in his own dramatic way.
But others? They kind of… stay the same. Even by the end, some characters feel like caricatures rather than fully fleshed-out people.
Like, did we ever *really* get to know the Hitachiin twins besides their mischievous antics? Discuss!
Okay, It’s Still Good. Just… Not Perfect!
Look, I'm not saying the Ouran Highschool Host Club manga is bad. It's a classic for a reason. It’s got charm, heart, and plenty of pretty boys.
It's just that sometimes, the hype is a little too much. It's not the *perfect* manga everyone claims it to be.
Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I just prefer the anime. Either way, it's my unpopular opinion, and I'm sticking to it!
"I believe even the most unfortunate person in the world can find a reason to smile, if they try hard enough." -Tamaki Suoh
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go rewatch the anime. Preferably with some rose petals and dramatic music.
