Hime-chan no Ribbon

This is like only my second review to write but I will try my best.

Story

I feel this is an original story line. The reason why is that, you have your classical magic school girl story line trying to save the world, however Hime-chan mostly uses her power to transform and help herself or others. No saving the world needed.
This is an older manga, so it isn't well none, but should be because of the originality.

Art

Because it is an older manga, the art isn't top notch, but those who like older art styles or read more older manga, shouldn't be bothered with it. I think the art is adorable and well fitting.

Character

I actually found I liked almost all of the characters. Usually I tend to like some better than others or hate some more, but this one I like every character. All the characters bode well together and they all help each other in different ways.

Enjoyment

Overall I really enjoyed this read. There where some times where I was bored stiff but that would be because I watched the anime first then the manga, and they both are very similar and stray to far from the story line. I feel many should enjoy the story and the characters, well everything.

Overall

This is something for every Shoujo fan to read, because it is a well written shoujo story. Even if you don't like Shoujo stories you should like this one.

I hope this helps. XDD

Just finished it, and it was a satisfying read. I wouldn't say anything is spectacular in any sense, but definitely easy to read and enjoyable.

+ easy to read, light hearted
+ little drama
+ doesn't take itself too seriously
+ no annoying melodrama
+ likeable characters
- older art
- unrealistic situations solved easily/by magic
- no heart pounding moments
- slightly childish

As an old shoujo series, it's expected that it feels a lot different from the usual drama-filled hot guys love triangles etc that we get a lot of nowadays. That's really refreshing and a definite plus.

It's just about a girl who gets magic powers and goes about her life and being happy with her now-talking stuffed doll. As the other review mentions, there's no saving the world or any fighting like that which might get boring after a while. Hime uses her powers for her own sake or for people around her, of her own will. The good thing is that the reasons don't feel forced (e.g. I have to save the world!!), but the bad thing is that her reasons and way of solving things are often not so realistic and get them into more mischief. In the end, everything solves itself one way or another (often magic) and there is no real risk in this manga, which can either be a plus or minus. Makes for a lighthearted read, but no real drama.

It's simple, and one might say the story is overly simple with not much of an overarching plot, but that's fine and one of the reasons I like the manga. I can flip through the pages with ease and go awww at her silly antics.

The character dynamics between the main couple is also quite refreshing. There're no "dokidoki" moments and little real relationship drama. Even the "rivals" aren't really properly rivals. Remember that these are middle school kids, so overly complicated love stories don't really work their way in here. Instead, we get two people who happen to get into situations with each other and end up saving/relying on each other along the way. It works very naturally and the relationship progresses really easily as they slowly bond over the course of the series, without the need for the usual love drama other manga put in to drive the story forward.

Personally I liked how the coupling worked, and loved the natural aspect of it. However, note that this also means there is not much of a huge payoff and exciting resolution to the relationship due to the way it works, other than some "d'aww" moments here and there. Adjust your expectations if you would like to try the manga, and make sure you know what you're in for.

Conclusion: this is good for an cute lighthearted read with little real drama, as long as you are able to swallow the random magic aspects of it. If you are looking for something that focuses on romance or is firmly rooted in reality or has a compelling plot, this probably isn't for you.