It has come to my fourth time re-reading this fulfilling gender-bender. Hanazakari no Kimi-tachi e (or Hana Kimi for short) has a way of sticking to heart in places of love, anguish, and humour.

My first impression after reading the summary was to completely avoid this manga, not even wanting to start it. The premise of a girl foolishly dressing a boy just to chase the boy of her dreams, was a eye roll in the direction of "because every girl would do such a thing for love" and a sarcastic "how romantic". Yet, upon reading I found that was not the case. Whilst romance is a main genre, it is hardly a thought until Mizuki Ashiya starts to develop a friendship for Sano. In short, first impressions are only that: impressions.

Typical to many long running shoujo manga there is a main plot, of Mizuki Ashiya cross-dressing to get to into the same school as her idol, Izumi Sano, mixed in with chapters of comedy, heartbreak and just the general life of a cross-dresser living in the dorms of boys. At times the whole dynamic between Mizuki and Sano is dragged out at times but then it would be a short manga if not. Yet, I still found myself (and even now re-reading) wanting more and when I thought I was done, more was given and greed for this manga had me.

Whilst the fact Mizuki is cross-dressing and it being the main reason for plot is carried throughout the story, like her it's often more based on her own character rather than her own focus on gender. By her getting used to her new environment, it is not merely just avoiding the baths but avoiding her friends and importantly, herself. An issue I thought was tackled slowly but realistically.

Even during the mild chapters where nothing seemed to be jumping out plot-wise the many and diverse characters kept me hooked. With the main character of Mizuki being strong and a female I could relate in her attitudes towards friends and school. A twenty-five volumed manga is of course going to be hosting a variety of characters, and so it rings true. It is also that the quantity of characters matches the quality. It's clear that once new characters are brought in they are established in appearance, personality and interactions. Although at the beginning there are a few inconsistencies with the relationships of characters they are soon smoothed and given the edges that make each an individual. I found myself happy to see old characters that were once side characters appear once again in another subplot or to have the main characters get their development. However, it soon that you found yourself in developments of the supporting cast with a well panned out cast of characters. To be said with the characters is the ratio of male:female being small, but with the setting of Ohsaka Academy: school for boys there is hardly an explanation needed. That is to say the females are not lacking in their depth.

Of course, where would shoujo romance be without the love triangle? Certainly Hana Kimi is not free from the classic element. Although that in itself is confusing, well at least it is for Shuichi Nakatsu another make going through the rollercoaster of puberty and questioning himself. Whilst I won't sugarcoat the fact his 'homosexuality' is more than a few portrayed as a comedy gag of inner turmoil, it is still however slipped into the serious note. Similarly, there are many dashes of shounen-ai as with to do living in the all boys dorm. Maybe a little peak at the school nurse in the baths...

Light-hearted romance and hilarious comedy are recurring genres for Hana Kimi, however, that is not to say it does not tackle seriousness. Whilst parts are a little dramatic, Hana Kimi delivers on the ability to blur my vision from weakness. The ups and downs are to be taken with care.

Now my taste in art styles varies, yet what more could I ask for than the smooth shoujo artwork to the humorous chibis flailing around. It must be taken into account that Hana Kimi was first released way back in the 90s and so the art style in terms of shoujo is quite popular. Nothing I find is rather lacking or stands out in either beauty nor disgust. In fact it isn't a major concern. If anything this would be the only thing not boosting it to a full mark rating.

Avoid the obvious lengthy Autumn season that seems to run over five volumes as if to prolong the life style Mizuki and the rest of the boys are in, then the reality hits. The ending was hardly rushed yet for reaction timing it was abrupt in that sense. However the tying of loose ends was not needed to be done as I felt Hisayo Nakajo was fitting the final pieces way before the ending had become explicit.

It is the enjoyment of things combined that make this a true favourite, and to other lovers of shoujo, comedy or just a light read Hana Kimi is a must read.