A little embarrassed to say, I've only finished reading this about a day ago. Because of it's popularity, I've come across this manga several times years ago, but never bothered to read it due the given plot synopsis putting me off. I was like, "'F4'?? You gotta be kidding me".
However, years later, with all the hype going on with the drama being aired on our local channel, I had to give it a try.
And boy, am I glad I did.
This is officially one of my faves. I won't even talk about the art, as i'm sure it's already been mentioned in past posts (surprisingly, I didn't have such a big problem with it) ---in fact, the art made it much funnier to read.
This is one intensely emotional manga. Whenever I read this, I was either laughing, smiling at myself, or even crying (or on the verge of -).
Hana Yori Dango is a very typical shoujo, with it's cliché plot and scenes, but it's the detail within and in the characters and how they respond to the situation that makes it truly a great read. It is, without a doubt, the characters and their development throughout that give this manga it's charm. Never before have I cheered on both sides of a love triangle (sort of) as both Doumyouji and Rui are two very alluring male characters. Rui is the emo-loner-man who we see open up and show us the ever-caring and understanding person he is, while Doumyouji is the spoiled, violent brat who undeniably changes from boy to man as we see him become one of the most loving and determined men I have ever read. The heroine, Makino, is very appealing, herself. Unlike most shoujo heroines, her strength and independence despite her situation and confusion is truly admirable. I could go on about each character, but I'm sure that would eventually bore you.
It's true, this manga is very long, but once you find yourself enjoying it, 241 chapters fly by, and before you know it, you'll be on the last chapter hoping it doesn't end.
The one thing I loved most about this manga was the comedy. It definitely balanced out the drama, and I even enjoyed how it sometimes ruined the romantic moods.
Hana Yori Dango, overall, is an enjoyable read for those who are patient enough to read through it's flaws. Now I see why it is so popular.
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