(L) Hourou Musuko

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by Simon

The MAL manga recommendations might be of interest (disclaimer: except for Aoi Hana I haven't read any of the works listed there).

I've read and seen Paradise Kiss, and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Hourou Musuko.

[niwasatou]

Originally Posted by Shiroth

Since when did Anna get a new boyfriend?

I know, right?
Anna and Shuu were so adorable together.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by niwasatou

I know, right?
Anna and Shuu were so adorable together.

I still have my hopes up that we'll see the two together again. It was easily my favourite part of the manga, and it's a couple that could easily happen again with some work.

[Diedrupo]

I really liked the Anna and Shu coupling as well, however, I highly doubt it could work out. I honestly don't know what direction the author is taking Shu. Are we going to see Shu transition properly? And if so, will she be dating men or women? Could she even hook up with Doi? There's a lot of unknowns at this point.

[John Smith]

Originally Posted by frubam

Spoiler for chp 93:

NOOOOOO!!! Saorin, don't fall for the boy who is so insignificant right now, that I don't even know his name! Really, it was nice to see Saorin getting the affection she always deserved, but I barely remember that guy(his name escapes me). Damn, the further the story goes on, the farther my dream of SaorinxShuu, if only for a moment, flies away . And I got my hopes up with Shuu telling Saorin how he wanted to wear her dress and seeing her in the dream sequence(as opposed to anyone else).

Spoiler:

We'll see what this brings for Chiba. She does share a bond with Shuu that others don't due to their mutual interests but I'm not sure anything but close friends is in order. Fumiya is the character I dislike the most so I don't want them to end up together but I do think she deserves a relationship should she want one.

A bit of projection on my part but I relate with Shuu and Chiba so I don't want them to end up with some characters.

Spoiler:

The chapter itself was another wonderful chapter. I didn't even know Anna had another boyfriend, so that confused me a little when Maika mentioned it, because for a moment, I thought she was talking about Shuu. I wonder if they'll even show the events of Seya's meeting. I don't think it'll be meaningful so it might be skipped.

Spoiler:

Seems like I'm the only one who believes they got back together. Maybe I'm just being delusional we'll see.

I feel the same way. With his head held high in confidence in the fashion show, not to mention his resoluteness in wanting to dress like a girl, it does seem like that could be all, but like you said, there are still some things left undone; like Yoshino's confidence for example. Also, there has to be people who are willing to accept them as lovers with that hobby in mind, which may not necessarily be them(Yoshino/Shuu) accepting each other. Shuu not only has the confidence to wear women's clothing, but also friends that accept it, the resolution to accept others' disdain for it, and potential romantic interests(Yoshino/Saorin/Anna) that all fully accept it as well. Yoshino on the other hand... well.... she still has some work to do.

That's what I was thinking of too. Takatsuki has had some character development but who knows where she is headed at this rate.

Spoiler for 93:

I don't really think Saorin has mellowed. To me, she's always acted the same. It's just that there haven't been any recent events to really cause her to be irritated. Most of the time(as shown in the first anime episode of HM) it was Shuu related. However, now that Shuu has been more in-tune with himself, perhaps she feels less of a need to 'protect' him, and subsequently it lead to a decrease of her aggressive actions. In a sense, you might even be able to say she's started 'protecting' Yoshino now by being with her. I still find it amazing that they have been the best of friends when at one point they hated each other so much they couldn't stand to be in each other's presence .

We'll have to agree to disagree on this point. I find she is a lot better at dealing with her emotions than before. I do think if she was given a good reason to she might fly off the handle but overall she isn't as confrontational anymore.

Heh, I feel you one the AnnaXShuu thing =03. As I said many a-time before, I have been in the SaorinxShuu camp since the beginning, so you can imagine how hard it has been for me to be one, up until this point . Fortunately, at the moment, it doesn't seem like Shuu has any strong romantic feelings toward anyone in particular. It was clearly Yoshino(and mildly Saorin) at first, but that was 3 years ago. Since then, their feelings have leveled into a normal friendship, not too much deeper than with other children that directly share his hobby. From what I remember, Yoshino hasn't shown any affection to him at all in this regard either, though we see how she acts with someone she DOES like, namely that teacher Kameda. This pretty much leaves Shuu the possibility to end up with anyone, depending on how the author wants to write it. This is especially so after the rather whimsical way he ended up with Anna in the first place:

Shuu: Hey, maybe we should date.
Anna: Hmm, well, I think you're cute, so I guess it's okay.

Don't get me wrong, I know there was much more to it, but the main point is that it didn't take much to make it official, so it could just as well happen with anyone, even some new character that has yet to be introduced.

Slight fix. Shuu asked Anna out.

This is true. Speculation: Shuu go out with A or B, or perhaps even C. Result: Shuu goes out with D.

But they're cute together and suit each other.

Has it been 3 years? That first year was kinda iffy and I don't think they truly accepted each other as an real couple until the middle of the 2nd year.

Well, they didn't have the best start to their relationship either and the "middle" was pretty rocky. It's pretty amazing that they're still together and I suppose that is partially why Maho just introduced Seya to the family. She feels more secure about her relationship and more confidant in herself.


Spoiler tags are a pain to work with. Maybe I'll just drop them from now on it's not like anyone who posts here isn't up to date with the latest chapter.

[niwasatou]

Spoilers for chapter 94: http://d.hatena.ne.jp/showga/20110212/p2

Spoiler for 94:

New Years and Valentine's. Next up is exam time.

Chiba gave Takatsuki chocolate, that's interesting. Even more interesting is that Shuu really seems to be the 'boyfriend' that was mentioned last chapter! YES, ShuuxAnna is back.

[John Smith]

Spoiler for Chapter 94:

Shuu is too honest. He's lucky Anna isn't the jealous type. She wasn't happy about it though.

Does a ring on right ring finger mean the same thing in Japan? (Engagement ring.)

I guess focus shifts to Takatsuki now. There aren't that many questions left to answer about Shuu's life.

[Shiroth]

Originally Posted by John Smith

Spoiler for Chapter 94:

Shuu is too honest. He's lucky Anna isn't the jealous type. She wasn't happy about it though.

Spoiler for Chapter 94:

I hope there's more to the two then just that. Oh boy i hope so. Just leaving us hanging after that scene is so cruel.

[Nemuru]

Spoiler for chapter 94:

I'm quite sad there wasn't a follow up on Saori Chiba development.......... as for the rest of Chapter 94 somewhat a relaxing development as for Shuu and Anna exchanging gifts looks rather ambiguous to me. From new years to Valentine ’s Day that sure is quite a skip.

[John Smith]

Originally Posted by Shiroth

Spoiler for Chapter 94:

I hope there's more to the two then just that. Oh boy i hope so. Just leaving us hanging after that scene is so cruel.

Spoiler for Chapter 94:

I think (s)he recovered with the "I'm glad I fell in love with you". As far as I can tell (ambiguous drawings ftl) the ring (s)he put away was Takatsuki's (different box?) and is happily wearing Anna's, which should be the end of that. I also think it's pretty telling that the first thing we see them do together is romantic stuff, which contrasts with the more sibling like relationship they had before. Does anyone remember when Takatsuki gave the ring maybe we'll be able to confirm if the one Shuu put on was different (doubt it though).

If there's no drama to go along with their relationship Shimura has pretty much closed up all the loose ends in the Nitori storyline. Even Maho's end has been wrapped up.

Anyone think Mako might take his place as a major character? His issues just seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

[frubam]

Spoiler for ch 94:

After just watching the anime yesterday, I just 'wth' at Saorin and Yoshino talking. Also the rings in the manga coinciding with the keychains in the anime. Yeah, I think of some stupid things (>.>).

Originally Posted by John Smith

Spoiler for Chapter 94:

I guess focus shifts to Takatsuki now. There aren't that many questions left to answer about Shuu's life.

If there's no drama to go along with their relationship Shimura has pretty much closed up all the loose ends in the Nitori storyline. Even Maho's end has been wrapped up.

Anyone think Mako might take his place as a major character? His issues just seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

Spoiler for ch 94:

I thought that as well about Shuu. I know I explained it already, but when I saw him talking with Anna ("I was always going to make this for you because I know how much you like it" <-- that's the words of a lover =03), I had no doubt in my mind that he was done. I don't have anything against Anna, and I like her character, even though she not in the story as much as some of the others. Anything could still happen, given enough time, but for now, Shuu is set. I'm kinda sad nothing ever happened romantically with Shuu and Saorin though. I was hoping for at least some level of couple interaction btw the two, even if it was only for a brief moment. I suppose she did play a prominent role in Shuu's life in the beg of the story, but dammit, I wanted more (T.T). As long as he doesn't end up with Yoshino. I never really liked that girl.

I think Makoto and Yoshino taking center stage would be a nice way to continue the story. Well, Makoto at least (>.>). I dunno if it'd be better than focusing on how 'manly' Shuu has become. Actually, they can switch roles; Shuu can be the strong, supportive character and Mako the unsure, unconfident character.

[darry]

wat ! i want more of my shuu !

[John Smith]

Spoiler for 95:

Short chapter. Transition chapter.

If I've gotten this right (assuming everyone passes and Mako doesn't get into his first choice):

Chizuru, Sasa and Momo are going to one school. Can't see this group getting much attention.

Takatsuki, Chiba and Shuu are going to another. Boy-who-likes-Chiba (I think I'll finally learn his name after this) goes to this one. Seems like the focus will shift back onto the main trio.

Mako, Doi and Oka are going to yet another. Mako did seem poised to take on a bigger role but with this supporting cast I doubt it.

More focused storytelling is probably a good thing. I found this chapter a little too crowded.

Someone thinks umbrellas and snow go together. They would be wrong.

On the other hand, the 1st volume has been delayed yet again. Hopefully for the last time.

[frubam]

Originally Posted by Mr. Smith

Spoiler for 95:

Short chapter. Transition chapter.

More focused storytelling is probably a good thing. I found this chapter a little too crowded.

Someone thinks umbrellas and snow go together. They would be wrong.

I agree that concentrating on the "three" main characters would be more interesting from a certain perspective, but there's no guarantee that they will only focus on them, though it can't be mere coincidence that Shuu is going to the same school as Yoshino and Saorin. There's also the chance(practically a given) that new characters will be introduced to replace the ones not there(I sure am going to miss Sarashina ). The side characters with their varying personalities have different viewpoints, assessments, and give more dimensions to the main chars. I think they are important to have around and occasionally focus on them, since their mindset can change which may or may not impact the mains.


I think bringing an umbrella for the snow is sensible. You can still get a bit wet depending on what you're wearing and the magnitude of snow coming down. And it looks cool too =03.

[Shiroth]

More Shu x Anna shipping!

[MeoTwister5]

Having the gang split up into 3 schools doesn't mean they'll never see each other again. They all live in the same general area and can always get together whenever they want.

Of course given that the main three are going to the same school, I do hope that the other 5 don't get dropped from the face of the earth, or the rare appearance. These three may be the main characters, but the bigger picture had always been this group of friends, and having even one missing would be a big shame.

[John Smith]

Went back and reread a few chapters and apparently boy-who-likes-Chiba goes to an all boys school (ch.88). Now I'm confused. It looked like Shuu was in the same building as Chiba and Takatsuki but maybe that's not the case. Or maybe the author or translator slipped up somewhere. Or maybe that isn't boy-who-likes-Chiba (it sure looks like him though).

[Reckoner]

Finished the anime then instatntly read the manga today and finished all the chapters.

I am definitely a big fan of Shuu x Anna couple. It's so unbelievably pure and cute .

I too also don't wish for the friends to all split up or fall from the face of the earth. Too many new characters wouldn't make me feel good either considering the characters we all know and love already get so little time.

[tezu]

Well, it's surely going to be a change for all of them, without cheery Chi-chan, Sasa-chan and Mako-chan things might get rather quiet. Getting seperated, growing distant is part of RL, so I'm curious how the author will handle the group. I hope they'll continue to hang out together

So is it certain yet that Takatsuki and Chiba are going to the same school? I somehow missed that part. All I know is that in ch87 Chiba asked Takatsuki if she'd go to the same school if she told her about the school she herself wanted to go to and in ch95 Takatsuki says "I'm sure you would have breezed through it, Chiba-san" (that "would" makes it sound like she didn't do the exam) and Chiba says "I wonder if I'll be coming here". So are they actually referring to the same place?

I can't help but to feel attached to ChibaxTakatsuki and AnnaxShuu

[achirist]

It feels kind of sad to me that Mako is making this decision about schools without confessing his feelings to Shuu and patching up their friendship, and/or confessing who he really is to Okal and seeing how that goes. But, he surely does have a story to come. It really is sweet to See Anna and Shuu as something more like a real couple now; it also looks like ChibaxFumiya might have al chance. I think Shuu has become cuter as he's grown.