Hana Yori Dango

[mangameditation]

I am still quite puzzled as to why Hana Yori Dango is so immensely popular. Regarded as a "classic" in shoujo manga, I've seen the overwhelmingly positive response to this series all over the internet and I am struck by the lack of a dissident voice.

So why is there no dissident voice? Is it because there is no one who dislikes this manga? I find that hard to believe. Considering the amount of controversial material covered in this manga, such as attempted rape, traumatizing bullying, and intense psychological, physical and emotional damage. I have read this series, and I found it rather disturbing, as people are pushed to physical and emotional extremes, and horrible events are glossed over and forgotten like yesterday's lunch.

For lovers of Hana Yori Dango, why do you love it?

For those who are less than complimentary, what doesn't appeal to you about this manga?

[yezhanquan]

Well, I haven't read this series. But, from what I gathered, everything that was presented is possible. Don't forget that the F4 boys are THE boys in school. It's like the A classes in Ouran. Many characters acknowledged this, and for those at the receiving end, they just swallow whatever is thrown at them and move on.

In short, they never say die. Screw the "Screw the rules, I have money" trope.

[blue skies]

Originally Posted by mangameditation

So why is there no dissident voice? Is it because there is no one who dislikes this manga? I find that hard to believe. Considering the amount of controversial material covered in this manga, such as attempted rape, traumatizing bullying, and intense psychological, physical and emotional damage. I have read this series, and I found it rather disturbing, as people are pushed to physical and emotional extremes, and horrible events are glossed over and forgotten like yesterday's lunch.

HYD is one of the first shoujo series I read, but it's not really one that stuck with me. Like you said, a lot of people love it to bits (although I've seen some people who hate it like burning), but I had mixed feelings about it. It's a very dramatic manga, but as far as soap opera-ish shoujo goes, there's stuff out there that's much better imho (Bokura Ga Ita, NANA, Sand Chronicles, etc...).

For one thing, HYD is way too long (37 volumes wat). But, in short, I didn't particularly like it for the reasons you already mentioned. Domyouji is a total jackass, as are all the F4 boys, and no one will ever convince me otherwise. I just freaking hated all of those dudes. Like yezhanquan up there said, they're kind of like the Ouran guys, except not even remotely likeable. I also started out liking Makino, but as the story went on, I just lost all interest and stopped caring. It's like, "lol k, what kind of abuse is she going to take in this chapter?" Normally, I don't have a problem with "controversial" material in manga, but the constant attempted rape, assault, and/or mind-screwing got old fast. It's like you just sort of expected it with every chapter. Makino puts up with crap on top of more crap.

It's too bad, because I started out liking it and really thought it would be a great read. But in the end, I just found it a pretty forgettable manga. But Kamio kind of made up for it with Cat Street, which is about 1000 times better than Hana Yori Dango.