Ouran Koukou Host Club

Ouran High School Host Club was one of the most iconic shoujo series of the 2000s, with cosplayers at every anime convention and a massive online following. For those unfamiliar, it's a mostly light-hearted reverse harem comedy centered around Haruhi, a girl from a modest background attending a prestigious school for wealthy students on a scholarship. Due to an unfortunate accident and her casual attire leading others to mistake her for a boy, she ends up joining the school's "Host Club" to work off a debt, pretending to be male to entertain the (mostly) female patrons while dealing with the antics of other club members.

I was first introduced to this series when the US English releases were coming out and read the first six volumes around that time. Although I continued collecting, I fell behind in reading. Recently, I restarted and completed all 18 volumes. While there were genuinely amusing and touching moments with fun characters, it felt like a bit of a slog overall. I'm glad I read it, but I don't see myself revisiting it.

Let's break down the categories:

-----Story - 6 out of 10-----
The story was the biggest hurdle for me. The 18 volumes felt overly long for a light comedy series. It was more text-heavy than necessary, and many storylines felt somewhat empty. While there were interesting bits, I didn't feel invested until the romance took center stage in the last five volumes. Additionally, the artificial passage of time bothered me; characters remained in the same grade despite new school years starting. This inconsistency detracted from my immersion. Though they eventually moved to a new school year, it made the earlier parts seem worse. Why not do this sooner? Despite these issues, there were some genuinely funny and touching moments, though the series could have been half as long.

-----Art - 8 out of 10-----
There was little to complain about regarding the art. The character designs were distinctive and enjoyable to look at, with particularly interesting clothing designs. While there were occasional missteps and reused panels for flashbacks, the overall art quality was excellent for a shoujo series.

-----Characters - 8 out of 10-----
With seven core characters seen repeatedly over 18 volumes, they needed to be engaging. For the most part, they succeeded. The Host Club boys are presented as one-dimensional archetypes, which is intentional as parodies of different tropes. However, they also reveal layers as they interact with Haruhi and each other. Haruhi herself is a nice character, balancing typical shoujo heroine traits with chronic apathy, bluntness, and obliviousness. Most side characters were also interesting.

-----Enjoyment - 7 out of 10-----
While reading through the series felt more laborious than I would have liked, I generally enjoyed myself and don’t regret it. The series had amusing comedy bits, fun characters, and touching moments. However, its length and bloated nature impacted my enjoyment, barely scoring a 7. I won't re-read it, and I only have slight interest in watching the anime adaptation. If I didn't already own the DVD, I likely wouldn't bother. Depending on your tastes and reading style, you might enjoy it more than I did.

-----Overall - 7 out of 10 (Conclusion)-----
Overall, I can't give this series higher than a 7. It drags considerably for what is essentially a simple comedy series about reverse harem tropes and gender-bending antics. While it has a larger story under the surface, it doesn't get enough focus to keep you invested. Chapters often feel like long, episodic gag segments that are hit-and-miss, barely influencing the overall plot. The series' biggest failing is not fully committing to being either a silly gag comedy or a somewhat-serious romance story. However, if the comedy resonates with you, you might enjoy it. Faster readers may find the text-heavy nature less problematic. And if you connect with the characters and design, it could even become a favorite. If what I've said interests you, consider checking out the first two volumes. But if the issues I mentioned might bother you, I wouldn't consider it essential reading, even for shoujo manga fans.

So this is one of my all-time favorite mangas...

It was one of the first that really motivated me to keep reading regularly, and I got incredibly excited every time I heard a new chapter had been translated.

The overall story has a very typical shoujo reverse harem vibe. The protagonist, Haruhi, lost her mother some years ago and is struggling to fit into her new school, which is filled with elite rich kids. While looking for a quiet place to study, she stumbles upon the Ouran High School Host Club and ends up joining it. Naturally, almost everyone thinks she's a guy...

The artwork is quite adorable, and for fans of the anime, there are plenty of comedic moments that were left out. Additionally, the manga continues well beyond the ending of the anime.

In my opinion, this manga is hilarious, and the character development is substantial. However, the romance aspects do progress rather slowly, which might not be to everyone's taste...

I'm not a fan of this manga. I purchased the complete set because it was highly recommended to me, but ended up selling it right after finishing it.

So, what's the big deal? The characters weren't likable to me. They were spoiled boys lacking morals hanging around a mediocre and lackluster girl. The story seemed to lack the depth I enjoy in a good narrative. The characters needed more substance to make them seem like decent people.

Story - I’m being generous if I give it a 4/10. It was slow at times and didn’t feel very grounded. There wasn’t enough comedy to make up for its shortcomings.

Art - 5/10. I thought the art would grow on me...but it didn’t.

Character - 3/10. I really couldn’t find a single character I liked. Mori was probably my favorite character, and only because he didn’t talk much.

Enjoyment - 3/10. I kept waiting for the story to get better and was let down. I only finished it because I had bought the complete set. If I had bought it one book at a time, I would have dropped it.

Overall - 5/10. I know a lot of people love this series, but it just doesn’t do it for me.

Warning: This review may contain spoilers.

After watching the anime, I decided to read the manga to see how the story unfolds and what happens overall.

Story: 7/10

The story of Ouran High School Host Club centers around Haruhi, who receives a scholarship to the prestigious private school, Ouran High School, where only the elite attend. While searching for a quiet place to study, she stumbles upon the Host Club, a group of handsome male students who entertain the young ladies of the school. Accidentally breaking an expensive vase worth $80,000, Haruhi realizes she can't afford to pay for it. The Host Club offers her a deal: work for them until she pays off the debt. Initially, they mistake her for a boy, and when they discover she's actually a girl, they must keep her true identity hidden from the rest of the school so she can continue working for the club. Thus begins the wacky adventures of the Host Club.

The plot is fairly basic and episodic at first, continuing this way throughout most of the story. It focuses on the various escapades the Host Club gets involved in, including humorous situations with other students, organizing school events, and everyday slice-of-life activities. While this might sound simplistic, the series makes mundane school life entertaining. Given that this is primarily a comedy, even with some drama and reverse harem elements, the episodic structure works well. These episodes are used for humor, character development, and setting up more serious parts of the story, such as the love triangle and family issues involving Tamaki and Kyoya. The ending felt a bit anticlimactic but wraps everything up neatly.

One standout aspect is how the story subverts typical shojo clichés. Instead of following the usual formula, it takes a fresh approach, making it stand out from others in its genre. The comedy is genuinely funny, adding to its appeal.

Characters: 6/10

The main character, Haruhi, is quite interesting compared to most shojo protagonists. She has a tomboyish personality, stands firm in her beliefs, and isn’t submissive. The Host Club members start as stereotypical pretty-boy archetypes like the prince, glasses guy, and quiet guy. However, as the story progresses, they develop distinct personalities, becoming more than just cardboard cutouts. Their eccentricities add layers of humor and charm. The side characters are also quirky but not as exaggerated as the Host Club members.

Art: 7/10

The artwork is clean and visually appealing, with well-drawn backgrounds. The art style is typical of shojo manga and somewhat dated by today’s standards, but it adds life with elements like flowers and stars in the background. Character designs follow the standard shojo manga style.

Enjoyment: 7/10

I enjoyed this manga despite it being targeted at girls. The humor was consistently funny and never felt repetitive. This series got me into shojo manga, and I have fond memories of it. If you enjoy shojo, you’ll likely have a great time with this one.

Overall: 7/10

If you’re a fan of shojo, this is a must-read. You're going to have a good time. However, if you find the character designs or plot beats off-putting, it might not be your cup of tea.

It's hard to define what Ouran is, so it might be simpler to explain what it isn't. Ouran isn't serious; it doesn't aim to make sense or be realistic. It won't change your worldview and doesn't carry a deep, philosophical meaning. It's not designed to inspire readers to go out and achieve great things.

And that's precisely why it's great.

The cast descriptions are overused, but the series pokes fun at its own stereotypes. You have the prince, the glasses-wearing character, the twincest, the lolita, and the stoic type—something for everyone! The setting is wildly unrealistic, the activities are outrageous, and the behaviors are quirky and crazy. But the beauty of Ouran lies in this very absurdity. The entire story thrives on these characters and situations being completely ridiculous, hilarious, and yet somehow still strangely relatable to the reader.

I truly adore this manga. The story is exceptionally well-developed and unfolds naturally, with the characters evolving alongside it, supporting each other to become better individuals. The romance stands out as a special highlight, being incredibly heartwarming, healthy, and based on mutual admiration and respect, which is remarkable for its time. Everything, from Tamaki's family dynamics to Haruhi's character arc, receives a fantastic resolution. I can't recommend reading this enough for those who enjoyed the anime. Every single character is given substantial development and a strong conclusion, which is very satisfying.

Yes, this manga features one of the best couples of all time, and I absolutely love it.

If you loved the anime, you are likely to fall in love with the manga. It retains all the crazy antics of the host club, ensuring there's never a dull moment. However, it also adds a much deeper storyline. While it loses some of its comedic value, the more serious tone gives the characters significantly more depth. This is one manga that I can confidently say you need to read, even if you've watched the anime, because there is so much more to the stories that were only hinted at on TV.

Several characters undergo drastic changes in the manga due to its increasingly serious nature. Haruhi, who remains the down-to-earth girl in both the anime and manga, shows more emotional complexity in the manga. She makes significant leaps in her personality, making me fall in love with her character even more. Her emotions add layers to her character, contrasting with the rather bland portrayal in the anime. At times, she reveals her girly side, thinking about romance or looking cute. Occasionally, she acts similarly to Tamaki, displaying moments of naivety, but her intentions are always good.

The twins are next on my list to discuss, but I must be careful not to spoil too much! Their transformations are so dramatic that you wouldn't believe how different they become from start to finish. You'll have to read it for yourself to avoid spoilers and fully understand their journey.

Tamaki also undergoes significant changes, growing up in ways that make me love him even more. Unfortunately, I can't delve into specifics without spoiling key plot points, but trust me when I say his growth is remarkable. Seriously, read the manga!

In fact, the characters who don't change as drastically are Honey, Mori, and Kyouya. Honey and Mori act more like pillars of support for the others in their time of need. Sadly, Kyouya feels somewhat left out, showing limited growth compared to the others. Although he does develop somewhat, it’s not enough to break free from his static role. In contrast, Tamaki and the twins experience rapid and significant changes. I wished for more development for Kyouya, but it didn't quite happen.

The story was so emotionally deep at times that I had difficulty holding back tears, and I actually cried in the middle. It covers almost all aspects of family drama, including sibling conflicts, family issues, social status, and relationships. While these themes are sometimes exaggerated due to the wealthy setting, they still resonate with real-life experiences. The author did an excellent job balancing detail and simplicity, avoiding overwhelming the reader. Near the end, special chapters show what happens after the main story concludes, answering lingering questions and providing additional fun as the characters grow up. I appreciate when stories offer this kind of closure, allowing us to see beloved characters evolve further. I hope Hatori-san considers writing a sequel or a side-story about their college years, though I'm not sure if she will.

The artwork is typical of a Shojo manga, featuring beautiful men, hearts, flowers, and intricate clothing designs. There are occasional comedic exaggerations, but overall, it's a well-crafted manga with art quality improving as the volumes progress. As the story becomes more intense, the artwork effectively conveys that depth, enhancing the overall reading experience.

A complete, interesting, and realistic romance? I didn't know those existed until now! Honestly, this manga exceeded my expectations in every way possible.

Let's start with the art. Firstly, it's way better than the anime's. I'm not sure if it's because I'm seeing it in black-and-white or if the art style is fundamentally different, but I liked the manga's style much more. Secondly, the details were amazing. The ability to replicate the extravagant lifestyle these characters live in drawings is truly impressive.

The characters are another strong point. This story's characters have some of the most distinct personalities I've seen in manga or anime in a long time. All of them got a chance at development, and each was complex in their own unique ways.

However, the story is what really highlights all the great aspects of this manga. I could go on about it forever, but I'll focus on two standout points. First, Tamaki, one of the main characters: if you're even slightly interested in this manga, read it just to experience his development and growth. The story supports his character so well that reading it outside of the romance becomes equally engaging. In fact, this might be the only romance manga (and probably anime) I've encountered where I never thought, "Okay, the story is cool, but I'm here for the romance." I was completely engrossed, which is high praise indeed.

Speaking of romance, that's the second point where this manga excelled. It didn't include any unnecessary elements, which I appreciated. Depending on personal taste, if you prefer angsty romances, this might seem a bit tame. However, for me, the realism was perfect—it wasn't too much or too little, but felt natural. Additionally, I liked how the romance sometimes took a backseat to develop other story points or characters when needed. The romance felt integral to the story, as if it belonged there naturally, intertwined with the events and character developments.

This manga will likely stay on my favorites list for a long time. I'm thrilled to have found something I wasn't solely depending on for romantic aspects. Instead, I discovered a great story, compelling characters, and meaningful relationships. It feels like this manga will be a source of comfort from now on, almost like these characters are family. So, yeah, I have the highest praise for this manga, and I hope you take the chance to read it someday. I'm really glad I did.

The Ouran anime is worth watching mainly because it sets the stage for the manga, which is hands down one of the best series I've ever seen. The entire layout is perfect, offering a balanced mix of drama and comedy relief. It's truly fantastic.

The story gets a 9 out of 10. With so many main characters introduced simultaneously, it takes some time to get into the story. There are several filler chapters that lay the groundwork for future developments. These introductory chapters provide insights into every character—what they say, how they act, and their relationships with each other. By chapter 40, you know the characters well enough not to get confused by names and may even have your favorites. Complex stories begin to unfold, and while some characters try to solve their problems, others prefer to ignore them. Each character is unique and relies on the others for support. The story will likely make you cry around these chapters—the twins' fight, the trip to France, the ski trip, when Haruhi gets sick, and when foreign exchange students arrive. It becomes an emotional roller coaster, ideal for any narrative. Don't let the shoujo category deter you; this isn't your typical romantic comedy. It's much more than just "girl meets boy, girl loves boy, boy has a dark past, girl fixes everything, the end." You'll regret missing out on this gem.

The artwork is outstanding. Some illustrations are so cute they make you giggle, while others are so touching they bring tears to your eyes. This manga excels in clarity—you can always tell who's talking, and you're never left wondering what just happened. The use of space is exceptional, and I've never been less confused after reading a manga.

Ouran features seven main characters, all with incredible development. They are lovable from the start, and no matter what kind of character you prefer, you'll find them here. Do you like the strong silent type? There's Mori. The cute, childlike type? Hunny. The dangerous type? Kyouya. The excessively silly/stupid character? Tamaki. The pranksters? Hikaru and Kaoru. Characters with dark pasts? All seven fit this description. Bad attitudes? Look at the twins again. Delightfully dense characters? All except Hunny and Mori. And if you're still missing something, there's always the supporting cast—the host club's families, obsessive Renge, slightly mean Mei, the Lobelia group, Casanova, the class rep—there's someone for everyone! Haruhi, the heroine, stands out with her original "what the f*ck" attitude. She doesn't care, making her adorable. All characters maintain their charm while developing into better people, making them wonderful.

Certain chapters will have you laughing out loud, others will make you cry, and all will leave you craving more. There is no manga quite like this one. The comedy, romance, drama, development, twists, art, plot, beauty, simplicity, clarity—everything about it will have you wanting more Ouran High School Host Club. This is the only manga I've ever stalked, constantly checking MangaFox for updates, forums for cool topics, LiveJournal for icons, deviantART for fanart, and YouTube for MMVs.

You can't go wrong with this manga. Read it, read it, read it. It will have you contemplating important life issues such as:

How much are you willing to give to a brother? To a friend? To a lover?

What sacrifices are worth making?

And of course...

Can anything really last forever?