Story:
The story was quite original and held my attention with its realism. It felt like most events could happen in real life, making it engaging. The plot was intriguing and mostly unpredictable, though some parts were a bit cliché.
Art:
I adore Arina Tanemura's art style. Her illustrations are incredibly detailed, especially the realistic folds in the clothing and her unique eye designs. The outfits are also very aesthetically pleasing!
Character:
The characters were fascinating. Although it was a bit strange with Maora playing as a girl, their distinct personalities made them interesting. Many of the characters seemed to have split personalities, adding depth to their development.
Enjoyment:
Shinshi Doumei Cross is highly enjoyable. Each chapter ended on a cliffhanger, making you eager to read more. Despite occasional subpar art, it never discouraged me from continuing. The storyline is captivating and keeps you hooked.
Overall:
Overall, I found it to be quite good. The ending was somewhat strange and typical of Arina Tanemura, slightly predictable but still left you wanting more. You're left curious about what happens after the story concludes.
I think this is Arina Tanemura's best work so far!
I didn't expect this manga to be as dramatically dark as it turned out to be. It still had its light, sweet, and funny moments, but beneath all that, the characters carried deep pain. Enough pain to move you... and then make you laugh seconds later, leaving you feeling a bit bipolar.
When Haine Kamiya was in the fourth grade, she was sold to the Otomiya family for 50 million yen. Believing her father must have hated her, she turned into a delinquent, a way for a confused and misunderstood child to vent her frustrations. Amidst her sadness, she meets someone who becomes a beacon of light in her dark world—Shizumasa Touguu. From that day on, she resolved to follow him, not in a stalker-like manner, but by changing her life to stand beside him. When she finally enrolls in the same prestigious private school as him, she discovers he is known as the "Emperor" and is cold and distant. Does he even remember the girl he once helped?
Initially, I thought it would be like any other manga with predictable plot points and character actions that might frustrate me. However, while there were some predictable elements, they were illustrated in a pleasant way, with changes introduced at just the right moments so you barely notice and simply go with the flow.
What I found most appealing about this manga was the pain and loneliness portrayed through the characters. Each character had their own unique circumstances that made them bitter or unhappy, and they each expressed and dealt with these feelings in their own ways—sometimes destructively, sometimes learning from their experiences, though often too late to avoid chaos.
The story is full of mysteries and secrets. To elaborate further on the summary would risk spoiling it, as adding more details without proper explanation could confuse readers. So, I'll refrain from doing so.
This manga wasn't perfect either. There were too many main characters who looked alike, which can be frustrating. Some parts felt rushed, while others dragged on. The constant uncertainty about certain aspects could get on your nerves if not handled well. Additionally, the handling of someone's sexuality felt superficial and unrealistic, glossing over the complexities and societal challenges that often accompany such issues.
There are too many characters to name, and initially, they look quite similar. Some characters serve mainly to provide comic relief in an otherwise gloomy atmosphere, while others are complex and quirky. Haine started off as fairly average but revealed a lot more personality as the story progressed. She is strong-willed, and it surprised me to find such profound sadness hidden beneath her cheerful exterior. What amazed me most was how someone who always made others laugh was actually so sad inside and never allowed herself to be truly happy.
The main cast itself was solid. Haine's friends and love interest are not only interesting but also surprising. Their perspectives and feelings will take you by surprise. The plot development took me by surprise, especially concerning her friends and family. It's rare for parents to get significant attention in manga, making this aspect particularly intriguing.
The art is beautiful. From the detailed clothing to the intricate hairstyles and poses, Tanemura does an excellent job giving the characters a regal feel. Despite some characters looking alike, as mentioned earlier, the art is clean and visually pleasing.
Personally, I'd love to see an anime adaptation of this manga, to experience it in vibrant color all the time. The ending was somewhat disappointing, particularly regarding one of the main characters' fates. Or maybe it’s just lingering nostalgia from the series ending, as finding another enjoyable manga feels like searching for a missing shoe when you're in a hurry—not impossible, but it takes time. More anime that we can emotionally connect with, even if just a little, would be welcome.
"I named her 'Haine.' Because my love with you has been reduced to ashes..."
At first, I thought this would be just another typical romance manga. Nothing spectacular or original—just the usual story of a girl meeting a boy, falling in love as kids, growing up, and meeting again with drama ensuing. That was my initial impression when I started reading, but then things got really interesting.
The central focus is on a love triangle involving our main heroine, Haine, and two other characters (I don't want to spoil too much!). While Haine has all the typical traits of a shoujo heroine, she's not just a sunny character on the inside—she's quite damaged, which makes her feel more real.
There are plenty of other characters who also get their moments to shine, and you delve deeper into each of their stories. This is great because it makes you care for all of the characters. The manga touches on themes like acceptance, loneliness, selfishness, freedom, self-loathing, fear, and sacrifice. The chapters often end with cliffhangers and plot twists, leaving you wanting more—and possibly keeping you up late at night! (But that's a good thing!)
The romance in the manga is sweet, pure, and innocent. Usually, I'm used to some steamier content in the manga I read, but this kind of romance is refreshing too!
The artwork is beautiful, though there were times when it was hard to tell the characters apart, which is why I gave the art a 9.
Overall, each character is searching for their own identity, with Haine serving as a guiding light while also seeking her own. It's a touching story with an ultimate happy ending.
EDIT - 12.29.08
After revisiting the manga, I can clearly say that I was mistaken. Don't get me wrong, I still love it, but my initial reaction was an overstatement.
The story is indeed unique, yet when I reread the first few volumes, I found myself getting bored. Only the arc in volumes 7-9, featuring Kazuhito, stood out as truly awesome—though perhaps that's because he's my favorite character in the series. The earlier volumes focused heavily on school life and were... well, boring.
The artwork was as impressive as I remembered, but just like my first read, I couldn't tolerate Haine. She came across as so foolish that I wanted to hit her. Ushio, a minor character, showed significant development throughout the manga, but Haine remained static. Why does Arina Tanemura always make her main female characters so irritating?
Overall, the manga was worth reading, but it certainly isn't the masterpiece I initially thought it was.
Story: I first discovered Gentlemen's Alliance Cross while browsing my high school library for something new to read. I had heard good things about the series, so I decided to check it out. Little did I know how engrossed I would become in this story. The plot revolves around a girl named Haine, who was given up by her family as a baby—a fact that will later be revealed to have more depth than the initial explanation. She attends an elite school but remains an outsider until "Emperor" Shizumasa, the son of the prestigious Togu family, reluctantly accepts her into the student council, where she makes a few friends. What’s strange is Shizumasa’s bipolar behavior towards Haine—he appreciates her one moment and despises her the next. Though confused, Haine starts falling for him, and you'll learn why he acts this way as the story unfolds. This unique love story captivated me, making me eager to uncover more. Despite some minor flaws, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment. 10/10
Art: The artwork is impressive, though occasionally cluttered with elements like blood spots or flowers that can distract from the main scenes. Created by the same artist behind Full Moon, you'd expect quality, and it delivers. However, sometimes the artist seems to overdo it, which slightly detracts from the overall experience. No offense to the creator intended. 9/10
Character: The characters are well-developed and have substance. Without giving too much away, Haine’s life wasn't always easy. Knowing she was given up by her biological family, she went through a rebellious phase and joined a gang as a child. Her path changed when she met Shizumasa, who supposedly wrote her favorite childhood book (you’ll understand this reference later). Shizumasa himself is a complex character, seeming to embody two different personas at times. The student council members provide comic relief; there are two cross-dressers in love, and a girl who comes out as a lesbian for Haine, although I found her annoying at one point. The character development throughout the series is excellent, avoiding the pitfalls of flat, one-dimensional characters. 10/10
Enjoyment: I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Every time I picked up the books, I didn’t want to put them down. If this series were adapted into an anime, I’d be all over it. There isn’t much more to say since I’ve covered most points above. 10/10
Overall: Gentlemen's Alliance Cross is my favorite manga series of all time. If you decide to read it, you’ll see why I gave it a solid 10 out of 10.
The initial chapters of Shinshi Doumei Cross hinted at a rather predictable storyline: a normal girl with a troubled past enrolls in an elite school and falls for the most popular, powerful guy, striving to catch his attention. This trope has been overused countless times. However, as the narrative progresses, unexpected twists—no spoilers here—are introduced that truly set it apart. While many romantic pairings remain somewhat predictable once you know the characters, their development is refreshingly unique in my opinion. The manga also includes same-sex relationships, which I thoroughly enjoyed, though I wish some of these storylines had been more extended.
>Art------------------8
The artwork was both the most impressive and frustrating aspect of this manga. Undeniably beautiful, every panel clearly required immense effort, making it difficult to criticize. Nevertheless, there were instances where the pages felt overly "busy" with excessive shading, making it hard to follow the flow. There’s almost no empty space, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, early on, some character designs were too similar, causing confusion about who was depicted. Despite these issues, the art remains absolutely stunning, especially if you appreciate visually rich manga.
>Characters---------9
The series features several distinctive characters. Each main character had compelling backstories, though I wished some could have been explored more deeply. They all experienced significant growth from start to finish. Initially, the jokes about Haine's perceived stupidity were off-putting, but thankfully, this theme was quickly dropped. Though she starts as a typically cheerful-to-the-point-of-annoyance heroine, Haine reveals other facets that make her a captivating protagonist. I particularly enjoyed the hesitant camaraderie between Haine and Maguri. By the end, it was interesting that no clear "villain" remained to hate.
This was one of the first manga I ever read. At first, I thought it was going to be just another boring story, but it wasn't. The plot was something I didn't expect, and it is really good.
Shinshi Doumei Cross is an amazing manga! I absolutely adore it! The characters are incredibly insightful and adorable! You're always left wondering what will happen next, with surprises at every turn! If you enjoy a manga filled with fluff, twins, suspense, and wealthy, sexy guys, then Shinshi Doumei Cross is perfect for you! XD
I'd rate this one a 7.5/10. My favorite aspect of SDC is its somewhat fantastical yet non-magical academy setting. Arina Tanemura's detailed art style really contributes to creating that surreal, immersive atmosphere, something few other shoujo mangaka could achieve.
The heroine, Haine, is quite typical for Arina's works, but she has enough flaws to make her somewhat likable. The plot is heavily laden with melodrama; while there are interesting parts, other sections had me rolling my eyes. Overall, SDC feels more like a guilty pleasure of mine. I do find myself rereading it more often than most other slice-of-life shoujos.
Well, honestly, at first, I became really irritated with the story. It was so complicated that I didn't know what I was reading most of the time. When I reached the 15th chapter, I almost decided to just drop reading the manga and start on another. But my curiosity wouldn't let me quit. The manga's plot gave me a lot to ponder, urging me to return to reading it less than a day after I opted to quit.
So, I finally finished all 47 chapters plus the extra chapter, and I am very happy to say that I LOVED it.
[MAY contain SPOILERS]
STORY: 10/10
Despite what I said about getting confused so much that I decided to quit on the series, the complexity of it all piqued my curiosity, which is why I ultimately loved the storyline. There were many twists that I really enjoyed. It was definitely a page-turner, and each chapter left you wanting to read the next. The ending was rather amusing though somewhat predictable. Nevertheless, I think it was brilliantly done.
ART: 10/10
Not much to say about the art besides the fact that it was phenomenal! All characters were intricately drawn. I just love Haine and the Togou (I can't quite spell their last name right, oh well) Twins. I was also impressed with the amazing detail the author put into it. Very lovely.
CHARACTER: 8/10
Well, as much as I loved everyone, I get easily confused. Sometimes they just look so alike. I often mistook Ushio for Haine (and vice versa) when the latter's hair was long (after she cut it, I mistook her for Maora instead). But that's just a minor issue. Anyway, I don't know if I liked the fact that Maora was actually a boy, but it was sweet that he tried looking like a girl for Maguri's sake. It was just very surprising. Another thing I didn't think I liked was the portrayal of Shizumasa as the "evil" twin. I hated him at first and at the same time pitied him for his condition. I was glad that he was good deep inside all along. He also loved his brother as he loves Haine. And must Haine be so... I'm not sure if stupid or ignorant would fit her better. That may be one of her quirks, but sometimes I think it's overly exaggerated? I don't know. It was all just pleasant.
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
You may think I'm very shallow and/or crazy, but I actually wanted to cry at some emotional climaxes in the story. Everything asked for in a romance story can be found in this masterpiece. I love all the drama and fluff moments very much, so there's not much to say! Bravo!
OVERALL: 10/10
Apparently, the thing about the characters doesn't affect my overall rating for this manga. I just really loved it. Of course, nothing (and no one's) ever perfect, so that's just normal. In the end, this is a manga I highly recommend for people who are a sucker for romance who wants something... slightly unique and heart-touching. Gah! But I do wish I could have Shizumasa-sama now (since Haine already has Takanari). Anyways, I think that's all I can say. :D
I've just finished the series after binge-reading it from chapter 1, and this is my raw, unbiased review. (PS: There might be some stuff I say that you might consider a spoiler, so read at your own discretion. I never blatantly spoil anything, but I hint at stuff, so yeah.)
The plot is honestly meh. It was enough to keep my attention and allowed me to finish the story without stopping, but that's only because I was expecting something more. I thought there would be more, but there wasn't (?). Ugh, I don't know; I kinda feel unsatisfied even though it technically had a "happy end." (For those of you who have read Shugo Chara, I felt the same way after finishing that as I did after finishing this.) The plot is basic but unique. There's a rich, strong-willed girl who has had her fair share of problems and is now stuck in a love triangle involving various people. The manga tried to make it an emotional roller coaster, and it was, but I never got caught up in it as a reader. All the twists and turns were somewhat expected. The storyline was smooth, but I feel like it happened too quickly. Everything felt almost rushed, and I feel unsettled after finishing it. If the mangaka had taken her time and not shoved so many characters onto the main character, it would have been better. She would finish and face one problem, but then another one would hit her in the face. The MC had no time for recuperation, nor did the readers.
The romance is a huge part of the plot, very romance-driven, but the romance didn't really have depth, in my opinion. The mangaka may have tried to portray depth, but because she had multiple love interests, the MC was never fully invested in one person, which emotionally wore me out as a reader lol. I was hoping for her to end up with person A, but then person B would do something to change my mind, and it was all back and forth and became old at one point. It's a simple romance trying to be a complex one.
The characters overall were likable, but I never thought, "Wow, this character is really great." They were kinda plain. Haine is a cute heroine, but I feel like I was expecting more from her and was never satisfied. I can't say she was a typical heroine because she did have some different aspects about her, but because there was so much going on, I could never fully appreciate her character. There were also many side characters, and because the spotlight would shine on one person for a little amount of time before switching to another, I never appreciated any of them.
I would overall recommend this if you want to kill some time. Don't go into this expecting too much. It was a decent read but nothing that made me really love it.
Popular Reviews
I loved this series!
Story:
The story was quite original and held my attention with its realism. It felt like most events could happen in real life, making it engaging. The plot was intriguing and mostly unpredictable, though some parts were a bit cliché.
Art:
I adore Arina Tanemura's art style. Her illustrations are incredibly detailed, especially the realistic folds in the clothing and her unique eye designs. The outfits are also very aesthetically pleasing!
Character:
The characters were fascinating. Although it was a bit strange with Maora playing as a girl, their distinct personalities made them interesting. Many of the characters seemed to have split personalities, adding depth to their development.
Enjoyment:
Shinshi Doumei Cross is highly enjoyable. Each chapter ended on a cliffhanger, making you eager to read more. Despite occasional subpar art, it never discouraged me from continuing. The storyline is captivating and keeps you hooked.
Overall:
Overall, I found it to be quite good. The ending was somewhat strange and typical of Arina Tanemura, slightly predictable but still left you wanting more. You're left curious about what happens after the story concludes.
I think this is Arina Tanemura's best work so far!
Story: I first discovered Gentlemen's Alliance Cross while browsing my high school library for something new to read. I had heard good things about the series, so I decided to check it out. Little did I know how engrossed I would become in this story. The plot revolves around a girl named Haine, who was given up by her family as a baby—a fact that will later be revealed to have more depth than the initial explanation. She attends an elite school but remains an outsider until "Emperor" Shizumasa, the son of the prestigious Togu family, reluctantly accepts her into the student council, where she makes a few friends. What’s strange is Shizumasa’s bipolar behavior towards Haine—he appreciates her one moment and despises her the next. Though confused, Haine starts falling for him, and you'll learn why he acts this way as the story unfolds. This unique love story captivated me, making me eager to uncover more. Despite some minor flaws, they didn’t detract from my enjoyment. 10/10
Art: The artwork is impressive, though occasionally cluttered with elements like blood spots or flowers that can distract from the main scenes. Created by the same artist behind Full Moon, you'd expect quality, and it delivers. However, sometimes the artist seems to overdo it, which slightly detracts from the overall experience. No offense to the creator intended. 9/10
Character: The characters are well-developed and have substance. Without giving too much away, Haine’s life wasn't always easy. Knowing she was given up by her biological family, she went through a rebellious phase and joined a gang as a child. Her path changed when she met Shizumasa, who supposedly wrote her favorite childhood book (you’ll understand this reference later). Shizumasa himself is a complex character, seeming to embody two different personas at times. The student council members provide comic relief; there are two cross-dressers in love, and a girl who comes out as a lesbian for Haine, although I found her annoying at one point. The character development throughout the series is excellent, avoiding the pitfalls of flat, one-dimensional characters. 10/10
Enjoyment: I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Every time I picked up the books, I didn’t want to put them down. If this series were adapted into an anime, I’d be all over it. There isn’t much more to say since I’ve covered most points above. 10/10
Overall: Gentlemen's Alliance Cross is my favorite manga series of all time. If you decide to read it, you’ll see why I gave it a solid 10 out of 10.
>Story---------------10
The initial chapters of Shinshi Doumei Cross hinted at a rather predictable storyline: a normal girl with a troubled past enrolls in an elite school and falls for the most popular, powerful guy, striving to catch his attention. This trope has been overused countless times. However, as the narrative progresses, unexpected twists—no spoilers here—are introduced that truly set it apart. While many romantic pairings remain somewhat predictable once you know the characters, their development is refreshingly unique in my opinion. The manga also includes same-sex relationships, which I thoroughly enjoyed, though I wish some of these storylines had been more extended.
>Art------------------8
The artwork was both the most impressive and frustrating aspect of this manga. Undeniably beautiful, every panel clearly required immense effort, making it difficult to criticize. Nevertheless, there were instances where the pages felt overly "busy" with excessive shading, making it hard to follow the flow. There’s almost no empty space, which can be overwhelming. Additionally, early on, some character designs were too similar, causing confusion about who was depicted. Despite these issues, the art remains absolutely stunning, especially if you appreciate visually rich manga.
>Characters---------9
The series features several distinctive characters. Each main character had compelling backstories, though I wished some could have been explored more deeply. They all experienced significant growth from start to finish. Initially, the jokes about Haine's perceived stupidity were off-putting, but thankfully, this theme was quickly dropped. Though she starts as a typically cheerful-to-the-point-of-annoyance heroine, Haine reveals other facets that make her a captivating protagonist. I particularly enjoyed the hesitant camaraderie between Haine and Maguri. By the end, it was interesting that no clear "villain" remained to hate.
>Enjoyment--------9
Highly recommended.
I truly enjoyed this manga.
This was one of the first manga I ever read. At first, I thought it was going to be just another boring story, but it wasn't. The plot was something I didn't expect, and it is really good.
Shinshi Doumei Cross is an amazing manga! I absolutely adore it! The characters are incredibly insightful and adorable! You're always left wondering what will happen next, with surprises at every turn! If you enjoy a manga filled with fluff, twins, suspense, and wealthy, sexy guys, then Shinshi Doumei Cross is perfect for you! XD
I'd rate this one a 7.5/10. My favorite aspect of SDC is its somewhat fantastical yet non-magical academy setting. Arina Tanemura's detailed art style really contributes to creating that surreal, immersive atmosphere, something few other shoujo mangaka could achieve.
The heroine, Haine, is quite typical for Arina's works, but she has enough flaws to make her somewhat likable. The plot is heavily laden with melodrama; while there are interesting parts, other sections had me rolling my eyes. Overall, SDC feels more like a guilty pleasure of mine. I do find myself rereading it more often than most other slice-of-life shoujos.
I've just finished the series after binge-reading it from chapter 1, and this is my raw, unbiased review. (PS: There might be some stuff I say that you might consider a spoiler, so read at your own discretion. I never blatantly spoil anything, but I hint at stuff, so yeah.)
The plot is honestly meh. It was enough to keep my attention and allowed me to finish the story without stopping, but that's only because I was expecting something more. I thought there would be more, but there wasn't (?). Ugh, I don't know; I kinda feel unsatisfied even though it technically had a "happy end." (For those of you who have read Shugo Chara, I felt the same way after finishing that as I did after finishing this.) The plot is basic but unique. There's a rich, strong-willed girl who has had her fair share of problems and is now stuck in a love triangle involving various people. The manga tried to make it an emotional roller coaster, and it was, but I never got caught up in it as a reader. All the twists and turns were somewhat expected. The storyline was smooth, but I feel like it happened too quickly. Everything felt almost rushed, and I feel unsettled after finishing it. If the mangaka had taken her time and not shoved so many characters onto the main character, it would have been better. She would finish and face one problem, but then another one would hit her in the face. The MC had no time for recuperation, nor did the readers.
The romance is a huge part of the plot, very romance-driven, but the romance didn't really have depth, in my opinion. The mangaka may have tried to portray depth, but because she had multiple love interests, the MC was never fully invested in one person, which emotionally wore me out as a reader lol. I was hoping for her to end up with person A, but then person B would do something to change my mind, and it was all back and forth and became old at one point. It's a simple romance trying to be a complex one.
The characters overall were likable, but I never thought, "Wow, this character is really great." They were kinda plain. Haine is a cute heroine, but I feel like I was expecting more from her and was never satisfied. I can't say she was a typical heroine because she did have some different aspects about her, but because there was so much going on, I could never fully appreciate her character. There were also many side characters, and because the spotlight would shine on one person for a little amount of time before switching to another, I never appreciated any of them.
I would overall recommend this if you want to kill some time. Don't go into this expecting too much. It was a decent read but nothing that made me really love it.
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