Her Devilish Alpha

Thank you for clarifying. In that case, I probably won’t end up reading this webnovel. Do you have any recommendations?

After reading 150 chapters I can’t even compare this to top tier providence. Just so bad

it comes from webnovel so this is the best you can expect tbh

Caught this anime and manga series when I was a kid, and the impression it left has been long-lasting all these years. No matter how many times I've watched it, I still find myself laughing and crying with it.  

Given that this is quite an extensive series, you can witness the characters grow and eventually mature into better individuals (though not all of them improve, hehe). I believe the series places a strong emphasis on themes like love, friendship, positivity, generosity, and perseverance—values that remain important regardless of age or time.  

This is genuinely an all-time classic (I truly hope my children will get to watch it and learn from it someday).

STORY SECTION: 7/10 [Hard to swallow but digests nicely.]  
If you're not into melodramatic tales, you'll likely detest this one. It's riddled with Deus Ex Machina scenarios where every plot twist feels either impossibly fortunate or disastrously unfortunate.  

Set at the dawn of the 20th century, a baby girl is left on the steps of an orphanage. Named Candice (or "Candy" for short), she grows up under the care of nuns alongside other orphans. The early chapters depict her idyllic life there—forming friendships, playing games, and dreaming of loving parents to claim her. While undeniably cute and joyful, these moments might induce eye-rolls for some readers.  

Eventually, Candy is taken in as help by a wealthy family. Her tearful farewell to the orphanage precedes expectations of a blissful new life. Instead, she encounters spoiled aristocratic children who revel in tormenting peasants and playing cruel pranks on her. The adults are equally unlikable—snobbish and disapproving of her cheerful demeanor. You'll likely find yourself wanting to throttle them.  

Here, she falls in love with a literal prince in shining armor, experiencing her first romance. Though marked by highs and lows, this relationship culminates tragically. Later, during World War I, she becomes a nurse, enduring one heartbreak after another. Along the way, she reunites with old friends, finds love again, and uncovers secrets about her true family.  

The ending is bittersweet, leaving viewers teary-eyed yet satisfied. As noted, the unrealistic plot twists must be endured, but they ultimately elevate the drama and romance.  

CHARACTER SECTION: 7/10 [Extreme versions of good and evil but likable nonetheless.]  
What can be said? Every character seems cursed; whenever things seem to improve, disaster strikes. They're polarized—either excessively sweet or utterly heartless.  

Candy remains perpetually cheerful despite frequent tears. Most orphans and impoverished characters are kind and spirited. Aristocrats, conversely, are consistently stern and despicable. Adult men embody kindness and serve as ideal husbands. Additionally, the visual tricks employed enhance their appeal throughout.  

ART SECTION: 9/10 [Retro and yet a feast for sore eyes.]  
The mangaka utilized every atmospheric enhancement trick available. Girls boast oversized, starry eyes, radiant smiles, and abundant tears of both sorrow and joy across pages. Sunlight beams cascade dramatically, cherry blossoms flutter gracefully, and breezy lines extend beyond panel borders. While historical accuracy isn't meticulously detailed, the romantic ambiance compensates, enriching the mood further. For its era, this artwork was top-tier.  

ENJOYMENT SECTION: 7/10 [You'll enjoy it unless you're a die-hard action fan.]  
Though sappy and melodramatic, it ranks among the finest historical, girly dramas in manga form. A faster pace in certain sections would prevent occasional boredom.  

VALUE SECTION: 7/10 [Like fine wine, it improves with age.]  
While cheesy, it remains exceptionally well-crafted within its genre.

Candy Candy may not have been the first shojo, but it's incredibly difficult for me to think of a series more influential than this one. This manga is a classic, featuring a story and characters reminiscent of the best works by the Brontë sisters. While the manga has its lows and flaws, it consistently maintains quality, delivering a narrative that remains enjoyable, refreshing, and emotionally resonant, even amidst the multitude of shojo manga published after it. But how does it achieve this?

As I've mentioned earlier, the story strongly echoes the works of the Brontë sisters, particularly Jane Eyre: an orphaned girl taken in by a wealthy family, a complex and troubled love interest like Terry... Candy herself is an exceptional character, and the rest of the cast is sure to win you over, with a few exceptions—of course, Eliza was meant to be unpleasant. There's plenty of drama and romance, but it's not the cheesy or superficial kind; the drama and romance here are genuinely well-crafted.

You might be surprised by just how many shojo series continue to be influenced by this one, some of them quite contemporary.

Not good… its dreddy

grabe yung kilig ko sa mga banat ni gresso sana may gresso din ako