I WANT MORE!
*Not particularly of this story, but more cutesy reads. I need some fluffy love in my life; I've been reading about too many deaths and sorrows.*

I think I won't ever finish describing the cuteness in this volume. It was so cute, so beautiful, so perfect... ( )

It's hard to believe that Tsuda has only written two ongoing series because her manga are so polished both in terms of art and narrative.

This story is very different from Kare Kano in some ways but when examined closely it's clear that Tsuda is addressing some of the same themes, if in a lighter way: love between opposites, jealousy, the difference between the inner self and the one shown to the world...

Nanoha is not a particularly good student or athlete but no one can dislike her. She is simply good and nice to everyone. Almost. Nanoha can't stand the beautiful, intelligent and princely (read egotistical) Hazuki. And there is a little monster in her that causes her to be incredibly mean and rude to him. She can't help it. She tries to avoid him but eventually that fails and she tells him exactly what she thinks of him.

Hazuki's world view is shattered. He reevaluates his life and his behaviour. Though he is outraged at first, he comes to believe that Nanoha has done him a favour and has helped him improve himself. Stripped of his narcicism, Hazuki is a very nice guy. He tries, despite her resistance, to befriend Nanoha and eventually falls in love with her.

Though nothing much happens in this two volume series, it is incredibly charming. The character's over the top reactions are amusing but at the same time these characters are very real, unique and endearing with realistic faults that they struggle to overcome. Hazuki and Nanoha are not simply the leads that we are told are great, that all the other characters love or are jealous of; I grew fond of them too, watching them grow.

One of the narrative techniques she uses, showing the same scenes from the perspective of each of the leads, is wonderfully executed. The misunderstandings between them are revealed by this format and drive a lot of the humour. But it is not over used. In fact it is used less and less as they come to understand each other.

Though the second volume was a bit weaker than the first, the series as a whole is surprisingly fun and heartwarming. It'ss bound to bring a smile to your face. ( )