Ouran High School Host Club Volume 16 Review

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 15  

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 7, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

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Haruhi learns that Ouran High School Host Club is holding an Orienteering Tournament, with the entrants to be divided into teams of two to run the gamut of six checkpoints to be run by the members of the school. The prize is having the host club members do whatever you ask for one full day! Everyone has their ideas of what they will do with the prize, should they win, including having Kyoya as a servant, a date with Haruhi or a private date with the entire host club!

Synopsis:

The checkpoints can be visited in any order, the point being to accumulate items from each. Those members that are not participating in the checkpoints are free to pair up with customers. Haruhi suggests that Tamaki team up with Miss Kanoya. With the ingredients that are gathered, each team is to make a curry, and the winning curry shall be judged both on the basis of flavor as well as the speed with which its makers have gone through the checkpoints.

Checkpoint #1 features Hikaru and Kaoru in their classic rendition of which twin is which. For this occasion, they’ve reverted to their identical looks. Tamaki passes the test with ease, but the ingredients he chooses earn him a puzzled look from Miss Kanoya. Checkpoint #2 is manned by Black Magic Club – the “Identify and Explain the use of a Dark Relic” Challenge.

Everything is proceeding smoothly when Haruhi learns that the location of the finish line has been changed, so she’s running from checkpoint to checkpoint, alerting everyone so they can in turn alert the contestants.

The third checkpoint is Hunny’s “Whack the Bunny When it Pops Up” Challenge—but it isn’t as straightforward as it seems, as Hunny gets upset every time a bunny is bopped on the head.

As the test progresses, those in the contest and those who run it learn a few things about themselves, coming closer and closer to the hidden truths in their lives.

Tamaki’s enlightenment regarding his feelings for Haruhi leaves him feeling uncertain around her, and acting even more idiotic than ever. Meanwhile, Kyoya is keeping tabs on a certain lawyer who seems to be engaging in secret meetings—with Tamaki’s grandmother!

Haruhi’s birthday brings on the hilarity of finding the perfect present, without being extravagant, a trait little valued by Haruhi. And then comes the news that Hunny and Mori are about to graduate, so the Host Club hosts its final event before the Third Year graduation. When asked about their future plans, Hunny and Mori give surprising answers, to everyone’s dismay.

Commentary:

Things are really beginning to come together now, and plots are coalescing and developing apace. There is a great deal of character development going on, in self-awareness and growth, as is to be expected of young people of this age. Is not high school a time for learning, both academic and personal growth? These students are no exception to that, although maybe at one time it appeared that not all of them would end up with a clue.

Even so, there are still some elements of mystery remaining. It seems inevitable that Haruhi and Tamaki will end up together, but there are no guarantees in life, right? Even in a manga? So that remains to be seen. Life doesn’t always end up the way we think it should, and that’s just how it is.

Only three volumes remaining. While I look forward to getting the answers to my questions, I will feel sad when the journey is over. I’ve enjoyed it immensely. Oh well, no sense in growing maudlin. On the plus side, there are three volumes remaining! I look forward to them greatly. This was another wonderful volume in the series, a can’t miss one. Onward and upward!

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 14 Review

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 14  

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: July 6, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/192 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

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Once Hikaru confesses his feelings to Haruhi during the class trip, he tells her to take her time and bolts from her presence. Tamaki shows up unexpectedly, concerned for his welfare, and Hikaru informs him of what he has done, adding may the best man win. Everyone is invited to the Hitachin family manor for an end of the year party. Will things come to a head there?

Synopsis:

Haruhi comes to the party with Mei. She is still amazed at Hikaru’s confession, particularly that she never saw it coming. A disgusted Mei tells her to shut up, she finds her “cheesey blushing maiden in love” line annoying. Mei tells her that Hikaru is waiting for Haruhi on the balcony. Time to give him her response.

When Hikaru confronts Tamaki with the result of his talk with Haruhi, he assures him that he hasn’t given up. Meanwhile, Tamaki is wrestling with his own demons, caught between his misguided sense of family and his feelings for Haruhi.

Tamaki’s family life has never been easy, born as he was on the wrong side of the blanket, an error that was no fault of his but which has haunted him all his life. His paternal grandmother has never accepted him, nor permitted him to step inside the main Suoh mansion, relegating him to the second mansion. And yet Tamaki remains a very sweet, very caring young man.

He agrees to make a New Year’s shrine visit with the other members of the Host Club  The twins challenge Tamaki and the others to a bet—whoever finds the items that Haruhi likes best from the nearby knick-knack shops win. The time limit is one hour, the dollar amount no more than $10, a budget appropriate for commoners. As Haruhi approaches, the members all scatter, intent on winning the bet.

Tamaki gives Haruhi his gift, and she cherishes it, but he manages to insert his foot into his mouth, and Haruhi is miffed.  She walks away from him in a huff. Seeing someone she thinks she knows, she starts to hail the person, when she finds herself unexpectedly kidnapped.

When Tamaki finds his gift to her lying on the ground, he instantly deduces that Haruhi has been kidnapped. But no one believes him! Can he save Haruhi?

For the first event of the New Year, the Host Club is holding court outdoors, in fine equestrian style. The only member of the club who has no experience with horses and riding is Haruhi .A freak accident lands Tamaki in the hospital. Upon his release, he becomes the object of Miss Kanoya’s attention, feeling guilty for having brought about the accident. She is most attentive to him, in very feminine ways, and Haruhi realizes with a start that Miss Kanoya is everything she is not. And she has Tamaki’s attention.

In an extra episode, we see what Mori does on his day off.

Commentary:

The plot is certainly thickening, and we’re finally getting to the heart of the matter. We’ve definitely come a long way since the series began, and the characters have grown and matured along the way. Haruhi is becoming more and more aware of herself as a woman, and as a maturing adult, the object of interest of young men. The rivalry between Hikaru and Tamaki over Haruhi seems rather one-sided, except to Tamaki, who’s still struggling with his own emerging maturity. It’s easier for us, the readers, to see which way the wind blows. Only a few episodes left for Haruhi and Tamaki to figure things out.

Another great volume of Ouran High School Host Club. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next one.

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 12 Review

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 12  

Author: Bisco Hatori

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2009

Format/Genre/Length: Manga/Shonen/200 pages

Publisher/Industry Age Rating: Teen

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

Kyoya has made it his personal mission while in France to seek out Tamaki’s mother and bring back some word of how she is doing. To that end, and with his usual thoroughness, he devises a strategy to discover her whereabouts. Meanwhile back at home, Hikaru requests asylum with Mori while Hunny flies to Kaoru’s side, bearing well-meaning gifts.

Synopsis:

Word has gotten around about the sibling feud and fangirls are having a holiday! They see this as a very romantic situation, the brothers fighting over Haruhi. Something is afoot when Haruhi takes Hikaru to an amusement park, while Hunny brings Kaoru. An angry Mori demands to know what’s up. A bored Tamaki approaches his father in his office, something he never does, and confesses to his boredom, so his father offers to take him to lunch and buy him some nabe.

The twins reach an accord, and while maintaining their solidarity and togetherness, they launch a new campaign of individuality, beginning with a new hair color for one of them.

Back in France, the travelers visit an area that was a favorite getaway for the Impressionists. Kyoya is exhausted with his efforts on behalf of Tamaki, but he refuses to give up. The object of his endeavors, meanwhile, is very unhappy. He’d thought being without the others for ten days would be easy, but he hadn’t counted on the staff thinking he wouldn’t be home and having other plans, so he relies more and more on his father, clinging to him. One servant remains to protect Suoh Mansion #2, and she gives Tamaki a lot of food for thought about his future, and what he wants to do with it.

Haruhi has been trying to reach Kyoya but her calls don’t seem to be getting through to France. She finally gets him on the phone, but when she asks about Tamaki—unaware that he hasn’t gone on the trip with the others—Kyoya hems and haws and says that Tamaki has gotten diarrhea and can’t speak. Until Haruhi notices something strange in front of her house.

While Haruhi is dealing with a delicate stomach, Kyoya has discovered a woman who once worked for Tamaki’s family and goes to see her and gains great insights into his friend, and why he is the way he is. After talking to Haruhi, Tamaki has an idea of what he wants to do, and Kyoya has an idea where Tamaki’s mother might be.

In an extra story, Kuze’s Happy and Unhappy Everyday Life, we follow Takashi Kuze, American Football team captain, on his birthday.

Commentary:

While I was sad that Tamaki did not go to France with the others, I understand his selfless reasons. Kyoya’s search for Tamaki’s mother is very heartwarming and sheds new light on the sort of person he is, dispelling the myth of his lack of warmth and emotion. I’m happy that the twins have resolved their differences, although I thought Hikaru’s change was a bit extreme. I hope they aren’t serious about getting rid of the incest-play at the Host Club. I think their guests would be very saddened.

This volume of the Host Club has a lot of depth, and goes deep into the minds of some of the characters. I think my favorite scene was between Haruhi and Tamaki in the bathroom, when he’s shirtless. I had hopes, for just a moment…

I can only hope that one day these two will figure things out, and Tamaki will finally realize that he is not Haruhi’s father. I think they’d make a very cute couple.

Ouran High School Host Club Volume 9 Review

Volume 9 of Bisco Hatori’s Ouran High School Host Club begins with an examination of the dichotomy that  is Hikaru and Kaoru. The twins are a perplexing pair—torn between wanting to be seen as individuals and being seen as a whole. They manage to confuse most of the people around them with their attitude and they go out of their way to make fools of everyone by childishly switching places whenever it pleases them. They are easily bored and prone to tossing aside their latest toy or pursuit when it no longer holds their joint attention, people included.  They believe that people only want to get close to them because of their family name. They haven’t reckoned on Tamaki Suoh.  When he asks them to join a club he wishes to start, they force him to play the “Which One is Hikaru” game for a month, sure he cannot succeed. They don’t count on Tamaki’s tenacity. Of course, the outcome is a foregone conclusion.

As the second story begins, the Host Club are playing pirates—buckling swashes and shivering timbers and slashing their way into their ladies’ hearts!  An unexpected visitor to the club, who is a newcomer to the school—a visiting princess from the kingdom of Monar—sets Tamaki into a tailspin that none can understand, although many try to psychoanalyze his reactions to the pampered, spoiled, selfish young woman. Does he know her? Does she remind him of someone? And why does he agree to her petulant demands?  Including wanting to have one of the little people taste her food in case of poison! The others are determined to get to the bottom of his bizarre behavior—the sooner the better!

After the princess’ departure, Tamaki takes to his bed with a cold, not appearing at school. Gadzooks! Tamaki sick? Unheard of! What’s going on? The Host Club goes to see!  They find him being spoiled by the staff at the manor, but there’s evidence that Tamaki has been acting strangely lately, including questioning Mori as to whether he ever wishes to kiss Hunny. Truth be told, Tamaki has had ideas of kissing Haruhi. But he’s her father! Wherein lies the conflict. This calls for some parental guidance, in the worst possible way. But will he receive it?

In the extra episode, Haruhi’s hosting a yami-nabe party at her house. Literally it means dark pot. Guests bring different foods that aren’t normally used in nabe and add them to the pot. Whatever you pick up with your chopsticks, you eat.  When the members of the Host Club run out of their expensive additions, they persuade Haruhi to run to the store for more—at their expense, of course. She grumbles, but she acquiesces. Once she’s out of the house, they are free to put their diabolically clever—and inherently ridiculous—scheme into effect, whereby they secretly replace every bit of the Fujioka’s poor, cheap home with expensive duplicates of high quality. Will they succeed? And if they do, will anybody notice?

A bonus story after the Host Club episodes is called The Love Egoist in which a college student is warned not to take a certain path, but he ends up taking it anyway. Has he found the love of his life? Or will he lose her by going down his already chosen road?

On the cover of this volume we see Haruhi and Hunny is grass skirts—completely adorable! I loved all the stories, but especially those with Tamaki. Although the spoiled princess trope is a familiar one, this one serves a different purpose, and I have hopes of seeing a furtherance in the relationship between Tamaki and Haruhi. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the members of the Host Club and look forward to a lot more of their adventures. The fun never stops, and the writing maintains a high quality in each story. I hope it continues for a long time to come!

Ouran High School Host Club, Volume 1 Review

Some Like It Hot meets Twelfth Night meets high school?  Haruhi has no intention of disguising her sex, she is simply looking for a quiet place to study, and the libraries are full as she stumbles into what she assumes to be an unused music room - and directly into the arms of the Ouran High School Host Club!  This host club is comprised of six wealthy young men with too much time on their hands who cater to the female elements of the school in order to amuse themselves.  They are outside of Haruhi's usual purview - being a scholarship student, she is not of their social class.  Thus their unawareness of her actual gender, as they welcome her to the club, led by club president Tamaki.  Haruhi is flustered at finding herself among these six lovelies and, in the course of flailing about, accidentally smashes a valuable vase into smithereens!  Replacement cost - $80,000!  Opportunity gained for Haruhi - priceless!  Now the question is, will she appreciate it, and will they?

As payment for this costly trinket, Haruhi finds herself impressed into service at the Host Club as their dogsbody, and she becomes acquainted with each of the members:  Tamaki is the president/king - arrogant, self-centered, incredibly vain and incredibly good looking; Kyoyo, the vice-president, is bespectacled and studious; Kaoru and Hikaru are twins and very devoted to one another; and Hunny and Mori complete the group - Hunny, although 18 looks like a young child, and is often treated as such, with his naps and his bun-bun, and Mori is his long time friend/companion of the heart. The spoiled rich boys seem fascinated by Haruhi's poverty, and in an act of kindness, Tamaki declares that Haruhi's debt to the club will be waved if "he" comes up with 100 customer requests (not yet realizing that Haruhi is indeed a she).  To that end, Tamaki gives Haruhi instructions on such important techniques as looking up from below, and the elegant way to place a glass upon the table.  They send Haruhi shopping, and are amazed that he brings back instant coffee!  They have no experience with it, so everyone has to try it, naturally  - to appreciate how poor people live.  Which leads, naturally, to experimentation with ramen, which they refer to as prole noodles (and Tamaki becomes addicted to).

They shine and polish Haruhi and set her into position as a host - and the girls that frequent the club are drawn to her,  unaware of her true gender, especially when she reveals her tragic story of her mother's death, and the way she knows her way around a kitchen.  This includes one of Tamaki's regulars, Miss Ayanokoji.  But when mean things begin to happen to Haruhi, she has to wonder how benevolent that interest is.  But perhaps it is a fortuitous thing, for it draws Haruhi closer to the members of the club, and the truth is finally revealed.  Not that she lied about being a girl - they never asked, simply assumed otherwise.  Once it is known, though, they agree to keep her secret, for the sake of the host club.

You can read my complete review at Anime Radius and Yaoi Radius!