7.5/10 +Atypical heroine that breaks the mold +Slow burn romance with solid character foundations +Hilarious supporting cast adds to lighthearted tone -Crazy premise not grounded in reality -Stiff animation and subpar character designs; poor production values Hana Kimi’s head scratching premise doesn’t give the best first impression. A lovestruck girl transferring across the world and disguising herself as a guy in an all boy school’s to be close to her idol may raise some red flags. The overall production for this classic 90s manga also appears average at best, with stiff animation and subpar character designs. With outdated themes, a questionable premise, and so-so production values,it’s no wonder it’s not on everyone’s radar.

Yet if one can look past its laughable premise, somewhere in here is an endearing romance about two incomplete people finding each other. As one of the precursors for series like Ouran High School Host Club, Hana Kimi carries its own unique charm. There’s zany antics, yearning turned up to an eleven, and a hilarious supporting cast. Mizuki for the most part is also likeable: she’s independent, straightforward, and confident, a far cry from other protagonists often seen in this genre. Add a mature slow burn romance and you’re in for a solid time.

The romance genre often features an incomplete hero, a counterpart, and a complication. Hana Kimi struggles to fill in these blanks, but’s it’s still an enjoyable, if not incomplete mess. For richer buddy love stories like this featuring heroes whose lives are changed by the other, check out His and Her Circumstances, Toradora, & Your Lie in April instead.