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{{Short description|Shōjo manga by Maki Minami}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header|
{{Infobox animanga/Header
title_name=S・A (Special A)
| name = S.A
|image=2005936866771643535_rs.jpg
|caption=Special A Anime
| image = Special A cover.jpg
| caption = Cover of the first manga volume
|ja_name=S・A（スペシャル・エー）
| ja_kanji =
|ja_name_trans=S・A (Supesharu Ee)
| ja_romaji =
|demographic=[[shōjo]]
| genre = [[Romantic comedy]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.viz.com/s-a |title=The Official Website for S.A |publisher=Viz Media |access-date=December 13, 2017}}</ref><!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
|genre= [[drama]], [[Romance novel|romance]]
|creator=[[Minami Maki]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Manga|
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
title=
|author=[[Minami Maki]]
| author = [[Maki Minami]]
|publisher= {{flagicon|Japan}}[[Hakusensha]]
| publisher = [[Hakusensha]]
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher|AUS=[[Madman Entertainment]]|NA=[[Viz Media]]}}
|publisher_other={{flagicon|Germany}} [[Carlsen Comics]] <br> {{flagicon| United States}} [[VIZ Media]] <br> {{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Chuang Yi]] <br> {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[M&C Comics]]
| demographic = {{transl|ja|[[Shōjo manga|Shōjo]]}}
|serialized= {{flagicon|Japan}}[[Hana to Yume]] <br> {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Daisuki]]
|first_run= [[April 1]] [[2003]]
| magazine = [[Hana to Yume]]
| first = April 1, 2003
|last_run= (ongoing)
| last = March 19, 2009
|num_volumes=11
| volumes = 17
| volume_list =
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Anime|
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
title=
|director=[[Miyao Yoshikazu]]
| director = Miyao Yoshikazu
| writer = [[Jukki Hanada]]
|studio=[[Gonzo (studio)|Gonzo]]
| studio = [[AIC (company)|AIC]], [[Gonzo (studio)|Gonzo]]
|network=TBA
| licensee = {{English anime licensee|NA=[[Sentai Filmworks]]}}
|first_aired=Spring [[2008]]
| network = [[Chiba TV]]
|last_aired=TBA
| network_en = {{English anime network
|num_episodes=24<ref>{{Ann anime|id=8769}}. Accessed [[2007-12-08]].</ref>
| HK = [[TVB Pearl]]
| PH = [[TV5 (Philippines)|TV5]]
}}
| first = April 6, 2008
| last = September 14, 2008
| episodes = 24
| episode_list = List of Special A episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| title = S・A - Street Fight
| author = [[Maki Minami]]
| publisher = [[Hakusensha]]
| publisher_en =
| demographic = ''[[Shōjo manga|Shōjo]]''
| magazine = [[Hana to Yume]]
| first = 2012
| last = 2013
| volumes = 1
| volume_list =
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
'''''S.A''''' (stylized as '''''S・A'''''; pronounced '''''Special A''''') is a [[shōjo]] [[manga]] by [[Maki Minami]]. The series started serialization in the bimonthly magazine ''[[The Hana to Yume]]'' in 2003, and moved to the biweekly magazine ''[[Hana to Yume]]'' in 2004, after running for four chapters.<ref name="ANNAnimeAnnounce">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-10-04/special-a-shojo-manga-to-be-animated-for-television|title=Special A Shōjo Manga to be Animated for Television|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2007-10-04|access-date=2007-10-08}}</ref> The series ended after 99 chapters on March 19, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-05/maki-minami-special-a-manga-to-end-in-japan-in-march|title=Maki Minami's Special A Manga to End in Japan in March|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2009-03-05|access-date=2009-03-27}}</ref>


''Special A'' has been licensed for English-language release in North America by [[Viz Media]] and in Australia and New Zealand by [[Madman Entertainment]]. The series has also been licensed in Germany, Italy, Poland, France and Taiwan.<ref>{{cite journal|title=S.A. Special A tom 1|journal=Tanuki.pl|date=2011-11-27|volume=318|issue=2279|url=http://manga.tanuki.pl/strony/manga/622-s-a-special-a/tomy/1214/rec/455|access-date=2014-01-03|author=moshi_moshi|publisher=Małgorzata Kaczarowska|location=Warsaw|language=pl|issn=1898-8296}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Testata: Sa Special A|url=http://www.starcomics.com/fumettoricercat.aspx?testata=107|publisher=Star Comics s.r.l.|access-date=2014-01-03|language=it}}</ref>
{{nihongo|'''''S.A'''''|S・A（スペシャル・エー）|S・A (Supesharu Ee)}}, also known as '''''Special A''''', is a [[shōjo]] [[manga]] by [[mangaka]] [[Maki Minami]]. Serialization started in ''Hana to Yume'', only appearing bimonthly. After Chapter 4 the manga became serialized in the biweekly magazine ''[[Hana to Yume]]''. ''Special A'' has been licensed in Asian countries, Germany, and the U.S. (by [[VIZ Media]]). Currently there are 11 volumes (in Japan).


It was recently announced in ''Hana to Yume'' that ''Special A'' it will have an [[anime]] adaptation, animated by [[Gonzo]] and [[Anime International Company | AIC]].<ref>[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-10-04/special-a-shojo-manga-to-be-animated-for-television Anime adaptation], [[Anime News Network]], retrieved on [[2007-10-08]]</ref>
In 2007, ''Hana to Yume'' announced an [[anime]] adaptation of the manga. It was animated by [[Gonzo (company)|Gonzo]] and [[Anime International Company|AIC]]<ref name="ANNAnimeAnnounce"/> and ran for 24 episodes, from April 6, 2008 to September 14, 2008 in Japan.{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}


In 2013, ''Hana to Yume'' released a single volume sequel called ''Special A - Street Fight''.
==Story==


==Setting==
Hikari Hanazono, the main character, has always been second to Kei Takishima. While Hikari considers Kei a rival and somewhat of a friend, Kei loves Hikari. Everyone knows this, but she is too dense to notice. Their wrestling loving fathers first introduced them to one another when they were 6 years old. Assuming that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated by him. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in school grades, a sporting event - anything. To do this she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei holding firmly to that number one position.
Hakusen Academy is the best school in the prefecture. The classes are separated into A–F based on grades. The A class is only open for the top students in each grade. The top seven within the A class, from first year to third year, are known as the Special A or SA class (hence the title). The members of SA are highly respected and are often seen being elaborately greeted by other students with the exception of few that dislike the SA. The SA class has its own building, a 19th-century styled greenhouse dubbed "The School's Paradise". They also have a kitchen, where Akira makes her afternoon tea. Class attendance is optional, but Hikari is the only one who chooses to attend classes. Their uniform is also different from the standard uniform. The members of the SA have been close friends since elementary school.


==Plot==
The story primarily focuses on Hikari and her constant attempts to defeat her one and only rival, Kei, and how she finds love in their rivalry.
{{Main|List of S.A characters}}
Hikari Hanazono has always been second to Kei Takishima. When they were six years old, their pro-wrestling loving fathers introduced them to each other. Confident that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated by him. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in everything - school grades, sporting events and all competitions. To do this, she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school for the wealthy, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei always ranking first. Due to their ranking, they are part of a special group of kids known as Special A or S.A. for short. While Hikari considers Kei to be her rival, she is completely unaware of Kei's feelings for her. The story follows Hikari and Kei as they become closer and explores the friendships, relationships, and competition between the other S.A. members: Jun, Megumi, Tadashi, Akira, and Ryuu.


==The School==
==Media==


===Drama CDs===
Hakusenkan (or Private Hakusen Academy) is the best school in the prefecture. The classes are separated into A-F based on grades. The A class is only open for the top students in each grade. The top seven within the A class, from first year to third year, are known as the Special A or SA class. The members of SA are highly respected.
On February 23, 2007, a ''Special A'' [[drama CD]] was released in Japan. It focuses on [[Valentine's Day]].

The SA class has its own building, dubbed "The School's Paradise" and attending class is optional (Only Hikari attends). They also have a kitchen, where Akira makes her afternoon tea. Their uniform is also different from the standard uniform. The members of the SA have been close friends since elementary school.

==Characters==
{{Main article|List of Special A characters}}
:''Names are displayed in Western order (given name before surname).''

;{{nihongo|Hikari Hanazono|華園 光|Hanazono Hikari}} {{anime voices|Yuko Goto|}}
:Hikari is the protagonist of the story and is ranked 2nd in the school. She is energetic and kindhearted, but rather dense when it comes to love. She is the daughter of a carpenter. When she was six years old she experienced her first defeat and humiliation when she lost to Kei Takishima in a pro-wrestling match. In order to beat Kei, Hikari convinced her father to allow her to attend Kei's prestigious elite school and strives to defeat Kei at anything, from academics to athletics.
;{{nihongo|Kei Takishima|滝島 彗|Takashima Kei}} {{anime voices|Jun Fukuyama|}}
:Kei is Hikari's rival and holds the 1st position in the entire school. He is good at everything he does and is always a smooth winner. He is the son of the CEO of Takishima Corporation. Kei has been in love with Hikari since they were children, but Hikari is too dense to realize his feelings for her. He maintains a stoic and cool facade most of the time, except for when Hikari is in trouble.

;{{nihongo|Jun Yamamoto|山本 純|Yamamoto Jun}} {{anime voices|Tsubasa Yonaga|}}
:Jun is ranked 3rd in school and is the son of a music producer and a talented vocalist. (With Iori's addition into the SA, Jun is ranked 4th.) He is a nice guy and is usually quiet like his sister. Both he and his twin sister, Megumi, seem to lack musical talent, and have an odd attachment with Ryuu. Like Megumi, he is very possessive of Ryuu and seems to worry Ryuu as much as he worries about the two of them. It is uncertain whether or not Jun or Megumi have the ability to win against Kei since they never really make the effort to do so, especially if it involves any tedious or boring activity.

;{{nihongo|Megumi Yamamoto|山本 芽|Yamamoto Megumi}} {{anime voices|Ayahi Takagaki|}}
:Megumi holds the 4th position in school and is the older twin sister of Jun. (With Iori's addition, she will become 5th place.) She and her brother are very close to Ryuu, whom they have known since they were children. Megumi is generally quiet and refuses to speak because of her bad singing voice. She communicates with others by writing down whatever she wants to say in a sketchpad. She speaks only when she is deeply upset, with fairly devastating effects when this occurs.

;{{nihongo|Tadashi Karino|狩野 宙|Karino Tadashi}} {{anime voices|Hiro Shimono|}}
:Tadashi ranks 5th in school and is the son of the school's director. (With Iori's addition, he will become 6th place.)He suffers from a bit of [[wanderlust]], likes to travel alone and do whatever he wants or sees fit. He enjoys eating sweets, especially food made by Akira. He seems to end up as the character most comically attacked (frequently by Akira and Kei) because of his careless comments or reckless behavior.

;{{nihongo|Akira Toudou|東堂 明|Toudou Akira}} {{anime voices|Hitomi Nabatame|}}
:Akira holds the 6th position in school and is very fond of Hikari. (With Iori's addition, she will be 7th place.) She often will not do anything unless Hikari also wants to do it. She loves [[afternoon tea]] and is very fond of cute girls. Akira apparently loves Tadashi, and she never seems to hold back when hitting him. She is the daughter of the owner of an airline company.

;{{nihongo|Ryuu Tsuji|辻 竜|Tsuji Ryuu}} {{anime voices|Kazuma Horie|}}
:Ryuu ranks 7th in the entire school cohort. (With Iori's addition, he will become 8th place.) He is the son of the CEO of a sports company and one of his family's clients is Yahiro's family. He is an animal lover and is very good at handling children. The twins, Megumi and Jun, are unusually close to him, because they have been together since childhood. It is hinted that perhaps he is smarter than 7th place, but spends the majority of the time during exams worrying about Jun and Megumi, who tend to become bored or sleep during tests.

==Drama CD==
On February 23, 2007, a ''Special A'' [[drama CD]] was released in Japan. It focuses on [[Valentine's Day]].


Voice cast:
Voice cast:
Line 78: Line 74:
*''Kei Takishima'': [[Kenichi Suzumura]]
*''Kei Takishima'': [[Kenichi Suzumura]]
*''Tadashi Karino'': [[Masakazu Morita]]
*''Tadashi Karino'': [[Masakazu Morita]]
*''Akira Toudo'': [[Yuu Asakawa]]
*''Akira Toudou'': [[Yuu Asakawa]]
*''Jun Yamamoto'': [[Souichiro Hoshi]]
*''Jun Yamamoto'': [[Souichiro Hoshi]]
*''Megumi Yamamoto'': [[Tamaki Nakanishi]]
*''Ryuu Tsuji'': [[Hirofumi Nojima]]
*''Ryuu Tsuji'': [[Hirofumi Nojima]]
*''Yahiro Saiga'': [[Daisuke Namikawa]]
*''Yahiro Saiga'': [[Daisuke Namikawa]]
*''Sakura Ushikubo'': [[Yumi Kakazu]]
*''Sakura Ushikubo'': [[Yumi Kakazu]]
*''Aoi Ogata'': [[Daisuke Ono]]


A second drama CD was released on June 18, 2008. It focuses around the boys of the S.A class. The CD also includes background music tracks from the anime. A third drama CD was released in August 2008, focusing on the girls of the S.A class and includes more tracks of the background music from the anime. Both drama CDs use the anime cast.
==Anime Adaptation==

In issue 21 2007 of Hana to Yume, it was announced that ''S.A'' would have an anime adaptation. The anime is scheduled for spring 2008. Different [[seiyuu]] will be playing each character.

*''Director'': [[Miyao Yoshikazu]]
*''Series Composition'': [[Jukki Hanada]]
*''Character Design'': [[Kiyotaka Nakahara]]

*''Color design'': [[Aiko Matsuyama]]
*''Sound director'': [[Satoki Iida]]
*''Animation company'': Gonzo x AIC



*''Hikari Hanazono'': [[Yuko Goto]]
*''Hikari Hanazono'': [[Yuko Goto]]
*''Kei Takishima'': [[Jun Fukuyama]]
*''Kei Takishima'': [[Jun Fukuyama]]
*''Tadashi Karino'': [[Hiro Shimono]]
*''Akira Toudou'': [[Hitomi Nabatame]]
*''Akira Toudou'': [[Hitomi Nabatame]]
*''Tadashi Karino'': [[Hiro Shimono]]
*''Jun Yamamoto'': [[Tsubasa Yonaga]]
*''Jun Yamamoto'': [[Tsubasa Yonaga]]
*''Megumi Yamamoto'': [[Ayahi Takagaki]]
*''Megumi Yamamoto'': [[Ayahi Takagaki]]
*''Ryuu Tsuji'': [[Kazuma Horie]]
*''Ryuu Tsuji'': [[Kazuma Horie]]
*''Sakura Ushikubo'': [[Natsuko Kuwatani]]

===Anime===
{{Main|List of Special A episodes}}
In 2007's 21st issue of Hana to Yume, it was announced that ''S.A'' would have a 24 episode anime adaptation. The anime began airing in Japan on April 6, 2008.

The anime has been picked up for release in North America by Sentai Filmworks; it is distributed by [[Section23 Films]]. The first part of season 1 came out on November 10, 2009, and the second collection was released on January 19, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2009-09-02/section23-films-announces-november-slate-of-anime-j-horror|title=Section23 Films Announces November Releases|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2009-09-02}}</ref> A complete collection was released on April 4, 2011. The series was re-issued again featuring a new English dub on July 16, 2013. In [[Italy]] was broadcast on [[Rai 4]] on May 22, 2011 at 10.30am and ended October 30, 2011.

====Music====
;1st opening theme: "Special Days" (episodes 1 - 12)
:Performed by Yuko Goto, Hitomi Nabatame and Ayahi Takagaki

;1st ending theme: "Hidamari no Gate" ({{nihongo2|陽だまりのゲート}}) (episodes 1 - 12, 24)
:Performed by Jun Fukuyama, Hiro Shimono, Tsubasa Yonaga, Kazuma Horie

;2nd opening theme: "Gorgeous 4U" (episodes 13 - 24)
:Performed by Jun Fukuyama, Hiro Shimono, Tsubasa Yonaga, Kazuma Horie

;2nd ending theme: "Special Gyutto Good Luck!" ({{nihongo2|スペシャル☆ギュッとGood luck!}}) (episodes 13 - 23)
:Performed by Yuko Goto, Hitomi Nabatame, and Ayahi Takagaki

==Reception==
The series has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Katherine Dacey compared the central two characters as "a gender reversed [[Frank E. Butler|Frank Butler]] and [[Annie Oakley]]", and noted that Kei comes off as "rather sexist".<ref>{{Cite web|author=Dacey, Katherine|url=http://www.popcultureshock.com/on-the-shojo-beat-godchild-nana-and-sa/42905/|title=On the Shojo Beat: Godchild, Nana, and S.A.|work=PopCultureShock.com|date=2007-11-13|access-date=2012-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204224226/http://www.popcultureshock.com/on-the-shojo-beat-godchild-nana-and-sa/42905/|archive-date=2012-02-04|url-status=usurped}}</ref> Jennifer Dunbar enjoyed the wish-fulfilment of seeing rich kids "getting to do whatever they want" without being conceited about this, but felt the complications in the last volume were boring.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Dunbar, Jennifer|url=http://www.popcultureshock.com/manga/index.php/reviews/on-the-shojo-beat/shojo-beat-butterflies-flowers/#speciala|title=Manga Recon » Blog Archive » On the Shojo Beat: Butterflies, Flowers and More!|work=PopCultureShock.com|date=2009-12-17|access-date=2012-02-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222144038/http://www.popcultureshock.com/manga/index.php/reviews/on-the-shojo-beat/shojo-beat-butterflies-flowers/#speciala|archive-date=2012-02-22|url-status=usurped}}</ref> [[Jason Thompson (writer)|Jason Thompson]] disliked the "action slapstick" of the first two volumes, but felt that even after the two leads became more fleshed out as characters through their romance that the series was "founded on cliches" and felt the rest of the cast was underdeveloped.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.suvudu.com/2010/02/365-days-of-manga-day-164-s-a.html |title=Science Fiction and Fantasy Books, Movies, Comics, and Games |publisher=Suvudu |access-date=2012-02-10}}</ref> Allen Moody of ''THEM Anime Reviews'' gave a more positive review of series, giving it 4 out of 5 stars and stating that although the first set of episodes focused too much on the Kei/Hikari rivalry, the later episodes were able to develop the characters more and eventually become likable in their own way.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=1401 |title=THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 - S.A |publisher=THEM Anime Reviews |access-date=2012-03-18}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080112130339/http://special-a.jp/index.html Special A - official site for the anime] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{ann manga|id=7889}}
* [http://shojobeat.com/manga/sa/ Special A at ''Shojo Beat'']
* {{ann|manga|7889|S.A}}
* {{ann|anime|8769|S.A}}


{{Hana to Yume}}
[[Category:Shōjo]]
{{AIC TV series}}
[[Category:Manga of the 2000s]]
{{Gonzo}}
[[Category:School anime and manga]]
{{Jukki Hanada}}
[[Category:Viz Media manga]]


{{DEFAULTSORT:S A Special A}}
[[ja:S・A]]
[[Category:2003 manga]]
[[Category:2008 Japanese television series endings]]
[[Category:Anime International Company]]
[[Category:Anime series based on manga]]
[[Category:Gonzo (company)]]
[[Category:Hakusensha franchises]]
[[Category:Hakusensha manga]]
[[Category:Anime and manga set in schools]]
[[Category:Sentai Filmworks]]
[[Category:Shōjo manga]]
[[Category:Viz Media manga]]

Latest revision as of 06:14, 4 April 2024

S.A
Cover of the first manga volume
GenreRomantic comedy[1]
Manga
Written byMaki Minami
Published byHakusensha
English publisher
MagazineHana to Yume
DemographicShōjo
Original runApril 1, 2003 – March 19, 2009
Volumes17
Anime television series
Directed byMiyao Yoshikazu
Written byJukki Hanada
StudioAIC, Gonzo
Licensed by
Original networkChiba TV
English network
Original run April 6, 2008 – September 14, 2008
Episodes24 (List of episodes)
Manga
S・A - Street Fight
Written byMaki Minami
Published byHakusensha
MagazineHana to Yume
DemographicShōjo
Original run2012 – 2013
Volumes1

S.A (stylized as S・A; pronounced Special A) is a shōjo manga by Maki Minami. The series started serialization in the bimonthly magazine The Hana to Yume in 2003, and moved to the biweekly magazine Hana to Yume in 2004, after running for four chapters.[2] The series ended after 99 chapters on March 19, 2009.[3]

Special A has been licensed for English-language release in North America by Viz Media and in Australia and New Zealand by Madman Entertainment. The series has also been licensed in Germany, Italy, Poland, France and Taiwan.[4][5]

In 2007, Hana to Yume announced an anime adaptation of the manga. It was animated by Gonzo and AIC[2] and ran for 24 episodes, from April 6, 2008 to September 14, 2008 in Japan.[citation needed]

In 2013, Hana to Yume released a single volume sequel called Special A - Street Fight.

Setting

[edit]

Hakusen Academy is the best school in the prefecture. The classes are separated into A–F based on grades. The A class is only open for the top students in each grade. The top seven within the A class, from first year to third year, are known as the Special A or SA class (hence the title). The members of SA are highly respected and are often seen being elaborately greeted by other students with the exception of few that dislike the SA. The SA class has its own building, a 19th-century styled greenhouse dubbed "The School's Paradise". They also have a kitchen, where Akira makes her afternoon tea. Class attendance is optional, but Hikari is the only one who chooses to attend classes. Their uniform is also different from the standard uniform. The members of the SA have been close friends since elementary school.

Plot

[edit]
Main article: List of S.A characters

Hikari Hanazono has always been second to Kei Takishima. When they were six years old, their pro-wrestling loving fathers introduced them to each other. Confident that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated by him. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in everything - school grades, sporting events and all competitions. To do this, she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school for the wealthy, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei always ranking first. Due to their ranking, they are part of a special group of kids known as Special A or S.A. for short. While Hikari considers Kei to be her rival, she is completely unaware of Kei's feelings for her. The story follows Hikari and Kei as they become closer and explores the friendships, relationships, and competition between the other S.A. members: Jun, Megumi, Tadashi, Akira, and Ryuu.

Media

[edit]

Drama CDs

[edit]

On February 23, 2007, a Special A drama CD was released in Japan. It focuses on Valentine's Day.

Voice cast:

A second drama CD was released on June 18, 2008. It focuses around the boys of the S.A class. The CD also includes background music tracks from the anime. A third drama CD was released in August 2008, focusing on the girls of the S.A class and includes more tracks of the background music from the anime. Both drama CDs use the anime cast.

Anime

[edit]
Main article: List of Special A episodes

In 2007's 21st issue of Hana to Yume, it was announced that S.A would have a 24 episode anime adaptation. The anime began airing in Japan on April 6, 2008.

The anime has been picked up for release in North America by Sentai Filmworks; it is distributed by Section23 Films. The first part of season 1 came out on November 10, 2009, and the second collection was released on January 19, 2010.[6] A complete collection was released on April 4, 2011. The series was re-issued again featuring a new English dub on July 16, 2013. In Italy was broadcast on Rai 4 on May 22, 2011 at 10.30am and ended October 30, 2011.

Music

[edit]
1st opening theme
"Special Days" (episodes 1 - 12)
Performed by Yuko Goto, Hitomi Nabatame and Ayahi Takagaki
1st ending theme
"Hidamari no Gate" (陽だまりのゲート) (episodes 1 - 12, 24)
Performed by Jun Fukuyama, Hiro Shimono, Tsubasa Yonaga, Kazuma Horie
2nd opening theme
"Gorgeous 4U" (episodes 13 - 24)
Performed by Jun Fukuyama, Hiro Shimono, Tsubasa Yonaga, Kazuma Horie
2nd ending theme
"Special Gyutto Good Luck!" (スペシャル☆ギュッとGood luck!) (episodes 13 - 23)
Performed by Yuko Goto, Hitomi Nabatame, and Ayahi Takagaki

Reception

[edit]

The series has received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Katherine Dacey compared the central two characters as "a gender reversed Frank Butler and Annie Oakley", and noted that Kei comes off as "rather sexist".[7] Jennifer Dunbar enjoyed the wish-fulfilment of seeing rich kids "getting to do whatever they want" without being conceited about this, but felt the complications in the last volume were boring.[8] Jason Thompson disliked the "action slapstick" of the first two volumes, but felt that even after the two leads became more fleshed out as characters through their romance that the series was "founded on cliches" and felt the rest of the cast was underdeveloped.[9] Allen Moody of THEM Anime Reviews gave a more positive review of series, giving it 4 out of 5 stars and stating that although the first set of episodes focused too much on the Kei/Hikari rivalry, the later episodes were able to develop the characters more and eventually become likable in their own way.[10]

References

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  1. ^ "The Official Website for S.A". Viz Media. Retrieved December 13, 2017.
  2. ^ a b "Special A Shōjo Manga to be Animated for Television". Anime News Network. 2007-10-04. Retrieved 2007-10-08.
  3. ^ "Maki Minami's Special A Manga to End in Japan in March". Anime News Network. 2009-03-05. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
  4. ^ moshi_moshi (2011-11-27). "S.A. Special A tom 1". Tanuki.pl (in Polish). 318 (2279). Warsaw: Małgorzata Kaczarowska. ISSN 1898-8296. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  5. ^ "Testata: Sa Special A" (in Italian). Star Comics s.r.l. Retrieved 2014-01-03.
  6. ^ "Section23 Films Announces November Releases". Anime News Network. 2009-09-02.
  7. ^ Dacey, Katherine (2007-11-13). "On the Shojo Beat: Godchild, Nana, and S.A." PopCultureShock.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-04. Retrieved 2012-02-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  8. ^ Dunbar, Jennifer (2009-12-17). "Manga Recon » Blog Archive » On the Shojo Beat: Butterflies, Flowers and More!". PopCultureShock.com. Archived from the original on 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2012-02-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  9. ^ "Science Fiction and Fantasy Books, Movies, Comics, and Games". Suvudu. Retrieved 2012-02-10.
  10. ^ "THEM Anime Reviews 4.0 - S.A". THEM Anime Reviews. Retrieved 2012-03-18.
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