After reading the previous comments on this page, I went and read the manga with high expectations. Perhaps they were too high, because I found myself very disappointed. While I don't mind cliche plots, or cliche characters, and the art was fairly good, something about this manga just didn't click for me.

Gave it a 3 for the art.

How did this get hundreds of votes saying that this was good? I went into this with high expectations, and I was thoroughly disappointed. The only parts I did like we're the few pages where their personalities were switched. I have a feeling that this may have been the first manga of many girls, since there are so much better than this.

The characters are extremely cliché and predictable. You could easily tell what they were going to say or do next. There weren't any interesting or new romantic events. It was mainly catching her from falling down the stairs. I believe that happened three or more times. Yea that's how the romance develops.
Sure, the art's alright. It's nothing special, and I don't remember any great backgrounds. Akira's cute but Takami was really annoying. I guess if you want to read a romance between a blonde pretty boy with a loud tomboy, you can read this, but there are better ones out there.
Also, the climax of the manga was awful and the reasoning was really really bad. It was poorly paced and rather unrealistic.
Every page I turned was me with a furrowed brow trying to understand why this is so well liked. Basically, this was just your average generic shoujo so read this if you want.

Wonderful read, but it can get a bit dull since it's a bit realistic - real life doesn't bring you amazing plot lines like One Piece, after all. But I didn't like the male lead having some kind of a European background - way too typical. I somehow still like this, though...not sure quite why. Perhaps it's the way the story was told, the atmosphere and mood that the story created that drew my attention...
And as usual, the girl's as dense as ever, but at least she's not a crazy over-achiever with inhumane abilities like in so many shojo mangas.

... Last updated on January 30th, 2014, 4:05pm

The story is sweet, but I wouldn't expect much from it. The story was cliche and the characters were very unoriginal. It's just a typical shoujo read. There have been better and worse manga's.

^ as said in the title, I think what really sets this series apart from the rest of the stories in this genre is that it actually feels realistic. How both of them are close as childhood friends is evident by how comfortable they are in each other's presence and also brutally honest with each other when they have to be. But breaking out of that comfort zone into becoming lovers, the awkward yet sweet journey it is because underlying the new relationship is their former more deep relationship as childhood friends... yup, I think this one's done it right.

Don't get me wrong, there are a bunch of stock characters and cliched setups here and there, but there are certain moments too which really made the characters resonate with me. I think my favourite character out of everyone is Akira. Poor boy is so sweet and innocent, yet wants so badly to break out of the (i wouldn't say "friend" cuz its worse than that) brother-zone, that I find him really different from all the other shoujo male heroes out there.

Plus, the piano thing isn't a gimmick. Lots of chapters deal with the characters' insecurities regarding advancement in their piano skills, and it very effectively develops the characters, especially Akira's, throughout.

So yeah, I'd say that there are certain chapters that lag and make you go "oh whatever, I'll finish this some other time", but suddenly it hits you with these sweet moments that it makes you want to keep reading, cuz their friendship/love is that believable.

... Last updated on August 2nd, 2013, 4:06pm

As a critic, I suppose this is a good read if you just want a hint of romance which is unique in the perspective that both sides were a;ready perfect and complimenting each other. There is some character and plot development but, since the characters were close to perfect in their roles anyway, not much was done, but that's fine. It's not simple comedy, nor the deep stuff. What saves it is the lack of cheesy romantic roles one can fine in a cliche shoujo, the ones in shounen, and heck even a number of those found in seinen or josei, roles that show quite impractical and unrealistic thought pattern (but those are fun sometime...only sometimes).

A good read if u want to do all 5 vols at one shot

... Last updated on April 3rd, 2010, 2:26am

While I found it to be a tad slow and drab sometimes, the art is absolutely stunning, makes up for everything. Nishikata Mai is one talented artist.

Venus Capriccio has beautiful artwork and a beautiful story. The artwork is sooooo pretty to look at. The length and plot is also very nice as well and had a nice closure. However, the beginning should have introduced the themes, rather than acting like a filler. Still, characterization is very strong, especially in Akira. He wasn't like the perfect bishie type(though he looks very hot ^^), and instead has flaws. His reactions to certain things are especially cute and original. Once again, it's a very nice story. I recommend everyone to read it!

... Last updated on June 26th, 2009, 7:46pm

I was skeptical after the first volume because it was a bit exaggerated and relied too heavily on cliches (you know - potential love rivals, jealous fangirls, crazy school play, amusement park date, etc). After things were set into place it got much better.

I liked the way the music theme was applied to the story and how it was used to connect Takami and Akira and also the way the characters communicated through music. The pacing was just right and so was the development of the characters, especially Akira. I liked that it didn't sugarcoat the issues concerning him. The side characters were likeable as well. Also the art is lovely although I do agree the characters look more mature than they are.

I do agree this series is like Special A but not because the leads have the same personalities but rather their interaction with each other is the same. Takami treats Akira as a friend while Akira is protective of her and wants Takami to notice him. This is very much like Kei and Hikari's relationship. The story also has the same lighthearted feeling and is not focused solely on romance. Like atomdreamer stated its like a toned downed streamlined version (not to say that it's a copy).

It was a fun and enjoyable series to read, and I recommend it.

... Last updated on May 14th, 2009, 7:00pm

first of all, before i read the series, i realized the there were a lot of positive comments about venus capriccio... but then, i also noticed the negative comments about it... and guess what, i think their right...

it has a slow progress, and the characters, even though they say that they like each other still doesn't confirm that they are going out until the end of the series... i mean what is with that?

but you know, it's not all negative... even though while i was reading i was also impatient on when it is going to end, you just can't seem to stop reading because you want to know what will happen next..

if you try to finish the series, it is actually good... actually, i don't agree to people that it is like special a... the girl here is a bit of a tomboy and seem strong but 'strong' as a definition for this girl is not about being the best physically but strong as in normally?(i can't think of words to explain it...)

if you will read until the end, it is a good manga... not the best, but it is cute...