I decided to read this manga to pass some time. It also continuously appears on recommendation lists and been categorized as historical romance (which is really my cup of tea) so I gave it a try. I just finished reading it last night and ... I don't regret it.
In terms of shojo manga, I tend to be picky —that once I found the male or female lead annoying, I'll drop it but I think, so far, this manga is an exception. The female lead is very childish and weak. I don't like how she refers herself as the third-person when talking or even on POV. I feel annoyed really like Hana, why don't you grow up? Stop being childish or at least, refer yourself as the first-person (・へ・) but she didn't until the last couple of chapters. I'm also a fan of character development a lot especially the heroines but Hana fails at that department. Nieways, what I only like about her is she is so optimistic and easy to befriend with (which I guess most of the heroines are). At the very least, she's still not included in my I-Hate-This-Characters List.
In terms of the male lead, well, the character development that I've been looking for can be found in Vivi. Not an extravagant character development, but at least. He became softer and he smiles now more often. He also turned out emanating a nice and pleasant aura unlike the usual, dark and evil. Well as for the rest of the characters, there are no hateful characters on this manga. Each of them have their own colorful personalities that you'll eventually learned to love.
On the story department... The story started cute, funny and interesting. Each chapter is a light read. That's why I can't help but to finish this immediately. Some chapters made me smile so much to the point of laughing, others just make me in tears. A heartache indeed especially when they're saying "forever and ever". I can't help but to feel sad and lonely. Some scenes are very cliche and you already know what will happen but I let it slide anyway since I still want to see Vivi saving Hana he he he. The only thing that I really want to know is where did baby Hana come from? How come someone manage to left the baby on Vivi's gate mansion? And why on Vivi's mansion? I'm just really curious.
The ending ... Mmmm... I, I literally cry TT. I'm still crying whenever I read that one page confirming it all. I was caught offguard tbh. Ever since, I've read the first few chapters, I'm fully aware what will happen. The repeating of symbols —of flowers that wilt, the foreshadowing of what Hana said when Vivi got sick, the fireworks. That's why I already prepared myself just in case my guess is correct. Yup, I am correct. The author ended it up that way which I trully appreciated and really thankful. The story proves that it's a combination of fantasy and reality. Thus, making us appreciate life and the days passing while we are living. That being happy and feel of being loved and to love is what important.
On the romance department... At first, I believe that what they felt for each other is a father-child relationship and at that kind of age, Hana must be mistaking that what she felt for Vivi is not love towards the opposite sex rather it's love towards a father/brother. For Vivi, I think it's love towards of having a daughter since the day he picked up Hana, all is new to him. That's why at first, I somewhat disagree with their relationship. But fortunately, I'm glad that Oto-sensei decided to tackle it on some chapters (´∀*). She also grew up and a few times she also turned to Nigou, so people who are worried that this story is pedo-ish. You don't need worry. Anyway, the fluffy and doki doki scenes that will supposedly make the reader thrilled and giggly have weak effects on me. Maybe it's because I see Hana as a child ha ha ha. It's different with Nigou tho. The art.... For me, there's no such thing as bad art. Well in fact, I always love the art styles of each manga that I read. And of course, Hana to Akuma is included! What I love most on this manga's art are the dresses! The ruffles, laces and the designs of that victorian-ish clothes of girls, the sophisticated and elegant clothes of the noble demons. I love them most —especially the exquisite and nice wardrobe of Vivi. (´ｰ)
Overall, this manga is highly recommended to anyone especially to those people who love a light read yet something sentimental or just want to smile, laugh and appreciates. I highly advised to read it at night, you'll feel the emotions more especially the ending. ( ﾟ∀ ﾟ)
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