Hana & Hina After School Vol. 3 Paperback – November 28, 2017

*Hana and Hina After School* is a three-volume *yuri* manga series from mangaka Milk Morinaga. Morinaga is a well-known writer in the *yuri* genre. Her works have received acclaim in both her native Japan, and the West.*Hana and Hina After School* is a story about two high school girls whose school bans part-time jobs. This actually isn't as out there as some people might think it is. It's not unusual in Japan for the school to put limits on students and extra-curricular and outside school activities. The reason is for the students to focus on their studies and so that the student has less chance of getting into trouble and bringing any bad attention on the school.As I said though, the two girls, Hana and Hina, decide to get part-time jobs despite the threat of expulsion. Each has her own reason for doing this, though it's not explored widely for both of them, but somewhat for one of them. I'm being vague to avoid spoilers. The reason that this job is so central to the plot is because it is where the two girls met each other, and where their friendship (and eventually more) blossomed, as it certainly wouldn't have done so at school where the two *radically* different girls would never have met. Not radically like nothing in common, but like very divergent interests and friends.Hana is a year older, and has already worked for the store for a while now. One day, she sees a stunning girl named Hina walk into the store, wanting to shop for some cute figurines. That's actually what the place sells: cute figurines, other character good, so on. At first, amusingly enough (though only at first as this is traced to Hina's fears and some more serious stuff later on) the girl doesn't want to admit these purchases are for her, but tries to pass them off as for other people. Eventually, as the two young women get closer, Hina relents and admits what Hana already surmised, that Hina is shopping for herself as she likes cute things. The issue seems to be that it contradicts her "stylish" persona as a model (she has done occasional work) and so she avoids letting folks know, as she has a real fear of others' opinions of her.To say that, upon having her as a customer and later junior employee, Hana is surprised at Hina's rather prolific knowledge of the various character goods the store sells, would be an understatement. But it is this shock and curiosity that leads to her befriending the younger girl. As for Hina, she thinks Hana is cute and adorable due to her smaller size and looks, and that piques her interest. Love comes later, so of course the atmosphere is a bit strange between the two at first.This is probably not helped by how different they are in some areas. Hana is a studious young woman with a very petite and short physique. Hina is petite as well, but is also a lot taller with a more conventionally beautiful body. Not to say that Hana is not attractive, but not the way that Hina is with her natural height, curves and so forth. Furthermore, while they are both into fashion somewhat, Hana is more so and is into the - though she amusingly doesn't like the term - gothic Lolita trends, while Hina isn't as into that stuff, but does tend to sport more casual, though fashionable fare. Ironically, the non-supermodel likes fashion and the supermodel doesn't.Instead, in contrast to Hana who loves fashion, Hina is interested in the cute things like what the store they work at sells. It's not that fashion has no interest for her or she doesn't know about it, but beyond her modeling job, she doesn't seem to care. though again she can be fashionable if she wishes. This creates a funny irony that the model likes the cute things and the attractive but more cute than beautiful girl likes fashion. Granted one oughtn't to judge a person by their looks, but many would expect the interests to be reversed.Eventually, after a long series of events, misunderstandings, and generally just living their lives out, as well as working and going to school together, the two begin to fall in love. This is unbeknownst to each other, with each thinking it's just them and fearing the other one's reaction. Thus, there is much angst, fear, and hurt feelings as each want one so desperately to be with the other, but fears total and absolute rejection by the other should her feelings come to life.What must be understood is that these two young ladies have a very real reason for this fear. A quick note that I don't consider moral disagreement, if ending there and not showing adverse reactions, hate, discomfort, so on, to be bigotry. But too often folks go way beyond that. Anyways, that's just to make clear my next statements. You see, I know that we in America have our own share of homophobia. A rather *large* amount, in fact. Sickeningly so. But believe me, it's arguably far worse in other areas, including Japan. The rejection, disgust, disdain, being cut off, so on, is in Japan as well and arguably worse. Though again, this does happen here too, I'm not saying we are ideal on this. To make such matters worse is the culture of conformity that is so prevalent in Japanese society. You are not reaching that ideal if you engage in certain behaviors, hobbies, lifestyles, etc. To reiterate, I'm not saying that we're not riddled with this problem in the West too, I'm just explaining why things are arguably worse for them than young girls in romantic situations elsewhere. This also is why the fear is so great for Hana and Hina to an extent arguably even more so than you would expect to see from two teenagers.Obviously, our two heroines do get together and work out all their issues, which is great. I can't really say much about what happens, without spoiling things, but I can say that is a *very* sweet story. In fact, it is the type of sweet story anyone who has read Morinaga-sensei will expect from her. At the same time, however, it is also a story that addresses some real-world issues in ways that others of her works have only hinted at. Somehow, she managed to balance the sweet story that she does so well with the more serious issues of some difficulties that such characters would have in real life. It is a difficult balancing act, and she did it perfectly. She also has the two girls be more bold in their relationship in public than other times, which is something new for her.The only warning I give about this is that there is a tastefully, but still clear what they are doing, love scene at the end, so if you don't like that sort of thing, then don't read this or skip over that part. Again, it is tastefully done. This isn't erotica or stuff, but a sweet story with a sweet fulfillment for the characters at the end.The art was quite beautiful, as is expected from this talented mangaka who always has beautiful art. In this case, though, it was even better. In fact, I'd say that the art was actually the best I've seen from her, and I've read much of her work. While it obviously isn't at the absolutely stunning level that, say *Citrus* (another *yuri* series by another mangaka that has some of the best art I've seen of any manga or genre period) is, it's still Morinaga's best work, is pleasing to the eye, and gets across the points the author wants to get across.In *Hana and Hina*, the author manages to handle some serious issues, and yet balance it with the traditional cuteness, sweetness, and awesome art that she is known for. While some have felt the ending was a little rushed, I disagree. It was a compact story that still had a complete arc and a nice ending.It is Highly, Highly Recommended.Rating:Vol. 1 - 3.5/5 Stars.Vol. 2 - 4/5 Stars.Vol. 3 - 5/5 Stars.Total for series: 4.5/5 Stars.

This is a cumulative review of all three volumes. The story is at times predictable. Hana and Hina won’t necessarily wow you for being unique characters. But they are well developed, with a great deal of chemistry. It is easy to root for them. Their constant inability to say what they mean feels genuine on the page. It never made me frustrated, even through my second reading. That, along with the art direction, is where this manga shines. It weaves inner monologue and outer dialogue in a way that makes it part of the scene, making even the oldest cliches feel fresh and authentic on the page. Only once in three volumes did I feel like I missed something moving from panel to panel. That is an amazing feat by itself.In summation, read this manga. It is worth the time and money. At three volumes deep it hits the sweet spot of having plenty of story without being a massive time and financial commitment.

Finally, after her even more misunderstandings, jealous classmates, & clashing schedules, both Hana & Hina confess to each other. They have a couple hiccups, but both girls are completely determined to always be together, no matter what. They even make a VERY public admission of their love, in an interesting way. Towards the end is, in my opinion,a very tastefully drawn love scene between Hana & Hina that really made me smile. Lie the old saying goes - "I love it when a plan comes together" . My ONLY complaint about this story is that it was only 3 books. I'd love to see a 2 - 4 book followup, in the same vein as Citrus+. If you love cute girls, and you love cute love stories, do yourself a huge favor and read this story!

After the fireworks, Hana realizes how much HIna means to her. But when Maiko shows up again during a store festival, misunderstandings abound. Will this drive a wedge between two different, yet similar, girls? Or will the two be able to ride the storm and find a happily ever after?The series ends on a high note and deals with a lot of powerful situations and feelings. From Hina who kept hiding her true self in many ways to be able to open up and be honest with herself, to Hana who feels that she is not worthy to be close to Hina, and the rest of the characters brought to life. This was a great series worthy of Girlfriends and the Princesses' Secret and hope another great series is on its way.

With this volume Hana and Hina concludes and it was a fine work from Milk Morinaga, who rarely disappoints. Our two heroines are still riding the roller coaster when it comes to their relationship. Morinaga can keep the reader in suspense. At one point it looks like Hana and Hina are drifting apart but then, there are some great scenes as they realize the depth of their feelings for each other. They seem happy, but Hina becomes frightened by the idea that the good times can't last. There are questions about what the future holds for Hana and Hina but there is great hope at the end. After the story, there are Milk Morinaga's comments on yuri manga and they are quite interesting. It was a very nice series.

4.5 StarsStatus: CompleteFormat: printSee book one for a full review. This is the book where it gets a bit steamy!This book series seems to be partially out of physical print but is pretty easy to find used. You can buy it as an ebook if you have an issue finding them. Book 3 I had a tough time finding.

Nothing quite like girl's love. 🥰🥰🥰 They talked it out and they're gonna do better for one another. That's how I like my yuri 😌

Big fan of milk morinaga. The story was nice, but I still feel there was things missing in the book. But really nice story. I was really surprised that this was the last book in the set, but well worth the 11$.

love this series.this was the first yuri manga I read and I love it even more now. definitely for the keeping shelf :)

Por fin llega a Amazon Méxic, muy contenta con el producto las historias de Morinaga llegan hacer aburridas y emocionantes y en cuanto Hana & Hina after school fue emocionante y un final hermoso.

Came in well protected, the book itself is clean, feels fresh and the text is well worded and clear.

Amazing !

Just perfect