Gonna give a brief explanation of each arcs, in anime order. I watched this when it was airing and definitely I will always remember/rewatching this anime regularly until I grew old.
Haruka is definitely the sole reason this anime really gained popularity and traction, they baited the audience with the "Popular Girl" and "Normal Guy" trope and succeeded, her story is average but Haruka is a powerhouse of a character so this arc really got carried by her character.
Kaoru's arc elevated things even more with deeper story and more serious tone, Kaoru is a strong character, foundation and background wise. Very fun character overall and really did add more depth into this phenomenal show.
Sae's arc is when they decided to take things slowly and more relaxed (Or even more fanservice), I had to say that the art direction of her arc is pretty awful with the narrator speaking unnecessary things, I like Sae but her arc could be much, much better. Though the movie theater scene is phenomenal.
Now we're into everyone's favorite girl, Ai, but had to say, I didn't like her that much, the storyline is great, has some great moments as well as her background but her as a character really is a mixed bag for me. She's the most forgettable character for me, I remembered the scenes, but not her as a character.
Oh Rihoko, I don't know where to start, they truly killed her during the S1 of the anime and the first disappointment I got, it's a miracle that they salvaged things during SS+ though, I guess the staffs really liked her that much that she need 6 Eps to conclude her arc. Rihoko is also a strong character with the strongest backgrounds, if it were real life, Rihoko is 100% the canonical girl for Junichi.
Now, into the elephant in the room, Ayatsuji (It's weird that I feel more comfortable saying her family name instead of "Tsukasa"). Now you've read me talking about the "Strength" of the characters, but Ayatsuji is 100% the best girl of this series, she's the realest character in this series, her attitude, her motives etc really had that balance between realism and fiction, making the best of both worlds and happy family ending? Oh yeah sign me up. Also, Ayatsuji had the most balance (If we also counted SS+) between storyline, character and fanservice.
So my ranking is:
1. Ayatsuji
2. Kaoru
3. Haruka
4. Rihoko
5. Sae
6. AI
Conclusion, Ayatsuji is the best girl, deserved to be the image girl. |