Houkago no Charisma
Afterschool Charisma

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The story of clones brought up in a clone academy, Afterschool Charisma (Houkago no Charisma) revisits the message of nature vs. nurture. Do they become who they are because of their genes? Or is it the environment that creates them? Both sides of this argument are tackled in interesting ways throughout the story without truly saying either side is correct.

Story- 9/10
Taking place in a boarding school, the first scene of this series gives a lighthearted tone. The story itself, however, quickly grows to be a lot darker. The question of nature vs. nurture and the ethical aspects of cloning come to play. The story ... itself has a very logical progression, with major reveals, but nothing coming completely out of left field. The pacing can be a little slow at times, especially coming into the later volumes where the author explores the few non-clone characters' backstories. However, if you enjoy political fights in the middle of the action, this would be a particularly splendid read for you.

The story ultimately loses out on a point from me because it isn't something particularly new. The concept has been compared to Clone High and some of the advancement in plot reminds me of Gakuen Alice. Nevertheless, Afterschool Charisma is well done and thought provoking at times (really, fandom?! Your favorite character is Hitler of all people??).

Art- 10/10
Not much to say here, the art is amazing. Everything is very clean and the author's way of drawing characters serves the story's purpose very well. The clones look alike and characters related to each other have subtle similarities.

Character- 9/10
Wow, the characters may very well be what makes this series unique. The author has certainly taken to designing these characters to her own liking. Despite having a historical figure as the base, the author still gives her characters their own flare and her own take on their personalities. This, however, could also be seen as her own spin on the nature vs. nurture theme. It isn't so strange that, brought up in a different environment, these characters would act differently from the way they were perceived in history. (Ex: Ikkyu being laid back and always trying to have fun.)

The psychological development of these characters are amazing as well. Each character changes immensely from the beginning of the series-- in understandable ways as well. The situations they face force them to think carefully about their place in society as clones as well as the people they're meant to be and each character ultimately comes to their own conclusions.

The author doesn't shy away from creating controversial characters as well. Clone Hitler. I mean, way to make a character that everyone is sure to dislike... wait what?? He's actually quite well liked! I suppose it's no surprise that everyone likes this character (to some extent). He is the underdog, the small and shy kid in the corner... The occasional yandere... However, whether or not the character is well liked, it doesn't change the fact that his character serves as an important plot point in the story. And the author certainly gets a few points for her creative way of using a character like Clone Hitler to move the plot along. So in a way, this serves as a warning: there is Clone Hitler in this series and if that bothers you, maybe you should stay away from this series after all.

Enjoyment- 9/10
A very fantastic read in terms of plot and character development. It may be cliched here and there, but a very intriguing series so far.

Overall- 9/10
(See above in Enjoyment!)

Much more interesting than I thought it would be. I am reading it and the art and story are at the very least slightly higher than my expectations. An excellent mystery, some frivolous but deep characters and an overall level of quality that is higher than expected. While not being particularly amazing in its artwork, its character has somewhat memorable character art, but the real meat is in the characters. Truly, the twists and turns that the narrative keeps on taking, and all these hints of future mystery's are making me very excited and curious. I am totally honest, that this is very different than ... the current popular mangas, not too different, like Jojo level, but different enough to have its own story. I'm not done it yet but I am sure that I will definitely be reading this to the end.

I represent a very small group of people who believe “Afterschool Charisma” is the best thing since sliced bread. Maybe it’s the history nerd in me but honestly the cynical portrayal of these famous persons throughout time, representing a vast majority of nations, has me laughing almost as much as I did for Hetalia.

Story- 9

Afterschool Charisma is a tale of a “non-clone” student at an all clone school and his interactions with not only the clones, a vast majority of which seem to hate him, but with various faculty members all who posses their own level of bias and jealousy for the ... famous figures surrounding them. This story has its moments of comedy and drama but is mostly a mystery as after the assassination of a clone John F Kennedy the students a faculty are thrown into a spiral of fear by a nameless organization bent on eliminating all clones. With a perky Einstein grabbing the crotch of our innocent main character one moment and fencing duel the next Afterschool Charisma had me gripping the edge of my seat as I made my way through it in one night.

Art- 10

I enjoy hot men and perky boobs as much as the next girl but I found that past staring at the beautiful bodies present in this manga I was also staring longingly at the uniforms and pool tables just as much. Every scene is drawn with such detail I want to climb into the manga and partake in the eating of delicious looking cakes with the characters. It’s one thing for a manga to provide of slew of characters you want to dry hump, it’s another thing entirely if the art makes you want to jump the awesome looking cafeteria chairs.

Characters- 10

Einstein likes groping people and conducting freaky experiments.
Ikkyu is funny and a determined leader.
Mozart is batshit insane yet strangely arousing.
Napoleon is arrogant yet endearingly loyal.
Florence Nightingale suffocates people with her boobs.
Freud is a pervert.
THEY ARE EXACTLY AS I DREAMED THEY WOULD BE. And they cover such a wide variety of personality traits, flaws, and fetishes the likelihood that you won’t fall in love with at least one character is slim to none. I want to attend this school.

Overall- 9

Through the characters and plot I was able to get a real feel for how the clones felt being thrust into a world that was on the fence about their existence and the feelings of jealousy and admiration from the few non-clone members of the cast. But the main thing about this manga that captured my soul is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The author was able to make fun of her sadistic perverts and overly attractive characters (despite in reality the characters are far from dream boats) with a smile, and accepted all criticism with a funny closing comic to explain her own inconsistencies. The mixing of genres created something great that I know I will be addicted to for years to come.