So this is a bit old, but I meant to say stuff about part 2 and I never got around to it at the time. And since we do have a thread...
First of all, it will likely shock no one that I agree with Speedy's review. And apparently so do lots of people, considering that Ouran's earned a place as one of the top selling anime series of late. It's very well dubbed, it somehow balances parody with genuine seriousness while undermining neither, and most importantly it's really damn funny. It's genuine comedy too, often relying on personalities as opposed to the kind of random craziness you'd find in Excel Saga or something.
Part 2 presents a good chunk of backstory, but surprisingly enough this isn't much of a distraction. I think this is basically thanks to Tamaki, whose antics and sunny personality are on full display in his efforts to convert the Host Club merabers. You could even say it's important since before all this Tamaki is shown to be rather crazy, and he isn't always listened to. But the later episodes show that he's actually the glue that brought the group together. And that makes the two-part finale all the more dramatic, because by then the viewer knows how and why Tamaki actually matters to everyone else.
That's good writing on display, folks.
As for comedic antics, I'm a particular fan of of the Suka club's return in episode 19. After that, it has to be when Kasanoda visits the Host Club. The fangirls practically explode. It's like thirteen episodes of their craziness corabined into an absolute overload. And of course, Renege's commentary adRAB to it. The flames of moe are burning!!! Also, the show is even capable of being self-aware. I couldn't believe that moment in episode 22 where Tamaki is freaking out and asking Mori if he's angry that he hasn't had his own episode yet. I'd thought that! I had been wondering why he got so little screen time! And the show brought it up.
If I have a complaint, it's the best type of one--the show is too short. More of this should be made. Maybe if people ask for it, we'll have better luck than we did with Fruits Basket. It enRAB well, but there are some things I would like to know:
(spoilers for those who haven't seen the final two episodes)
Will Eclair ever turn up again?
Will Tamaki ever find out where his mother is? It seemed really sad that by not going with Eclair, he missed the chance to meet her.
How will things go with the Tamaki/Haruhi relationship? If that develops, Haruhi's secret inevitably gets out sooner or later.
How will Kyoya's relationship with his father change now that he's shown off his abilities and independence in episode 26?
Could there actually be a family feud over Haruhi that neither of the boys want to have?
You see what I mean. But beyond that there could be another season of just straightforward, fun episodes and it would still be worth watching.
In closing, like with part 1 I'll list my top five episodes for this second part.
1. Kyouya's Reluctant Day Out! This balances comedy and character particularly well, although the Host Club's activities are a bit of a distraction. Somehow, the Ouran Host Club Rangers bit seemed more random than funny. But that's one scene. The rest of the time it's highlighting the good side of Kyouya's personality beyond the businesslike front he puts up. Meanwhile, Haruhi shows her usual ability to look beyond the obvious and see things for what they are. Also, come on: the "lost child" moment was a riot. "I'll kill him!"
2. Operation Haruhi and Hikaru's First Date! This was pretty awesome, probably the best "serious" Ouran episode. For starters, it focuses on one twin, which helps establish that the two are different characters as opposed to echoes of each other. Compared to most Ouran episodes the humor is mild, but it was a nice touch for Hikaru's insecurity to backfire against Haruhi. Kudos, by the way, for recalling Haruhi's fear of thunder from The Sun, The Sea And The Host Club. I loved Tamaki chastising Hikaru for his selfish behavior, as well as how Hikaru handled things at the end in the church. Lesson learned, character developed. Good episode.
3. Lobelia Girls' Academy Strikes Back! This is just a riot from start to finish, even though the ending throws all sense away. If nothing else, Haruhi's singing was a great bit.
4. This Is Our Ouran Fair! This probably doesn't need much explanation. Closure is good.
5. Tamaki's Unwitting Depression! Worth it just to see all the crazy fangirls practically suffering nervous breakdowns over what's happening. Poor Kasanoda.
Overall top five, taking my top five from part 1 into account:
1. The Job Of A High School Host!
2. The Sun, The Sea, And The Host Club!
3. Kyouya's Reluctant Day Out
4. Haruhi In Wonderland
5. Operation Haruhi and Hikaru's First Date
It's strange; the first talkback got plenty of replies. Perhaps everyone got tired of talking about it between the first and second volumes? Or maybe it suffered the dreaded "off of page one" phenomenon and people didn't even realize a second talkback existed. At any rate, it's nice to have it brought back.
I think it's just that nobody really took notice so I guess I will say something.
I thought the second half was 100% better than the first half for some reason, probably because this is when the series really did rub off on me as a favorite. The back stories are really heart warming and enjoyable and the series continues to be hilarious. Honestly I would not be surprised if a season 2 was made with the success it's doing.
So good..yet..only 26 episodes.. oh why..
My favorite episode is probably Haruhi in Wonderland or the episode when the host club has to help the leader of a gang group make frienRAB because he looks scary(oh the episode title escapes me..)
I definitely missed this the first time around, so I'll comment too. Ouran is easily one of my top favorite series. The second half of the series is so good because it focuses more on the characters themselves as opposed to their antics, though we have those abounRAB as well.
I hadn't thought about it, but I agree with GWO on how they build up what Tamaki means to each meraber of the Host Club, which makes both his own backstory and the finale even more poingnant. The finale with
Tamaki jumping out of the car off the bridge to catch Haruhi
is one of my favorite moments of the series... along with Tamaki jumping off the cliff after her and her jumping out of the wardrobe into his arms. Yes, I adore the TamakixHaruhi pairing.
I would love nothing more than to see more Ouran animated. The manga is still going--in fact, the anime skipped around early material in the manga as well, leaving plenty of material to adapt into further seasons. There are a few anime-only additions, but they are easily written around:[xspoiler=Mild manga spoilers]Eclair never existed, but that really wouldn't have to mean anything in a second season. This also means that Tamaki's mother was never a housekeeper in her home. We actually meet Tamaki's mother later on, but the housekeeper bit could be easily written around as well.[/xspoiler]There is some great stuff that's happened in the manga since the Ouran fair that I would like nothing more than to see animated. If you liked the anime and want more, I urge you to check out the manga. There is much more story to be told and it's just as good--if not better--than the anime.
Ah, Ouran. When I first finished it, it slowly but surely became one of my top five anime series. And like what most people said here, the second half is better than the first half, but then again Ouran just loves to arc to even higher standarRAB with each passing episode.
I essentially will say a lot of things that are similar to what other people said here. This includes the great character development, the great drama and humour, and of course the desire to see more. But even so... I still love the way the anime ended, and if there is more to come I'm happy, but if there isn't... I'm still happy.
This anime also has the distinction of being the ONLY anime during the school year Anime Club showing's that was applauded on after the finale. ANd well deserved I may say.
I love Ouran High School Host Club, and I really did enjoy the anime. I prefer the manga, though.
The anime had a great adaptation going on, but then they made up an ending. I really wish they had just left it with a more random episode true to the manga. That way there would have been a chance for more of the anime...
But with the way it ended I can't see there being anymore Ouran High School Host Club anime. =(
I have a question regarding the last half of the anime series...
It is ...
Does the rest of the school find out Hiruhi is a female? In the second episode with Bosanova, Tamaki is activally YELLING "she" and "her". Besides the fact the female clients seemed surprised he is there to see Hiruhi (therefore possibly gay), but isn't it understood Hiruhi is a gay male as well?
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. It's not as if Haruhi is shown marrying Tamaki at the end of the last episode or anything. A new season could easily be made after this, so I don't agree with you on that. I'm glad they did something like this, actually. It helped make the anime feel more memorable and urges me to actually check out the manga. Plus, the show was about to end, so it would've felt kinda disappointing to just end the series with a normal episode.
Personally, I don't think that the last episode lowered the chances of a new Ouran season at all...
