Planet Rinda

Honey & Clover

     It was announced at ComicCon that the anime Honey & Clover had been licensed by Viz Media so hopefully it’ll be available at a retailer near you soon! Honey & Clover is a wonderful, little jewel of an anime. It was adapted from the manga back in 2005. It’s been really popular in Japan, spawning two seasons of the first anime, a second series called Honey & Clover 2 and a live action movie. There’s a reason for it’s popularity. It’s a really good story. It’s one of the best I’ve seen in awhile. This isn’t a loud, in your face, kinda anime. It’s quieter than most high school/college animes out there. While there are some truly funny moments, it’s not played for laughs alone. I suppose you’d call it a dramatic comedy. It’s a real slice of life sorta anime.

     Honey & Clover is the tale of three college guys who share a tiny, rundown apartment. The story begins with them and then widens to include friends of theirs as well as teachers. These are not flat, one-dimensional characters. They become very human and real. You gradually get to know them, their lives, good and bad. You watch as they journey through college and life. And life isn’t always pretty. And more often than not, it’s darn painful.

    As often happens in real life, romance blossoms among the friends. And while romance is never easy, it’s particularly hard when it’s your friend. This anime explores the grief of unrequited love through several love triangles. It reminds you how hard it can be to find someone you love, that loves you in return. And while it hurts to have your love rejected by someone you’ll never see again, it can be agony to love someone and have that person care for you, be a part of your life but never return that love. Honey & Clover is a bittersweet story of growing up. It’s at times light-hearted. And at other times, tragic. But that’s life.

     This is a great anime. It’s got strong characters and a great story. It’s also a lot of fun! I recommend it wholeheartedly. So go and check it out. I think you’ll find it’s a pleasant surprise.

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