Before we start, I want to give you guys an overview of the anime. Basically, it revolves around our protagonist, Mikan Sakura and her journey as an Alice student at Alice Academy a.k.a Gakuen Alice. She's 10 years old, an orphan, a country-bumpkin, and best friend of Hotaru Imai. One day, Hotaru suddenly transfers from their local school to the prestigious school of geniuses, Alice Academy. This marks the beginning of our adventure in the world of Alices with Mikan. Together, we will experience the friendships, trials and tribulations of Mikan as she tries to adjust and settle down in the Academy.

Just a little background about the Academy, it is a school in Tokyo, Japan for children born with Alices. When a child is found to posses an Alice, they would try to bring the child to this school. Students of Alice Academy may not leave until graduation or if they no longer have their Alice. They may write letters, but letters leaving and coming to Alice Academy are screened upon receiving and prior to sending. The school also gives money to the parents of the students who attend the school.

At this point, I bet you're a little bit confused. Di kept on talking about Alice here, Alice there... What is an Alice? Well, let me tell you what it is, it is the term used in the world of Alice Academy describing people who have special abilities.

Jesus, when are you actually starting the review Di? You already wrote a wall of texts!! Okay, okay.. we'll start. Impatient fools!

Let's talk about the story, in a nutshell, Mikan follows her best friend to Alice Academy, found out she possesses a unique Alice, meets the moody Natsume Hyuuga and his best friend Ruka Nogi; managed to make him her enemy on her first day of school - Natsume then tries to make Mikan life a living hell, in return, and the story goes on..wait what - that's it? No, no, no hahaha, I think I got you guys there.

Let's talk honesty here, the plot is very generic, it revolves around friendship. There's a lot out there. You must be thinking, why should I watch Alice Academy? I'll tell you why, well duh, because it's generic that's why you need to watch and read the series. You can pretty much predict the direction the anime's heading. I bet you predicted what I've just said.

However, let me guys tell you, there's more to it than meets the eye. Despite Mikan's initial view of the so-called greatness of the school, she slowly finds out that beneath the grand facade of the Academy, there is a never-ending stream of lies and buried secrets. The school’s increasingly manipulative and sinister actions towards her make it a dangerous place to be. Little does she know, her enrolment in the school set the gears in motion to an even greater tragedy. Intriguing? Read the manga!!!

I like the story even though it's generic. It made me laugh, cry, annoyed - mixed emotions throughout my journey. Simply the best shoujo anime out there!! You guys should definitely watch it (and read) - it wouldn't disappoint you.

If that didn’t make you want to watch the anime or even read the manga, let’s talk about the characters.

Mikan is an optimistic, cute, athletic, and good-natured girl, but her clumsiness lands her into trouble. She is a cheerful and energetic person, much to the annoyance of her mellow-headed best friend, Hotaru. She’s your typical female protagonist. Most of the time I find her idiotic and annoying, nonetheless, very much likeable character. In terms of personality, Mikan is a good-natured and caring towards her friends. Her clumsiness may lead her to trouble most of the time, but she has a very determined spirit. Her mottoes, "Never Lose!" and "Never Give up!” have carried her through countless trials in her life in the academy.

Hotaru is intelligent, logical, extremely rational, and has a foul mouth and she's also quiet when everyone in her class is so noisy. She also can come across as rather detached and downright threatening when she wants to. She is rather rude, and though she appears civil, she is actually a very lazy person and really needed money to make a new inventions, so that it can do the work for her. As a business minded person, Hotaru loves making money and often results to extortion to get what she wants. She is particularly protective of her best friend Mikan and enjoys torturing her many admirers, especially Ruka and Natsume. I find her one of the most complex character throughout the series. We have similar personalities so, I can relate to her the most. She’s my favourite character! Gives love to Hotaru.

Natsume comes off as cold and easily angered, but his attitude is mostly a facade. He wishes to get involved with no one and vice versa. Natsume is protective of his friends and family and he is willing to suffer for them and sacrifice his life and freedom so that they won't get hurt. Talk about being a masochist, doesn’t it get any better? First we have Mikan the klutz, Hotaru the blackmailer, now, we have Natsume the masochist. Natusme hates the academy and wishes to escape to live peacefully with those he cares for the most. He is very perverted for his age. Who doesn’t like a perverted male lead?

Ruka is a little nicer and can be considered more bearable than his best friend Natsume. While Natsume is cold and distant, Ruka is warm and pleasant to people. Like Natsume, his classmates see him as serious and cool, but Ruka really isn't that type. He is an animal lover. He is a very loyal friend, especially to Natsume, and later Mikan. Ruka knows of Natsume's sacrifices and feels helpless that he cannot help his friend. _I find him a very weak character compared to others. _ Very passive - he did play a vital part at the last arc of the manga.

You'll meet a lot of interesting characters in the world of Alices, and you’ll certaintly find your own personal favourite character(s), just like I did.

Lastly, I want to talk about the visuals and art style. It’s definitely not the most visually appealing anime and manga out there but it does wonders. Don’t be put off by it – the series is definitely worth your time, well written story. I find the visuals and art style appealing and suit the setting quite well. It utilises the use bright bold colours well! Overall, a very vibrant world.

The main setting of the anime and manga pivots around the Academy. It’s a damn big world for our characters to explore._ I once dreamt of: what’s it like to be in Mikan’s position (or the students’)?_ It’s quite exciting for me, maybe not so much for the characters as they’re quite young living in the Academy. But, I, as an 18 years old – a first year university student, it is!! I can almost imagine what it is like living on your own.

What do you guys think? Fun~ isn’t it?

Have I convinced you guys enough to watch and read the manga?

If not, well too bad you’re missing out!

If yes, watch anime first, then read manga for a better experience.