Sakura of DOOM

I had read volumes 1-3 about a year or so ago and decided not to continue because the paneling was too busy and the manga lost a lot of humor without the sound effect of the anime.

But then, I saw volumes 2-10 at the library and decided to read them just for the heck of it. It also helped that rilina had been telling me that the manga got much better, especially once it got past the territory covered by the anime. So far, it covers most of the anime, with a few unanimated chapters in volumes 8-10.

Thankfully, either I got used to Hatori's paneling, or she got better at it; it no longer confuses the heck out of me, and I'm fairly certain that her layouts have gotten less busy. Some bits are still funnier in the anime—Tamaki's "Mon ami!" in particular—but Hatori's art is pleasant. I also love that she includes sketches of her characters by other mangaka in the extra bits, particularly the one Matsuri Hino did.

Storywise, there's not much difference so far. I am having an easier time telling the twins apart in terms of personality, though I vaguely remember being able to do that in the latter half of the anime as well. I do like that the non-animated bits have more women in them, although usually it's a girl and how the host club heals her or whatnot in some way. On the other hand, volume 10 introduces a non-Haruhi female character who could stick around for a while.

( Spoilers )

I'm rather disturbed by the translation's use of "tranny;" does anyone know if it corresponds to a similarly derogatory Japanese term, or if it's supposed to just be informal?

Still, fun manga, especially now that it's going beyond the territory of the anime. Also, I root for more character development for Kyoya and Mori, my favorite host club guys.