AIC and Gonzo's 2008 shoujo adaptation, Special A, is now available to stream on Amazon with both English dub and subtitles. The series follows Hikari Hanazono, a fiercely competitive student who has dedicated her life to surpassing Kei Takishima, her childhood rival who has bested her in every endeavor since they were children.
Set within the elite Hakusenkan school, Special A chronicles Hikari's relentless pursuit of Kei across academics, sports, and social standing, all while navigating the often-absurd dynamics of their shared "Special A" class – a group comprised of the school's top seven wealthiest and most talented students. The show leans heavily into slapstick comedy and classic shoujo romance tropes, including a prominent love triangle.
With its completion status and 24-episode run, Special A offers a complete binge-watching experience for fans of classic school romance comedies. While not reaching the highest echelons of critical acclaim, it holds a respectable 7.5 rating on MyAnimeList from over 190,000 voters, indicating a solid fanbase for its particular brand of high-stakes romantic rivalry.
