The popular manga series It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love is coming to an end. Fans of the shojo manga will soon have to say goodbye to Sana and Kanato, as the series is slated to conclude in just five chapters. Here’s everything you need to know about the ending of this sweet romantic comedy.
The Final Countdown: Manga Ending Soon
The news broke in this year’s 14th issue of Hakusensha’s Hana to Yume magazine. The announcement revealed that Karin Anzai’s It Takes More than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love (Japanese title: Kao Dake ja Suki ni Narimasen) will wrap up in five chapters. This marks the end of a delightful series that has captured the hearts of many with its lighthearted romance and relatable characters.
What’s the Story About?
It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love revolves around Chiken Sana, a high school girl who openly admits to loving good-looking guys more than anything. Her life takes an interesting turn when she enrolls at Minowa General High School, hoping to meet her ideal man. She quickly finds Ugo Kanato, who seems to be blessed with otherworldly good looks.
However, there’s a catch. Kanato is on the verge of expulsion due to skipping too many classes. Determined to keep her dreamboat from disappearing, Sana takes on the challenge of managing the school’s social media account to reach 100,000 followers, hoping to leverage Kanato’s looks to save him. As they work together, their relationship evolves, leading to sweet and thrilling moments that go beyond Sana’s imagination.
Where Can You Read It?
For English-speaking fans, the manga is available through two platforms:
- Comikey: They publish the series digitally, making it easily accessible for online readers.
- Seven Seas Entertainment: They offer the series in print, allowing collectors and fans of physical copies to add it to their shelves. The second volume was published on May 20, 2025, and the third volume is scheduled for release on August 19, 2025.
A Look Back at the Series
Karin Anzai launched the manga in Hana to Yume in July 2020. Since then, it has garnered a significant following due to its charming storyline and relatable characters. The series explores themes of superficial attraction versus deeper connection, and how appearances can be deceiving.
Key Story Arcs
- The Social Media Challenge: Sana’s efforts to boost the school’s social media presence to save Kanato from expulsion form a major part of the plot. This involves creative content, engaging with followers, and overcoming various challenges.
- Evolving Relationship: As Sana and Kanato work together, their feelings for each other deepen. The manga beautifully portrays their journey from initial infatuation to a more meaningful connection.
- Personal Growth: Both Sana and Kanato experience personal growth throughout the series. Sana learns that there’s more to a person than just their looks, while Kanato gains confidence and self-awareness.
From Manga to Live-Action
The manga’s popularity led to a live-action film adaptation, which premiered in Japan on March 7, 2025. The film stars Miyase Ryubi as Ugo Kanato and Kumada Rinka as Chiken Sana. While details about the film’s plot and cast are still emerging, it’s expected to closely follow the manga’s storyline. The live-action adaptation further solidifies the manga’s success and appeal to a broader audience.
What to Expect in the Final Chapters
With only five chapters remaining, fans are eager to see how Sana and Kanato’s story will conclude. Here are some potential storylines that could be explored:
- The 100,000 Follower Goal: Will they reach their target and save Kanato from expulsion? The stakes are high, and the journey to reach this milestone will likely be filled with drama and excitement.
- Confessions and Commitments: The final chapters may delve deeper into Sana and Kanato’s feelings for each other. Will they confess their love and take their relationship to the next level?
- Personal Growth: The series could focus on the characters’ individual journeys and how they have grown throughout the story. This could involve overcoming personal insecurities and achieving their dreams.
- Future Plans: The ending may provide a glimpse into Sana and Kanato’s future together. What are their plans after high school? Will they stay together and continue their relationship?
Why Fans Love the Series
It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love has resonated with readers for several reasons:
- Relatable Characters: Sana’s initial superficiality and Kanato’s insecurities make them relatable to a wide audience. Their flaws and struggles add depth to their characters.
- Humorous Storyline: The manga is filled with funny moments and witty banter, making it an enjoyable read. The comedic elements balance the romance and add to the series’ charm.
- Heartwarming Romance: The relationship between Sana and Kanato is sweet and heartwarming. Their journey from initial infatuation to genuine love is beautifully portrayed.
- Positive Message: The series promotes a positive message about looking beyond appearances and valuing inner beauty. It encourages readers to appreciate people for who they are, not just what they look like.
Reception and Reviews
The manga has received generally positive reviews from readers and critics. Many praise its lightheartedness, humor, and relatable characters. Some reviewers have noted that the series starts with a seemingly superficial premise but evolves into a more meaningful exploration of love and relationships.
- Goodreads: Readers on Goodreads have given the manga an average rating of 3.71 out of 5 stars, with many praising the cute premise and artwork.
- Reddit: Discussions on Reddit show that fans appreciate the series’ humor and the chemistry between the main characters.
Other Adaptations and Merchandise
Besides the live-action film, It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love has also inspired various merchandise, including:
- Manga Volumes: Physical and digital copies of the manga are available for purchase.
- Collectible Items: Fans can find various collectible items, such as posters, keychains, and figurines, featuring the characters from the series.
Manga by Karin Anzai
Karin Anzai is a talented manga creator known for her heartwarming and humorous stories. It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love is one of her most popular works, showcasing her ability to create relatable characters and engaging storylines.
Other Notable Works
While It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love may be Anzai’s best-known work in English, she has also created other manga series that explore similar themes of love, relationships, and personal growth.
Final Thoughts
As It Takes More Than a Pretty Face to Fall in Love approaches its conclusion, fans are both excited and sad to see the story end. The series has provided countless hours of entertainment and has touched the hearts of many readers with its sweet romance and positive message. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into this charming manga and experience the magic for yourself. With the final chapters on the horizon, be sure to follow Sana and Kanato’s journey to the very end.
