Is the S.A Anime Finished?#
If you are wondering whether you can dive into S.A (also known as Special A) without worrying about an ongoing cliffhanger, you’ll be glad to know that the anime production had a defined run from April to September 2008.
However, because the anime is an adaptation of the original manga (which ran from 2003 to 2004), viewers often find themselves wondering if the anime provides a complete experience. While the anime tells a cohesive story, those who want the full scope of the rivalry and romance between Hikari and Kei may find it beneficial to explore the source material. If you’re looking for the complete story, you can buy the S.A manga here.
What is S.A About?#
S.A is a blend of romance, drama, and slice-of-life, centered around a high-school setting. The story follows Hikari Hanazono, a girl who has spent her entire life striving to be number one, only to be consistently beaten by Kei Takishima.
Their rivalry began at age six when their wrestling-loving fathers introduced them, and Hikari was thoroughly defeated by Kei in a wrestling match. Since then, Hikari has dedicated herself to beating Kei in school, sports, and every other possible endeavor. The irony, and the heart of the show’s appeal, is that while Hikari sees Kei only as a rival, Kei is deeply in love with her—a fact known to everyone except Hikari herself.
If this dynamic of academic competition and oblivious romance appeals to you, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Recommended Watch & Read Order#
Depending on your preference for medium, there are a few ways to approach this series. You can refer to the relationship tree provided on this page to see exactly how the manga and anime connect.
Release Order#
For those who want to experience the story as it was originally created:
- S.A Manga (Serialized 2003–2004)
- S.A Anime (Aired 2008)
Recommended Order for Newcomers#
If you prefer a visual introduction to the characters and their rivalry, we recommend starting with the anime first. Once you’ve finished the series, you can move to the manga to fill in any gaps or see how the original story differs.
Completionist Order#
For the ultimate fan who wants every detail, start with the manga and follow it up with the anime adaptation. To truly complete your collection, you might also want to buy S.A merchandise to celebrate your favorite characters.
Final Thoughts#
S.A is a charming series perfect for fans of school-based dramas and romantic comedies where the tension is built on a foundation of competitive spirit.
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S.A • manga • 2003-02-26 to 2004-02-26 (serialized in The Hana to Yume, chapters 1-4)
└─(adaptation)→ S.A • anime • 2008-04-06 to 2008-09-14
