What is it: Gakuen Alice
Gakuen Alice, also known as Alice Academy, is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Tachibana Higuchi. First published in 2003 in Hana to Yume magazine, the manga quickly gained popularity, leading to an anime series adaptation in 2004. The story revolves around Mikan Sakura, a young girl who discovers that her best friend, Hotaru Imai, was transferred to a special school called Academia Alice. Curious and determined to reunite with her friend, Mikan decides to enroll in school, only to discover that Alice Academy is a place for children with supernatural abilities, known as “Alices”. These abilities range from telekinesis and pyrokinesis to more unique and quirky abilities, making the narrative rich and diverse.
Alice Academy is divided into different classes and levels depending on the strength and type of Alice each student has. There are five main types of Alices: Latent, Technical, Somatic, Special and Dangerous. Each type of Alice has distinct characteristics that influence students' school lives. For example, students with Latent Alices have abilities that affect the physical world, such as telekinesis, while those with Technical Alices have abilities that involve creating or manipulating objects. The school's hierarchical structure and the diversity of students' abilities create a dynamic and competitive environment, where friendship, rivalry and personal growth are central themes.
In addition to supernatural abilities, Alice Academy also has a star system that ranks students based on their academic performance and use of their Alices. Students can earn from one to five stars, with those with five stars being considered the most talented and receiving special privileges. This grading system adds an extra layer of complexity to school life, encouraging students to try their hardest to improve their skills and achieve recognition. However, it also generates tension and competition, as not all students cope well with the pressure and expectations imposed by school.
Gakuen Alice's characters are one of the series' strong points, each with their own personality, history and development throughout the plot. Mikan Sakura, the protagonist, is a cheerful and determined girl, whose Alice is Nullification, a rare ability that allows you to nullify other Alices. Her best friend, Hotaru Imai, is a genius inventor with Alice's Invention, which allows her to create incredible devices. Other notable characters include Natsume Hyuuga, a troubled student with the dangerous Alice of Pyrokinesis, and Ruka Nogi, a kind boy with the Alice of Animal Control. The interactions between these characters and their complex relationships are fundamental to the development of the story.
The series addresses deep and moving themes such as friendship, loyalty, sacrifice and the fight for what is right. Mikan's journey to protect her friends and discover the secrets of Alice Academy is full of challenges and twists, keeping readers and viewers engaged from start to finish. The combination of fantasy, drama and comedy elements makes Gakuen Alice a captivating and memorable work that resonates with a wide audience, from children to adults. The series' popularity has also led to the creation of spin-off products such as games, drama CDs, and merchandise, further expanding the Gakuen Alice universe.
Gakuen Alice is a series that continues to be loved by fans around the world, thanks to its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and universal themes. The mix of supernatural elements with everyday school life creates a unique and fascinating setting where readers can get lost and emotionally connect with the characters and their stories. Tachibana Higuchi's work remains relevant and influential, inspiring new generations of manga and anime fans to explore the magical world of Alice Academy and fall in love with its adventures and challenges.
