Mmm, interesting. :) I did watch the anime quite a while ago (maybe 2 years or so), but I really liked it, even though the ending did leave me a bit O.o Heh. I definitely need to read the manga, right?

I like what you say about the creators actually playing out the tropes the fullest, and I imagine them smirking and giggling while doing it too. ;) And I, too, disbelieve the straightness of Ban and Ginji. No way. They have to be at least bi. :D Or, they're the perfect gay-for-each-other pairing.