The Earthbound Youth Hanako belonged to the Japanese light novels, anime, and manga. Both had been broadcasted before, but which one was better depended on personal preference. If one liked the relaxed and happy anime style, then one might like anime more; if one liked the delicate and detailed manga style, then one might like manga more. However, no matter which one you choose, you can find a very good reading experience in the original work.
It's a bit tricky to pinpoint exactly. The anime's ending doesn't have a direct one-to-one match in the manga. It sort of stops at a certain point, but the manga continues the story further.
It was impossible to make a subjective evaluation of these two works because everyone's aesthetic and preferences were different. The Earthbound Teen Hanako was a manga while the Magic Card Girl Sakura was an anime. Both works had their own unique charms that could attract different types of audiences. If you like romance, fantasy, and magic elements, then the magic card girl Sakura might be more suitable. If you like teenage growth, friendship, and inspirational topics, then Gushou Hanako might be more suitable. It is recommended to watch the two works in person or watch the clips of the two works and then evaluate them according to your own preferences.
Well, it depends on which version of the manga you're referring to. In some continuations or alternate storylines, Hanako might not die. But in the main canon, unfortunately, Hanako does meet his end.
A Hanako visual novel could be about various things. It might revolve around Hanako's personal growth, her experiences in a particular setting like a school or a small town. It could also be a love story where Hanako is the central figure, dealing with her feelings towards other characters. The visual elements would enhance the storytelling, with illustrations that bring the story to life.