Ranked #351

Love Hina (Manga)

I love this manga. It was my first read and is still at the top of my list. The artwork lent itself well to anime translation and the writing is outstanding. I really found myself wanting to learn more and more about each of the characters all the way down to the bit-players.

Despite the violence inherent in their relationship, you can see very early on just how much Keitaro and Naru care for one another. Oh, come on...don't tell me you couldn't tell just looking at the covers! I could tell you the end and it'd still be worth reading. Don't worry, I won't...just sayin'.

I love Akamatsu-san's attention to detail. He really takes the time to delve deeper into the supporting characters. Everyone gets a chance to tell their story and give you a glimpse into who they really are.

Loser or not, you gotta love Keitaro. Lady luck just had it in for him from day one it seems...he just can't get a break! Despite all that, he's a decent guy with strong morals and the biggest heart. Of all his shortcomings, he still comes through when it really counts and that's what matters.

I think what gets me is just how well Akamatsu-san conveys the emotions of the characters. Although first impressions give a good deal of information about each of them, they all grow and change over the course of the series and in the end...well, you'll just have to read it to find out.

I know plenty of people who would laugh at a nearly-30 straight male reading something like that, but I don't care. It's a great story, funny as hell, and it really connected with me. I even shed a few tears when...LOL...don't worry. I know better. Just read it, ok?

"NARU PUNCH!" read more

Typically manga tends to develop much more lengthy plots, which at times can seem redundant and filler-ish. Love Hina is certainly no different. The characters often find themselves out of Tokyo on strange side story arcs. Many of those side arcs-for those of you who watched the anime-were made into specials, or completely ignored. Now, while I am not writing a review on the anime, I can almost guarantee you that these side story arcs are much more lengthy and definitely more enjoyable in the manga. So, while some of the arcs do seem like fillers, at times, they more funny than the actual plot. Furthermore, the manga uses these arcs to develop all of the awesome characters.

Often the problem with harem is that the readers are often split apart in who they want to end up with the lead. However, while each character in Love Hina comes to love Keitaro, they end up supporting him and Naru. Thus, even if Naru is not your favourite character, it is hard to be disappointed with Naru and Keitaro.

The Art is outstanding for a harem. It's not outstanding because it's particularly original. However, it is clear, and consistent. The details in the background, as well is the characters are carefully done and full of detailed. As a side note, the clothes they wear are also very cute (and of course, so are the character designs) :>

Anyone who enjoys harem, or even romantic-comedy, should read Love Hina, as it is a classic. read more