Things are starting to go well for Keitaro at the first of this volume, so you just know something is bound to go wrong, and terribly at that since nothing good ever happens to Keitaro for very long. It's a volume filled with heartbreak, tears, anger, hatred, and ultimately a road trip of discovery. What will Keitaro and the Hinata girls realize this volume?

Keitaro and Naru have just finished the first part of their entrance exams, which has Keitaro feeling like he is on cloud nine since he did so well. Naru has to open her mouth during the day of the next portion, however, and shatters Keitaro's world and leaves him a broken mess. What could've possibly been said to throw Keitaro off his game? Keitaro isn't the only one suffering, as Naru soon finds herself in the same boat as Keitaro. In order to find what that boat is you'll just have to pick this volume up and read it for yourself.

Naru's Glasses

Volume 3 of Love Hina is the best of the series so far, thanks to its focus almost solely on Keitaro and Naru's budding "is there or isn't there" relationship. The book is actually quite sad for the Naru fans out there, as she is really hurting and an emotional wreck this episode, which leads her on her trip of self-discovery. I hate seeing people cry, so of course it's extremely heartbreaking to see Naru bawl her eyes out. The panel depicting said scene works so well because of the excellent art, which manages to feel one look with so many human expressions and emotions at once.

The third volume of Love Hina still suffers from many of the same gags they've used for the past two volumes, but they are toned down here and not used as frequently. The book isn't even too funny this time around, mainly because it wants to focus on the ups and downs of budding love, which isn't always a fun time to be had. There is an argument between Keitaro and Naru that I've had myself way too often, so this moment was especially hard to read, and you just want to yell to Keitaro, "Shut up! Don't say that!" It isn't all heartache, however, as there are some lovely moments shared between Keitaro and Naru, such as the night they must share the same room in a hotel and an adventure on a beach. Despite the extreme cartoon violence, the book really is grounded in reality, as everything feels very human and realistic.

Volume three also introduces to us the new character of Mutsumi, who is a lovely, long-haired woman who has the medical problem of passing out all the time. Though she was just introduced, Mutsumi is already a character I'm hoping will reappear or join the book in the future. It's great seeing Keitaro get along with a girl so well, especially since the two our like mirror images of each other.

Featuring some great character moments and a story that leans a bit more to the serious side than previous volumes, it's all rounded out by some really solid art and great fan service (still tame but exciting). It's good to see Love Hina switch the format up a tad, so hopefully the book will continue this trend to keep the book feeling new and fresh.

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