Love Hina is a series centered around Urashima Keitaro, a 20 year old who is trying very hrd to get into Tokyo University, but has failed miserably the past two times at the entrance exams. He still has his mind set about getting in; however his parents and friends have encouraged him to stop trying for Tokyo U. He made a promise to the only girl he has ever liked 15 years ago; and promised to get into Tokyo U together with her. The only problem is; he is not able to remember her name or what she looked like.
The action starts when Keitaro receives a call to go down to the Hinata Apartments (which his grandmother owns). As he enters the area, no one is around. He notices a brand new hot spring, and decides to take a dip in it. Little does he know that the Hinata Apartments had been turned into an all girls dormitory! He is found and discovered by Naru, and shortly after chased out of the building by Kitsune and Naru. Haruka shows up on the spot to inform Keitaro of why he is here: to become the new apartment manager!
Most of the girls in the house have no problem with Keitaro staying; however Motoko and Naru are not happy that their manager is a man. Naru is also trying to study to get into Tokyo U, and Keitaro soon finds this fact out. Adjusting to the life of the apartments is not easy for Keitaro, as he faces a barrage of attacks from Motoko, Naru or Su. The story does an excellent job of having fun, but is not structured to bring about a conclusion or a point. The side stories (or filler) is well done and most of it is not boring.
Although many label Love Hina as a harem anime, it has done two completely contrasting things to the title. Keitaro came to live at the apartments; not the other way around most commonly in harem anime. Also, in harem the women tend to all compete for the same 1 guy (Tenchi Muyo anyone?) This is not the case, however with Love Hina. Ecchi is sexual inferences, sexual humor, and/or sexual references within the anime. There is nothing too extreme; however you will find sexual humor in it. Love Hina is a classical example of Ecchi.
The dubbing was done pretty well; but I would have preferred Naru to have a softer voice than what she had. Everything else was done perfectly, and I thought that Kitsune's voice fit the character. The japanese cast also did a superb job at the series. Love Hina is also one of the first anime to actually use "Computer Aided Animation" to do most of the character work and background. Some of the backgrounds are hand drawn, however you cannot distinguish the difference while watching.
The Anime is a good one to pick up, and I would definatly recommend the Manga series; but not the Anime series unless you really like the Genre and/or the manga series. Love Hina can leave a few questions at the end left unanswered unless you look deeply back into the previous episodes; or receive an explanation later on in a sequel. Speaking of sequels, Love Hina has spawned an OVA titled "Love Hina Again" and two or three (I think two) season specials, which help bring the story to a conclusion. The anime is well received over in the USA as well as Japan. It's definetly a good comedy series to pick up, with a few good laughs and a few hysterical moments within.
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