Love Hina

[SyDemon1]

I've just done reading Love Hina (yeah I'm slow) and I just felt so emotionally overwhelmed I have to voice it out here to ease my throbbing heavy heart.

It's not out of saddness but more of happiness for the characters.
Through out the course of reading the manga, I felt more and more close to every character, especially the main couple, that when the ending finally came, the flashbacks of the entire journey of the couple to get to where they were seriously turned me into a big pile of mushy sentimental goo...

Also, everytime I see Naru, the main female character, in tears I feel a excruciating stabbing heartbreak. At the same time, I'm constantly mentally cheering on the main male character, Keitaro.

I congratulate the artist for the powerful character development that have created such strong feelings me.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Indeed. I have the Love Hina manga collection, and the Love Hina DVD collection. I consider myself one of the biggest Love Hina fans. So I know how you feel. Only a real otaku fan of the series (manga or anime, or both) can really appriciate the series and the depth and subtle tones it posseses.

Sure, at first glance it appears to simply be another attempt at a romantic comedy. But in truth Love Hina has crossed so many boundaries and has capitalized perfectly on the high and low points of realistic human relationships, both romantic and otherwise.

Its always a treat, more than a treat to see the right thing happen at the end. The music treatment for key moments was extraordinary, as was the tone with which these scenes were meticulously handled.

The dubbing, while it did recieve complaints by anime purists, was actually very well done and honored the original script as humanly possible as far as translation and transliteration were concerned. Some of the mainstay english voice actors performed for Love Hina, and each has their own list of accomplishements.

I have yet to watch the series in subtitles and in japanese, but I can do that at any time. Thats one of the perks of having hybrid dvds.

If I were to complain about anything it would be the heartbreak in knowing that Motoko, Mutsumi, Kitsune, and even Shinobu lose in the end. Sure, they are genuinely happy for Naru and Keitaro, but you can't help but feel their pain, they lost their chance, and their love for Keitaro (in Kitsune's case Seta) didn't blossom or come to pass. We can only hope however that they will someday meet the right person for them. I'd like to think of it that way, rather than see alone in the end.

The fact is, Motoko, Mutsumi, Shinobu, and even Kitsune at times truely fell in love with Keitaro. They grew to love him in exactly the same way he loves Naru. Naru is almost oblivious at first, and only slowly develops feelings for Keitaro (which is a key plot device which works wonders almost every time).

Overall though, this was a powerful series which is often undersold and underestimated by any given reason.

I have to agree, Ken Akamatsu really inspired and enraptured us all with this series. It truely touches on the topic of young love and truth and consequences. Much respect to Ken Akamatsu and his writers, artists, and staff for creating a series and style we the fans will not soon forget.

 

[SyDemon1]

Thank you for your support Celtic! The sweetness of the story and the characters still linger vividly in my mind.

Right now my emotional side wants to go comfort all the poor girls that selflessly give up their love for Keitaro, while my logical side battles furiously to tell me that it's all fiction. This is the first time any manga has given me such overwhelming emotions.

I really have to say this, Naru and Keitaro really make the perfect pair. Two truly beautiful characters...I'll give in to my emotional side...I wish Naru and Keitaro an everlasting happiness.

DAMN why do I feel like crying all over again...

 

[nessonite1]

awwwwwwww you are so sweet Sy!
Maybe I should check this out as well...

 

[His Divine Shadow]

Yes, do check it out, Ness. Love Hina is one of THE top series I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I don't think I can add any more to what CE said, he got it all covered, as always.

There's something to like in all the characters, something somewhat rare in any media. If you get the chance, and want to read some of Ken's earlier work, pick up A.I. Love you. The art style is quite different at first, but it is also quite a good story.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

An interesting fact-

Some purists and non-purists complained about the voice of Kitsune in the english version. They said it wasn't right for a japanese woman to have a soutern belle accent.

The fact is Ken Akamatsu himself wanted Kaolla to have the southern accent, but ADV (the american release company for Love Hina) suggested to him that it would be akward to give a character whose of indian/middle eastern decent an american southern accent. So Kitsune is the one that ended up with the accent. I feel the accent suits her character personality better than it would have had it remained with Kaolla.

Some people might complain about Motoko's big sister Tsuruko, in that she has a british accent in the dubbed version of the anime. Once again, I feel this was a good decision, as it gives Tsuruko more personality. It gives her a sense of class, destinction, honor, and wordly sophistication which are just some of the things her character happens to be about. She's strong, and a strong voice is important.

What gets me about these anime purists thats really funny is a great deal of them are american. Its like they consider anything thats in english a crime to anime as a whole, and only subtitles should exist. To watch anything else other than in japanese (as dubbing is not limited to english, Evangelion for example was dubbed in french, spanish, and english) is wrong, lowly and there is some implied class distinction.

Such views and ideals are pompous, and its laughable that someone, anyone, would take such a thing so seriously. It really is a sad fact that alot of people treat anime as some sort of religion. I blame the north american market as well as japan for these american zealots.

If they think its so uncool and lowly to watch dubbed anime, maybe they should just watch in japanese WITHOUT subtitles. What? Whats the matter? You can't understand your beloved japanese language? I thought you were japanese you silly white boy?! You can't watch anime without the subtitles? How low-classed is that? Subtitles are so wrong! So inaccurate! They really do japanese animation an injustice! For shame! 🙄 😛

Sorry for going off into left field for a moment, but I was just trying to illustrate a point. 😀

HDS, if you get ahold of TT before I do, could you ask him to check his PM box please? Thanks.

 

[His Divine Shadow]

Will do. He usually checks them as soon as he logs on, so he'll probably get it in the next few days, but I'll remind him if I see him.

*Back on topic*

 

[nessonite1]

While I enjoy anime I don't follow it as fanatically as some people. I've seen on some websites the rediculous arguments between people who prefer subtitles and people who like overdubbing. It really is laughable the way some people so violently oppose overdubbing. They can't understand a word of it and for some reason reading the translation is somehow better than hearing it.
Okay, I'm switching sides for a second...
Now I say this at great risk of being laughed at but the only anime I've seen both subtitled and dubbed would be the first Pokemon movie. I bought the video on ebay before it was released here (I think it was pirated...woopsie!). I was really sort of disgusted when I finally saw the American version I think when it was shown on tv. The entire thing seemed "dumbed down". Entire blocks of dialogue were changed and indeed the whole moral of the story was changed I guess to appeal to more shallow stupid American kids. I dont know. I do know that for the most part American kids thought the movie was stupid and the ending was dumb and predictable. I dont think that would have been the case if the dubbing had been the same as the subtitles that I read. Ah well. That's just a kid's show so maybe for more serious anime the dialogue doesn't stray so much. I certainly hope not.
What was my point? I'm sorry...I started ranting I think...
I better quit while I'm ahead. 😛

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I would have called on you or Nessonite, but I feel this is something only an executive decision can take care of.

*back on topic of course, which is about Love Hina, not the troubles of the fanbase. Although if SyDemon wants to comment on this as well, he's more than welcome to, or anyone really.*

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

@ Nessonite- That right there is the main focus of the purists. Its the only ammunition they have. In america's defense I say-

Translation has always been a bitch, especially when it comes to japanese. Its not that we are intentionally trying to change the morals of a story, but we trying to accurately portray the series well enough while also making it possible for non-japanese viewers to understand whats going on.

I can see where a japanese otaku is upset, but not an american one (or someone from a different, non-asian country). Especially considering an american who has no genuine liking for the culture, but rather just this product from it. The truth is, japanese animation was not created for you or for me. It was created for the japanese people. Thats why theres such heavy japanese beliefs and ideals in anime. So for an american or otherwise to be so overprotective and proud of something that doesn't originate from them is a bit much.

Japanese animation however would not be the world-wide phenominon it is without america and the rest of the world. The simple fact is, while the japanese are an open-minded people, they are close-minded when it comes to ethnic consideration and diversity. They have been acting like hermits but only recently have been coming around and accepting other cultures into anime much the same way american animation has always been.

The purists of course see this as a violation, but the rest of us know it is nothing but a step in the right direction. Japan itself, and the fathers of japanese animation know this is good for japan and japanese animation.

See the point is, when there are problems or issues pertaining to the value, quality, or accuracy of a dubbed series, the problem usually lies in the translation only.

As the american/japanese relationship in regards to anime and reality grow and prosper, we can expect anime to get even better, and any of these honest mistakes that are made won't exist as translations get better. The japanese need to work with us, and we need to work with them.

They need to understand that there IS in fact a world outside of japan, they need to understand our need for translation. We need to respect and honor the original script and do the best we can to accurately portray characters and their personas.

There is already fruit to bare, as there are now many anime series that are flawless and not a single nit pick could honestly be made unless you are intentionally trying to find something wrong with it so you can bad mouth it later, bad mouth the american influence that is.

Since we're on the topic of Love Hina, I mentioned how ADV did a wonderful job on this series. ADV owns the rights to Love Hina in North America. It is just as much theirs as it is Ken Akamatsu's This is true for alot of anime, and its getting even better with each anime.

It really boils down to the script and the voice actors. And needless to say america has the best diversity and selection of actors in the world. The japanese have welcomed this addition to the family, and we, as their american counterparts, are just as much responsible for japanese animation as they are. Its not like they are big brother, no, we are working together on this and the proof is in the ever increasing ammount of good, quality anime.

Also consider that if an anime sucks, it might just be that it sucked originally too. Purists want to also use this angle when clearly the series was a flop on its own with no american influence. They want to blame everything on someone, and who better to do that to than america, the partner?

Again, it is laugh out loud halarious that most of these zealot purists are american. They don't know a damn about japan, its culture, or its values in most cases, yet they act so proud. They even act or pretend to be japanese in thinking that by being into anime at such a deeply disturbing level that they are somehow a part of it all. We are merely viewers of a manufactured product which we have the priveledge of being able to watch freely just as the japanese audiance do. Japanese animation is just as much ours as it is theirs. Its something to be shared and used to open up new possibilities, not maintain a lingering status quo.

I think alot of purists have a confused sense of loyalty. They just seem very confused. They want to protect something, and thats noble, but they want to be able to bitch and moan about it too. If you love something so much you love it unconditionally. I love japanese animation.

 

[quesecotil1]

I love japanese animation.

That simple quote struck me as my own thoughts. I have nothing to add on the topic of Love Hina (I will acquire it as soon as I have my other things bought) but being from a differing background and having different experiences and preferences I want to add my opinion on the dub and sub topic and elitism.

I prefer subtitled anime, the reason for that being because I love the sound of the Japanese language. I can't understand much of it without subtitles but that's fine. I sometimes watch raw anime just to see how much Japanese I have picked up and I love reading about the culture and finding out new things about the country (I must quickly stop to admit that I am not just an anime fan I am a Japan fan).

However!

I think dubbed anime is the bees knees.

Why is that when I prefer subbed anime?

Well here it is.

Because without dubbed anime many people would not have bothered to watch anime. Many people may not have fallen in love with anime where it not for dubbings. I know it is unlikely that I would have found anime where it not for dubbings. Also, I enjoy re-watching my anime dubbed to see how the dub voice actors did. I have watched Evangelion in English Japanese and Spanish and I liked the English dub best. And as for Hellsing, I thought that it was an awful lot better in English.

The choice is a wonderful thing and I really can't see why it should turn into a war. Don't get me wrong I understand why it does but I also know that it shouldn't.

Elitists in England hate the newbies to anime, the reason being that anime was so damned hard to get in the UK until the past couple of years, now with ADV opening it's doors to the UK we got an awful lot of quality releases from them frequently. These people used to be the anime communities 'link' with the goods as it where. Now the newbies can come in oblivious to the annoyance of the past and have just as much knowledge as Billy Blogs the ye olde town anime supplier because of such medias as the internet. And they don't like that at all.

I am completely in favor. I have been into anime for a few years now and I realize that if the industry gains no new customers then it will dry up. The constant birth of new anime fans is fantastic and the widespread advertisement is fantastic.

Now all the UK has to do to get anime as a recognized media is to get rid of the stereotype that it's either for kids or it’s hentai. Something we true anime fans are not proud of. I'll admit to indulging however I get seriously pissed off when I tell someone I like anime and they reply "Oh those Japanese cartoons about sex"

I wonder if anyone has had a similar experience.

I love my American cousins, in fact I love everyone even if they don't love me. Sorry I'm having a weird moment, memories of Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien mixed in with Fullmetal Alchemist 25 are getting to me.

And I'm sorry if I rambled but I really didn't know where I was going with this post. I just needed something to type I think.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

No no, your thoughts and feelings are well received and appriciated (at least by me), and I thank you for sharing.

This "elitism" is just another word for anime purist. In one form or another these people (who don't all live in the UK or stuffed up societies) are abound everywhere.

Again, and to further my point, the people that are complaining are the non-japanese folks. I find this odd. They are willing to accept it, but not unconditionally. They soon forget that japanese animation is now anime, and is continuing to grow in a positive light, not revert back to a one race, one country media.

If not for america and other influences japanese animation would be stuck in japan and wouldn't grow. To be technical about it, distribution and working relations with america has really helped japan's economy, and its funny to think that this one industry, in it's dealings with america, has avoided further addition to the defecit that almost wiped out japan in years past and brought their economy to it's knees.

For reasons you stated and more, things need to change as I've said. And they are changing.

Purists are just pissed because their little groups and cliches don't have any say in this. Once more if I may, they are completely laughable because a great deal of these people are just average americans, they come from the same social and economic backgrounds and standings that most of us do. These purist zealots don't represent some sort of high-society or gentleman's club. They aren't the Sierra Club, nor are they the local businessman. Whats disturbing in part, is knowing these type of people are everywhere, not just in american, and not just in the UK.

These people are close-minded to begin with, so they have fundamentally shut themselves off from future endeavors.

They need to realize that japanese animation is now dependant on the continued involvement of america for all the reasons stated and more. The partnership of america and japan is critial and necessary for the survival and continuity of anime in the world today.

I like the japanese people. I was learning the language out of no sense of need, but because I appriciated it. Its a lovely language, especially when used in song, both modern and traditional. However, to think that in supporting this idea means that I ought to think of america as some foreign devil thats only going to weaken the anime industy is contemptable in its own way.

Dare I say, in jest, these purists are the anime nazis of their time. If only they could get it through their head that accepting the change doesn't mean that tradition will be lost would only serve to make them feel much better about this.

 

[SyDemon1]

Hee hee, what spirited arguments! 😀

Well I've little or none to say about the dub and sub issues because I know nothing about them. I personally enjoy watching subbed ones more because I want appreciate the original japanese voices and still be able to understand what's happening with the help from subtitles. I know some basic japansese and do try to catch bits here and there to see if the subtitles match. :happy:

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Subtitles are often inaccurate themselves as well, sometimes displaying dialogue that isn't as close to the original script or words that are being spoken as possible. If errors like these exist in the originals, then its no wonder its even harder when america or whomever, gets their hands on it.

Something that is being done more and more, and to tie in with Love Hina again (again, not the movie "Again"), is that instead of having an accomplished american translator handle this, when working out the script, is have this translator work with a japanese translator site on scene and in unison so that a better and more accurate script is produced.

I'm not saying this is a brand new concept or practice, but alot of the time theres either just an english translator/writer or a japanese translator/writer doing the work. The problem there obviously is if an english speaking writer translates japanese to english theres bound to be words or even complete sentences that don't add up or make sense. The same is true for a japanese writer whose trying to translate japanese to english.

By having them work together though, at the same time, and in action with the voice actors in their booths as they read off the script, the effort ends up producing a far better quality translation which is and sounds accurate, because it is then. This is why dubbing has become so much better.

Another issue I'm sure people have noticed or heard of is 'lip flaps'. This is where a character is speaking when their mouth isn't moving, or their speech isn't in sync with the movement of their lips.

This used to be a big problem in anime. Mainly because the japanese naturally speak faster (due to the nature of their language and dialect). When they animate a character's lips theres no problem. It seems fine, and thats because they've created a sync with the speech and the lip movements to suit their language.

Obviously when its translated to english and dialogue is spoken aloud in english its a problem. A problem because obviously english speaking people speak slower (depending on the specific dialect being used) than the japanese (also due to the language and dialect).

Before, neither the japanese or americans really did anything to solve this problem, aside from timing the speech.

But improvements have been made and this problem is practically gone. It was a problem the english staff was going to have to work out, and they did it by re-animating key frames of the lip flaps to match sync with the speech. Another way sync is achieved is by slowing down the lip movement where possible. Its usually a combination of the two. This is another reason dubbing has improved, though its not as critical as translation and dialogue.

So nowadays its uncommon, even rare to see problems like this. Its seemingly flawless. But there are certain instances where correcting isn't possible. Some frames and lip flaps are too complicated to edit out or slow down. This is a problem even in the original production of a series, in japanese.

Typical of a anime purist nazi to nit pick this, but its not hardly the problem they make it out to be. 😛

I'd talk more about Love Hina specifically, but I need direction or something to talk about.

Anything else you liked/didn't like about the series SyDemon? Any favourite parts?

 

[SyDemon1]

Oh initially I disliked the fact that Keitaro was always being misunderstood and wronged about peeping the girls and getting punched for nothing. However, as the story progressed, I accepted that it's just the way the gals react to him and it shows his easy going nature too, which makes him some kind of super nice guy.

*Spoiler alert*
Besides that, I loved everything else about the series. A favourite part is when Keitaro and Naru being on some island after Keitaro thought he'll fail the exams and eventually both where told that they got into Tokyo U. That moment of seeing them hugging each other with tears of happiness.....it makes me want to jump in and hug and cheer with them.

Another fave is when Naru first admits her love for him and gives him a long and loving kiss (quite hot). I was giving the both of them a mental applause! The third fave part is when Naru appears in her bridal gown...it stopped my heart for a moment...I know she's just a manga character but WOW that image was the sweetest and most beautiful in the whole series. At that moment I wanted to bow before her.

Last fave moment is when they kissed during their wedding...ARGH TOO BEAUTIFUL AND HAPPY *brawl.....*

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Well, I'm basing all of this off of both the manga and the anime. The manga is more detailed, but it is also more naughty. There are also events or people that are in the anime that are not in the manga. For example, Kaolla's older sister and cousin are in the anime, as is Naru's step sister Mei. Mei makes a brief appearance in the manga, but only at the very end. Not enough for us to know anything about her other than her relations to Naru.

Usually with anime, its the manga thats more detailed, but with Love Hina its sort of split. The manga is more detailed, but the anime has more events in it and people.

I like Tsuruko, but again, she's refered to in the manga only as "big sister". In the anime she is mentioned by name by Mei. We don't know her last name, since it is no longer Aoyama because she's married now. We do know she's 29 or 30 years old, and we learn more about Motoko's reasons for coming to Hinata.

One thing that did get old with the anime and the manga was the constant physical abuse of Keitaro. While this is just their way of dealing with him, and he knows and they know he knows that its all in good fun and they don't hate him or anything and that its more like rough housing, it gets old. Any excuse to blast him into the atmosphere is taken. And this is usually because he gets an accidental, unintentional peek at the girls when they are bathing or when Keitaro personally embarasses one of them unintentionally, or he makes Shinobu cry (again, unintentionally).

I'm sure they know in most of the cases its not his fault, and theres nothing wrong with teasing him about it, and I realize this is a comedy anime as well and its funny when this happens to him, but it happens TOO much. So much so that you don't want to see it happen anymore.

But Akamatsu found some way to limit himself, enough to a point where I'm not really upset about it.



*SPOILERS BELOW! DO NOT READ IF YOU DON'T WANT SOMETHING SPOILED FOR YOU!*







My favorites parts are when Motoko 'discovers' her feminine side and has problems accepting it and dealing with it, and when they are all out in the desert trying to steal Keitaro from Naru. This part is actually sad because at the end of these scenes its basically them fully accepting Naru and Keitaro's relationship and stopping at this point to do anything about it. I'd imagine it must be difficult to let go of such powerful feelings you know won't be lived out with that person and that they have another.

I have other favorite scenes but there are too many to list. Oh, another one is Haruka and Seta's marriage. That actually had more of an impact on me than Naru and Keitaro's marriage in some ways.

 

[SyDemon1]

*Spoiler alert*
I agree on both your fave scenes Celtic. I also wish to add that I was surprised when I first saw Haruka in tears during this emotional chat with Seta. Before that she never revealed her softer side.

Oh I also wish to add another one to my fave:
The part when Ema arrived and met Shinobu and Shinobu gave her an introduction to each of the characters in Hinatasou. It was very touching indeed to see everyone succeed in their goals and Motoko...WOW she has became SO elegant! It was at this point that my emotionals were built up because it made me think back at all the efforts they have put in when they were still young and struggling. I then realised how much I feel for the entire cast of characters and their lifes and ups and downs...

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

*possible spoilers*




Akamatsu was smart enough to show us what has become of them since Keitaro first arrived several years back. Each character has developed positively due to it just being part of life and especially of Keitaro's friendship, and the experiences and memories that were due to his presense.

It was/is such a treat to see each individual more grown up, happy, and going places with their life and living those goals and dreams, those fragile goals and dreams they had those years ago. Those goals and dreams that Keitaro taught them in one way or another to never let go of. Its important to point out that Keitaro, even though he was struggling for so long and was a failure himself, inspired the Hinata girls and gave them even firmer resolves to continue after their dreams and goals. He is a very positive influence in their lives, and because of him everyone has become closer to together and is truely happy.

This is all to say Keitaro Urashima brought out the best in the girls, and they in turn, brought out the best in him.

Whose your favorite character(s)?

 

[SyDemon1]

Very well said! I couldn't have put it better myself! Of course I like Keitaro alot...he's the kind of guy I'd wish to befriend all my life.

As for the girls, I like all of them, especially:

Naru: She's strong but still has a sweet soft side....very very graceful at the end. Though she punches Keitaro around very often, she sure knows how to look out for him.

Kitsune: She's just seems so much fun to be around with, though I feel her tricks are overboard at times. I admire her easy going nature that doesn't let emotions swarm her.

Motoko: Her struggles just touch my heart...and I'm happy she made it in the end and became another great beauty.

Hanako: Again, I feel the pain of her struggles as she seems quite torn up by her love for Keitaro as an adopted sister. I admire her courage to let it go.

Haruka: She's a really strong individual...very cool too.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

I especially like Motoko, Mutsumi, and Haruka. All of the Hinata girls are great people however, and I love them all. ^__^

Motoko: Because she reminds me alot of me. In the beginning she acts calm, cool, and collected but inside she's beside herself . This isn't to say she is weak or that I am weak, far from it, I just feel she has had her emotions bottled up for a long time and only ever started expressing them when Keitaro came to the Hinata Apartments (Hinatasou in the manga). She is a master of the sword (and second only to her elder sister Tsuruko, who, coincidentally, taught Motoko everything she knows up until the point that Motoko leaves Kyoto).

Dispite her inner turmoil, Motoko is very strong of will and personality, something I find true about myself as well. She however is a softy when it comes to romance, much like myself, and she does her best to deal with it though her supressed emotions of love and affection often get the best of her. I love Motoko though. She's a tie for my first favorite.

Mutsumi: I think there is a little Mutsumi in all of us. ^__^

But I like her especially because of her pure kindness and demeanor, and the subtle charm she possesses. She never raises her voice in anger, shes not a violent person and she always trys to find something positive in something rather than complain about it. She's modest and humble, and wants to always help her friends when they are down. Shes funny by nature, and this is a trait she uses to great effect whether she is aware of it or not......ara...!!! ^__^

(Mutsumi is the other tie for my first favorite.)

Haruka: She is the definition of able-bodied, independant girl power.

She is smart and sexy, mature, kind, helpful, steadfast and true. She is willing to lend a hand when it is needed, she acts as a councelor for the residents of Hinata whenever they have a problem. She has wisdom to give, to those that want to recieve it. She's a woman of experience, charisma and independance. She's a good role model to whom the residents of Hinata look up to. She too keeps her true personal feelings secret, perhaps out of a fear of being vulnerable or being taken advantage of in romantic situations. While her relationship with Seta is ambigious and mysterious up until all is revealed, she's a person thats dependable, responsible, trustworthy, and knows the meaning of hard work. She strives to make Hinata a better place to live and her presense, whether active or in the background, is a sure sign that shes watching, shes in charge, and ready to help whenever she can.

Though a fictional character, I'm inspired by her responsibility and sense of duty, even though it may seem laid back at times. It makes me want to be more responsible in my life.

 

[SyDemon1]

Celtic, your flair for great descriptions is only matched by your flair in art.

Thanks for mentioning Mutsumi....I like it when she says "ara"...it makes her very very adorable! To me she's the epitome of selflessness.

 

[Celtic_Emperor]

Why thank you. It what makes me the artist of the caliber I am. And if you think I'm finished with Love Hina, you've got another thing coming! 😉

As for Mutsumi, yes "ara" or "Oh" does make her even more adorable. In the japanese version Motoko uses "oro" instead of "ara" when using that interjection. While "oro" is the masculine tense of the word, its cute that Motoko uses it the way she does, same for Mutsumi. When I use that word I myself prefer "ara", dispite the fact its the feminine tense of the word.

And yes, Mutsumi is the epitome of selflessness. So much to a point that she'd forgo her own needs in favor of those of others. And Motoko, while stern and frank, genuinely cares for those around her, and she expresses that in several ways. She has a good set of morals and ideals. She's also very kind herself and won't hesitate to do the right thing, whether that is taking action in full or in part, or allowing those troubled to settle the matter themselves, which they ultimately must do. Motoko is a pillar of strength for her friends and fellow residents, especially the younger ones whom depend on her courage for help. A help she administers most eloquantly and with grace, whether by force or by more subtle means.

 

[SyDemon1]

I've managed to get my hands on the Love Hina anime. Wow it's the same intense emotional trip all over again, though I'd say the manga was stronger.

This time though, besides Naru, I've also fallen in love with Kitsune, Mutsumi and Motoko.

 

[SyDemon1]

Oh no...someone please help me...I feel like crying.....but it's not exactly out of sadness...argh...each character has so much life to them...I can't forget them....NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

 

[quesecotil1]

Heh I have recently watched the anime and my favorite character has to be Kaolla Su closely followed by Shinobu. They both make me laugh with the way they act.

I still have the Spring Special and the movie to watch which I will get round to later in the week but this series was a load of fun to watch, I may very well be getting the manga to compliment.

I'm also captivated with the opening theme for some odd reason. Well not so odd... this happens to me quite a bit.

I know what you mean SyDemon, all the characters are well defined and full of life.