Love Com, Vol. 3, 3

Volume 3 is where "Love Com" really starts to pick up steam. First, Risa must deal with Haruka, who still wants her to be his girlfriend. Risa doesn't really like the idea, but she considers it to get back at a certain someone... She starts to wonder whether she might like Ootani after all. Then Seiko-chan, a freshman girl with the hots for Ootani, shows up, forcing Risa to consider her feelings even more. One thing I love about "Love Com" is the fact that it doesn't make bad guys out of the romantic rivals. Haruka can be a little annoying, but he's more childish than mean. And Seiko-chan... oh, Seiko-chan! She's really not what she seems, and she ends up being a great character. She's really funny at times, but you're still able to relate to her in her serious moments. Seiko and Risa are able to identify with each others' feelings, and they have a good friendship. I prefer this so much to the typical bickering that goes on between rivals. Also in this volume, Risa finally admits to herself that she likes Ootani. I was glad that this happened so soon in the series, rather than spending volume upon volume watching the heroine denying the blatantly obvious to herself. The scene in which she admits it is funny, sweet, and very original. I'd never seen it done that way before. If you weren't impressed with volumes 1 and 2 of "Love Com," I think you should give it another chance with volume 3. This is where it really starts to set itself apart from most shojo manga.