Twenty year-old Keitaro Urashima is a socially challenged Tokyo University reject who has never had a girlfriend in his entire life. Despite the odds, he is determined to fulfill a promise he made fifteen years ago with his childhood sweetheart. Even though he doesn't remember her name or face, he swore to his first love they would one day attend Tokyo University together and live happily ever after. To avoid getting kicked out of his parents' house, Keitaro heads to his grandmother's hot spring resort, the Hinata Lodge, for some part time work remembering a great place to kick back, relax, and study leisurely for his next attempt at the entrance exams, completely unaware he's been appointed landlord of a struggling, all girls' dormitory.

Keitaro discovers he isn't the only one with problems when he meets Shinobu Maehara, a shy and introverted 13-year old girl caught in the middle of her parents' separation. Keitaro and the other Hinata residents befriend Shinobu and offer her refuge in the Hinata Apartments. However, Shinobu's parents don't view Keitaro's generosity as an act of kindness, but as kidnapping a junior high school student.

Just when it seems things have calmed down for Keitaro, a new foe appears on the scene, the lethal tenant, Motoko Aoyama. Despite this kendo girl's rough exterior, Motoko's heart begins to race every time her eyes meet Keitaro's. Opposites may attract, but Motoko can't accept Keitaro as her first love and is ready to battle it out to the end!

The Hinata Apartment residents accepted Keitaro as their landlord because they believed he was a distinguished Tokyo University student. However, the truth (and, ahem...other things) is exposed in a bath time mishap. The tenants are ready to kick Keitaro to the curb unless he can make his "lie" into truth by passing the Tokyo University practice exam. But, can this Tokyo U reject really pass the practice exam or is he destined to leave the Hinata Apartments and give up on fulfilling his 15 year-old promise for good?

In the tradition of classic shonen series such as "Tenchi Muyo" and "Aa! Megami Sama","Love Hina" is a romantic-comedy created by Ken Akamatsu and serialized in the popular "Shonen Magazine." From a first glance, this series may appear as another retold story about an unpopular protagonist suddenly surrounded by a harem of gorgeous women. However, if you take the time to give "Love Hina" a second look, audiences may realize the unique features that distinguish this series from the rest.

Although "Love Hina" is based on a comic for boys, Director Yoshitaka Iwasaki does a brilliant job of creating an animated "Love Hina" that has the potential to appeal to a wider audience. From a first impression, one may think that the female supporting cast was created for the sole purposes of eye candy. However, the storyline takes great lengths to focus on the individuality and unique traits of each female character in greater depth. Unlike other shonen series, the female cast does not spend their time swooning over their landlord. Naru's character is aiming to attend the prestigious Tokyo University and the determined Motoko spends her time mastering the techniques of kendo. Also, with the mischievious foreign exchange student Su, introverted Shinobu, and gold-digger Kitsune, there is never a dull moment in the the Hinata apartments. Even though the female cast refuses to acknowledge Keitaro as their landlord at first, they slowly use their "tough love" to whip him into shape.

The Japanese and English cast does a stellar performance and really bring the characters to life. However, there is one aspect that seemed questionable in the Japanese and dubbed version. In the English dubbed version of "Love Hina," Kitsune is supposed to be of Japanese ethnicity. Therefore, it seemed strange to listen to her speak with such a strong southern belle accent. Also, Kaolla Su is portrayed as a foreign exchange student, however, in the original Japanse version she seems to be just as fluent in Japanese as the other characters. Her character would have taken more shape if it was possible to voice her character as a non-fluent speaker of Japanese.

Overall, the first volume of the "Love Hina" TV series is higly enjoyable. In addition to the well-rounded cast, Love Hina's sharp and bright illustrations are simply spellbinding and audiences become lost in the world of Hinata. Unusual for television, the special effects have viewers question whether they are still watching television anime, or something that arrived from the next generation of Japanese animators. Also, the up-beat, energetic theme song is strong enough to grab anyone's attention, yet the remaining soundtrack is flexible and alters as humorous scenes transform into touching moments. The cast and staff of "Love Hina" do a stellar job of creating a unique anime TV series that any anime fan can enjoy.