I got to say that I have enjoyed this issue more than any of the others so far. Of course, this one is still incredibly short at only 160 pages, but that is a minor complaint since it at least isn't shorter than the others. As for why this issue is any better than volumes one or two? It seems that author Nagaru and artist Puyo were determined to craft a more coherent story this time. That's my impression anyway. While the second issue was actually pretty good in terms of quality it just didn't click with me as much as I wanted. The third volume really upped the ante, though. And it ended on one helluva cliffhanger.
While it seems that once again Mikuru, Koizumi, and Tsuraya are once again reduced to the useless character bin, Asakura continues to be a major strength of this series. When I was first introduced to this series I hated her because she was such an evil character in the main series. I mean, she did try to kill Kyon twice. But now I can say that Asakura is probably my favorite character of this series. Haruhi is probably my second favorite character in this series. I am not sure if I prefer this Haruhi to the "real" Haruhi, but this Haruhi is one I don't have to worry about ending the world. So that is cool.
Nagato and Kyon are probably tied for my third favorites because I definitely prefer their light novel/anime counterparts. But these incarnations are okay.
In this volume the gang do a lot of typical anime stuff like go to the hot springs and watch the stars. Not exactly groundbreaking, but well-executed in its telling. In the process the relationship between Nagato and Kyon becomes stronger... although not quite "couple" material yet.
Near the end Asakura seems to have a moment where she loses track of just how long Nagato has Kyon. In that moment I can see the "real world" peek through, but I have no idea what that means in the long run. Not too long after that Nagato... Well, I don't want to spoil it. But I think we'll see a different Nagato in the next issue. And by different I mean the humanoid alien-human interface Nagato from the true timeline. At least that is what I have heard.
I can't wait. So I've got that on my Kindle waiting for me to start and I want to get to it now.
But...
Unfortunately, volume five won't be coming out until February of 2014.
Damn, that's a long wait. Not sure if I can make volume four last that long.
But at least The Surprise of Haruhi Suzumiya comes out next week.
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