Slam Dunk Volume 3 by Takehiko Inoue
Hanamichi, the first-year, first-time basketball player for Shohoku High, continues his training in fundamentals of the game. Team captain Takenori Akagi gives him some special attention and training on lay-ups. Hanamichi is less enthusiastic because he thinks the move isn't flashy (so he really doesn't know basketball). He becomes much more enthusiastic when team-follower and little-sister-to-Akagi Haruko helps Hanamichi practice before school. He's been dying to walk her home from school. The love interest is just a side-plot, since the team is about to face one of the best in the area, Ryonan. Hanamichi assumes he'll be a starter and the star of the team but things don't work out that way. The game is just about to start at the end of volume 3.
Recommended.
Slam Dunk Volume 4 by Takehiko Inoue
The big game starts but Hanamichi Sakuragi is a benchwarmer! He has a lot of childish commentary and antics as he watches the game and waits his chance to be put in as the coach's "secret weapon." The game itself is interesting, with the Ryonan team dominating. Haruko is watching the game, so Sakuragi has more to show off for than himself. Will Sakuragi's cheerleading get the Shohoku High team in high gear? Will he ever get into the game?
I still can't decide if Sakuragi is too annoying to be a real hero. It seems like if he did do well, that would just feed his ego. He really needs to grow up more. I'm interested enough to keep reading.
Mildly recommended.
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