Slam Dunk Volume 3

Synopsis

Hanamichi Sakuragi, officially known as (and only to himself) “the Basketball Man,” has decided to commit himself fully to the sport, which means more practice of the fundamentals of basketball. His next task is to master a layup, which is so much more boring than a slam dunk. Haruko, the object of Hanamichi's affection, decides to help him practice this new fundamental technique. However, will Hanamichi master the layup before the big exhibition game against Shohoku High School’s fiercest rivals? Find out in Slam Dunk Volume 3! 

Review and Recommendation

Volume 3 of Slam Dunk and the other two volumes I’ve read so far have had such a spellbinding chokehold over me for several weeks. The slapstick comedy, intense play sequences, and heartfelt teamwork give me a nostalgic feeling for a 90’s kids' movie that was my biggest obsession as a child and peaked a little bit of my interest in basketball for a short time. The original Space Jam and Slam Dunk have similarities that engross me in their plot and make me return for more every time. Volume three continues to showcase more fundamentals for Hanamichi to practice, which he still finds menial and beneath him. However, I adore the interactions between Hanamichi and Haruko during their basketball practice sequences. It’s also a wonderful sidesplitting time whenever the other basketball team members dare to provide some well-needed tips to Hanamichi, which he tends to ignore and mock them over. Slam Dunk is a first-rate manga that I unexpectedly thoroughly enjoyed, and I think others will, too. 

Cautions

*Spoiler Alert* (A spoiler alert is being issued because there are mentions of specific plot points that relate to the rating of this review.) 

Slam Dunk Volume 3 keeps its teen rating due to minor realistic violence. As I progress through these three volumes, I’ve noticed slightly less realistic violence and more focus on Hanamichi and the other characters practicing basketball. There are a few instances when the characters yell at each other, smack each other in the back of the head, or hit each other with basketballs. However, the panels in volume three do not depict the type of fighting shown in volume one. This is a good option for teens and older to read.