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I wasn't sure whether to give this a 3 or a 4, but I gave it a 4 because it really was interesting enough that I got through it quickly (if something takes me a while to read, it's either very long or not very interesting). Yota is still dealing with relationship problems, only now his problems don't involve the word "dateless". In fact, he's got way too many women in his life. There's Moemi, Nobuko, and Ai. Yota's dating Nobuko, but he still loves Ai, and he's still got feelings for Moemi. It makes his life pretty complicated. The reason I was wondering if I should give it a 3 was because I'm getting to the point in this series where I think every one of these characters just needs a break from each other - or maybe just from Yota. It's hard to believe that he could go from being the guy with the nickname "Dateless" to the guy that every girl wants to have. This book still was a pretty good read, but I don't think I'm going to be continuing with this series anytime soon.

Video Girl Ai Vol. 4: Off-Line continues Katsura's romantical triangle/square/pentagon saga with a hint of cyber sci-fi and a thoughtful, serious undertone concerning the fragility of human hearts and emotions. Certain mature themes about human sexuality briefly appear in this graphic novel, which is intended for a wide age range but not for very young children. The formerly "Dateless" protagonist Yota has met a flesh-and-blood young woman who is very interested in him - yet Ai Amano is still around, attending his school, with nearly all her memories of being a "video girl" seemingly erased. The unknowing Ai may have only another month of life left to her, but Yota's human girlfriend doesn't know that! A new rival in love appears, plus Moemi suddenly returns... but neither of these two are as dangerous as Ai's creator, who is most displeased about the "flaws" appearing in his work! Those followers of Katsura's humanistic saga who have watched the animated adaptation of Video Girl Ai should not pass up Video Girl Ai Vol. 4: Off-Line, because the original manga takes the story into a much different and deeper direction than the anime, which roughly corresponds to volumes 1-3 only. Video Girl Ai is enthusiastically recommended.

Video Girl Ai is by far the most tender love story I've read ... even outside of anime! The characters are so true to life and the story is excellent! I've read manga over and over, and each time it seems more poignant. I also own the DVD and I can never seem to get enough of that, either. I really can identify with Yota's pain. I would highly recommend this manga, especially if you are "dateless" and pure of heart.