Happy Crappy Life Vol. 3 continues the captivating journey of Kyoutarou Kasuya and Yoshiyuki Kuzuya, delving deeper into their complex relationship and potential for personal growth. So now that we’re moving into a compelling new chapter of the pair’s story, here’s our take on this recent collection of Harada’s popular series.

Plot

In Happy Crappy Life Vol. 3, Kyoutarou Kasuya thought his life was in shambles after his last work assignment in Tokyo went disastrously wrong. Believing he would never return, Kasuya is naturally shocked when the big boss himself requests his return to Tokyo, all thanks to the intervention of Sakura. This unexpected turn of events calls for a celebration, but it also means facing some (possibly) painful goodbyes. As Kasuya prepares for this new chapter, the real question remains: how will Yoshiyuki Kuzuya react to the major news?

Staying true to its core, the story continues to follow the complex and evolving sense of companionship between Kasuya and Kuzuya — revealing to readers that their bond, which began as a casual friends-with-benefits arrangement, has now deepened into something far more emotional and intimate. And in this volume, the duo’s recent Tokyo transition essentially catalyzes their transformative relationship, forcing them to confront their feelings and the growing attachment. Meanwhile, Leo begins to recognize that his feelings for Kuzuya are one-sided, adding another layer of emotional complexity to the well-paced narrative.

Characters

The characters in Happy Crappy Life Vol. 3 undergo significant development, particularly Kasuya and Kuzuya as a result of their move. The progression from friends with benefits to a more profound, emotional connection is feeling more tangible — as Kasuya, who initially seems uninterested in a relationship, gradually reveals a more vulnerable side. Kuzuya, on the other hand, is a free-spirited individual, yet his genuine care for Kasuya shines through. Their dynamic continues its trend of being both humorous and touching, capturing the complexities of their growing bond.

Leo, a polarizing supporting character, also experiences growth. He begins to understand that his feelings for Kuzuya are not reciprocated, which becomes a poignant moment in the story. This realization allows Leo to start moving forward, contributing to the overall theme of personal growth and self-awareness. However, it realistically doesn’t take too long for him to revert to a few old patterns — but we’re hoping for the best for Leo!

Art

The art in Happy Crappy Life Vol. 3 continues to expand upon the talented vision of Harada’s beloved work. For example, the transition from the rural, country-esque setting to the bustling cityscape of Tokyo is masterfully done. The illustrations of Tokyo's upper-class apartments and its somewhat rougher areas additionally provide a vivid backdrop for the story as these characters enter a whole new setting.

Its character-focused art is equally noteworthy, effectively presenting the title’s trademark sense of humor and direct approach to embracing one’s sexuality. But when you’re dealing with Harada, you just know you’re getting top-tier visuals — so we can completely guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.

Themes and Symbolism

One of the central themes in Happy Crappy Life Vol. 3 is the concept of fresh starts and new beginnings. The move to Tokyo symbolizes a fresh start for Kasuya, Kuzuya, and unexpectedly, Leo. Each character's living conditions dually reflect their personalities and inner struggles. In some ways, Kasuya's concern with appearances and order contrasts with Kuzuya's more relaxed and messier demeanor. This symbolism highlights their differences and how they complement each other. However, as sporadically witnessed in this volume, they also have a few more underlying similarities than they’d like to admit.

The theme of personal growth is also heavily prevalent throughout the volume. Kasuya and Kuzuya's evolving relationship signifies their emotional maturity and willingness to confront their feelings. On the other hand, Leo's journey of self-awareness adds depth to the narrative, showing that unrequited love can lead to personal growth and new beginnings.

Verdict

For fans of character-driven BL stories with a mix of humor, sensuality, and heartfelt moments, Happy Crappy Life Vol. 3 is a title that’s worthy of adding to your (presumably) expansive collection.