Title: Kimi wa Pet, Tramps Like Us
Author&Artist: OGAWA Yayoi
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Josei, Romance, Slice of Life, Mature
Year: 2000
Publisher: Kodansha, licensed by TokyoPop (can buy here)
Releases: 14 volumes (complete)
Related: Kimi wa Pet (live-action TV)
Summary: On top of being sexually harrassed by her boss, demoted and dumped by her fiancee for his pregnant mistress, Sumire finds a homeless boy on the street. In an attempt to scare him off, she offers to take him in as a pet and he gladly accepts. They begin to develop an odd sort of relationship as Sumire sets out on her quest to find the perfect man. (from ANN)
Thoughts: I’ve been planning to read this manga for an awfully long time, but it was only scanlated up to seventh volume. But in the last few days, thanks to some awesome users on MangaFox, it was finally finished.
So the premise of the story at first may suggest a very mature theme (basically a woman takes a boy as a pet, who wouldn’t get the insinuation), but it’s much more lighthearted than that. She really does take him as a pet, and literally as a pet dog. She treats him like a human, but the basic relationship is that of master-dog.
So the slice-of-life story follows Sumire, a strong career woman, her struggles in the work environment, in her love life, and with herself. Her time with Momo (the pet) is the only haven for her, where she feels the most comfortable.
The strongest point of the story IMO is how these daily occurences are presented through such lighthearted comedy and brilliant character interactions, that we can easily imagine them and easily associate with them. The character development can be sometimes a bit slow or a bit rushed, but in no way does it interfere with the general pace and overall feeling of the story. The story is not just focused on Sumire, it also develops each of the important characters in her life. The manga often shifts to their point of view, so when you read the whole story you really get a sense of completeness. I really liked the ending. It wasn’t abrupt, it sort of just came with the the pace, and the story was really well rounded up.
I also like the mangaka’s art. I’ve read Ogawa’s works before, and her art really matches up to her stories. Nothing too realistic, but it’s not slapdash either. She also puts a lot of effort in backgrounds, especially in the most important parts of the story, so it leaves a good realistic impression. For those who are reading her works for the first time, it may seem weird at times, especially the faces, but you get used to it really fast. It’s really individualistic, and easily recognizable.
Well this is certainly one of the best josei works I’ve read, and I highly recommend it. If you like manga like Nana, NodaCan, or stuff by Yoshihara Yuki, you should definitely read it. I guarantee the enjoyment on this one; whether you like the drama, comedy or just plain heart-warming story, this manga has it all.
Score: 9/10
Now excuse me while I hop off to watch the J-dorama with delicious Matsumoto Jun ヽ(*ゝヮ゜*)ﾉノ
