Hitsuji Yamada

I feel the opening chapter marks a turning point in the series. It simply consists of the main character walking around and running into all the members of the supporting cast. This inventory is then followed by several long sequences, each featuring different permutations of those secondary characters in turn.

While it worked for me this time, this sort of transition away from the main characters often signals a creator running out of ideas or trying to stretch out a story that has run its show more course for a few extra volumes between anime seasons. I'd rather see a series build toward a conclusion than vamp for time.

But I've already had some ups and downs with this series, and, fortunately, the supporting cast here has some potential, so this might be one of the few times this works out. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Chapters 91-100 -- Afterword -- Bonus: The Master Is Depressed Again Today -- Bonus Story show less

A humorous domestic fantasy in which a slacker twentysomething office worker adopts a kitten that grows into a man-sized cat who walks upright and acts as her housekeeper and general caretaker. Yukichi the cat gets Saku out the door in the morning in time for work, cleans all day, and has a hot meal waiting on the table when she gets home. So, yeah, the perfect househusband. (Been there, doing that again.)

There is a romantic interest at work for Saku, so this doesn't seem to be going down a show more furries/bestiality route. It's just super-mild, slice-of-life humor with a recurring joke being how nobody seems to notice the large cat shopping at the grocery store or they just assume he's a guy in a promotional mascot costume if they do make eye contact.

I might try one more volume, but I'm already sure the short, sitcom-y chapters aren't going to hold my interest in the long run. show less

The last volume fell flat for me, but this one picks up as Saku goes to her parents' home for New Year's and sneaks her cat along for the trip. A nice mix of hijinks and heartwarming moments ensues.

FOR REFERENCE:

Contents: Chapters 48-56-- Bonus: The Masterful Cat's Agony -- Afterword -- Bonus Story

This is still super-mild cat-lover bait, but gosh darn it if the super-competent cat and ensemble cast aren't growing on me quickly. Can we get a grocery clerk and manager spin off?

I think the main appeal for me is that the furry housekeeper and the exhausted office lady slob put me in mind of my relationship with my wife.