Kimi wa Pet

It's undoubtedly one of the most underappreciated manga out there, and I genuinely hope for an anime adaptation! The story is unique and completely new to me. Initially, it bewildered me, but gradually it started to grow on me, just like the art style, which differs from typical manga. The love story between Takeshi "Momo" and Sumire is adorable and offers a fresh and entertaining perspective on relationships between older women and younger men. I absolutely adored Momo; his passion and dedication towards Sumire are incredible. Sumire somewhat reminds me of myself (we're both journalists! :D), and we share many traits in common, so I had a blast reading this. It's the tale of an older working woman who takes in a younger man as a pet into her house. Over time, their relationship starts to evolve bit by bit, leading to their very own happy ending!

Quick version:
If you haven't read this, then go ahead and read it. It's fantastic.

Now let me elaborate:
I gave it a perfect 10/10 for a good reason.
Story?
The development wasn't rushed. It was enjoyable (even if not always realistic, but hey, it's manga), and avoided being overly cliché, which was refreshing. It didn't overdo the romantic elements like "Oh, ABC is SO amazing we'll get married and live happily ever after" with excessive cuteness everywhere. That was another thing I appreciated.
Art?
Let me tell you, it's not your typical fluffy, skinny girls with unrealistic proportions. Especially Momo. Any dance scene was just... *drools*. Very anatomically proportionate. Which was absolutely wonderful. The art style also gave me a very Josei vibe. Not sure if everyone feels that way, though, haha.
Characters?
The best part of this manga, in my opinion, was that I disliked some characters or their choices at times. And that’s great. It adds depth to the story. Again, not always realistic, but you can relate to almost any character - and hey, it's manga, so let it be.
Enjoyment?
Well, I was tempted to give it a 9 just to keep things real. But honestly, it deserves a 10. There wasn’t a single moment while reading (or rereading, or rerereading) when I wanted to stop or rush through. Sure, there are parts that make me feel sad, but I know skipping them would take away from the experience, so I push through anyway. So yeah, it's amazing.
Therefore, 10/10 across all categories equals an overall 10/10.
So there you have it. READ THIS MANGA. IT'LL MAKE YOU FEEL ALL THE EMOTIONS.

Spoiler free.

I haven't read this series in nearly a decade since it came out. It was the first series I picked up that wasn't rated teen when I was 17! I even had to wait for the last English book, which I got back in 2009.

Recently, I re-read it online and still enjoyed the tale. It's a fun story and a great narrative about differences and growing up differently from what society considers normal.

If you have apps like Viki, I recommend watching the drama produced by TBS. They did an excellent job staying true to the series in its original form.

This is an absolute MUST-READ for anyone who enjoys romance stories that steer clear of being overly clichéd and excessively dramatic. It stands out as one of the finest manga I've come across so far. :)
The narrative is charming and surprisingly applicable to real-life situations (well, aside from the pet-related aspects, haha).
Give it a chance and you'll understand exactly what I mean. :)

I hadn't planned on writing a review, but I changed my mind after seeing the rating. This might be one of the best, if not the best, josei manga out there.

Story: Initially, the plot freaked me out a bit because finding a boy in a cardboard box and keeping him as a pet is hardly believable. However, don’t let that deter you. As the story unfolds, it feels natural. The mangaka did an outstanding job portraying realistic life scenarios with light-hearted comedy that had me laughing uncontrollably. It depicts a relationship between a young man around twenty and a 28-year-old woman. If you usually avoid older woman-younger man dynamics, don't worry; this manga handles it so well you won’t even notice. The romance progresses slowly, reflecting true love rather than instant soulmates by the second chapter. There are some parts where the story drags, and the heroine can be indecisive, but no manga is perfect.

Art: The artwork was good—clear and easy to understand. Even the side panels or tiny images were simple to comprehend.

Characters: All the characters were well-developed, each having a unique role without seeming unnecessary. Everyone had their strengths and weaknesses; no one was overly perfect or insanely flawed.

Enjoyment: I genuinely loved this manga. The pacing, romance, and comedy were all excellent. I recommend it if you enjoy comedy, romance, and slice-of-life stories.

Kim is Pet or Tramps Like Us resembles a comforting bowl of soup in the manga world.

This dramedy centers around Sumire, a successful reporter with hidden insecurities beneath her tough exterior; Takeshi (Momo), a young man she rescues from the streets who becomes her 'pet'; and Hasumi, Sumire's first love who later becomes her boyfriend after an initial breakup.

The chemistry between all characters drives this manga - from intricate love triangles to snarky coworkers and Sumire's overbearing family.

As a single woman navigating a challenging work environment, Sumire maintains a strong facade and strives for perfection. Her colleagues oscillate between fearing her blunt demeanor and admiring her ethics and competence. However, deep down, she grapples with common insecurities about appearance, choices, and relationships. Sumire is one of the most realistically depicted women in manga I've encountered. The author doesn't present a superwoman role model nor an incompetent fool for ridicule. Sumire feels real, and that's why I adore her.

Takeshi, a freelance modern dancer, leads a carefree life driven by his passion for dance without concern for the future, which lands him homeless initially. He plays the role of Sumire's 'pet,' living off her while fulfilling her whims. Though this setup could easily turn perverse in other mangas, Kimi wa Pet handles it straightforwardly. Dubbed Momo by Sumire, Takeshi offers her not just companionship but also the freedom to be herself. Their evolving relationship, fueled by Takeshi's attraction to Sumire and her growing awareness of him as a man, anchors the story.

In stark contrast, Sumire's boyfriend Hasumi views her as delicate and sweet. Sumire's insecurities prevent her from correcting his perception. Thus, when she blushes after almost being caught smoking, he finds her cute, and she feels guilty. Their poignant relationship unfolds intriguingly, as two wonderful individuals seem mismatched.

While the backbone of the manga is undoubtedly its relationships, the plot remains engaging. We follow Sumire through her professional ups and downs, personal relationships, and travels. We explore her and Takeshi's pasts and witness evolving dynamics among characters. Spanning 14 volumes, it's a lengthy tale but consistently exciting, despite occasional filler moments for comic relief or odd diversions. Overall, the pacing holds well despite minor weaknesses.

I appreciate the artwork, though it's subjective. I particularly enjoy the creator's portrayal of characters' lips (often overlooked in manga) and their strikingly large eyes. Each character has a unique look and build, and the creator even shows them with and without makeup. Varied wardrobes reflect individuality, showcasing detailed attention and sensitivity. It's distinctive and perfectly suits the manga.

In summary, Kimi wa Pet is a delightful, entertaining, and humorous manga leaving you feeling good about yourself and others, with a warm, fuzzy sensation afterward. It's honest, intelligent, and meaningful—a must-read!