Shin Petshop of Horrors

If you enjoyed Petshop of Horrors, then naturally, you're bound to appreciate this series as well. It's just as excellent as the original, albeit with some modifications. Unlike the first series, where a character is given a pet along with three rules, this new series doesn't follow that exact format.

When it comes to characters, my affection for Count D remains unwavering. He hasn't changed much from Petshop of Horrors – still charming yet eerie at the same time. As for Taizuu, the new character on a quest to uncover Count D's secrets, he’s pretty cool in his own right. While not as humorous as Leon, Taizuu does have his moments of brilliance.

Regarding returning characters, there’s a hint that either Leon or Chris might be searching for Count D. I've only read up to volume 2 of the manga and haven’t quite figured out if it’s an adult Chris or Leon. When a man informs Count D about a blonde-haired, blue-eyed guy looking for him, Count D's description seems more fitting for Leon: "Did he have messy hair, suspicious eyes, wear dirty clothes, and have a big attitude?" However, in the second volume, we catch a glimpse of someone whose eyes are larger, with a small iris and pupil in the center, and a tiny eyelash to the side, reminiscent of Chris. So, it remains a topic of debate for now. In conclusion, while there’s a possibility of their return, it’s not confirmed yet.

The artwork continues to be beautiful, though minor or side characters in different chapters are still drawn somewhat simply, similar to the original series. The storyline and chapters remain intriguing and enjoyable to read.

I highly recommend this series. Fans of Petshop of Horrors will likely enjoy it (at the very least), and newcomers won’t necessarily need to read the original series to understand what’s happening. Although, I do encourage reading the original series either before or concurrently with Tokyo.

I plan to review it again when more books come out (since I believe it’s still ongoing in Japan), but I wanted to reassure hesitant readers that Petshop of Horrors: Tokyo is definitely worth reading. Many people are unsure about its quality, so here’s my answer: I give it two thumbs up!