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Description
From Tokyopop: A smoke-filled alley in Chinatown harbors Count D's Pet Shop. The pets sold here aren't your everyday variety and the Count prides himself on selling Love and Dreams in the form of magical creatures that come with an exclusive contract. But buyers beware. If the contract is broken the Count cannot be held accountable for whatever may happen. A fascinating and macabre look into the very soul of human nature.
I picked up volume 1 of Pet Shop of Horrors at my local library few years ago and was hooked at first read. The art was stunning and the characters were unique, though the story was hardly horrifying. The self-contained, episodic plots mean you can read books in any order and can still understand the gist of it, which was great for me because I was borrowing the books from the library instead of reading them online. It was only in the later volumes that reading them in order was a better way, especially when Count D’s past was revealed. Count D was one of the most mysterious and memorable manga characters I’ve ever read, varying from whimsical to downright scary (the only scary aspect of the series) when he offered an arm in order to obtain a totetsu. The fantastical creatures were another fascinating aspect of this manga, since I wasn’t familiar with them. The relationship between D and Leon was hilarious, and between Chris and the “pets” were really heartwarming. The only complaint I have of this manga is that it was too short (even though 10 volumes for some other manga are way too long). But there is a Shin Pet Shop of Horrors set in Tokyo, which I have not read but will do in the near future.
Petshop of Horrors is quite an excellent series; mixing seinen-style psychological musings with shoujo-style art and character interactions to result in what is undoubtedly one of the most interesting josei manga yet to be introduced to the English-speaking world.
The nature of the human psyche and the effects that human actions have upon the environment is discussed very cleverly, and the mangaka has taken care not to be too negative in her attitude towards either subject.
The various mythical beasts featured possess original personalities and intiguing powers, and the effects they have upon their owners are always unpredictable. The 3 protagonists -- Count D, Leon and Christopher, bring great vitality to the story through their mutual relationships, which are pleasant, endearing and occasionally amusing.
I readily recommend Petshop of Horrors to readers who enjoy psychological manga that are light-hearted in mood but profound in meaning.
I don't normally read manga like this, but I was plesantly surprised at how good it was, after chapter 1 I was hooked and thus managed to complete all 10 volumes in a day, if you are unsure as wether to read it or not, I would definitely give it a try, I am sure you wouldn't be dissapointed.
I like the fact that the author is very knowledgeable about the animals she used in her story, she even had a small summary describing what the animals are. I like the fact that since the story revolves around D, all the titles of the chapters starts with the letter D. The animals drawn in this manga are very exotic and beautiful. Even if it's just plain black and white, for some reason the way they're drawn make it look...colorful. You can even imagine your own colors for them.
No doubt this manga carries a good amount of humor between Count D and Orcot. And not only that though Orcot really tries his best to catch D in his acts (and he couldn't), it's really nice how considerate D is towards Orcot, such as giving him plants that'll take a bullet for him, advice on animals, and what not. This manga also carries a good amount of mysterious-ness that involves different characters and how it brings out the hate in each character.
Beautiful manga. If you're looking for a manga that's both humorous but deep, this manga is strongly recommended.
One of the best mangas I've ever read and one of my favorites. Beautiful art, excellent stories, great characters. The effort mangaka put in research, the obvious love for her work, the details, the ideas behind the stories - it's fascinating. Also, the ending probably is the best I've ever read in a manga. I'm rereading it every few months and it never gets boring. It's the study of human nature which makes you sad and gives you hope at the same time. Highly, highly recommended.
This is one of the best series I've ever read. A perfect blend of beautiful artwork, great sub-plots, a twisting, interesting and unique main plot, characters that stand out. Not to mention the abundant amount of horror in more elements than one. Count D has the most unusual personality of any character I've read about in a manga. There is a reason Petshop is so popular. More than anything, it connects emotionally. My only complaint? This one is hard to find in English (legally) But is well worth paying higher prices for
Very hard to predict what will happen. but still a very good read and i highly recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy and indirect humor. the main characters are very likable and fun, plus their relationship with each other is funny and very interesting. (The count Is more less a suspect in every case.) 3 rules when you buy the pet. note that though it has humor it sometimes turn dark, very dark.
I love these series, every book contains 4 small yet pretty detailed and very interesting stories. All of them have really captured me and I can't stop reading these! Perfect to read this time of year: grab a blanket, a nice cup of hot chocolate milk and read these mysterious manga books while it's snowing outside : )
one of my favorite mangas =) i read this series 3 times already back in high school. the horror and the storyline was just wonderful. It is worth the read and there is a hint of shounen-ai but it won't bother you (and this is coming from a person who hates yaoi and shounen-ai stuff)
This is an excellent manga and will appeal to anyone who likes the occult, magic, fantasy and mystery. However, creepy stories alone won't keep an audience and it is the relationship and interactions between Detective Orcot and Count D that keeps me coming back for more. The manga becomes much more emotionally charged and light-hearted with the inclusion of a character such as Orcot. I would have given this manga a rating of 10 if it wasn't for the rushed ending. The mystery surrounding the Count proved to be quite anti-climatic.
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(and this is coming from a person who hates yaoi and shounen-ai stuff)
