An adorable little manga drawn in a somewhat American-cartoon-esque style, Cowa! has a simple, linear plot with a predictable outcome -- but it still manages to be heartwarming and delightful. The interactions between Maruyama and the monster kids were especially memorable; the small chapter about the violent monster who protects his little forest from human intrusion was surprisingly touching.

A highly recommended read if you're tired of the typical themes of sex, violence, and angsty melodrama, and are in the mood for something cute and childlike.

... Last updated on August 12th, 2011, 11:16pm

I started reading Cowa! because I was bored and had a headache. I wanted something easy on the brain. But after the first couple chapters, I realized that Cowa! is not simply based on kid-monster cuteness.

I loved the interaction between the monster & human communities, the dishonest act of determination that leads to new vistas & new friendships, and the ending was PERFECT, except I could have read more about that little universe and its characters.

I almost gave it a 9 because I hate to give out only 10s, but that's a stupid reason to slight such an enjoyable series. I reread it the day after my headache went away and I plan to reread it again, so in its own quirky, amusing, and heart-warming way, it earns a 10.

Edit, April 17th 2010:

Bad stomach flu + reading Cowa! yet again = endorphins fighting the virus in my bloodstream. Gotta love the power of Cowa!

... Last updated on April 17th, 2010, 9:20pm

I don't really like anything Toriyama has done after Dragon Ball's Red Ribbon saga, but among all these Cowa! is by far my favorite. A mature, charming work of an author "descending the slope", it's a nice reading.

I read this some years ago... very funny ^_^

nice story for kids