Looking at Tokyopop's site, it's apparent that the series has been successful. There are at least ten Pet Shop volumes, with five presently available in English translation. Though I'm plainly not part of the book's usual demographic, I think I can understand the appeal of a series that keys into both the emotional lure and hard realities of pet ownership - even when those animals don't resemble a member of the family. Still, the series' occasionally graphic nature can be startling to a newcomer like me. I just don't expect to see blood spatter in a book with lavender binding.
As a collection of dark fantasy, the first Pet Shop of Horrors is a mixed bag: the closer the stories stick to their protagonists' longings and the various ways these are manifested with their pets, the stronger the chapter. Still, as a newcomer to the series, my interest has been elevated to the point where I know I'll be checking out at least a few more entries. I eagerly await the inevitable episode with killer koi. Think it'll be as scary as South Park's toothy goldfish?
(Originally posted in Pop Culture Gadabout.)
Article comments
1 - Amanda
I just love this story line!! ^_^ It's very creative, and when I read it, I just can't seem to put it down. When I first picked up the 1st volume, I quickly put it down because it looked a bit freaky (insert sweatdrop). But when I read the first few pages the next time I saw it, I had to have it. It's so hard not to fall in love with it...not to mention D!!! ((LOL)) Now in only two weeks, I have volumes 1-3, and I'm about to get volume 4. It's the type of book that you tell yourself, 'I'm gonna stop readin this so I have some for later on', but you end up readin the whole book anyways!! I just wanted to say I love this manga!!! ^___^
~Amanda
2 - colleen
I picked up PoH last easter (hurrah for presents) and have been somwhat hooked eversence.
Its pretty weird at times, I think, and some endings i found didn't give me enough to say what happend.
Still I recomend it...just watch who you recomend it to, we don't want any 7 year olds reading this now do we?
the thing I'm now worried about is how good the translation is. Its too bad the animated version only consists of four episodes.
3 - Nick Jones
I really, really HATE manga, but this review makes me want to check this series out (I have a deeply morbid sense of humor).
Thanks!
4 - Countess D
I just love this manga! I don't know anything better... And D is just wonderful! n.n
5 - Kage Kitsune
Oh this is my fav manga ever i have all the volumes and now a new seson is coming out "shin petshop of horrors" but it hasent been translated into english yet :( damn them (whoever they may be)