Petshop of Horrors

Reading this series, one might think they can smell the sweet scent of cake and incense that lures unsuspecting customers to Count D's exotic Chinatown shop. Like moths to the flame, readers turn the page over and over in a constant search for the truth behind the seductive illusion that Pet Shop of Horrors is.

A collection of vignettes, much like Aesop's Fables of old, the short stories that make up the manga are timeless in nature. Though we are not new to the idea that humans a...re destroying the world, Pet Shop takes a very unreal turn, not attacking man for it's domination, but for it's very nature. Through the eyes of animals, the course of greed, jealousy, lust, wrath unearth from the most unlikely sources again and again. The perpetrators are all different, but the manga illustrates again and again that it is because they are human. This ideal, terrifying as it is, holds a reluctant mirror to ourselves with each story as we see what we are and what we could be. To throw it over the top, the moral is never forced down your throat. You will get it if you get it, but if you don't, it probably doesn't apply to you to begin with.

The story is highlighted heavily by it's thick artistic detail and design. Matsuri Akino paints us a crystal-clear picture that no manga-ka could possibly make any more luxurious a vision. Visceral in nature, we see the beauty turn to unspeakable horror before our very eyes. Eyes drawn to be racked with terror, Akino suspects our reactions and reflects them in such a surreal manner, I've never seen anything like it in anything I have ever seen or read before. There is no sloppiness here. Everything is exquisitely crafted in ink.

The ringleader of this deconstruction of humanity is the coy, cake-loving D. Though shy in expression, D demonstrates a variety of various emotions as the series progresses, to which credit could be given to no one other than D's exact opposite; the crass, violent detective, Leon Orcot, who is out to arrest D for a variety of charges, none of which Leon can ever prove. It is only his presence that invokes D, but alone he is essentially a waste of pages. This conflict between the two of them persists the length of the manga and is the cohesive force that holds the various short stories together. What is more inspiring is it's Cowboy Bebop-like approach to its characters, in which each chapter-exclusive character is fleshed out to his or her full potential in regards to the story at hand.

To say I enjoyed this manga is like saying Leon has a fixation with D. It is a gross understatement. These are stories that are universal in their lessons and timeless in nature. This manga is not just a warning though, but a sign of hope, as sometimes the outcome of any given story is not a thing of disgust and horror of the capabilities of our kind. Take it for what you will, but any reader will likely recognize the tales as one or the other. The art, the story, the dialogue, everything is spot-on. The recurring characters are never betrayed and warped into something they are not and remain as mysterious at the end as they are at the start. To conclude, it is this humble reviewer's notion that Pet Shop of Horrors is the Cowboy Bebop of manga. It has no real genre unto itself and can be accessed by just about anyone without any other knowledge of anime or manga. Thus, it is my opinion that Pet Shop of Horrors is nothing short of a masterpiece.

I give this manga a well-deserving 10 out of 10.

A very 'fun' but confused manga. The title and the early chapters set the premise up clearly: it's essentially a manga about a 'monkey's paw' scenario where the main character Count D offers a different character their heart's desire in the form of a pet, while the protagonist Detective Orcot tries to figure out what's going on.

But that's not really consistent: it seems that the mangaka fell in love with the character of Count D and at some point became reluctant to have him play a villainous/punitive role. Eventually, it's not really monkey's paw scenarios, more of a catalyst to the events of the story, typically revealing the traumatic life of the person purchasing the pet and having them either find catharsis or resolution or more rarely punishment for their sins.

I don't think the change is bad, because Count D is likable, and the dynamic between him and the detective is fun and cute - there are a LOT of BL undertones, as you might expect from the art style (but I find this to be on the pleasant side of shoujo art rather than the angular, big handed unpleasant side).

The only 'problem' is viewing the manga as a complete story. The pressure to reveal who/what the heck Count D is means the last volume is a strange departure after the preceding several volumes of innocuous, often quite sweet and beautiful, dramatic supernatural stories. To provide a conclusion, the mangaka reintroduces the conceit of the manga, as if it was consistent: D suddenly expresses his desire to punish humanity's sins in a way that just feels a little jarring based on all the previous events.

Additionally, the relationship with Orcot never seems to go anywhere, despite the side characters constant hints of their being a romance between the two. It would be too much to expect a male/male love in an old series in this genre, but it would have been nice if they'd settled down and become more friendly with each other (although their bickering is still enjoyable).

That being said, I was impressed with how successfully it was concluded - while a change in tone it was well paced, exciting and fun, and I felt a little sad that it was over. The author knows exactly how a morality play should unfold. She isn't overly cruel nor overly lenient - really bad people get their comeuppance, while repentant victims are spared, so you're never left with a bad taste in your mouth.

It's a fun read that is more interest in enjoyable, episodic mysteries and tantalising visuals than setting up rules and being overly consistent, well drawn and easy to sink into.

Welcome to a shop that makes your wishes a reality… scratch that, this is a shop that will stock the rarest animals in the world that will make your dreams a reality. Sometimes the explanation of this manga and xxxHOLiC sort of mix with each other. The idea is pretty much the same though in that we have the owner of the shop who helps people, a outsider brought into the shop to learn about it, and a by chapter storyline that is new every, I want to say two or three chapters. And then the ending goes into one big storyline at the end, but that would be a spoiler so let’s not worry about that.

Now all through the books, there are times when we would have parts that didn’t feel like any part of the main story or the little people stories. I consider them more like side stories. Even though we have those side stories, they actually work well in this since most of the story is really dark and depressing; we need a little bit of something comedic in order to break it up. The little stories were some of the animals play around with each other or when D is being his fun cute self are actually enjoyable before we go back into the dark depths of peoples hearts and minds.

I love the rather fun style of D although he feels like Yuko from xxxHOLiC a bit. He is always going gaga over sweets and answers questions in a rather whimsical mysterious manner, never giving an actual straight answer to the question. Because of this, most of the time we are left to wonder what he means and makes us think or, in my case, sometimes doing a little soul searching. Leon is like Watanuki without the large amount of whining. Although Leon isn’t there for most of the times people buy pets from D’s shop, he is basicly our inside look to the shop being a newbie himself. He is always asking the questions and although he does get annoying at times with acusing D of selling dangerous animals (and yes, I do believe some of them would never be allowed to be sold if the government knew exactly what was in the shop), he does have his good points in that he is willing to try and learn what is going on.

Another thing I was so happy about was the informational pages that were placed at the end of each book. They explained each mystical animal more thoroughly for those that never heard of them. It helped a lot in being able to find if the animal was made just for the manga or if it truly had a place in myths and legends.

The artwork is very beautiful in many of the areas, showing a lot of details, flowing hair and clothing and the most fantastic clothing designs I have ever seen. Some of which seem almost as though they could be part of the character themselves instead of being just normal clothing. Wings look like wings, fur looks like fur, and many of the humanoid animals look very close to their animal look with none of them looking like any other unless they are supposed to. With that said, sometimes it does lack like when there are funny little moments when D is sort of playing around or when some of the normal creatures we see are doing playful little side stories that really don’t mean anything to the actual story taking place. There are also times when things are very hard to see such as in misty areas and times when a color blends with the background. It is a problem with the rather fine lines this artist gives the manga.

☆☆☆☆

Before we start, I'd like to state that I usually don't read manga because it doesn't manage to captivate my attention. However - I couldn't put "Petshop of Horrors" down! Definitely I'd recommend this as a starter-manga.


We're introduced into these very fleshed out characters (Take Count D - the main character for example with his indepth backstory). They have very realistic motives and actions that I can fully imagine happening in a real-life scenario. I mean, if this story wasn't focusing on a mysterious horrific petshop filled with exotic creatures.


Anyway, the plot is fresh and I enjoyed reading it. The creators, Akino and Matsuri outdid themselves here. Each volume and each chapter brought up a new concept and a fascinating grasp on the new addition to the world.


The art was good, as it fit with this story pretty well.


Even though this is titled, "Petshop of Horrors" don't be quick to assume it'll only terrify you. There's heartbreaking scenes as well as parts that will make you laugh. It makes a good manga because it doesn't only focus on one primary emotion.


And I appreciate it.


I won't ever stop recommending this manga to eager readers because it's definitely worth a glance.

this book is funny,mysterious,and will keep you reading til the end of the book. Its a great story,once you get to the first page you'll want to keep going to the end.LOVE IT! LOVE IT!

This is my favourite manga of all (well, so far). I love it to bits and pieces.
You've probably read manga where the drawing technique was better, more elaborate, unique in the end. You've possibly read manga with a much more solid, tight storyline. I find though that it doesn't really matter. A story doesn't have to be perfect to be utterly enticing. And Pet Shop of Horrors (further PSOH) is. So. Freaking. Charming.

Or maybe you are like I was: rather spooked with or uninterested in manga-style drawing (which, as it turns out at a closer look, isn't one style at all). I think PSOH can be a good place to start getting acquainted with manga. Because it's eclectic and has elements that may appeal to different kinds of readers: horror/supernatural, mystery, crime/action, humour, morality tale, and then there are animals and very attractive main characters.

I began with the PSOH anime (available on YouTube). It consists of only four episodes (Daughter (from Vol 1.3, rabbit), Delicious (Vol 2.3(7), Mermaid), Despair (Vol 1.2, Medusa), and Dual (Vol 5.1, Kiri). People say that Count D's voice in Japanese is better but I really liked his English voice (I watched the English version).

I admit that by the end of episode one I was thoroughly creeped out. It still stands out in my mind as one of the creepiest episodes in the series, but to see it first, without any idea what I was getting into? Was a shock. But I was intrigued too: how come that animals are also people? I mean, how? And what's this Count D's agenda? He didn't seem evil, but the consequences of his business transaction were quite horrible. So I watched on. And by the end of episode four was absolutely, madly in love with him. So of course I rushed to find the manga. It's not difficult to find; I think it might be sold where you live, and if not and if Amazon isn't an option for you, it can be found on the net almost in any big place that trades manga.

There are ten volumes of the original PSOH manga, and three more of Shin Pet Shop of Horrors, the sequel (only two are scanlated so far) that features different main characters. The premise is as follows. In LA Chinatown, there's a Pet Shop. Quoting from the book: "Its proprietor, an enigmatic figure known only as Count D, beckons through his doors the injured and the scarred, introducing them to creatures friendly and bizarre. [...] Detective Leon Orcot [..] has traced a series of seemingly unrelated crimes to Count D and his Pet Shop of Horrors. A steadfast sceptic, Leon dismisses as trickery the inexplicable events he witnesses."

It begins as spooky; the morals are a bit annoying and repetitive, and detective Leon Orcot seems to be little more than a hot-tempered dunderhead. But it's still intriguing. So you read on. And it becomes less creepy, or at least much more varied. The dunderhead turns out to be not that bad. You begin to see the logic (or a logic) of Count D's actions. Then, gradually, the big story becomes a focus rather than those short ones of which it consists. Leon and Count D develop a sort of friendship that is actually 3/5 flirting and 2/5 shouting at each other. Enter Chris, a six-year-old third main character. You learn more and more about Leon, his past, and his life; in the end you learn a lot about Count D too (in Vol 10 in particular). You learn to treasure the drawing: D's expressions, comic relief scenes, outfits, animals. So when it ends, you turn to fanfiction as the only painkiller available -- 'cos it ended, and the very fact is devastating.

On the way it so happens that the two main characters and antagonists have a real potential. It's easy to develop a crush on Count D. He's enigmatic, mysterious, aloof, and the further the more appealing. But whom I really love is Leon. He's an ordinary guy to umpteenth degree, but he's so good it's impossible not to fall for him. Leon hides strength of character and integrity under his rude and messy outlook. He's like Harry: often clueless but true and good. By the end of the first series, my heart was so totally his that I couldn't completely get into Shin Pet Shop. You'll see why when you get there. Chris is plain wonderful. And animals? Awesome. T-chan in particular, but you won't meet him until the middle of the series. So, love it is :)

I want to say thank you again to iibnf for the anime and to RexLuscus whose enthusiasm made me try it and who's been a wonderful guide.

Seriously? So few reviews? This series is fantastic and has really everything you could ask for in a solid manga.

The characters are relatable and fun, the stories as well as the pets are unique, the artwork is gorgeous and the dialogue is great.

It only spans 10 volumes but it does pick up in a second series where Count D moves to Tokyo. Also, it comes to a solid "end" though it still leaves you begging for more which makes the sequel series that much more fantastic.

Bottom line: Read this manga.

I have just finished reading Petshop of Horrors and I had actually watched the OVA first. I wasn't expecting much as the anime hadn't done it must justice, however I was highly impressed. This has easily become one of my favourite manga. The plot is intelligent, it uses a lot of comedy however it doesn't tend to cheapen any of the serious scenes and situations. It's a series that does not hold your hand, it allows you to figure things out as you go along and I was happy trying to think up ideas and theories about the characters. The character of Count D is the perfect example of a well written character in my mind, he is mysterious and fascinating, he is neither good nor bad, he is simply Count D. I'm not very good at reviews and am trying very hard not to drop any spoilers but I have to simply say that this story is a diamond in the rough of horror manga. The horror elements aren't as straight forward as most modern gore based horror, infact the gore is very minimum and used only when necessary, if anything I'd call it a beautifully written psychological horror worthy of the traditional Gothic writers of the 19th century.

As I'm reading Book 2 and at the third section; it appearse to me that the stories of Count D are becoming more predictable...red herrings appear in almost every story; I suppose it is good for younger readers (as I read the first story when I was still in high school) but I'm not sure if I"m losing interest or my instinct for the "element of surprise" is rising. Hmmm, I shall get back as I continue my journey with Count D.

Continuing with my reading of Count D I have begun to appreciate the 3rd novel...perhaps the authour was simply rushed in the 2nd volume, attempting to fit it in with the holiday season. Perhaps she/he simply evolved into a more astute authour-whom knows? I simply appreciate the 3rd installment much more than the 2nd with its twists and unexpected turns. I'm merely halfway there but I see the promising development into a deeper series.

This manga is probably the widest read of those I've tried to introduce to friends. :) Seemed the most acceptable to both guys and gals, though some thought it was a bit too weird-ish. We've had debates on Count D, the main character, and whether he's ultimately good or evil. There seems to be some morals somewhere but you get a bit lost on whether it's kangaroo court or real justice.

The episodic nature of this series makes it easy to start just about any volume, as long as you get the basic idea that Count D sells strange pets that have special/strange/eerie/supernatural/dangerous qualities. These pets may also take on human form in some people's perceptions as well. They can be beautiful, scary and powerful. Some are animals from myths, such as the kirin.

The first stories are actually a different format from the latter stories, especially when it gets to the new "Tokyo" series. The stories range from "huh? What was that about?" to "oh, that was cool". Some are quite intriguing and the pets' qualities are usually surprising, shocking or horrifying. There are some stories which seem to have some morals as well, or lessons to be learnt. The underlying story of Count D and his dad, and grandad and where they come from, who/what they are (and their motivations), is given an ending too as the story wraps up in the original series, but somehow it wasn't as satisfying as I was hoping it would be.

Anime and Tokyo Series

Four of the original stories were made into an anime, which weren't bad overall. And after the first 14 volumes were completed, the artist started another set based on the same Count D but set in Chinatown, Tokyo instead of Chinatown, USA. I guess it was just so popular that she decided to go back to the same formula.

My Rating:
Story: B (it ranges actually)
Art: C, the art is not that great and "clean" and there are no bishis. :)
Recommended? Interesting premise and some stories are better than others. Easy to pick up at any volume and perhaps reading a few volumes would give a better idea of the series than jus one or two stories.