Monday, March 2, 2009

Tomcats vol. 1 by Mashiro Minamino review

Tomcats vol. 1

Author/Artist: Mashiro Minamino

Publisher: Deux Press

Rating: OT – 16 and up

Genre: Yaoi, Comedy, Fantasy

Grade: C

According to the back:

Mao is just your typical disillusioned young man working in a pizza joint. He soon finds himself in the middle of a surreal adventure after he meets his old friend Sora, a pint-sized human cat. Shady "men in black" show up at his workplace, prompting Mao to flee the city for a forest in the middle of the desert. Mao's back-to-nature escape wouldn't be complete without his silent lover Tora, Koyuki the magic human kitten, who can make all sorts of things appear, and more pint-sized human cats. Out of a door in a tree emerges a confused cat god, but even stranger still is what's inside the tree! Yaoi in Wonderland?!

This is one of the weirdest mangas I've ever read. If you are confused by the info that the publisher provided on the back just know you aren't the only one. Mao is tired of living where he is. He befriended a human cat and then met Tora. It turns out that Mao is the only one who understands what Tora is saying. Tora is the son of a yakuza boss and is expected to take over the job but he has no desire, that's why they are on the run. While in the desert the human kitten Koyuki is able to catch desert fish by patting on the ground. Not only can she catch fish but she can catch a living room set and other things. In Mao's garden he grows talking flowers and has an abundance of daikon radish.

Now the reason why I gave it the grade I did is because I'm still trying to figure it out. It is seriously a bizarre manga. Of course it has its funny moments but right now it doesn't seem to be much of a yaoi tale. I'm having a hard time reviewing this title because I am so confused by this tale. The art is fun, the idea is fun, and I really want to understand this title but alas, I'm an idiot. I might be able to make a more informed decision when the next volume comes out but right now just realize that I'm dumb and you'll have to read it for yourself and if it makes more sense to you, could you enlighten me?

***Review Copy purchased at Borders***

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