Pupposites Attract 1 by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (translator): And They Called It Puppy Love…

Pupposites Attract 1

by Hono Natsuna, Matt Trayvaud (Translator)

DETAILS:
Series: Pupposites Attract, #1
Publisher: Kodansha Comics
Publication Date: August 6, 2024
Format: Paperback
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: October 19, 2024

What’s Pupposites Attract 1 About?

This is the story about the beginning of a relationship—two really. Boy walking dog meets girl walking dog. It’s sort of like when Roger Radcliffe and Pongo met Anita Dearly and Perdita for the first time, just not quite as calamitous (still, I don’t know someone doesn’t think of that scene—especially someone whose children were obsessed with the ’61 animated version).

Kiyotaka’s a big guy, a little on the shy side—his dog Monjuro is a little Pomeranian who is nothing but adorable fluffiness and outgoing energy. Chiharu’s a bold extrovert and her Rottweiler, Tsubu, is a gentle giant (who may tend toward a nervousness that feels out of place for such a big guy).

A few chance encounters mark the beginning of a friendship between the two humans—and between the two dogs. The dogs seem to know before the humans do that there’s more going on between them than friendship—or at least that there should be. Although, most of the humans we see realize that about Chiharu and Kiyotaka, too—so it’s not (necessarily) that the dogs who know them best are really that insightful, it’s just these two kids are kind of clueless on this front. Which is its own charm.

That’s basically the story so far.

Translator’s Notes

Following the story, we get some character design sheets and a few pages of translator’s notes which talk about some of the cultural background, explain the dog names (although the story itself does a pretty decent job of that), and things of that nature. Most of the translator’s notes didn’t help me too much—but those that did were great. (and I expect other readers will have the opposite reaction to me) Regardless, it’s a nice tough for people who may not be all that familiar—or familiar at all—with manga.

Like me.

A Little Word About the Art

It was good—nothing that blew me away, but I enjoyed it.

I think that Kiyotaka could be drawn a bit more consistently, but maybe I’m missing something (that’ very likely). The dogs were drawn perfectly—they’re so adorable that you want to take them home—or at least roll around on the ground and play with them regularly.

Hono Natsuna nailed depicting the emotions, both human and canine. That can be tough to convey, but there were many scenes where the text really wasn’t needed to tell the story in addition to the art.

So, what did I think about Pupposites Attract 1?

This is a cute little story, you could tell from the beginning (or from the blurb on the back) where things were going—it’s not the kind of thing you read to find out what happens, but to enjoy while the obvious takes place. As such, it worked well. You don’t need surprises or twists as long as someone tells a good story well—and Hono Natsuna did that.

It’s just as heartwarming as you want it to be. The humans are sweet and bad at relationships, so it’s amusing to see them fumble along. The dogs are…well, you all know I’m a sucker for a good dog character, and these two deserve all the scritches, belly rubs and treats they can handle.

I picked this up thanks to this post from Twirling Book Princess, and seeing it on the shelf of a bookstore I was using a gift certificate at the following weekend. It’s really out of my comfort zone—honestly, it’s the first manga I’ve done more than flip through, in addition to being a Romance. But I’m glad I saw TBP’s post and took a chance. I had fun, and pretty much have to keep going with the story.

I would’ve liked a bit more substance, a bit of meat to chew on—this is very airy, very light. But I have to think that’s a function of genre. The story doesn’t need it, I’d have just liked it.

Regardless—if you’re looking for something light, sweet, feel-good, and quick to read, give Pupposites Attract. I can’t imagine you won’t be satisfied.

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