Pet on Duty

After losing his job and his apartment, 18-year-old Mizuki has to move in with his older brother, Koichi, who lives in a company dorm with three hot young salarymen roommates. Only employees are allowed in the dorm, though, so Mizuki has to hide from the rest of the residents, living in secret like a pet. Koichi's roommates immediately take to cute Mizuki doing their cooking and cleaning, especially quiet, reserved Kudou-san who only shows his sensitive side to Mizuki. Life as a dorm "pet" is a challenge for Mizuki, but his special feelings for Kudou-san keep him in the care of the men of Repose Corporation dorm.

Everything about Nase Yamato's Pet on Duty is completely and utterly adorable, from the sweet, youthful and fresh character designs of even the older characters, to the cheerfully unrealistic plot, to the refreshingly innocent relationship that develops between Mizuki and Kudou over time. The characters all seem young and full of life, energetic and just as cuddly as you please. Even the twenty-something salarymen are fresh-faced and bright-eyed. Young Mizuki is extra-cute to match his "pet" status, but even though he has the floppy light hair and rounded features of a typical uke, he just barely skirts the edge of appearing girly or underaged. The smooth, youthful character designs may not appeal to everyone, but the artwork is so clean and consistent, and the boys just so simply pretty, that every page is a delight to look at.

The title "Pet on Duty" is not just an amusing device, either - the characters all come to treat Mizuki like a real cat, buying him toys and presents, arguing over who gets to feed him, petting his head and protecting him possessively. Though a little odd at first, the cat metaphor develops into an important dimension of the plot as Kudou and Mizuki get closer, because the other dorm residents don't feel like sharing their "Mi-kun." Through constant interruptions in their alone time, the romantic relationship between Kudou and Mizuki develops very slowly, from innocent gentle kisses and time spent together, to the understanding that their feelings are more than just friendship. This kind of step by step blossoming of a relationship is so rare to see in BL manga that Pet on Duty is like a breath of clean, fresh air, or like the warm cuddle of a brand new kitten. It's unexpected, but happily welcome; a bundle of soft emotions in a world of angular lines and angst-ridden soliloquies.

Boysenberry continues to produce quality yet no-frills BL manga. All of the best features are included: a nice color front page; a strong, clear translation with sound effects; nice paper and clear printing. With a focus on simple quality for an affordable price, Boysenberry doesn't need to do anything more to their naturally strong BL manga licenses. Pet on Duty is a sure win for all fans of cute pretty boys, beautiful innocent kisses, adorable ukes and the sweet-natured semes who love them.