Stuff I Read – Chi’s Sweet Home Vol 2Ah, the continued adventures in adorableness compliments of Chi’s Sweet Home. When I read the first volume, I remember praising the simplistic nature of the manga, as it is rather fun to have a manga that is really just about owning and/or being a cat. It’s fun and almost offensively cute. And I guess what I came to the second volume wondering was what they could do to complicate the situation a bit. Not that being cat and being cute are bad things, but with any manga I want to see some attempt to progress. I really don’t like manga and such that stagnate and become the same thing over and over again. I mean, there are things to be said of series like that, but I can’t say that I ever really finished most series I’ve started like that. Series like Naruto, Ranma 1/2, Inuyasha, Bleach, or anime like that just keep on going and going past the point you really care about them. They start strong enough, introducing new characters and progressing relationships a bit, but at some point they just get locked into this cycle where nothing is new but the names. So with manga I want to know that there is something happening, some progress being made on a personal and character level.And I guess I feel like Chi’s Sweet Home has succeeding in complicating their story. Given, it’s not by a great deal, but these volumes are rather short and just fun to read so I can forgive it some for not getting too far. But the volume here definitely starts to look into some larger issues, and takes Chi farther on her journey to becoming a cat and not just a kitten. And I feel a little odd or hilarious saying that because it is a work that is definitely something that defies most serious commentary on it. It is an exercise is cute. But there is character development, prompted mainly by the addition of a new character, the Bear Cat. I’m sure it has some other name, but so far it is known simply as the Bear Cat, and he (I think it is a he, at least) is what enters Chi’s life and forces her to grow up a little. Through the Bear Cat we not only the differences between the characters, where the Bear Cat is much larger, obviously, but also more cat-like. He eats grass and steals food and causes a ruckus. But he is also more in tune with his instincts. This is a cat that learned to be a cat from other cats. And that is more what the relationship between the Bear Cat and Chi is. The Bear Cat is a role model, as mischievous of a role model as he can be.But Chi obviously doesn’t really understand what it means to be a cat, and this volume begins to explore the idea that Chi has to learn that she is not a human, that she is different and what her differences mean. We see that Chi begins to have feelings, memories of being a very young kitten, surrounded by other cats, that she doesn’t consciously remember but that are beginning to surface as instincts. With the Bear Cat she is also beginning to learn more about herself, including that she is a cat, and how to hide from dogs and find her way home. She is still a part of the family, but she sees that she is different, something that takes some growing up to see. The volume is still hilarious. It does not stick to the same gimmicks, and remains fresh and fun. There is still that sense of newness to everything, as Chi experiences so many things for the first time. And the writer does a very good job with capturing what it is to be a cat. Or own a cat (not that I would know too well, never having owned a cat myself, but still). The family dynamic is still strong and it is just comforting, I guess to read, because it does present this case where you know that the family is happy and functional and it’s a place that has a pleasant feel to it. There is some tension, enough to keep interest, but it feels like a place where nothing really bad could happen. The mother isn’t going to be raped and killed. The father isn’t going to develop a drinking habit and beat the son. Chi isn’t going to be run over by a car. It is family-friendly fun, I guess, which might take away some of the drama but this is a comedy, so I really don’t mind.So, yeah, in the end the volume manages to move the story of Chi along, and does complicate things a bit. Chi is maturing a bit, but in no ways that would take away the innocence or cuteness from the book. There is still that sense that Chi is growing, though, and that is a good thing. I really don’t want Chi to turn into a Japanese Garfield. I want to see Chi continue growing up, even if that means that she won’t stay a kitten forever. But so far I am pleased with the level and the rate of growth. Everything seems to be going well and I am eager to read the next volume. Until then, this volume gets an 8.75/10. Chi's Sweet Home Vol 1- 5 by Kanata Konami.Children's ComicChi is a mischievous newborn kitten who, while on a leisurely stroll with her family, finds herself lost. Separated from the warmth and protection of her mother, feels distraught. Overcome with loneliness she breaks into tears in a large urban park meadow., when she is suddenly rescued by a young boy named Yohei and his mother. The kitty is then quickly and quietly whisked away into the warm and inviting Yamada family apartment...where pets are strictly not permitted. Chi then has a splendid time living with her new family, learning about different things and meeting new people and animals. (Amazon)I absolutely loved the series! Suitable for children aged 7 to 12 years. Very popular among girls. Ideal for cat owners or anyone considering getting a kitten/cat. Being a cat owner myself, I can relate to the experiences; particularly Chi being separated from her mother and siblings, being adopted by a new family and settling into a new home as was the case when I got my kittens, now cats. A+++
What do You think about Kleine Katze Chi #2 (2014)?
This was too cute. I had to keep reading. I just love how she acts and plays.
—matt
this book was wonderful. i think Jaden would love this comical cute book.
—luvuni4ms
more adorable cartoon cats talking in weird voices.
—peacelovechaos
