MANGA REVIEW | "With a Dog AND a Cat, Every Day is Fun" - Vol. 2
Pets are an amazing addition to anyone’s life. They bring you joy, comfort, and — in some instances — some extra first-world problem gripes. Hidekichi Matsumoto gets this being a canine and feline owner (as well as a tiny lizard), as she showcases her daily life with Inu and Neko in her series With a Dog AND a Cat, Every Day is Fun. In its second volume, the antics continue with both cuteness and silliness in full swing.
Matsumoto deals with both her pets reaching the age of nine, with their personalities being polar opposites as usual. From playtime to late-night snack steals, Inu and Neko tackle their pet lives with different approaches. Meanwhile, Matsumoto gets an idea from her editor to find Inu’s family, resulting in the author making a big trip to meet her dog’s relative.
Matsumoto has a lot in common with author Konami Kanata (Chi’s Sweet Home) when it comes to their portrayal of pets. Both Inu and Neko share a lot of the same characteristics as Chi, especially with Inu’s cuteness and Neko’s troublemaking ways. A great example of when these two combine well is when the two pets attempt playtime. Where Inu openly enjoys his playtime, Neko tries to act coy over his little game. Neko attempts to act like a tough kitty, but deep down inside he just wants to have fun.
The big focus on this volume is Matsumoto’s quest to find Inu’s relatives. What could be an easy journey winds up being an interesting side quest. Meeting the owner of Inu’s relative reveals how much the pets and owners have in common, with both the owners fawning over their love of dogs and their canine companions brimming with cuteness. It’s a mixture of cuteness and dorkiness that results in some relatable comedy.
With a Dog AND a Cat, Every Day is Fun is a good relaxing read, and its second volume delivers with strong laughs and sweet moments. It’s a manga that all ages can enjoy, with kids entertained by the pets and adult pet owners being entertained by Matsumoto herself. Even if you don’t have a four-legged friend of your own, anyone that’s had some sort of interaction with a pet will come across a humorous anecdote in Matsumoto’s writing.
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Tomo Tran of Vertical Comics
