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As a big fan of animal-themed manga, I'm always on the lookout for new, cute stories centered around our four-legged friends. While cats often dominate my bookshelf, I’m always excited when a dog-themed manga brings some fresh variety. Pupposites Attract by mangaka Hono Natsuna is the latest work to make its way to the English market.
The series originally launched in February 2022 on the Japanese platform Pixiv and eventually found its way to Comic POOL in October of the same year.
What is it about?
Pupposites Attract is a charming and heartwarming manga series that revolves around the unusual relationship between two very different dog owners and their pets. At the center of the story are Chiharu Kagura, a confident, petite woman with a large but gentle Rottweiler named Tsubu, and Kiyotaka Tsujii, a shy, tall man who owns a tiny yet energetic Pomeranian named Monjuro. These stark contrasts—between both the dogs and their owners—define the entire story and create its unique appeal.
The premise is simple: Chiharu and Kiyotaka meet by chance during their dog walks. These chance encounters happen more frequently, and what begins as a casual acquaintance slowly blossoms into a friendship, which might gently develop into a tender romance, as the interactions between the two lead characters are imbued with a warm, natural dynamic from the start. Chiharu, who outwardly appears strong and unshakable, reveals a soft and caring side, especially in her relationship with her dog. Meanwhile, Kiyotaka, quiet and introverted, has a loving bond with Monjuro that adds depth to his otherwise shy demeanor.
One successful element of this manga is the dogs themselves. Tsubu and Monjuro are much more than just cute animal companions; they have distinct, well-developed personalities that play a big part in the story. The imposing Tsubu, who is surprisingly shy and sensitive, provides a wonderful contrast to Monjuro's boundless energy and confidence. These canine opposites not only add entertainment but also lend a fresh and surprising touch to the plot, as they play with typical stereotypes of dogs and their owners. Hono Natsuna excels at depicting the dogs' expressions and body language with such precision that their emotions and thoughts become almost palpable.
The storytelling, in classic slice-of-life manga style, is calm and leisurely. The slow pace seems intentional, allowing the relationship between the characters to develop gradually and realistically. There are no dramatic twists or shocking revelations here; the beauty of the story lies in its small, everyday moments. This unhurried narrative style may feel too slow for some readers, but it perfectly underscores the delicate, realistic romance unfolding between Chiharu and Kiyotaka.
Despite the calm storyline, Pupposites Attract offers numerous humorous and heartwarming moments. Dog owners, in particular, will likely recognize many familiar scenarios, as the quirks of Tsubu and Monjuro lead to plenty of funny scenes. The fact that the large Rottweiler Tsubu is basically a timid cuddle-bug, while the tiny Pomeranian Monjuro brims with confidence, creates many endearing situations. Hono Natsuna succeeds in portraying the everyday life of dog owners in a realistic and relatable way, adding authenticity to the story.
Although Natsuna did not own a dog before starting the series (as revealed in the afterword—she now has a dog), it’s clear how well-researched and lovingly crafted this manga is.
Hono Natsuna's art style may appear simple at first glance, but upon closer inspection, you can see the finesse in the portrayal of the dogs and their different breeds. The small details—whether it’s Tsubu's delicate expressions or Monjuro’s lively, dominant posture—help make the animal companions feel as vibrant as their human owners.
Is it worth reading?
In summary, Pupposites Attract is a heartwarming, feel-good manga that captivates with its gentle storytelling and lovable characters. The bond between humans and dogs takes center stage, which will especially appeal to animal lovers. At the same time, the manga offers a tender, slowly blossoming romance that leaves readers curious about how things will develop. If you're looking for a light yet charming read that combines humor with emotion, this is the perfect pick.
Pupposites Attract 1
€10,49
€13,99
A fluffy, feel-good romance manga for dog lovers! Chiharu enjoys every day with her sweetie of a Rottweiler, who probably weighs as much as she does. Meanwhile, Kiyotaka can't get enough of his fluffy Pomeranian, who barely comes up to his… read more
Pupposites Attract 2
€12,31
€13,99
A fluffy, feel-good romance manga for dog lovers! Chiharu enjoys every day with her sweetie of a Rottweiler, who probably weighs as much as she does. Meanwhile, Kiyotaka can't get enough of his fluffy Pomeranian, who barely comes up to… read more
