#萩尾望都

One of the highlights of Japanese comics released in English in 2021, Lil’ Leo by Hagio Moto is a cute single volume women’s comic about one very unusual pet. Originally collected in 2009 the book offers eight chapters where the two-year-old cat Leo is both obviously cattish and more human. Understood by people, (not the only such cat and the gimmick treated as natural) he tries out several human activities. Slice-of-life trials of elementary school and new friends, marriage interviews, being a cartoonist’s assistant, searching for celebrity, along with craving a gourmet dish of mouse or, sulking when stuck inside on a rainy day with a litter box. Paying a little homage to famous cat GouGou by OshimaYumiko Lil’ Leo is a straightforward comic. Still one you want to read slowly to truly soak in the details and expressions of the art. All concluded with a photo diary of Hagio’s cats, one the model for Leo. It also is one of the occasions that Hagio’s work has been published in English by a company other than Fantagraphics. A dream come true for North American publisher Denpa too, released in a lovely edition. Every title by one of Japan’s comic artist treasures that finds international release is one I certainly welcome.

Lil’ Leo by Hagio Moto is available in English translated by Ajani Oloye, lettering Nicole Dochych, in print and digital from Denpa Books