Aishiteruze Baby

 Title: Aishiteruze Baby
 Creator(s): Yoko Maki
 Publisher(s): Shueisha Inc., VIZ Media
 Year: 2002
 Genre(s): Shoujo, drama, romance
 Length: 7 volumes
 Reviewed by: Yukari on July 16, 2007

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Kippei Katakura is a playboy who lives a blithe life constantly dodging teachers and hitting on girls. One day, he comes home to find that his five-year-old cousin, Yuzuyu will be staying with his family because her mother had abandoned her. On top of that, Kippei is put in charge of taking care of her! What is a playboy to do?

Review

Because the series involves a teenage boy and a young girl, one might think "Aishiteruze Baby" is a lolicon series for pedophiles to enjoy, but this isn't the case. "Aishiteruze Baby" is a sweet story between two cousins who bonded during their time together. Throughout the series, Yuzuyu is at a delicate stage in her life and is very fortunate to be under Kippei's care after her mother's disappearance. However, Yuzuyu isn't the only person who benefits from their relationship. Being forced to take care of af little girl placed huge responsibilities on Kippei's shoulders. Caring for Yuzuyu means that he has to wake up extra early every morning to make her lunch and take her to and from kindergarten. This makes him change his old playboy ways since he can't afford to play around anymore. He even develops a real relationship with Kokoro, the one girl he is serious about. In a way, Kippei does some growing up as well. I think Kippei needed Yuzuyu just as much as she needed him.

There are many memorable moments throughout the story. One left me with a special feeling for onigiris since they are the first things Kippei attempted to make for Yuzuyu. His first tries didn't look too appetizing, but Yuzuyu was simply happy that her "Kippei oniichan" made it for her. Such moments were very touching. "Aishiteruze Baby" is typically shoujo and generally light-hearted, but it has its share of darker moments including psychotic stalkers, bullies in kindergarten, violent mothers, and even a suicidal cousin. Although the author presents us with some dark situations, the series manages to maintain it's sunny character without becoming too angsty or depressing.

The art is well done and provides us with an abundance of eyecandy. Yuzuyu is especially lovable. Her captivating charm is what enticed me into reading this series in the first place. She is too adorable!

Many complained about the length of the series, but I think seven volumes is perfect. If it were made to be any longer, the story would only drag. "Aishiteruze Baby" may not be the most spectacular series in the world, but it certainly was a joy to read.

Overall Rating: 4/5