Lovely Muco! Vol. 1

Lovely Muco! #1

by Takayuki Mizushina

In the beautiful mountains of Akita stands GLASS STUDIO amato, run by Mr. Komatsu and the shiny-nosed dog who loves him—MUCO!!

Muco dreams of the day when Mr. Komatsu will become a dog, too, but in the meantime she spends her days chewing up towels, jumping in the pond, and inventing new games…all called “Komatsu”!

Based on a real person, a real dog, and a real glass studio, there’s something here for everyone—even cat lovers! ( no actual cats are featured in this volume)

Genres: Manga, Graphic Novels, Comics, Humor, Fiction, Animals, Childrens

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2023

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha/Vertical Comics for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

While this did have a cuteness to it that I can see many enjoying, I was not a huge fan.

I didn't like how the MC Human would grab the muzzle of the MC Dog when he was upset with the dog. I'm not a dog owner, never have been, but that seems a bit violent and harsh.

The artwork did nothing for me and the storyline was pretty boring, but if you enjoy stories from the POV of a dog, then this manga might be one to check out.

2, bored me but YMMV, stars.

[Tom the Teacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable and low-stakes manga featuring Mr Komatsu and his super cute dog Muco, chronicling their daily life together in Akita, Japan. An easy and pleasant read, much needed in amongst the usually far more stressful and traumatic novels I go for! 😅

3.5 stars rounded up for the cuteness.

[John Driscoll · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars, rounded up. Lovely Muco! is a cute little manga that's pretty devoid of substance. Muco is a cute, energetic dog who lives with a glassblower named Komatsu, and likes normal dog things. Making the dog the POV character is kinda creative, but since Muco is a pretty simple-minded dog, there's no real story to tell. It's all about Muco not really understanding the human things going on around her and liking to play, eat, hang out with Komatsu and the other nice people he encounters. This wears out long before the book is done, and even though I also checked the next 3 volumes out from the library, I don't think I can see myself actually reading them.

This is all style, very little substance. It's cute but that's basically all it has going on for it.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 so cute want to meet muco

[mad mags · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Full disclosure: I received a free e-ARC for review through Netgalley.)

-- 3.5 stars --

Muco is a shiny-nosed Shiba Inu who lives in the mountains of Akita, Japan with her human, Mr. Komatsu. Muco spends her days chewing up towels, sneaking dips in the pond, inventing new games, taking walks with Mr. Komatsu, and accompanying him on trips to town (preferably to buy kibble). She admires Mr. Komatsu's hand-blown glass art, but insists that her nose is shinier.

Sometimes the pair gets visitors - usually in the form of the gruff but lovable Mr. Oshiko, a web designer who finally convinces Mr. Komatsu to create a website for his business, Glass Studio. The studio gets little traffic, and on the days when this gets Mr. Komatsu down, Muco tries her best to raise his spirits.

LOVELY MUCO! is an adorable manga for lovers of dogs and snappy tees both (see the afterward, people). Muco is an adorable protagonist, and it's rather fun to view the world through her eyes (or try to, anyway). She is silly and warmhearted and loyal - a very good girl, 13/10.

My only complaint is that Mr. Komatsu has a habit of grabbing Muco's snout in his fist when he's annoyed with her. Though I don't think it's meant to come off as especially aggressive - I've done the same when fooling around with some dogs, as a display of affection - I think Mr. Komatsu's perpetually sweaty face makes it seem an angrier gesture than intended. (From the glass blowing, duh!)

[Kristel Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Si tienes un perrito este manga es un SI o SI. Cuenta el dia a dia de una perrita con su dueno. De todas esas ideas que se le cruzan en la cabeza en diferentes situaciones. Es muy gracioso y tierno imaginar que mi peludita podria estar pensando lo mismo que Muco y eso hace de este manga uno muy especial.

[Christine]

This is a really sweet manga all about a glassblower and his dog from the dog's perspective. A sweet slice-of-life type book that is heartwarming and soothing.

Content Notes:

The only reason I wouldn't hand this to an elementary school aged child is it has one "damn" in it. Otherwise, no language or sexual content. Could put this in a Christian school library at the secondary level.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muco is an enthusiastic and supportive dog to her owner, Mr. Komatsu who is a glass blower. She doesn't always understand why Mr. Komatsu does the things he does, and she can't wait for him to turn into a dog so they can spend all day playing together. While Muco is having fun, Mr. Komatsu is trying to get his glass blowing business going. They live in the mountains so very few people drive by. Will he get any customers?

This was a delightful manga featuring a cute, cuddly, and laughter-inducing dog, and an owner with a very unique occupation. (I can't think of another book featuring a glass blower off the top of my head.) I need book 2 ASAP. Muco is so charming. This is the perfect read for a day when you're feeling down and need a dose of humor and cheer to pick up your spirits.

Notes on content: 3 minor swears if I remember right. No sexual content. No violence. Some adults drink a bit of alcohol but not in excess.

[Ag · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for the cutest, most adorable, and loveliest manga-style graphic novel with the most awesome dog in it, then you have found it! This book is it! This book gets all the stars just for being so, so cute.
Besides being just cute, this was a super fun book and it was filled with many laugh-out-loud moments, the book really brought so much fun into our household and brought out so many loud laughs and then some more snorts also! Even the portrayed everyday humdrum was cute in a very special way in this book.
We will be looking forward to Part 2 and then however other parts there might be! This book is going to be such a hit out there, I believe.
The only slightly confusing part was the colors. Some parts of the book were in full color, yet some were black and white. Other than that, the book was awesome.

[loveandstolenkisses · Rating 5 out of 5]

”Lovely Muco!, Vol 1” by Takayuki Mizushina is a read full of giggles.

Any pet lover will enjoy getting an insight into Muco's thoughts about her life with her much-beloved owner, Mr. Komatsu.

Her thoughts are very much dog, and in the beginning, it's difficult to understand what Muco's obsessions with her shiny nose and chewing her blanket are all about, but as the pages turn, you get a pretty clear idea of how much this dog just want to help Mr. Komatsu and how much she loves him.
Perhaps you might even get inspiration on how to understand your pet?

I love the stories about their daily life in the glass art studio in the mountains. Muco brings lots of joy and entertainment every day. I love especially when Mr. Komatsu misunderstands her needs.

This is a cute, relaxing, and full of-giggles read. Just what I needed.

[Dan P · Rating 2 out of 5]

lovely muco has two issues, at least in this first volume. issue one is that there's no real conflict. Muco doesn't have a nemesis, or any particular dislikes. she's just happy and curious all the time with no variation. other classic slice of life animal/child series do this better, and with more levels. like Yotsuba, who is a much more complex character from the start. the second issue is the translation, which leans really hard on specific internet slang that feels out of place and very dated. why is Muco calling stuff twinsies? this volume is full of bad word choices that make the whole thing feel more like a cheap throwaway and less of an adorable classic you might return to

[Sesana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slice of life manga from the perspective of a very excitable dog. Although Muco's owner has a unique job as a glassblower, I didn't think this really added much to all of the slice of life animal manga available. Muco is cute, but the stylized art wasn't as cute or as detailed as I generally like from this kind of book. Her behavior and thoughts also felt less natural than in some other books in this subgenre. This wouldn't be a top choice for this kind of story, but it's not bad if this is really your thing.

[Ree P · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good. this volume follows the energetic and sometimes screaming dog who likes her owner to the point of pretending to blow glass like he does. good recommendation for fans of Yotsubato!? and Wonder Cat Kyuu-chan

[Kellyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4/5 (Goodreads, get half stars). Love the slice of life nature of this but I feel like the translation might’ve been a bit lacking. Muco’s adorable though. Still on the fence about recommending this for my collection but I am leaning toward yes.

[Tiffany S · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny collection of misadventures told by adorable Muco who absolutely adores her owner Mr. Komatsu, a glassblower in the mountains. From proudly showing off her shiny nose to dreaming of the day Mr. Komatsu turns into a dog, her life is never dull.

[yamzreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute fast read and I love books about cute animals! If you want a fast cute read about a cute adorable dog then this is a must read!

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was absolutely adorable. I'm so happy to finally have a cute dog manga. I can't wait to get the next volume and see more of Muco.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Kierston Foutz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So stinkin cute!!

[Cel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. I have a female Shiba and this is 1000percent accurate.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute slice of life comic about a dog and a glassblower, Mr. Komatsu, living in rural Japan.

[Lydia Sigwarth]

I accidentally read it backwards for the first 30 pages so it doesn't seem fair for me to set a rating. I thought it was cute enough but nothing special.

[Joey Gaudino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and funny

[cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

super silly i love this

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so cute! Muco is a scream. Mr Ushiko eating Muco's crunchies is hilarious. So adorable. Can't wait for the next volume.

[Luke Eichholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I luv muco. very funny

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and funny! I love the color illustrations.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

really sweet! funny cute book, great for kids.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muco is a dog, and these are funny anecdotes from her life. A nice light read for any dog lover.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

An optimistic dogs-eye view of life.