愛してるぜベイベ★★ 6

愛してるぜベイベ [Aishiteruze Baby] #6

by Yōko Maki, 槙ようこ

ゆずゆの世話係も心ちゃんとの関係も順調な結平だったが、姉ちゃんから「子供が産めない」と衝撃の告白が!!　しかも翌日、置き手紙を残し突然家を出てしまった…。

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Graphic Novels, Comics, Drama, Manga Romance

191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

槙ようこ, Maki-sensei speaks of herself in the third person. Has a mangaka sister, Aki Mochida.

Pet: Leo, dog
Height: 164.5 cmv

Reviews

[Radwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was REALLY dramatic!

I can't believe only one volume is left, I feel bad for Kokoro because I kinda know how she feels. I wonder how this is going to be resolved in the end!

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder if Kokoro really is pregnant! Also, poor Yuzu (in regards to her mom). And Kippei's sister, who can't have kids. 4 stars! Solid volume.

[Ris Sasaki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hohoho
This is looking like a freaking mexican soap opera, folks.
Drama and revelations everywhere.
And I´m loving every second of it :3

[Jenny Derochemont · Rating 4 out of 5]

So normally I don't read a book until I finish the one I am reading, but I got so behind between school and work. Plus this and two other manga I have needs to be returned soon. So I'm in a race.

I think this one was very sad. I had a feeling Yuzu's mom probably wasn't coming back and that she was shacking up with someone. It's sad that Reiko can't have kids. But, I don't think that means she should give up. She could always adopt. Sure it's not the same as having a kid come from your own womb, but at least you'll have a family.

I'm anxious to read the final volume. I want to know if Kokoro is pregnant or not.

[Bibliothecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for complete series



Kippei has a reputation of being a playboy and for not caring all too much about school. His whole daily routine is thrown upside down when his 5-year old cousin Yuzuyu is delivered to his home. After the death of Yuzuyu's father, her mother has found herself unable to care for Yuzuyu and has thus sent her to live with her relatives. Kippei doesn't know much about childcare but he finds himself enjoying his time spent with Yuzuyu and the two form a bond.

Although I really like Maki Yōko, I have never read this early work of hers until now. I appreciate Maki's works not only for the art but also for often breaking free of shoujo norms. Aishiteruze Baby was no exception in this regard, although that was probably also part of the reason why I hadn't picked it up sooner. When this was originally published, I'd be lying if I'd say I cared much for stories about childcare. In addition, I found the covers very unappealing - I'm afraid I still do as they are so awfully busy and crowded. Nonetheless, after years of reading Maki's works I thought it was finally time to give this one a go.

I don't think this manga will work for everyone because similar to me a couple of years ago, not everyone will be interested in the childcare aspect of this manga. I imagine many people will pick up a shoujo romance expecting exactly that: romance. And while this manga does have some romance, its focus is without a doubt on the relationship between Kippei and Yuzuyu as well as how she deals with feelings of abandonment. As a whole, this is a very heartfelt story with great relationships. A lot of the side characters initially come across as rather annoying but the plot takes some time to let us get to know them and this is one of the few manga I've ever read where pretty much all characters are likeable.

I really liked Kippei as a main character, although I'm tempted to say that he was unrealistically kind to everyone which also made his bad reputation seem a bit weird. There is a generally degree of things not being very realistic in this story to begin with: it's certainly not unheard of but I do find Yuzuyu's mother's behaviour a little questionable. Kokoro - Kippei's love interest - also seems to have a rather odd relationship to her parents and I found it a tad unrealistic how she could just up and move in with people in the blink of an eye.

Otherwise, this was a really nice plot that explores various aspects of childcare and family issues. And while those might sound like heavy subjects, this is mostly a lighthearted feel good manga. Yuzuyu is a little ray of sunshine, Kokoro seems a little stoic but turns out to be really cute once she loosens up a bit. The romance between Kippei and Kokoro initially seemed to come a little out of nowhere but I actually really enjoyed how their relationship developed.

I struggled a little with Maki's art in the first chapters - I love her style but this earlier work often leaves characters with oddly blank eyes. I think in the beginning Yuzuyu was the only character I found aesthetically well done. By the end of the series, the art isn't quite what it is in her latest works but it's definitely beautifully drawn and featuring characters with expressive faces where no text is required.

The ending was a tad rushed and I wouldn't have minded a more detailed epilogue, but it doesn't take away from the over all experience reading this manga. As long as you aren't looking purely for a romance manga and enjoy stories revolving around little children, this is definitely a cute and worthwhile pick.

[Emily✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Vol. 1 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 2 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 3 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 4 ★★☆☆☆
Vol. 5 ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
Vol. 6 ★★★☆☆ (2.5)
Vol. 7 ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)

Re-read April 2023:
Yet another introduction of a new character who ends up causing drama. Our protagonists are too often reacting to outside conflict rather than driving their own stories. I have to say, though, I did like Akari's character and her conversation with Kippei about the pressures of child-rearing on teens. It was nice to see them be able to relate to each other in that way. Sis's revelation was quite sudden and rushed, unfortunately. Why wasn't this a part of the story from the beginning? Makes the narrative feel very poorly planned. 2.5 stars

TW: child abandonment, teen unplanned pregnancy, sexual assault (flashing)

[haven ⋄ f (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing TOO crazy, except for that bombshell dropped at the end before the bonus story.

There’s another character introduction. It seemed like it would mess everything up but the character realized what was happening and fixed the problem (to a point).

I feel so bad for Yuzu!! She’s such a sweet girl but she’s better off with Kippei. Speaking of which, he’s maturing and kind of acting like a parent now.

Spoiler *****
The part when Kippei forced Yuzu to drink the medicine and then it turns out she likes it and wants more is so accurate. 😂

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m going to sob when Yuzu has to leave… I just know it! Her and Kippei’s relationship is so damn precious.

Also, I may be crazy but I would’ve loved if Kokoro was pregnant and then they let Kippei’s sister adopt the baby… or help raise the baby… Maybe Yuzu can be adopted by Reiko… I’m not sure what the hell is going on with her mom but it doesn’t seem good…

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needless drama.

[Eve Healy]

Spoiler-Included Review

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This manga was cute overall but not really memorable in my opinion. My favorite character was Yuzuyu just because she was so cute and friendly to everyone. Even though I understand the attitude of Kippei and what he is supposed to be portraying I never like him, not even when he was with Yuzuyu. Overall it was a pleasant and nice reading experience. I would check out the anime though because I felt it to be a great deal more entertaining than reading the manga.

[Amy]

Aishiteruze Baby, Volume 6 (v. 6) by Yoko Maki (2007)

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

see full review @ Katie's Corner