Aishiteruze Baby

Publisher
Viz
Writer
Yoko Maki
Artist
Yoko Maki
Country of origin
Japan
Year
2002

Aishiteruze Baby V. 2

By David Rasmussen
18th Jun 06

When Yuzuyu’s mom took flight and left her behind, who would have thought that what should have been a total tragedy could be turned about with the assistance of would be ladies’ man (whatever do the girls of his school see in him anyway) named Kippei Katakura?

Ever since his family had been left the responsibility of watching over Yuzuyu, translation ever since Kippei had been “left” the responsibility, he’s formed a solid bond with her. At first his relationship with her was rather rocky, but once he and Yuzuyu synched not even a crazed first year female student stalker could keep them down for long (though her stalking Yuzuyu was creepy, so of course everyone who originally read the Japanese version of this title totally hated the character).
But now, as we roll into Volume 2, a new trouble rises… which starts with a letter.

At long last the absent mother has written in, saying she could not care for Yuzuyu now and said she needed time to sort things out. And, really, will any time at all cure her problems? After all despite the fact there is one flashback scene detailing the “troubles” of Yuzuyu’s mom you’ll soon realize that the mom is totally and completely “high maintence” and nothing but trouble.

But, for now, trouble comes in a different light (but not intentionally) as Kippei’s relationship with the former icey Kokoro is now heating up, which might not be good for Yuzuyu as shades of Kippei’s old self begins to rise again (despite his resistance to slip back into old ways).
The relationship between Kippei and Kokoro (which has sparked strong thanks to Kokoro‘s moving out of home due to her father‘s remarrying), sadly, ends up being one of the tempoary casualties of the events set into motion by Yuzuyu’s mom as it has to be put on ice for awhile after Yuzuyu vanishes for a brief time trying to walk home alone, convinced that she doesn’t want to be a burden to Kippei and Kokoro’s growing relationship (which turns into Puppy Rescue 9-1-1 as she ends up keeping an eye on a lost little puppy).

Then the story ends with a Yuzuyu day at home (no kindergarten) which leads to her taking food to Kippei (as she is watched over by the big sister), and a one shot story featuring a young Kippei and the birth of his Vulcan younger brother… either that or… uh… never mind.
But this is only the foreshadowing of darker things as it looks like Volume 2 ends with the return of Yuzuyu’s mother, who is looking to edge her way back into Yuzuyu’s life ready or not.
In August we’ll see how the unexpected event affects the strong bond between Kippei & Yuzuyu, but for now let’s break this down…

Aishiteruze Baby Breakdown the 2nd
What’s Hot?
Strong read, well written, nice artwork, and a good series overall. It’s one of my favorites of the recent Shojo Beat line (though it only previewed in Shojo Beat and isn’t one of the long term titles of the series like Nana or Crimson Hero), and I hope you check it out.
This, Crimson Hero, Full Moon O Sagashite and Nana are recommended reads.

What’s Not?
I really (once again) have no downers on this title to speak of. Solid, read it, nuff said.

Moments to Remember?
Too many to go into here.

What to Ignore?
Hmm… ahh… maybe I’d like to ignore how this series has an Anime and somebody is dragging their feet about getting the Anime out to us. Maybe VIZ will get the rights to release it through their Shojo Beat line of Animes sometime soon… that’d be nice.

Overall?
Solid little read overall, one of the bright stars that shine in the skies of the VIZ Shojo Beat lineup. If you haven’t gotten into this yet then now is about as good a time as any. Check it out.

-- David Rasmussen 18th Jun 06