Cover of Cat Man, showing a grey cat with a human torso, wearing a gray hoodie and multicolored patterned scarf and holding a book in its arms that is titled "The Mysterious Neko-kun".

Cat Man

Story and artwork by Parari

Seven Seas Leisure, printed 4/29/25

Age score: Teen (13+)

On the subject of society’s notion of cats, they’re typically seen as cute and cuddly, but in addition moody, territorial, and at occasions standoff-ish. However how do cats see society at massive?

In Cat Man, we’re given a glimpse into the lifetime of a humanoid cat named Hachisuke. Shy and introverted, Hachisuke desires to suit into the human world, however he finds himself encountering humanity’s biases in the direction of cats. Hachisuke is commonly referred to as cute, touched with out consent, and harassed by people.

Sound acquainted, anybody?

Along with his fellow feline buddies, Hachisuke goes by means of his day-to-day life whereas coping with these microaggressions and studying about human conduct.

Cat Man is a really particular piece of reasonable storytelling. As a cat mother (I do know I speak about this lots, however my infants are my world), I discover cats to be the perfect academics in the case of consent and bounds. Hachisuke’s pal group could be very numerous, from Makio who’s just like a calendar mannequin (which incorporates some horny poses that may belong on a romance novel), safety guard Kurono who sports activities a disfigurement on his face, and Hachisuke’s coworker Nekota, who wishes to slot in however could be very socially awkward. Every cat has totally different experiences within the human world which are very relatable and at occasions uncomfortable to witness. Whereas Makio is used to the eye as a result of his profession, Kurono is seemed down upon for not being “cute sufficient,” which causes him to be distrustful in the direction of people and really feel like a loner. 

Once more, it’s uncomfortable however very true to life. 

Now we have supporting characters which embrace people who turn into allies to the cats. These people converse up once they see their feline buddies being harassed. As well as, we witness conditions the place each cats and people acknowledge their earlier microaggressions in the direction of one another and study from them. 

Cat Man is a crucial learn for all ages, and I can’t suggest it sufficient. It’s the right educating information to find out about consent, boundaries, allyship, and most significantly, respect. 

And who’s a greater instructor to study these issues from apart from a cat?