Creepy Cat

In Valent's episodic, humorously grim graphic novel, presented in the yonkoma style, Flora, a thin, pale-skinned figure with long black hair and large bloodshot eyes, inhabits a horror film--esque mansion inherited "from a distant relative." But ever since moving in a month ago, Flora has felt watched--revealed to be a strange creature she soon names Creepy Cat, a large white marshmallow-like feline with overblown black pupils and red irises. With supernatural powers including infinite multiplication of selves, floating, and size transformation, Creepy Cat doesn't hesitate to get its way as well as play pranks on gullible, mostly lenient Flora. Despite the hijinks, Creepy Cat protects Flora against the mansion's more malicious beings--such as a vampire, whom the cat cuddles with until it disintegrates in the sunlight--while also helping to deter pale, lovesick local police officer Oliver's advances toward Flora. Gothic-inflected full-color illustrations rendered mainly in a palette of red, white, and black and influenced by Kunio Katou's The Diary of Tortov Roddle, per a back matter note, follow earnest, deftly sketched characters and a fast-paced, lightly connected plot in this sprightly slice-of-life series opener. Ages 8--12. (Oct.)

Flora inherits a mansion and discovers it's already occupied. Since she arrived at the mansion, Flora felt she was being watched. She soon meets fellow inhabitant Creepy Cat--a round, squishy, white cat with red eyes--whom she befriends, despite his oddities. He can replicate himself, change size and shape, and fly, but he also engages in typical cat behavior--knocking a cup of water off the table and bringing a dead bug to his human. Flora's admirer, police officer Oscar, occasionally stops by, but Flora doesn't return his affections. Unbeknownst to Flora, other spooky creatures of the night sometimes appear in the mansion and interact with Creepy Cat. This quick read is filled with gothic vibes, humor, and lots of spooky adorableness. The manga-style art is in full color throughout, with an emphasis on blacks, blues, and reds. Human characters are thin with paper-white skin and expressive faces. Originally a webcomic, each page is a contained ministory with a title; sometimes they depict silly stand-alone moments, whereas other times they contribute to a story arc that continues over several pages. Reading directions are provided at the beginning, as the panels in this Japanese import are read right to left. Most pages have only four or five crisp panels, readily accessible even for those new to manga. Squee-worthy reading for those who like a dose of creepy with a heaping of cute. (extra stories) (Graphic fantasy. 12-18) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.