[This review covers Volume 1 of Pet Shop of Horrors: Collector's Edition. Content warnings: Violence, Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Casual Xenophobia. Spoilers: Mild]
A mysterious pet shop in Chinatown introduces its patrons to wondrous creatures that might just make their dreams—or nightmares come true. Pet Shop of Horrors is a strange, episodic read that feels more like a series of short stories than a continuous narrative. The story primarily follows Count D, the enigmatic proprietor of the pet shop, and a brash, hot-headed detective investigating him.
Count D’s rare creatures, often humanoid in appearance, come with a strict set of care instructions. When these rules are broken, bizarre and frequently disturbing consequences follow.
The Story
Pet Shop of Horrors reads like a collection of episodic morality tales. As a child of the ’90s, the tone feels familiar, reminiscent of Tales from the Crypt, Goosebumps, or Are You Afraid of the Dark? Though it is a bit darker in theme. it should appeal to fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
Each chapter introduces a new customer, typically someone down on their luck, who seeks a pet to improve their troubled circumstances. Count D always seems to know exactly what they need, almost magically, and offers them a pet that may solve their problems (or create entirely new ones).
At first, I was confused by the humanoid appearance of the “pets,” and I wondered if the story had some sort of human trafficking angle. Even after finishing the first volume, I’m still unsure why the pets appear human. It certainly adds to the story’s strangeness, but I’m unclear on the rules behind this worldbuilding choice. Sometimes incense makes the animals appear human, but this isn’t always consistent.
There are also scenes where some people perceive them as human while others don’t. As a result, the logic behind it feels murky. I’m left curious about how it all works and what purpose it serves.
One chapter in particular makes excellent use of the humanoid pet concept. In it, grieving parents who have lost their daughter adopt a pet rabbit that looks exactly like her. Why or how this is possible, I have no clue, but the emotional impact of it is intense. The parents, desperate for comfort, treat her more like a replacement daughter than a pet. They indulge her whims and it leads to nearly apocalyptic consequences. This chapter was my favorite in Volume 1. It was emotionally impactful while also being successfully unsettling.
Not every story lands as well. I found the earlier chapters stronger than those in the latter half, which felt less developed, but I was especially drawn to the growing cat-and-mouse dynamic between Count D and Detective Orcot even more so than the episodic customer tales. The back and forth between the two characters helped raise the stakes. Would the detective get evidence to arrest D, or would D alway be one-step ahead?
The Characters
The main draw for me is Count D himself. He’s a compelling, morally ambiguous figure. He’s charming, elegant, and deeply mysterious. I’m left wondering whether he’s good, bad, or something in between. He clearly cares for his rare creatures more than he does for the humans who adopt them, and he never accepts responsibility for the chaos that often follows. He’s a character that really sticks with you even after you finish reading.
I think it’s important to note though, that there are some moments of xenophobia directed at Count D, often from the detective. While it’s not explicitly stated in this volume, the story appears to be set in Los Angeles, and there is some anti-Chinese sentiment to some of the dialogue. It feels very intentional and seems to play a role in the story. In the horror genre, themes like this often serve as social commentary, but some readers may still find it uncomfortable.
While I didn’t love every chapter, the strong atmosphere and intriguing overarching plotline kept me reading. Some stories were a bit goofy or flat, but there’s enough mystery, particularly surrounding Count D to make me curious about what comes next. The episodic format may not appeal to everyone, but the slow-building narrative between Count D and the detective has some real potential. I’m hesitant, but interested in reading more.
The Art
Nearly every page has massive visual appeal. The wispy linework and atmospheric tones evoke the feeling of being in a smoke-filled room, which is a perfect vibe for this story’s mood. It’s mysterious, dangerous, and alluring. The characters, especially Count D, are drawn with an angelic, ethereal beauty that enhances the supernatural tone. The aesthetic helps in creating the horror as it’s deceptively delicate, yet quietly unsettling.
The Details
Pet Shop of Horrors is a completed series in Japan, originally serialized from 1994 to 1998. The Collector’s Edition is currently being published by Seven Seas Entertainment. Volumes 1 and 2 are available now, with Volume 3 scheduled for release on August 5, 2025.
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