Pink

PINK is considered by many as the first Japanese comic for women (josei manga). If not the proto-josei, it is the bible for this genre covering many themes that still resonate with women today - work, family, finances and romance. However, Okazaki turns all of those themes on their side with bombastic visuals and a cast of characters, including a talking crocodile, who are like nothing seen in a comic since.

Yumiko moonlights as a call girl because her day job doesn't pay enough to feed her pet Croc. Haru an aspiring writer who has nothing to say, sleeps with a woman his mother's age not just for the money but to work on his "powers of observation". So when Yumi's step-mom turns out to be Haru's sugar-mommy, it is time for shenanigans. A little bit of drinking, a little bit of blackmail and a visit with Croc is enough to change lives and maybe add some color to a comfortable but bland life. Daddy kept Keiko's mom as a pet; she keeps Haru as a pet; I keep Croc as a pet...Is Yumiko someone else's pet?? Is she willing to let someone care for her like that?

Ideal for readers interested in graphic novels.