Aishiteruze Baby★★

Aishiteruze Baby★★, serialized in Shueisha's Ribon magazine from 2002 to 2005, was created by mangaka Maki Youko during a period when shojo manga was increasingly exploring nuanced emotional territory. The series follows Kippei Katakura, a popular high school playboy whose life is upended when he is tasked with caring for his young cousin, Yuzuyu, after her mother abandons her. The narrative prioritizes the gradual, often difficult maturation of its protagonist over traditional romantic arcs.

Maki Youko’s art style in this volume is characterized by clean lines and an emphasis on expressive character dynamics, reflecting a shift toward grounded realism in mid-2000s shojo. The series was well-regarded for its gentle approach to themes of grief, childhood trauma, and the responsibilities of young adulthood. Its reception solidified Youko's reputation as a creator capable of balancing lighthearted comedy with poignant, character-driven storytelling.