Chobits is a Shonen Manga based in a world where a new step in technological advancement has taken place. In the place of personal computers and laptops are Persocoms-humanoid computers made in desirable forms for males and females alike. In this version of our world, these "computers" have become a staple in most households. Although most humans treat these Persocoms as though they are human themselves, one big difference still remains. They can't think for themselves. They still rely on basic programming in order to operate.

     Hideki Motosuwa is a 19-year-old restaurant worker who is working hard to save money so he can go back to school. He doesn't have nearly enough money to purchase a Persocom! That's why it's such a stroke of luck for him when he finds one abandoned in a dumpster. Excited, he brings her home, but is barely able to get her fully operational. Though she is awake, Chi, as she is soon called, can only say her name and she doesn't even seem to have her own basic operating system.

     After some careful research, and with the help of some friends, Hideki soon discovers evidence of an experimental version of the Persocoms that has yet to be released to the public-Chobits. Chobits are said to be a form of artificial intelligence, thus being the closest a robot can get to being human. Who would throw away such an advanced computer? As Hideki soon discovers, the true mystery lies in why...

     This story was both hilarious and heart-warming. Hideki's character was quite comical, being the broke lover of porn that he is, with a full-grown woman suddenly thrust upon him-one that he must clothe, teach, and ultimately, respect. No person would react well to a situation like this, but Hideki reacts particularly badly. Chi, who is new to this world adapts to his attempts, resulting in equally wacky events. Case in point-Just when Hideki's teacher comes to visit him, Chi discovers the VCR, hits play, and begins to imitate what she sees on the screen which, thanks to Hideki's porn habit, involves getting naked. Hideki's reaction, and Chi's subsequent "What did I do?" look, is comedy at it's best.

     The art in this book is a great style, capturing the individual personalities of the characters in a way Clamp failed to do with Magic Knights Rayearth. The Persocoms are drawn to be so adorable; you can't blame Hideki for his reluctantly growing relationship with Chi.

     The story is equally wonderful, rehashing old themes such as love robots and AI pushing humans out of the social world, and putting a spin on it that is both funny and touching. The story could have done with less sexual innuendo, such as Chi's on-switch being in her....um....vaginal area, but even these seem to be used solely to enlighten us as to how strange this world has gotten.

     Though the end of Chobits left a little something to be desired, the overall story was engaging enough to make me happily skip to the bookstore to buy myself Volume 2-and that says quite a lot. Sweet, funny, touching, and timely, Chobits is a good read for even Non-Manga lovers.

     Send comments and questions about this article to jmanzano@ybfree.com.

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