Cat’s Eye Omnibus Manga Return Is a Reminder of Its Timeless Nature

Abrams Books brought back Tsukasa Hojo’s Cat’s Eye manga as a new omnibus series under its Kana label and, even though it’s coming up on 45 years, it’s one of this situations where you’d never realize it as a new reader. The themes involving strong women, a devoted family, a justified quest to retrieve a legacy, and a cat-and-mouse game with police and hidden identities, feel so relevant. It’s all still so clever, and the sisters Rui, Hitomi, and Ai Kisugi are worth rooting for. 

Editor’s Note: There are minor spoilers for the first Cat’s Eye manga omnibus volume below. 

Given Cat’s Eye is getting a new anime adaptation, folks might be familiar with the series. As a quick refresher, sisters Rui, Hitomi, and Ai are on a mission. Their father Michael Heinz fled Germany ahead of WWII with his massive art collection and came to Japan where he married and raised a family. However, he was forced to abandon them for their safety and flee to the US, and everything he made was scattered. The three hope to find out where he is, and get some sense of peace, by getting everything back. The eldest Rui plans things, Hitomi tends to primarily acts as the actual thief, and the high school prodigy Ai creates devices and gear Hitomi would need on each job. They alert their intentions to steal an item with a calling card before each job as Cat’s Eye. But by day, the three own and work at a cafe… also called Cat’s Eye. And Hitomi is dating Toshio Utsumi, essentially the lead detective on the Cat’s Eye thief case.

There… might be a little suspension of belief needed here. Calling your cafe Cat’s Eye when you’re also a burglary ring known as Cat’s Eye and involved with the investigator is… a bit much. 

Still, it does work, even though it feels a little gimmicky when you first hear the concept. The three sisters all come across as capable women. Hitomi is the most visible, as we see her on missions, dating Toshio, and in some especially poignant heists like one that involves stealing a painting her father did of her without her sisters’ approval and pretending to be Mitsuko Asatani to help pull off a heist that would otherwise expose her double life to her boyfriend. But we do see Rui and Ai also step up in segments as assistants and backup in these early stories.

Also, after the introductory chapter, the fact that Hitomi is taking Toshio really makes sense. We can tell she does genuinely care for him. She willingly gives him an “edge” so he doesn’t retire from the force due to failing to catch Cat’s Eye so many times. But we also see how that insight into department business and tactics as his girlfriend is a huge asset to the sisters. 

Even the artistic direction is fantastic. Hitomi, Rui, and Ai all dress sensibly for these missions, while still looking incredibly cool. The characters all look fantastic, with distinctive designs. There are a lot of details in every scene, especially when actual heists are happening. The action segments even feel well thought out, so show the sense of motion and athleticism Hitomi and her sisters possess.

The first Cat’s Eye manga omnibus is really a great example of why this series endured over 40 years. There’s a timeless nature to it. The heroines all come across as being very smart individuals, while also caring about each other and even Toshio. The motivations behind the thefts make sense. It all ends up being quite thrilling to read too, since there’s almost a “monster of the week” sort of format with a new piece of art and approach each time. It’s a great series to revisit.

Volume 1 of the Cat’s Eye omnibus manga is available now, and the second one will appear on January 13, 2026.

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