What's Michael revolves around a mischievous tabby named Michael with striking red fur, going on various adventures. The stories are notable for their assortment of settings: Michael may join a pair of Japanese youths in one tale, be the belonging of an elderly couple with children in another, or be associated with a member of the yakuza in yet another. It was awarded the 10th Kodansha Manga Award in 1986 for its general manga category accomplishments, which it shared with another publication.