First Impressions – Hataraku Maou-sama!
It’s funny, yo!
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That’s right. Hataraku Maou-sama! is actually hilarious. Despite it being one of the spring shows I’ve been excited for, I was initially worried that Maou-sama! might not be able to pull the comedy aspect off properly. Fortunately, I’ve found myself literally laughing out loud from both episodes that have aired so far, so it must be doing something right. |
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I agree, Sumarii. Maou-sama is hilarious. …Though I enjoy ranges of comedy, from the things that are actually funny, to… Tantei Inaba and Milky Holmes, so maybe I’m not the best person to say this. Of course, the non comedy part has been interesting as well, so overall, it’s a good start all around. |
World domination!
Sumairii // If you’re a demon lord, there’s only one thing for you to do: conquer the world.1 So Demon Lord Satan takes a page out of the demon lord instruction manual and launches a campaign to “unite” the five main islands of his world under the banner of his dark kingdom. The plan is simple: his four elite generals will each lead an attack on one of the four human islands surrounding his own. Things go swimmingly well at first, with the humans unable to resist the onslaught of his army of monsters and demons. But then a hero rises up and leads the humans against Satan, changing the tides of the war permanently. The demons find themselves pushed back as one general after another is defeated, until finally the humans converge on Satan’s own island and begin laying siege upon his grand palace. Cornered, and with no place to run from the hero’s assault, Satan begrudgingly retreats through a gate to another world to lick his wounds. His parting words, defiant and almost taunting, promising to return to enslave all of humanity.
And now for something completely different.
Sumairii // Maou-sama! changes gears completely as soon as Satan and his last remaining general, Alsiel, arrive at modern-day Japan. Their first exchange with the locals? Getting mistaken as foreign cosplayers and taken downtown by the police. It’s an understatement to say that their discovering they’ve become humans in our world was entertaining, especially when Alsiel’s attempts to use magic leave him looking like a chuuni. I will admit, we could have all seen that coming, but the dramatic pause for emphasis after he went through the actions made everything worth it.
After using some shady jedi mind tricks to escape from the fuzz and obtain paperwork, the demonic duo (now taking the names Sadao and Shirou) take up residence in a tiny apartment and plot their revenge. But there’s just one problem. They can’t recharge their magical powers on Earth, thus preventing them from opening a gate back to their own world. Forced to survive in Japan until they figure out a way to recharge their magic, the great and terrible demon lord is reduced to a lowly part-timer at the nearby McDonald’s ripoff.2 Watching him get sucked into this new life and seemingly forget about his past was simultaneously funny and admirable. I’m glad that he isn’t haughty and actually adapts to the situation surprisingly quickly and with practically no whining. But at the same time, you can’t help but chuckle at how someone of his “stature” has essentially become a nobody. As Shirou laments: if Sadao is now an underling, what does that make him?
Of course, things don’t stay quiet for long. We learn that the hero, revealed to be a dashing young lady, has chased the demon lord all the way to Earth, intent on vanquishing him once and for all. Unfortunately for her, she also ends up in the same situation as she can’t use her holy powers in our world. A holy hero working at a call center? Better think twice about prank calling them. Oh, and Maou-sama! is just absolutely hilarious with its names. Docodemo call center? Ha! And the character “names” are no less entertaining, what with “Maou Sadao” and “Yusa Emi”. Maoyuu should take notes on how to name characters.
Karakuri // Funny how the demon lord goes from man who slaughtered millions to peaceful fast food worker in a very short amount of screen time. It kind of makes you wonder how and why he even started the Maou business in the first place. Anyways, it’s definitely not the type of job you’d expect a demon lord to do. Though even Yusa seems pretty content in her job too (though considerably less so compared to Maou and Shirou). The whole thing kind of turned out like Ika Musume of all things (yes, I am comparing a demon lord to a moe squid girl), but it’s nice to see everyone adapt so well to our world. …Even if it is a tiny bit pathetic, all things considered.
Of course, Maou still wants to take over Earth, but let’s be honest here. I can’t really see that happening. They definitely haven’t completely forgotten about the world he came from though since his more demonic side seems to slip through on occasion despite the mundanity. Shirou still seems caught up on the servant-master relationship too. Not to mention the mysterious earthquakes which seem plot-important, and the magical assailant of episode 2 have shown up. So maybe Maou-sama will prove me wrong yet.
Romance?
Sumairii // If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll notice that Maou-sama! is also tagged as romance. There’s no denying the comedy, but so far we’ve only seen very subtle hints of romance. Emi’s flustered interactions with Sadao are amusing to no end, but behind her threat of stabbing him in the back in his sleep3 hides a lonely soul. I’m no romantic genius, but I’d say it’s a pretty good bet this loneliness will bring her closer to her self-proclaimed mortal enemy, and some romance might just blossom from this. It certainly feels like she’s going out of her way to be around the demon lord (the poor guy can’t stand her), as he’s probably the only one she can relate to in the new, strange world they find themselves stranded in. Another more obvious potential love interest is Sadao’s coworker, Chi-chan. She plays the dojikko trope to a tee, complete with big boobs. And she doesn’t exactly make her feelings towards Sadao very subtle. It feels like Maou-sama! will play up the comedy over the romance though, so perhaps development on this front might be slighly lacking.
Karakuri // Really? All this mention about two guys living together and not a single BL intonation joke? I’m slightly surprised, but at the same time, it’s nice to see two guys living together in a semi-peaceful life without it having awkward implications. I think I’ll stay away from the doujins that emerge from this too. Though I can definitely see something between Yusa and Maou. She has some rather tsundere behaviour going on and Maou’s personality seems like the kind that could open her heart a bit. Plus he’s not exactly out for her blood right now, and she kind of mentioned that if he lived a normal life here, she would stop stalking him. I can see things working out (plus it’s the cliched ‘mortal enemy turned friends or more‘ relationship). I don’t know how Chi is going to fit into all of this since like mentioned by Suma, she’s obviously another love interest. However, I assume she’s fairly important since she’s had a decent amount of screen time and she’s really prominent in the ED as well.
End thoughts.
I was rather excited for Hataraku Maou-sama! before spring season started airing. And from what I’ve seen of the first two episodes, the show has delivered on my expectations so far. The promised comedy is present, and actually funny. The highlights in this department have definitely been Sadao and Shirou getting used to being powerless humans in our world, and Emi’s tumultuous interactions with the former demon lord. I’m looking forward to seeing what other kinds of trouble these “fallen” figures will get themselves into, especially considering the ominous events at the end of the second episode. Who is responsible for the magic attacks on Sadao and Emi? Another “pilgrim” from Ente Isla? And how is this assailant using magic so freely anyway?
Both of the episodes so far have been pretty good for balancing plot with comedy (plus the comedy is actually pretty funny, even despite using the joke that Maou works for a McDonalds ripoff a lot). The first episode was funny for the transition from demon lord to everyday person, but it also had important plot points in there as well about their origins. The same goes for episode 2 with Yusa’s side of the story and showing us just how much Maou has fallen, but it balanced it out with a slightly more serious end. It makes for a more interesting story that way in my opinion, so I hope they keep the rest of the series along the same lines. Actually, I kind of hope that Maou’s former subordinates make appearances as the series continues too. Sure, they were said to have died, but maybe they escaped to Earth too.
Fun with Shirou!
1Unless you’re Maou of Maoyuu. But that’s a different story.
2Add “MgRonald’s to the every-growing list of clever(?) names.
3With a cheap, 100-yen knife, no less.
About Tag Team
We live, laugh, enjoy and strictly believe on "more the merrier". When together, we usually come up with very chatty, conversation-based episodics and interesting posts.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I was expecting, at the least, a two episode drop ala Cuticle Detective reprise on my part. Or something resembling Azazal-san without all the raunch. But, this has me champing at the bit for the next episode. Good review, Team.
As for the magical portal? Two characters used it in episode one, a second in episode two. Even thou it faded out rather fast, the only thing it really hasn’t done is print a schedule….
POWUH: Metanorn Lover with 175 comments
well i been watch this i know from weird language speaking to how mighty satan maou has fallen now working in mcronald?
indeed turning into a good hit to watch wonder to expect next?
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 95 comments
Of course he got promoted. Further proof that the secret to customer service is wanting to conquer and/or kill all of humanity?
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
I work part time in the food service industry, and this is exactly how I aim for success!
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Souka, naruhodo. *takes notes*
POWUH: Meta Team and Spammy Tamer with 7115 comments
I think the funniest thing about his transition, and maybe about his personality, is that he so quickly dropped any haughtiness from being the demon lord. I mean, we’ve seen so many stories where the guy in power *can’t* transition to being the underling (and acts like a stuck up jerk for most of the story), that seeing a guy that so easily gives that up, and really becomes a nice guy, is fresh and interesting. I think it gets even funnier when they swap that onto Shirou / Alsiel, who wants to keep that image up for Sadao, but also is having the same fairly humble transition himself.
I also would like to see more of Chi-chan worked into the story, even though the poor girl is doomed to have her obvious interest in Sadao unrequited. To me she’s kind of a cross of Taneshima Popura (Working!!) and Okonogi Momoe (Tasogare Otome x Amnesia).
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
I found it hilarious how smoothly he transitioned from supreme overlord to a working-class fast-food worker. And he’s so far in that he was seriously contemplating using his magic powers to save the day. Ah, poor Maou-sama.
As for Chi-chan, I hope it’s more Popura than Momoe as the latter just rubbed me the wrong way.
POWUH: and LOLi Defender with 10998 comments
He knows how to read the situation.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Yeah, I was really impressed and amused by the swiftness with which he acclimates to the new situation. I get the feeling he’d even forget about his past position if not for Shirou and Emi.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Been having lots of fun with this, so many fun serie and I want to watch almost all the ones I picked up! Dear me….
I’m missing the meaning behind “Maou Sadao”. Perhaps I’m mispronouncing the name, but what is it supposed to mean? Me so confused.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
“Maou” means “demon lord” (or demon king or any other similar variation), referring to his former position in Ente Isla. He does write it in Hiragana instead of Kanji, but I’m not sure if that makes any difference. “Sadao” is an attempt to turn “Satan” into a Japanese-sounding name.
If you didn’t get Emilia’s name either, “Yusa” sounds a lot like “Yuusha”, which means “hero”. “Emi” should be rather self-evident from “Emilia”.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Was confused at the Sadao part. Looked at the origin and the meaning is “decisive man”, so wasn’t 100% sure the hidden meaning in Maou’s case. Makes sense, thanks!
As for Yusa, I thought it was supposed to sound like Uso. But I guess Yuusha makes sense as well.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1557 comments
Hmm, I just noticed a new face! Welcome Sumairii! I guess a whole bunch of people joined and I didn’t even notice.
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Thanks for the warm welcome! Only two new writers have joined as far as I’m aware: me and Highway. You may already know Highway as he comments a lot. =)
POWUH: 500-599 with 519 comments
Haha, I loved it. I was surprised by how FUNNY this ended up being. I thought it would focus a lot on Sadao and Shirou coping with human life and such but they adapted surprisingly well.
I actually did not know this was supposed to be a romance too. 0_0 I thought it would be a straight up comedy the whole time. I guess I need to bring out my SadouXEmi goggles.
POWUH: iLurker with 1 comments
Episode 2, the transition of 06:00 where the Yushaa is almighty towards 07:00 where the Yushaa broke into tears…. totally priceless xD
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Haha, yes! That almost had me falling off my chair laughing. It’s even better because she’s constantly threatening, whining, and then crying (in that order), in the background while Sadao and Shirou are having a conversation and ignoring her.
That scene is also great because it really shows how desperate Emi is for company that she runs over just to ridicule Sadao on his new, humble home. And of course, it doesn’t work because by the time she gets in to talk to him, she’s got tears in her eyes from being locked out and Sadao doesn’t care about her insults anyway. The whole sequence just made her look laughably pathetic and adorable.
POWUH: Meta Resident and LN Informant with 1529 comments
Maou’s Guide to Conquering Earth:
Step 1: Flip burgers at MgRonalds
Step 2: Get promoted!
Step 3: ???????
Step 4: THE WORLD!!
POWUH: Meta Team and PreCure Mastah with 9203 comments
This comment approved for awesome~
POWUH: 800-899 and Mad Scientist with 814 comments
Seems legit. =P
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 106 comments
Perfect Plan, flawless =w=
POWUH: 500-599 with 519 comments
I can see nothing going wrong with this plan!
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 106 comments
Hataraku Maou seems to be going well =w= I think they did especially great with Ente Isla’s language, and those fight scenes XD
Just wait for
Show ▼
POWUH: Meta Team and Megane-chan with 3214 comments
Ah! The stuff behind the spoiler is exciting! xD
POWUH: and Vampire Lover with 11746 comments
This show was on the lower half of my list this season so I wanted to wait for an opinion before checking this out. I couldn’t help but laugh at the huge contrast that blew up in my face while watching this. What’s more important: World conquest or a promotion? Dicisions, decisions. The genius here is the well maintained balance of action at the start and humor as the episode went along. It’s impressive how Maou is adapting so easily to Japan and on some scarce information, no less. The guy knows how to improvise and his sudden change makes me think of Ao no Exorcist’s Rin Okumura. Not to mention that they both look similar in appearance.
POWUH: Meta Resident with 1692 comments
A very good start to one of the more promising comedies this season. I do wish they had spent more time on the trio trying to adapt to our world and the troubles they had doing so. But there’s still time to throw in more of that. One of the best parts in Ep. 2 was the way Emi kept insisting Sadao and she weren’t a couple but the policeman kept persisting in thinking it was just a lovers’ quarrel. And he was so laidback about her threatening her boyfriend with a knife!
So far the comedy has been very well done. When the romance aspect comes more to the fore hopefully it will be just as well done.
Sadao hasn’t completely given up on his plans for conquest. He has said he plans to conquor Japan, then our world, then return to his to conquor it. He just hasn’t quite yet worked out how to go from flipping burgers to conquoring a world. By figuring out how to restore his magic I suppose? It should be fun watching if he actually tries to do so and watching Emi trying to stop him. Especially if they start to develop feelings for one another, which seems to be a given.
POWUH: 900-999 with 915 comments
Sooo much fun *-* It’s just too unpredictable that the Demon King would fit so well into a modern society XD And look at that hero! That hero… She needs to be the demon queen or whatever.
POWUH: Metanorn Regular with 95 comments
“The same thing we do every night, Pinky — try to Take Over the World!”
POWUH: iLurker with 9 comments
This is my new favorite anime to watch for Spring. I’m hoping for a lot of episodes from this, and pray that it isn’t another 12-13 episode series. Ironic that I’m praying for an anime featuring Satan as the main character to last.
Maou: Today I conquer fast food, tomorrow the world!
“APOLOGIZE TO ALL THE SADAO’S IN JAPAN!”
I’m surprised no one brought up this line yet.