The Devil is a Part Timer! - Complete Seriesby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 10 Satan has to flee from his kingdom to another world -- modern day Tokyo -- but he's not the only one to make the trip. His subordinates and his enemy are in the same boat he is -- dead broke on money and magical powers -- but that doesn't mean he can avoid trouble. Oh, and, in order to survive in this world (and work his way up to world domination, of course), he works as a part-timer at a fast food joint called "McRonald" ... where his junior coworker develops a crush on him that won't quit even when she learns the truth. Will this evil overlord develop more heart than his enemies just by being forced to live as a mere human, scraping by from week to week? Or will he find a way to restore his powers and conquer both worlds?This series is totally fun! I love the shock from each new realization Satan, now Mao Sadao, and Ashiya / Alciel, one of his generals, face in modern-day Tokyo, especially in the beginning. I love that his part-time job is working in fast food; it's too perfect. That, plus his menial living arrangement seems fitting almost as atonement, and also manages to lend itself to a familial atmosphere, especially as more people come to gather in their one-room apartment regularly. One of my favorite parts is when Satan regains some powers and does a super-powered punch against Lucifer; it's hilariously overkill. I like how scary he can be when powered up (the black smoke is a nice touch), but I also appreciate seeing him be kind / helpful when powered up. I did get a bit tired of Ashiya always being sick, though I do like this unwavering loyalty and the way he acts unworthy. Urushihara / Lucifer is perfect as an Internet-savvy, socially awkward hermit. He's helpful but also causes serious problems to the strained budget. Emilia / Emi is a perfect counter-character for Mao / Satan. Her responses to everything life throws at her and to her enemy's perplexing actions of helping humanity are very fitting for a female character, and I love that it is a female that is Satan's greatest adversary. Chiho is a wonderful addition as the only full human, and she fills a few roles thanks to her job, her pure-hearted crush on Mao, and her petite frame with a large chest. I actually really like that she's the one with the large chest rather than the heroine, and I like that while it comes up as a point for her and for Emi, Mao is rather oblivious to both her true feelings and her chest size. She's a refreshing character that fits in well while also breaking the mold as it were. I'm glad that Suzano / Cristia gets redeemed, and that she has a realization about evil and about her actions and the actions of those she's been working for. I also like that she's overly formal and dresses in kimono and yukata exclusively; it fits with her reserved personality. And lastly, I like that the angel is the bad guy, who is reduced to a harmless but creepy lech when around beautiful women. Of course, I like stories and characters that challenge the whole "angels are good and demons are bad" trope, especially when they don't entirely do the opposite like here. Normally I don't care about the extras, but this one has an interview with Jamie Marchi, who created the Ente Isla language for the dub. It's very insightful and interesting! It's also interesting that they decided to create a language of their own instead of just using the made-up language of the original – the two languages sound similar (but are definitely different), and the voice actors have similar enough vocal ranges that it would have gone unnoticed by most viewers if they had not taken this extra step. However, both sets of voice actors do a phenomenal job of making the language seem real and natural! It was very weird at the beginning, though, since most of the first episode is in this language, and it's not obvious at first that that's what it is. And for those who are purely dub fans, there will be subtitles for these parts, so be prepared. And while I'm on the subject, the dub is amazing. I almost always prefer the sub, but some of the voices were just too perfect in the dub. Of course, I also recognized most of the main character's voices as being prominent characters in other recent FUNimation titles. I also like that neither the sub nor dub are heavy on the language, especially since it would be out of character for all of the characters. This anime is currently the complete series, though there is a light series you can read as well. I do hope it continues, as I'd love to see another season! It ends in a nice place with a moment that brings Mao and Emi full circle (in our world, not in general). I like that there's a hint at the end that Emi may actually be falling for Mao, despite being unable to forgive Satan. Plus, it goes great with the fact that every single character (including minor ones) assume that she and Mao are or were dating, to which she overreacts to refute it, making the characters only believe their assumptions more. Also, while more girls get introduced through the series, it definitely doesn't become a "harem" story – partially because only one of the girls has openly admitted that she's into Mao that way, and partially because more there are at least as many male characters (and it's the guys that live with Mao, not the girls). I appreciate that it's more of a group of complex friends / subordinates / enemies than a romantic comedy. If you're looking for something fun this certainly fits the bill! And, given that times are hard in the real world right now as well, it's nice to be able to empathize with such powerful beings being reduced to the same (or worse) standard of living while still making the most of it and finding happiness. This series gets an A+ in brightening my day and allowing me to just sit back and enjoy. Written: July 24, 2014
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