“There's something really strange about the maid I just hired! No normal person could be so beautiful, or cook such amazingly delicious food, or know exactly what I want before I even ask. She must be using magic—right, a spell is the only thing that can explain why my chest feels so tight whenever I look at her. I swear, I'm going to get to the bottom of what makes this maid so…mysterious!” (Yen Press)
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Quirky comedies that use the same set-up are nothing unfamiliar within manga, often a product of work being serialized on social media platforms like Twitter or Pixiv before even being considered for print. As such, “The Maid I hired Recently is Mysterious” follows this format with the title reiterated to begin a sequence where the busty maid (ominously named Lilith), puts herself in a compromising position that makes her young master blush. Is it original or deep? Certainly not, but Wakame Konbu has a playful wittiness to his work and a defined visual approach that makes the series aptly digestible for light entertainment.
As such, “The Maid I hired Recently” is a perfect addition to a collection for those who already have a fondness for the comic strip-esque format in manga. Each segment is tight and delivers a healthy dose of comedy and/or fan service to keep the flow bubbly and upbeat. Certainly the narrative value is shallow (at least within the first volume), but there is room to grow, and even if the premise just repeat,s it is bound to keep readers content. The translation work by Christine Dashiell is particularly admirable in bringing the series to an English audience, as many of the gags are based on word play and misinterpretation between maid and master. Ultimately, for a comedy that is focused on dialogue over action to create humor, the flow of conversation and wordplay is wonderfully realized in the translation.
That is not to say that the visuals take a secondary role, as Konbu has a very expressive style and ‘appreciation' for the female form that gives the work an adorable aesthetic. Furthermore, the print release brings extra charm by allowing Lilith's piercing purple eyes to shine throughout the book (also popping up in the odd sound effect). Not necessarily adding to the narrative, it is a welcome accent that makes the work pop – a feature which would be wonderful to see adapted on a more consistent basis. Regardless, even without the addition of color there is plenty to admire in Konbu's mischievously cheerful art style.
Understandably, the series won't be anyone's ‘favorite', as its simple approach does not call for a deeper dive or for deeper immersion in the narrative past each gag. However, as a comforting deviation into light comedy “The Maid I hired Recently Is Mysterious” is bound to tickle and titillate its intended audience – If you just want to tune out of daily stresses and have a good chuckle the release is certain to please.
