“Once upon a time, there was an elderly woman. She lived alone, save for a darling black cat that she doted on. After many years, the cat finally gained the ability to transform—“Look, mistress! I've turned into a human. Now I can repay your kindness!” Alas, the kitty was just a little too late to help her owner. Legend has it she now wanders the Demon Realm, looking for a place where she belongs…And so begins the tale of Sumire the nekomata and her splendid work as a monster maid!” (Yen Press)
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A playful mix of fantasy and comedy, Yugata Tanabe's “The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid” is an episodic series that tasks a squad of maids with uncovering nefarious use of stolen magic. Each chapter introduces a new ‘client', from the vision of ‘yuki onna' to the ‘headless horseman', but with a unique spin on each character that transforms it into a creation unique to the aesthetic of Tanabe. Consequently, the appeal of the series lies predominantly in the mangaka's ability to balance a large cast of characters under various scenarios to keep the reader entertained.
Complimented by a lush visual style that breaths' life into the odd crew of undercover cleaners, every panel acts to highlight the skill of Tanabe in capturing the fantastical. Geared towards kawaii over horror, the title will appeal to those who enjoy spooky with fluffy edges. In addition to sharp character design, the action flows with ease and the background designs give the impression of a world that is inhabited by all manner of whimsy. Visually, the series exudes a joy that will have readers become lost in the cutesy aesthetic.
The episodic nature of the title, admittedly, is where the series begins to see some fault. Perfectly charming in mini-doses, it lacks those definitive moments to draw you deeper into the lore beyond the adorable first impression. At this point, it is difficult to envision the manga evolving past its simple set-up and execution within each chapter. This means the series is one that can be revisited, but at the cost of not being able to weave an engaging story – think of it as fun fluff.
“The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid” is the type of manga title that gives a strong first impression but is doomed to fade with memory. For those with a never ending manga collection, the book can certainly serve as a compliment to the collection as a quick indulgence in unbridled fun. However, the formulaic approach is unlikely to appeal to new readers or make a greater impression on existing fans. This won't stop many from enjoying the series for what it is – an adorable piece of escapism.
