“At the end of her wandering, Sumire the nekomata found herself in the company of a spirited android and a compassionate undead. Led by the sweets-loving elder prince, the team of monster maids travels across the Demon Realm outsmarting mad scientists and rescuing damsels in distress. However, unbeknownst to them, trouble is brewing, as word of their exploits has reached the ears of the demon king's underlings…” (Yen Press)
The inaugural release of “The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid”, introduced the reader to the newest agent of the demon lord's covert task force, a nekomata named Sumire. Placing this character in the role of tracking down people illegally using magic alongside two other operatives/maids, the first volume was an episodic story that mixed comedy, action, and style to gleeful success. Entering the second book in the series, Yugata Tanabe offers much of the same with slight variation from the previous formula. Redundant? Certainly, but this is not necessarily a negative under the strengths of Tanabe, who keeps the wonderful playful tone and striking visuals of the first volume intact.
Most importantly, the release keeps up the lighthearted comedic vibe that comfortably indulges in occasional silliness. The love for all things macabre also carries over as Yugata Tanabe continues to devise kawaii/creepy versions of iconic monsters from both European and Japanese literature. As mentioned, the narrative does not deviate too much from the first book beyond some additional backstory and the introduction of a rival group of maids. However, given the tone through both releases, it is unlikely that the series will see a big shift from the simple set-up and execution of short mysteries posed to the trio.
Yugata Tanabe art continues to please, as the mangaka combines kawaii and creepy. Additionally, an eye for fashion and willingness to reinvent classic monsters gives the work a real chic-meets-moe aesthetic. The artist's ability to capture the emotions of their subjects, along with a knack for visual comedy, blends idyllically with the fashion-forward art of Tanabe. Arguably, manga fans could enjoy the title on art alone, especially with an abundance of adorable maids gracing its pages.
“The Splendid Work of a Monster Maid” is not one of those titles that will wow readers, but it works as an ideal palate cleanser between more in-depth or challenging titles–a welcome deviation for those who consume a lot of manga. Consequently, it is the perfect addition to any collection for some quick escapism into a realm of kawaii monsters, magic, and absurd humor. Just don't expect much beyond that.
