I did my best to avoid spoilers in this review , but just in case... "you have been warned"
Hataraku Maou-sama! (the devil is a part timer), takes a step back the recently popular insane violence and gore, by cutting out the all the unnecessary fights which ultimately don't affect the plot, whilst still retaining the quirky and often ingenious outbursts making a downright hilarious show.
Story 8
I reckon there's about 8 people for each anime that introduces a supernatural element to it along the way ( i.e. there's a lot). However Hataraku Maou-sama! open with the main character of Satan... that's right... Satan, the physical manifestation of all things dark and evil (」・ω・)」 As his expanding empire is crippled and he is forced to leave the dimension. And where does he arrive? Our world of course, a world devoid of all magic and demonic beings (depending on your faith). So as he attempts to replenish his magic and return to his world he faces the greatest challenge ever to the dark overlord: working in... the service industry. With a couple other spanners thrown in the works along the way.
It comes as no surprise that such an outsider takes a little while to acclimatise into our world making for plenty of situations or just little phrases that can have you doubling over, laughing at the screen like a madman.
Art 9
This has one of the best art styles, I've seen in a long time, ranging from semi-opaque darkness to vibrant, in your face lighting darting around.
Sound 5
Given that the dub had not yet been released when I saw this anime, I cannot judge the voice acting so this is based purely upon sound effects and music, unfortunately both of these seemed quite rare or simply went unnoticed; evident as I can hardly remember the theme tune, the exception to this for me though was the ending theme, which sadly I didn't bother to watch until about halfway through.
Character 8
With the story of Satan, you would expect a harsh, manipulative person with little concern for others, however this anime goes out of it's way that he is anything but that, helping humans whenever possible, the stereotype defying not stopping there, as most of the main characters are revealed to be almost the reverse of their reputation.
Overall 8
This was a brilliant anime which I would recommend to anyone with the remotest of interests with fantasy, comedy, slice of life or even romance - none of which interfere with each other at any point, somehow - and you won't regret watching even if that doesn't include you.
p.s
If the dub sucks (as always) try it on subs, don't just give up on it.
