★★★★
It’s really hard to be funny. It’s even harder when you’re translating it across cultures. Humor is weighed down by where you’re from. To really appreciate a joke you need to have grown up with TV, pop culture, and socialize with the people around you. A joke referencing the stagnant Japanese economy just isn’t the same. That’s a why a punch in the groan is funny here and funny in China. It’s easy, it’s visual, and everyone can relate. Who hasn’t had their genitals harmed?
The fundamental, molecular parts of a joke are the setup and punchline. You create expectations, and you surprise your audience. The Devil Is A Part-Timer doesn’t rely on references or your cultural baggage to be funny. But the show doesn’t try hard to be funny. It’s the natural tone of it. It’s a slice of life.
So you’ve got this Devil king who escapes into the real world. He loses his powers and needs to find a way home. He starts at the bottom of society and gets a part time at a “McRonald’s.” It’s not called “McDonald’s”, but, let’s be honest, it’s fucking McDonald’s.
Do you remember that kid in your class—yeah, the fat one?—they were the class clown and everyone thought they were funny? It’s because when you expect someone to be funny they come off that way. Or you really like someone and you’ll just laugh at whatever shitty joke they tell just to get into their pants?
I found the cast of characters to be immensely charming. They had chemistry and plenty of friction to keep things exciting. There’s the loyal sidekick, a girl the main character fights with, another girl he fights with, and someone trying to kill him but ends up being roommates with. Did I mention he becomes a shift leader at his job, too?
There’s not much to complain about. It ends suddenly because it’s an adaption so enjoy it for what it is. It’s a fish-out-water story.
