Review: The Devil is a Part-Timer!

Anime: The Devil is a Part-Timer (Season 1)

Genre: Action, Comedy, Fantasy

Age Rating: Good for All

Studio: White Fox

Music: Ryosuke Nakanishi

Author: Satoshi Wagahara

Dub/Sub: Dub

Ecchi Level: Conservative

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Found this on Netflix while killing time and the summary sounded interesting enough. So I watched it, and I was dying of laughter even in Episode 1. The story follows the dictator and wannabe conquering lord of a world known as Ente Isla. He (named Demon Lord Satan Jacob) and his generals, Alciel, Lucifer, Malacoda, and Adramelech were on their way to conquering the entire world of Ente Isla when they were suddenly ousted from control by the humans, and their hero known as Emilia. Seeing himself near defeat, the demon lord opens a portal and retreats through it, swearing vengeance when he returns at full power again.

Unfortunately, the world that his portal took him to was our own, where magic is near non-existent. So, with what little magic he has, he and his servant, General Alciel, then proceed to try and blend in to a world where he and his kind are considered myth. I've gotta say, fish out of water stories are some of my favorite, and this is no exception. Just watching him and Alciel attempt to acclimate to the world we live in by working at a fast food restaurant, while the ever doting Alciel takes the role as caretaker, was hilariously awesome.

After watching so many harem anime in my youth, it was also refreshing to see one with only one, maaaaaaybe two if you stretch it, love interests in the series. Chi (who happens to work with Satan at the restaurant) is adorable and is never prone to angsty fits of teen jealousy for very long. One episode, she gets jealous, then she's over it and ready to listen. This was a far cry from some anime where the protagonists refuse to talk to one another, stretching a seemingly stupid argument over several episodes. Also, the adorable ball of energetic crush is responsible for probably the funniest moment I've ever seen in an anime series. I had to watch it several times after seeing it the first and still go back to watch it again every now and then on YouTube. But more on that in the spoilers.

But the story isn't just one of fish out of water, because the great cook of the local MgRonald's doesn't just have to deal with bitchy customers and house expenses. Eventually, things from Ente Isla begin following him into this new world, and most of them are not friendly towards him and his demonic servant. The clash between these forces is definitely epic in scale and fairly awesome as far as animation goes. Nothing about the battles are ground breaking or defying visual standards, it just seems on par for what an anime should be, but it definitely satisfies.

The music is probably the greatest part of an already great anime. Each tune is excellently crafted to fit where it's needed. Battle themes are hectic and urgent, while the more comedic themes are bouncy and energetic. And the variety of the styles of music range from Arabian to orchestral, never leaving someone wanting for anything more. On top of an excellent soundtrack was an equally amazing dub. The voice actors and actresses within the anime were all perfect in quality, with big names abound such as Josh Grelle, Felecia Angelle (the perfect actress name when you see who she plays in the anime TBH), and Chris Sabat.

The only real complaint I have from the series is the same I do with most teenage anime protagonists, and that's that they are constantly shown to pay no (or very little) attention to the opposite gender. As if teen boys in the real world are somehow all perfect saints until they get married, while girls are portrayed as rabid, horny drama queens. This anime gets a pass on this, however, considering the protagonist isn't actually a teenager, he's actually a demon general. Still, it wouldn't kill him to pay a bit more attention to a girl's feelings.

Overall, I was expecting this to be pretty forgettable when I started watching it. My ADD riddled brain would probably digest a few episodes, then I'd lose interest and pass on it. But it surprised me and grabbed me by the horns on my head, forcing me to watch it through. And I'm happy I did.

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TLDR: What could be funnier than a couple of demons and angels from another world forced to work our shitty jobs and deal with our way of life? Not much, it turns out. It's not overly convoluted, its characters are memorable, and they even went the extra mile to include an entirely new language for Enta Isla. They pay attention to small details, which is what makes this anime amazing.

Ratings:Animation: 7/10

Music: 9/10Story: 9/10World: 7/10Comedy: 9/10Overall Rating: 8/10

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Spoiler talk below! If you do not wish to have anything spoiled, do not read any further!

Best Girl: Chiho, because she's adorable, funny, and has the makings of an awesome love interest.

So, the comedic moment I mentioned above is better seen than explained, so if you don't care, feel free to go watch the masterful moment on Youtube using the link I have provided here.

With that out of the way, I do want to say that I really appreciate that this anime is drawing the line between Emi and Maou. While I'm perfectly fine with watching harem anime, it was nice to not have to be put into the position yet again of "Who is he going to eventually be with!? I MUST KNOW!" The fact is that they make it blatantly clear that while the two may be able to tolerate each other as friends, there would never be anything romantic between them, allowing me to rest my frantic brain. Well... if you can get over the fact that an adult demon general is dating a high schooler. While it doesn't really ever say his actual age, he is a teenager in the world, so eh, it is what it is.

It's a shame to see that this only had one season. But here's hoping for another one someday.