Jun 2, 2010
Kaichou wa Maid-sama is a shoujo manga with a bit of attitude and a pair of interesting main characters. It isn't entirely original, unique or different from other shoujo already fleshed out for audiences to read about but what it does do is make you laugh, make you smile and even think that maybe some hot guys could be aliens.
Story: 7 out of 10
I'm not going to lie here, the story isn't very original once you get past some key elements. Basically, you follow the life and adventures of Misaki, who is currently the "Iron Fisted" President of her now co-ed high school. With the
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majority of the students still male, she took it upon herself to throw down the ballot and make some changes for the female populace and herself. The thing is, she has a secret that she can't exactly tell the world; she works in a maid cafe to earn money for her family, consisting of her sister and her mother. Ironically (and rather cliche), there's this really hot, mysterious and rather popular guy named Usui who notices the President and accidently finds out her secret. And thus, the hilarity, the annoyance, and the fun times ensue.
So basically, what you have is an interesting concept but with cliched aspects that really don't separate it from most shoujo manga (the sexual tension, putting up a front with people, being annoyed but loved by a hot guy etc). It's not done badly though so it's enjoyable but if you're looking for something original and different, you won't find much of an edge with Maid-sama.
Art: 8 out of 10
The artwork is decent. If you compare the old artwork in the first chapters to the latest chapters, there is a big difference in the artwork. It's not crappy in the beginning but it doesn't look as appealing as it does later on. Personally, I think the artwork is one of the strongest points of the manga and the mangaka does a great job of making the characters attractive and nice-looking. Usui is definitely that sexy guy that most can see why girls love him and Misaki, though brash and rough, is a pretty woman.
Characters: 8 out of 10
Mainly, it's the main characters that give this story its strength. You have Misaki, who is not your typically weak-willed, naive and annoying heroine. She is a bit naive in some aspects but still, her character is fresh and nice. She is really funny person, a strong woman and a independent lady (which, no offense to a lot of shoujo women, is a good change of pace). Then you have her chip on the shoulder, Usui. He's smart, athletic, sexy, enticing, and overall, like the perfect smartass. He seems perfect, which is kind of cliche with most mangas but still, he's just enjoyable as a character (and did I mention, really sexy?).
As for the other characters, you have the students of Misaki's school, student council members and a rather busty teacher who comes later on as well as the Maid Cafe workers who are a collective bunch of cliches. They are cute but not really original. Though, I'm not going to lie, I do have a soft spot for one of the characters (his name escapes me) who wears glasses and is shy. But anyway, it's not unique or original but it makes the story cute.
Enjoyment: 7.5 (8) out of 10
Honestly, this manga isn't very original as I've said but it's still enjoyable. The main issue I have though is that frustrating element of shoujo manga where the main couple has way too much sexual tension and won't get together. I won't spoil the series for anyone but at a certain point, I start to think "Wow...so you two are together...aren't together?" I mean, it's like real life I suppose but still, it's a bit frustrating, enticing but kind of annoying all the same. But overall, it's pretty enjoyable.
Overall: 8 out of 10
So basically, Kaichou wa Maid-sama is your typical but slightly unique shoujo manga that makes you laugh, makes itself look cute and has some nice artwork. Besides that, it's not original but has an interesting lead and sexy suitor/potential partner so overall, I'd say if you want to read a shoujo manga with a slight difference from most, go read this one. Otherwise, if you want something gripping, different, unique and ground-breaking, I'd keep to steppin.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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