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会長はメイド様! [Kaichou wa Maid Sama!] #1 & 2
Maid-sama! (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 1
As if being class president of a predominantly male high school wasn't hard enough, Misaki Ayuzawa has a major secret—she works at a maid café after school! How is she supposed to keep her image of being ultra smart, strong and overachieving intact once school heartthrob Takumi Usui discovers her double life?!
Can Misaki trust Usui to keep her secret from the rest of the kids at school? And why the heck is he always showing up at the maid café? Maybe she should start taking him seriously when he says he likes her—especially when he throws in an unexpected kiss!
Can Misaki trust Usui to keep her secret from the rest of the kids at school? And why the heck is he always showing up at the maid café? Maybe she should start taking him seriously when he says he likes her—especially when he throws in an unexpected kiss!
384 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
145 people are currently reading
1052 people want to read
About the author
Hiro Fujiwara
76 books809 followersHiro Fujiwara (藤原ヒロ in Japanese) is a Japanese manga artist.
The manga artist was once active under her previous pen name, Izumi Hiro (和泉 ヒロ) at the end of the 1990's but has abandoned the name after she won the Best Rookie award in the LMS for Kaeri Michi, Yuki no Netsu.
Her first series, which is also her latest ongoing work, Kaichō wa Maid-sama! (会長はメイド様!, translation Maid Sama!) is currently serializing in Hakusensha's monthly shōjo manga magazine, LaLa. This series is licensed by Tokyopop for North America, and an anime adaptation was broadcast during Spring 2010.
The manga artist was once active under her previous pen name, Izumi Hiro (和泉 ヒロ) at the end of the 1990's but has abandoned the name after she won the Best Rookie award in the LMS for Kaeri Michi, Yuki no Netsu.
Her first series, which is also her latest ongoing work, Kaichō wa Maid-sama! (会長はメイド様!, translation Maid Sama!) is currently serializing in Hakusensha's monthly shōjo manga magazine, LaLa. This series is licensed by Tokyopop for North America, and an anime adaptation was broadcast during Spring 2010.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
February 23, 2021
4.5 Stars ⭐️Love this show and manga as well!
Mel 🖤🐺🐶🐾
Mel 🖤🐺🐶🐾
April 30, 2016
"Well, you'll never disappoint me. No matter what.
Misaki Ayuzawa has led a bad life. Her dad was an asshole who walked out on her family and Misaki now has an aversion to men. To lower the cost of tuition, she attends Seika high...where 80% of the student population is male.
Her determination to succeed and prove the strength of women pushes her to the position of Class President. And she takes her job seriously.
When heartthrob Takami Usui discovers the ferocious Misaki is working at a Maid Cafe, he realizes there's so much more to her than she's given credit for. So he pays more attention to her. And falls in love with her.
Misaki doesn't trust men so the series is about her overcoming her prejudices to accept Usui, who seems to be the only one on her side. Of course, Misaki herself is very capable of saving herself. Something Usui himself gets frustrated over because despite how capable she is, Misaki overestimates herself. Which leads to several instances of danger.
When the anime came out, I was hooked. The manga was faithfully adapted until it was cut off and we never got another season. Where it ended was great, but there was so much more to cover. The manga will finally end our curiosity.
Why is this series so popular? I think it's because both Misaki and Usui respect one another and are equals. Despite their different backgrounds, their attraction to each other, and so on, these two work so well together. Misaki takes shit from no one and charges forward independently with Usui trailing after her. He helps her when she can't make it out of tight spots and challenges her with questions she's never wondered about.
And come on, it's Usui. Everyone's had a crush on this guy at some point.
Misaki Ayuzawa has led a bad life. Her dad was an asshole who walked out on her family and Misaki now has an aversion to men. To lower the cost of tuition, she attends Seika high...where 80% of the student population is male.
Her determination to succeed and prove the strength of women pushes her to the position of Class President. And she takes her job seriously.
When heartthrob Takami Usui discovers the ferocious Misaki is working at a Maid Cafe, he realizes there's so much more to her than she's given credit for. So he pays more attention to her. And falls in love with her.
Misaki doesn't trust men so the series is about her overcoming her prejudices to accept Usui, who seems to be the only one on her side. Of course, Misaki herself is very capable of saving herself. Something Usui himself gets frustrated over because despite how capable she is, Misaki overestimates herself. Which leads to several instances of danger.
When the anime came out, I was hooked. The manga was faithfully adapted until it was cut off and we never got another season. Where it ended was great, but there was so much more to cover. The manga will finally end our curiosity.
Why is this series so popular? I think it's because both Misaki and Usui respect one another and are equals. Despite their different backgrounds, their attraction to each other, and so on, these two work so well together. Misaki takes shit from no one and charges forward independently with Usui trailing after her. He helps her when she can't make it out of tight spots and challenges her with questions she's never wondered about.
And come on, it's Usui. Everyone's had a crush on this guy at some point.
November 7, 2021
This series always gives me Ouran vibes at the beginning! Such a classic manga!
May 24, 2022
Review on IG: @xojazzle
Loved the anime so I started the manga! This is a rivals/enemies to lovers and it’s chefs kiss! Misaki is student council president, she’s good at literally everything she puts her mind to and hates men. She has a secret and she works at a maid cafe bc she needs to help support her family. And of course, usui finds out! He’s pretty much perfect and the school heart throb. He’s the only one who can keep up with misaki! Every girl has a crush on him and every guy wants to be him. I really liked how these volumes set up their relationship! You see how misaki and usui work together more and how they’re such a golden duo. Some of my favorite scenes in these volumes: usui rescuing misaki from the president at miyabigaoka, usui jumping off the building to get the photo, the sports festival obstacle race! Here you see the development of their relationship and I already know it’s going to progress more in the other volumes and I can’t wait! They’re seriously comfort characters 🫶
Loved the anime so I started the manga! This is a rivals/enemies to lovers and it’s chefs kiss! Misaki is student council president, she’s good at literally everything she puts her mind to and hates men. She has a secret and she works at a maid cafe bc she needs to help support her family. And of course, usui finds out! He’s pretty much perfect and the school heart throb. He’s the only one who can keep up with misaki! Every girl has a crush on him and every guy wants to be him. I really liked how these volumes set up their relationship! You see how misaki and usui work together more and how they’re such a golden duo. Some of my favorite scenes in these volumes: usui rescuing misaki from the president at miyabigaoka, usui jumping off the building to get the photo, the sports festival obstacle race! Here you see the development of their relationship and I already know it’s going to progress more in the other volumes and I can’t wait! They’re seriously comfort characters 🫶
June 30, 2015
I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
imagine my surprise when I felt just like the guy above. I went in with the expectation of "ahhh whatevs" AND ENDED UP LOVING IT.... Misaki's personality just captures your attention throughout it all. She just commands the page and it's so awesome to see her romantic lead has just as much mystery and personality to make them a great duo. The side characters just help flesh out the main characters through all their crazy antics---and the fact that you get to see (almost) everyone as a maid----you just can't help but love this feel good manga.
Not only is the premise hilarious---but the characters just shine. I love this book soooo much and can't wait until the next one!!!!
I'M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I JUST CAN'T HIDE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 19, 2020
right. this gave off a vibe similar to that of ouran high school host club, but was not close to as glorious as that was.
usui is tamaki suoh but less thick, which is not that great because tamaki's charm lies in his incredible denseness.
misaki is similar to haruhi fujioka, but not as independent or strong as haruhi was. at one point in the manga, she looked almost exactly like haruhi. she should have been able to handle a lot of problems herself, but noooo, usui was always there to save her. despite the fact that she is completely capable of handling them herself.
i hated the way usui would just randomly say something like "bUt rEmEmBeR, yOu'Re a GiRl".
he's also a stalker who followed misaki around when she clearly didn't like it.
yeah, no. i'm not going to continue this series because it wasn't that funny, either.
usui is tamaki suoh but less thick, which is not that great because tamaki's charm lies in his incredible denseness.
misaki is similar to haruhi fujioka, but not as independent or strong as haruhi was. at one point in the manga, she looked almost exactly like haruhi. she should have been able to handle a lot of problems herself, but noooo, usui was always there to save her. despite the fact that she is completely capable of handling them herself.
i hated the way usui would just randomly say something like "bUt rEmEmBeR, yOu'Re a GiRl".
he's also a stalker who followed misaki around when she clearly didn't like it.
yeah, no. i'm not going to continue this series because it wasn't that funny, either.
February 15, 2025
I do appreciate when one character is absolutely whipped for another from the very start
August 22, 2021
I came here from the anime and although this story is not perfect, I really love Maid-sama. Yes, it has its flaws (and can get kind of sketchy) but I still enjoy it. To be honest, i'll read anything that has Misa-chan and Usui in it.
Misaki is a hardcore man-hater but through the story you see her character develop with the help of Usui. Her dad left her and her family so now she works at a maid café to support them financially. She's the class president of her school and doesn't want anyone to know about her job so she doesn't loose their respect. Usui sees her at work and boom the story unfolds.
Some may argue that this story is very unrealistic (the type where boys jump off buildings and remain mostly unharmed) but at the end of the day it's fiction, so who cares? Not me.
The art style is great, the type where it just flows with the story. The best art in manga is the art you don't realise and this was just that.
Yes, this story is a huge cliché.
But does it make me love it any less? Hell no.
4.5 stars
Misaki is a hardcore man-hater but through the story you see her character develop with the help of Usui. Her dad left her and her family so now she works at a maid café to support them financially. She's the class president of her school and doesn't want anyone to know about her job so she doesn't loose their respect. Usui sees her at work and boom the story unfolds.
Some may argue that this story is very unrealistic (the type where boys jump off buildings and remain mostly unharmed) but at the end of the day it's fiction, so who cares? Not me.
The art style is great, the type where it just flows with the story. The best art in manga is the art you don't realise and this was just that.
Yes, this story is a huge cliché.
But does it make me love it any less? Hell no.
4.5 stars
July 14, 2023
Definitely not a masterpiece but, surprisingly, very enjoyable! There’s SO much in this two volume omnibus, which made it very hard to get bored but also made me question every manga I’ve ever read that goes through like half a plot point in an entire volume 🤔. I think what added to my experience was that I took my time with the story and had a real chill time reading. I’m interested in watching the adaptation now too!
Read
August 23, 2023chef kiss
March 3, 2023
4.5 Stars!
January 29, 2020
What a turn of events. I'm giving it a *1.5 stars
I few years back I watched the anime and I remember really liking it.
Times change and people change and oh wooow I really didn't like the story this time around.
I know it's supposed to be exaggerated and silly but still I cringe and disapprove of these characters' actions at so many times.
It is clearly meant to be read by young women. There's a bad ass female main character, Ayuzawa, who HATES (really, really hates) men -------- The stereotypes and generalizations bother me so much wow.
Of course there's this guy, right, Usui, the most popular guy in their school. All the girls swoon over him and of course he isn't interested in any whatsoever... except our main character. Surprised? haha
It's not even the cliché story that bothers me most, I can enjoy cliché, I actually love it when it's well done. It's cute and you know your heart is going to flutter from time to time.
In Maid-sama ! though, Usui is more of a creepy stalker. He is EVERYWHERE, pursuing Ayuzawa left and right, day aND NIGHT. It's supposed to be romantic but just think about it for a second. In real life I would have been scared to death of this dude that would be there every single time I looked behind my shoulder.
If that's not enough, there's also these very sketchy things that are just straight up insane... like Usui jumping from a roof to get a picture that fell and it's about to compromise Ayuzawa. haHAHA.
That's a very alarming behaviour -- it's meant to shock and prove a point, to let us know that he has feelings for her... such strong feelings apparently since he's willing to try to kill himself by jumping off the school's roof. Damn, no adults involved or school trying to tackle such a weird event. OH WELL, moving on.
Another upsetting thing is... ok, we understand they are sweethearts-to-be and all that. But I really dislike how Usui touches Ayuzawa from time to time without permission. Here he goes, saving her from an assault by some stupid dude, just to objectify her or be possessive of her in the next second. EWW . can't stand it.
I could seriously go on - but I think you get my feelings by now.
Shall we do some positives? Art is beautiful.
I few years back I watched the anime and I remember really liking it.
Times change and people change and oh wooow I really didn't like the story this time around.
I know it's supposed to be exaggerated and silly but still I cringe and disapprove of these characters' actions at so many times.
It is clearly meant to be read by young women. There's a bad ass female main character, Ayuzawa, who HATES (really, really hates) men -------- The stereotypes and generalizations bother me so much wow.
Of course there's this guy, right, Usui, the most popular guy in their school. All the girls swoon over him and of course he isn't interested in any whatsoever... except our main character. Surprised? haha
It's not even the cliché story that bothers me most, I can enjoy cliché, I actually love it when it's well done. It's cute and you know your heart is going to flutter from time to time.
In Maid-sama ! though, Usui is more of a creepy stalker. He is EVERYWHERE, pursuing Ayuzawa left and right, day aND NIGHT. It's supposed to be romantic but just think about it for a second. In real life I would have been scared to death of this dude that would be there every single time I looked behind my shoulder.
If that's not enough, there's also these very sketchy things that are just straight up insane... like Usui jumping from a roof to get a picture that fell and it's about to compromise Ayuzawa. haHAHA.
That's a very alarming behaviour -- it's meant to shock and prove a point, to let us know that he has feelings for her... such strong feelings apparently since he's willing to try to kill himself by jumping off the school's roof. Damn, no adults involved or school trying to tackle such a weird event. OH WELL, moving on.
Another upsetting thing is... ok, we understand they are sweethearts-to-be and all that. But I really dislike how Usui touches Ayuzawa from time to time without permission. Here he goes, saving her from an assault by some stupid dude, just to objectify her or be possessive of her in the next second. EWW . can't stand it.
I could seriously go on - but I think you get my feelings by now.
Shall we do some positives? Art is beautiful.
July 10, 2015
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Maid-Sama! 2-in-1 Edition collects the first 9 chapters or so (first two volumes) of this very popular series from 2006. Included are the side panels and author's chatter. The manga had a very popular run at 18 volumes and also was made into a 26 episode anime in 2010.Story: High school student Misaki's family situation is poor and she has had to make up for the lack by working extra hard at everything. Now, as the first female student council president at a mostly male school, she is on a mission to turn around the sloppy and slovenly boys. But she carefully guards a secret that she works in a neighboring town in the afternoons at a maid cafe. When aloof fellow student Usui catches sight of her in a maid uniform outside the cafe one night, he is intrigued. Thus begins their very complicated relationship - for Misaki hates men after her father abandoned her family in drowning debt. But Usui doesn't become discouraged easily....
The spark of this series comes from a "Boys Over Flowers" type vibe in which we have a strong and fierce female lead and a guy keeping up with her. Misaki may not need saving much but Usui knows how to lend a hand when needed. His only frustration is that Misaki will never consider him a love interest until she gets over her utter dislike of men.
Unlike a lot of shoujo, Usui states very early that he likes Misaki for her strength of character and intelligence. It's never about her being cute so much as her determination and strength of will. They make for a great couple and Usui's continual frustration at not being able to successfully express his attraction for Misaki is very sweet. A cast of quirky side characters add to the story.
With this 2-in-1 Edition, quite a bit of the opening of the story gets covered: from Misaki piquing Usui's interest to the machinations of a rival elite prep school. This is quite a fun series and definitely worth the read. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
November 14, 2017
Some interesting aspects of this story but I ultimately can't get behind it. It reminded me of Ouran High School Host Club but nowhere near as amazing or revolutionary in terms of looking at gender. Reading this reminded me of why I stopped reading a lot of the newer manga series. Oh well ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
April 5, 2023
Misaki is the student council president at a high school that used to be all boys, and is still 80% male. She also works at a maid cafe.
This had some good points, such as when Usui says "Wearing a maid costume doesn't mean you're not strong. You're still smart. And you still work hard." I also like how Misaki is driven to provide the girls a comfortable experience at school, and yet she also learns to get along with the boys.
The problem is... Misaki is the only assertive girl. She will stand up to the boys, but none of the other girls will. I feel like at least one or two of the other girls should be less timid. Usui also rather undermines what he said quite a few times by reminding Misaki "You're a girl".
President Tora of the other school was a total jerk. I do like Misaki barely hesitating before saying no, I'm not joining your school. But, did he really have to pin her like that? And does Usui have to constantly grab her to save her? That one bothers me only because she is supposed to be super strong (she flings a almost 100lb bag by herself) and yet Usui just pulls her easily behind him when she could stand her ground.
Overall, it's not the best I've read, but there have been worse. This one will have to try harder in later volumes to be memorable.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
This had some good points, such as when Usui says "Wearing a maid costume doesn't mean you're not strong. You're still smart. And you still work hard." I also like how Misaki is driven to provide the girls a comfortable experience at school, and yet she also learns to get along with the boys.
The problem is... Misaki is the only assertive girl. She will stand up to the boys, but none of the other girls will. I feel like at least one or two of the other girls should be less timid. Usui also rather undermines what he said quite a few times by reminding Misaki "You're a girl".
President Tora of the other school was a total jerk. I do like Misaki barely hesitating before saying no, I'm not joining your school. But, did he really have to pin her like that? And does Usui have to constantly grab her to save her? That one bothers me only because she is supposed to be super strong (she flings a almost 100lb bag by herself) and yet Usui just pulls her easily behind him when she could stand her ground.
Overall, it's not the best I've read, but there have been worse. This one will have to try harder in later volumes to be memorable.
Check out my YouTube channel for bookish videos and monthly wrap ups!
December 13, 2022
3.5/5
The anime follows this pretty much exactly, there was really nothing different, but man. Such a fun, easy to enjoy manga. A bit dated but still fun to read.
It's understandable why Misaki is a man hater when her dad just up and leaves the family (with a shit ton of debt to boot), and she's really just trying her best. I also like how Usui basically is a love-at-first-sight type of boy but still pushes Misa's buttons (both in entertaining but good ways).
It's mainly the Misa and Usui show with a fun supporting cast, but I'm totally here for it.
The anime follows this pretty much exactly, there was really nothing different, but man. Such a fun, easy to enjoy manga. A bit dated but still fun to read.
It's understandable why Misaki is a man hater when her dad just up and leaves the family (with a shit ton of debt to boot), and she's really just trying her best. I also like how Usui basically is a love-at-first-sight type of boy but still pushes Misa's buttons (both in entertaining but good ways).
It's mainly the Misa and Usui show with a fun supporting cast, but I'm totally here for it.
June 14, 2022
Ok this was pretty cute and I'm so glad I decided to pick it up. I'd been wanting to read a manga like this for a long time, but had never really found a good rec for it.
This manga had some of the best tropes, but of course, I love the enemies/lovers direction that I feel this is moving towards. Also, we love a story where the guy falls first and is a huge simp. Just.. chefs kiss.
Gonna have to go watch this anime now lol.
Also, please don't judge my mood reading. I am all over the place. Went from small town Montana romance to this lmaooo.
This manga had some of the best tropes, but of course, I love the enemies/lovers direction that I feel this is moving towards. Also, we love a story where the guy falls first and is a huge simp. Just.. chefs kiss.
Gonna have to go watch this anime now lol.
Also, please don't judge my mood reading. I am all over the place. Went from small town Montana romance to this lmaooo.
December 26, 2022
I've been meaning to read this series for a long time now. After reading the first 2 volumes I'm not sure I can be bothered to continue. There is nothing too wrong with it, I just found it quite boring and the main characters were rather dull.
April 20, 2020
2.5 stars.
January 4, 2021
it has so many tropes and the sexual harassment—
misaki tho, i love her and overall i think this manga is a guilty pleasure for me
misaki tho, i love her and overall i think this manga is a guilty pleasure for me
January 3, 2023
best couple ever idc<3
March 29, 2023
WOOO love the idiot trio also Usui is a little freak
April 12, 2023
A friend recommended this, and I wish I’d read it sooner! I adore the dynamic between the MC and her LI.
June 27, 2024
Rlly cute! Can’t wait to read the next 2 volumes
September 6, 2023
Cool boy + very cool girl = COOL MANGA! ⭐️v⭐️👍🏻 GET ME VOLUME 3-4 NOOOWWW
February 12, 2022
My favorite💘
May 10, 2017
For the most part, I really liked this. My only complaint is a certain phrase that is often repeated in this omnibus... Variations of the "You're a girl, so..."
Misaki can't get first place in absolutely every competition in the sports festival? "You're a girl, remember?" I'd love to see a guy try to win every first place. In fact, a lot try and Misaki kick all their bums.
Misaki is closing up the maid cafe by herself. She's more than capable of kicking all kinds of butt. "You may feel safe because you're strong but you also have to remember that you're still a girl..."
Doesn't want to change in front of Usui? "See? You're a girl, after all."
Granted, Usui does give good advice and says wise things every once in a while. I love when he says "And wearing a maid costume doesn't mean you're not strong. You're still smart. And you still work hard. None of that changes, so I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of." In fact, I love all of his general advice for Misaki, who has trouble dealing with people despite her work in food service. This advice usually is of the vein, "Don't be an ass hole and expect people to cooperate later," and this advice works to help Misaki grow as a character. The "You're a girl" stuff? Just shut up Usui.
Then there's the near-rape scene. Needless to say, I didn't care for that. I still say Misaki could have and should have been able to take that dude down without Usui's help. And by "take down" I mean send to the hospital on life support. I don't know much about Aikido (Misaki's martial art of choice) or Judo (Rapey-McRapey-Pants'), but I do know that Judo doesn't teach "rape holds" and so Judo is a bullshit excuse for why Misaki couldn't get away. Any girl who can break a pair of (what I assume are good) handcuffs and can win 5 or 6 sports festival things in a row (she's probably have one the obstacle course, too, if her opponent hadn't tried to drown her in the pool) AND can flip full grown men in Aikido AND can lift things heavy enough that when dropped the break the floor in a comical way wouldn't be rendered helpless in that situation without a shit ton of drugs involved. Also, he pinning down her legs. His crotch practically had a target painted on it.
Now, I know what you guys are saying. "But Selena! All you've done is complain! Why 4/5 stars?" Well, that's because despite its faults, I really do like Maid-Sama. The characters are great and all have their quirks, even background characters like the "Idiot Trio." Misaki's a well-built character with a lot of quirks and flaws, but also a lot of strength. She has goals in mind, none of which are "get married" and be set for life, and she works towards those goals. Even Usui, who for the most part is still an enigma, has the hints of possible baggage of his own (why does he seem to think Misaki is weak despite all the evidence otherwise? Why is he so interested in her when nothing and no one else grabs his attention? What's his deal?!).
The story is also a plus, even with all its faults. It falls under the "slice of life rom com" umbrella, but it's constantly trying to break out of that mold. It promises a lot of character growth as well as a rivalry/one-sided-love that could blossom into something more if both characters can figure themselves and the other out.
This series might not be for everyone. Lord knows it falls into as many shoujo rom com cliches as it smashes through them. But I like that. I really do.
(Also, I want to note because it bugged me, this is an omnibus, but the second volume's cover wasn't included either as a black-and-white or a color insert. I was disappointed)
Misaki can't get first place in absolutely every competition in the sports festival? "You're a girl, remember?" I'd love to see a guy try to win every first place. In fact, a lot try and Misaki kick all their bums.
Misaki is closing up the maid cafe by herself. She's more than capable of kicking all kinds of butt. "You may feel safe because you're strong but you also have to remember that you're still a girl..."
Doesn't want to change in front of Usui? "See? You're a girl, after all."
Granted, Usui does give good advice and says wise things every once in a while. I love when he says "And wearing a maid costume doesn't mean you're not strong. You're still smart. And you still work hard. None of that changes, so I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of." In fact, I love all of his general advice for Misaki, who has trouble dealing with people despite her work in food service. This advice usually is of the vein, "Don't be an ass hole and expect people to cooperate later," and this advice works to help Misaki grow as a character. The "You're a girl" stuff? Just shut up Usui.
Then there's the near-rape scene. Needless to say, I didn't care for that. I still say Misaki could have and should have been able to take that dude down without Usui's help. And by "take down" I mean send to the hospital on life support. I don't know much about Aikido (Misaki's martial art of choice) or Judo (Rapey-McRapey-Pants'), but I do know that Judo doesn't teach "rape holds" and so Judo is a bullshit excuse for why Misaki couldn't get away. Any girl who can break a pair of (what I assume are good) handcuffs and can win 5 or 6 sports festival things in a row (she's probably have one the obstacle course, too, if her opponent hadn't tried to drown her in the pool) AND can flip full grown men in Aikido AND can lift things heavy enough that when dropped the break the floor in a comical way wouldn't be rendered helpless in that situation without a shit ton of drugs involved. Also, he pinning down her legs. His crotch practically had a target painted on it.
Now, I know what you guys are saying. "But Selena! All you've done is complain! Why 4/5 stars?" Well, that's because despite its faults, I really do like Maid-Sama. The characters are great and all have their quirks, even background characters like the "Idiot Trio." Misaki's a well-built character with a lot of quirks and flaws, but also a lot of strength. She has goals in mind, none of which are "get married" and be set for life, and she works towards those goals. Even Usui, who for the most part is still an enigma, has the hints of possible baggage of his own (why does he seem to think Misaki is weak despite all the evidence otherwise? Why is he so interested in her when nothing and no one else grabs his attention? What's his deal?!).
The story is also a plus, even with all its faults. It falls under the "slice of life rom com" umbrella, but it's constantly trying to break out of that mold. It promises a lot of character growth as well as a rivalry/one-sided-love that could blossom into something more if both characters can figure themselves and the other out.
This series might not be for everyone. Lord knows it falls into as many shoujo rom com cliches as it smashes through them. But I like that. I really do.
(Also, I want to note because it bugged me, this is an omnibus, but the second volume's cover wasn't included either as a black-and-white or a color insert. I was disappointed)
January 21, 2019
4.5 fun girl-power stars.
June 2, 2020
Maid-sama! follows the story of a teenage high school student called Misaki Ayuzawa. She's the student council president of a predominantly male high school. She's known for doing well for the female minority and she's known for her 'demon' like behavior by the boys. Not surprising really considering she hates all men and doesn't trust them in the slightest.... Her family struggle financially so she finds herself working part-time in order to help her mum and her sister. Here's the catch though...! Super cool, smart and completely swoon-worthy Takumi Usui has just found out that the strict 'scary' prez works at a maid cafe after school! Will he blow the secret? Or will he keep it hidden away from the other students..?
Firstly, let me start off by telling you that I've read the '2-in-1' version of the book and so it contains reviews for both volumes 1 and 2. so I'm making you aware of that fact before reading this review just in case!
Side-note: Yes! I did read the English version of the book
Side-side-note: There will be some spoilers but I'll mask them if you'd like to avoid them!
Last side-note (I promise): This is aimed at teens so given the name of the story and Misaki's part-time job, It's not at all a mature story or anything like that!
Right! Let's get started then!
Allons-y!!
It's going to be hard not to compare the books to the anime when I've known the anime over 10 years and only bought the books 2 weeks ago but good lord it stands incredibly well with the books themselves (not surprising really! Books usually are the better version in most cases).
First, let's get the 'cons' straight out of the way because there really isn't anything negative to mention. If you've seen the anime first, you'll be shocked with how Misaki and Tamaki look. The anime polishes them a bit so, for example; I personally found Tamaki Usui to be a little more hotter in the anime. He's still attractive but just not to the same level. Though as you can tell, not an actual negative to the book as it came first but it was a little mini 'shock'.
Right!
On to what I absolutely loved (AKA the positives)! It eases you in, to lay down the story, so it's perfect for those who are new to manga. The characters are fun and interesting so you are left intrigued with every turn of the page. The attention to the surroundings is incredible, whether it's a narrative annotation or a character pointing something out (some of it is proper fourth wall breaking stuff). Each chapter contains a side bar bio for some characters which is pretty cute. There's beautiful chapter illustrations to signal the start of every new chapter that look amazing, there's 'Tea Break' pages at the end of each chapter too which is a really lovely touch. It included an completely unrelated mini story which Hiro Fujiwara talks about and it's a pretty cute little story, also featured two 'bonus mini stories' that are related which is pretty cool. The story is funny and romantically sweet without being too lovey and sickly sweet. It's lighthearted and a perfect read to accompany a chill moment with a cup of tea and/or coffee. It's just absolutely perfect!
Enough of that...! Let's talk about volume 2!
So the second volume starts with a quick summary of what's going on to refresh the reader. I did notice a few chapters in this volume contained a recap. This particular volume contains so many treats for readers. Two words...
Topless Tamaki!
Plenty of panels for you to feast your eyes on if you're a Tamaki fan or even if you're just a romance fan. and it contains a fun 'What if blank was a maid' panel bar at the start of every chapter which is pretty funny.
Love the artwork and the style! Love the storyline! Love the amazing characters!
And that's it! I hope you've enjoyed the review!
Firstly, let me start off by telling you that I've read the '2-in-1' version of the book and so it contains reviews for both volumes 1 and 2. so I'm making you aware of that fact before reading this review just in case!
Side-note: Yes! I did read the English version of the book
Side-side-note: There will be some spoilers but I'll mask them if you'd like to avoid them!
Last side-note (I promise): This is aimed at teens so given the name of the story and Misaki's part-time job, It's not at all a mature story or anything like that!
Right! Let's get started then!
Allons-y!!
It's going to be hard not to compare the books to the anime when I've known the anime over 10 years and only bought the books 2 weeks ago but good lord it stands incredibly well with the books themselves (not surprising really! Books usually are the better version in most cases).
First, let's get the 'cons' straight out of the way because there really isn't anything negative to mention. If you've seen the anime first, you'll be shocked with how Misaki and Tamaki look. The anime polishes them a bit so, for example; I personally found Tamaki Usui to be a little more hotter in the anime. He's still attractive but just not to the same level. Though as you can tell, not an actual negative to the book as it came first but it was a little mini 'shock'.
Right!
On to what I absolutely loved (AKA the positives)! It eases you in, to lay down the story, so it's perfect for those who are new to manga. The characters are fun and interesting so you are left intrigued with every turn of the page. The attention to the surroundings is incredible, whether it's a narrative annotation or a character pointing something out (some of it is proper fourth wall breaking stuff). Each chapter contains a side bar bio for some characters which is pretty cute. There's beautiful chapter illustrations to signal the start of every new chapter that look amazing, there's 'Tea Break' pages at the end of each chapter too which is a really lovely touch. It included an completely unrelated mini story which Hiro Fujiwara talks about and it's a pretty cute little story, also featured two 'bonus mini stories' that are related which is pretty cool. The story is funny and romantically sweet without being too lovey and sickly sweet. It's lighthearted and a perfect read to accompany a chill moment with a cup of tea and/or coffee. It's just absolutely perfect!
Enough of that...! Let's talk about volume 2!
So the second volume starts with a quick summary of what's going on to refresh the reader. I did notice a few chapters in this volume contained a recap. This particular volume contains so many treats for readers. Two words...
Topless Tamaki!
Plenty of panels for you to feast your eyes on if you're a Tamaki fan or even if you're just a romance fan. and it contains a fun 'What if blank was a maid' panel bar at the start of every chapter which is pretty funny.
Love the artwork and the style! Love the storyline! Love the amazing characters!
And that's it! I hope you've enjoyed the review!
April 10, 2016
WHAT WAS WITH THAT SHORT STORY?!?!?!? 'THE TRANSPARENT WORLD' WAS SO FREAKING SAD!!!!!! I FREAKING BALLED MY EYES OUT!!!!!!! (no, seriously, I did) But besides that, Maid Sama was a fun little read. Although, Usui looks different in the show, he's still pretty damn hot, amiright?
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