Akiba Maid Wars — 3 Episodes in and Still Awesome
One of my first anime reviews ever written in Medium was about Akiba Maid Wars. In it, I wrote how Akiba Maid War was “a version of John Wick but with maids” and how the show’s over the top awesomeness makes it a show worth watching.
Since I written that review (which needed lots of work), I have been eagerly following Akiba Maid Wars. Glad to say the show has not disappointed me thus far. There’s heart and drama in equal measure in each episode.
All Shows in One
Although it’s the same show, the show’s unique episodic nature allows it to explore multiple genres. From action to comedy and sports, there seems to be an episode for every genre out there.
Episode 1 was about gang fights and gang battles whereas Episode 2 had a more God of Gamblers vibe as it took place in a casino setting. In Episode 3, this show dives into Hajime No Ippo territory with the cafe’s fate being hung upon a boxing match.
As illogical and absurd the show might be, its absurdity is actually also what gives it a sense of cohesiveness. The spark for each episode is oddly realistic — the store’s crushing debt. While the main casts attempt various methods to solve the store’s debt, each season nearly ends the same way -in an over-the-top gun fight.
Wonky and Wacky Characters
Almost every character in Akiba Maid War has something to offer.
Nagomi Wahira is the usual “normal” person trying to assimilate into the cute yet violent maid industry of Akiba. Ranko Manmen is a returnee mature maid cum ex-soldier well-versed in the maid business except that she can’t act cute or smile in a charming manner.
Yumechi might be a two-faced maid who is also damn good at poker. Shiipon is a cheery girl in front of everyone but is also the first to jump in to the action when things go awry. The manager a.k.a. Tenchou is… well…. an impulsive spender whose money-earning plans always seems to go awry.
Now, we also have a new team member Zoya. Initially disapproving of Ranko’s status as maid and was her opponent in the boxing ring, she eventually turns around and accepts both Ranko and herself as ideal maids.
Their individual personalities aside, their interactions obviously rub off each as well. The most obvious one would be between Ranko and Nagomi, as Nagomi’s gentle personality has caused Ranko to embrace more of her “cute” side. In addition, it seems that Tenchou’s gambling addictions also caused Shiipon to be more ‘liberal’ with her spendings.
While there are other aspects of this show I enjoy, these two points are undoubtedly the main highlights for me. I have nothing but praise for the studio for somehow making a show so bizarre just work well so brilliantly.
Akiba Maid War is an underrated gem this season. While there are large titles and grand sequels in Fall 2022, I hope this show gains more love and attention as the passion of its creator shine throughout the show.
You can watch the preview trailers here.
