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MAID MACHINEGUN (ADVANCE REVIEW) |
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Reviews
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Sunday, 18 May 2008 |
 | | ▪ | RELEASED BY: | | DEL REY | | | ▪ | AUTHOR / ART: | | AALIYAH / SUZUHITO YASUDA | | | ▪ | FORMAT: | | WESTERN / B&W | | | ▪ | PAGES: | | 186 | | | ▪ | RATING: | | NR | | | ▪ | RELEASE DATE: | | 05/20/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEW DATE: | | 05/18/2008 | | | ▪ | REVIEWED BY: | | HOLLY ELLINGWOOD |
Maid Machinegun is a humorous and unique view into the world of maid cafés and otaku life in the eccentric novel. Revolving around a maid/waitress named Aaliyah (note that it is the same name as the mysterious author) the book is written diary style, with entries, narrations, recounting and even blog excerpts. It is far different from any novel that has come overseas from Japan and marks a different and fresh take on storytelling style for the genre. Aaliyah is an enthusiastic, perhaps overly so, waitress who works in a little known maid café in the Akihabara district, known for its anime, manga and electronic shops. The chapters are short and easy to read marking several adventures in Aaliyah’s life. She recounts her trials with various types of customers, difficult colleagues such as the stringent Yukino and utterly bizarre Ruruka. She also takes readers through a Maid Café 101 course detailing what they are and what to expect. Her challenges come not only with dealing with customers and coping with co-workers but also with trying to drum up new business. All sorts of crazy ideas are attempted including a female ninja café. The end of the novel sees her and fellow co-workers storm the café in order to reclaim it from an evil denizen. The novel is funny, largely satire and keeps the pace fast and flowing. The unique way it changes up the style between narrations to blog entries makes it fun and more engaging. There are even some quite funny times when Yukino in particular places her entries in and at one point writes her own narrative, recounting the time when Aaliyah first came to the café and how she became a maid. Maid Machinegun is kooky but there’s also the added allure of the mystery surrounding the author. Aaliyah’s true identity still remains a secret. The novel also has an above average collection of extras. There is a full color cover and splash page done by artist and mangaka Suzuhito Yasuda known for Yozakaru Quartet. There is also a glossary and a bonus Maid Machinegun manga short to enjoy.
IN SUMMARY:
Maid Machinegun is a unique and eccentric satire around the world of otakus and maid cafés that will prove enjoyable for manga and anime fans. |
