Posted by  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
「栄えある表彰／人間の処遇」 (Haearu hyoushou/ ningen no shoguu)
“Glorious Award/Treatment of Humans”
There have been a few series I’ve dropped and regretted it over the years. Probably atop that list for me is Sanzoku no Musume Ronja, the Ghibli/Polygon take on the Swedish children’s classic. It ended up being far more compelling than I expected when I stopped blogging it, but by the time I’d really come around it just seemed like too much time had ticked by. I’d also put Nekogami Yaoyorozu high on that list. There are even a couple of cased where I dropped a series, then picked it back up – Tsurune being the most recent example.
That brings us roundabout fashion to Mairmashita Iruma-kun. I’m not picking it back up in the sense of weekly blogging, because I only covered a couple of episodes and we’re already up to Episode 20 (of 23). But I just wanted to sort of shout out to the world that this show is out there, and I really like it. A lot. And yes, I do regret not covering it, in hindsight. I expected it to be quite pleasant and fun – and it has been – and a lightweight diversion (which it hasn’t). It may be very much a genre piece, but it’s an exceptionally good one.
The arc which ended with Episode 19 featured an outstanding against-type performance from Osaka Ryouta, a seiyuu I really like who too often gets typecast. It also ended with the best episode of the series, a rousing affair featuring another musical number for the delightful Valac family. But that sort of quality has been the exception rather than the rule. This series is smarter and subtler than you expect it to be. Most of all, it has heart to spare – it’s way more positive and less cynical than almost any other example of its kind. It looks great too, especially by anime comedy standards. And it has maybe the best OP/ED combo of any series airing.
The current arc, which I assume will close out the series’ run, shapes up to be Iruma-kun facing a choice about whether to return to the human world. Ameri’s father, who works for akuma border patrol, has sussed out the truth about how Iruma ended up as Sullivan’s ward. But because he’s much different than what we initially expect (which is a very Mairimashita Iruma-kun thing) he’s not looking to lock up or devour Iruma – rather, he assumes the worst and wants to protect him.
The issue, of course, is whether Iruma needs or wants protection. His life in the human world was miserable, thanks to his parents – here, he has friends, a guardian who loves him, and plenty to eat (not to mention a harem full of potential love interests). Sure, theoretically he’s in danger of being eaten if his true nature is discovered – but the deeper we wade into this story the more obvious it is that the hilariously savage Babyls school song is just empty words. Demons are people too – and at this point, I don’t think most of them would even care if they found out Iruma was a human (once the initial shock had worn off).
Maybe by writing this piece I might nudge one or two folks into giving this series a chance – I certainly hope so. It’s a show that grows on you over time, as you come to realize that it’s serious about its positive message and skillfully-presented enough to sell you on it. Not every anime has to reinvent the wheel in order to be worthwhile – sometimes it’s enough simply to be good. I’m sorry I didn’t blog Mairimashita Iruma-kun but I’m sure happy I watched it.
SU-KI-MA
Omake
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
One of the things I like about Iruma (I’m more ahead in manga) is the demons are mostly good people, even though their ancestors are cruel, But cruelty has been phased out as civilization phased out.
At core, the demon still are “evil” as its their tradition and culture. The “return to origin” is a major plot point, as the senpai is one of them, as he awakened his true demon blood to enjoy despair.
Its really interesting how iruma overcome all the despair and suffering by the “return to origin” by just being resilient and calm (his life on the human realm is hell enough). the positivity shown by iruma is quite unique by shonen series standard, that he wins by just being kind and unfazed by despair.
Could be some social commentary happening there…
That OP though
BABIBABIBABIBABIBABIBABIBABIBABIRU
Oh. What?? This suddenly got covered on here?
Nice. This series both manga and anime forms have been a joy to read and watch. There’s definitely an underlying plot that the series is slowly getting to. While the series is nothing overly ground breaking, it’s very well executed and simply fun. Characters are generally likable or lovable. I definitely had issues stomaching Kirio though from a design and seiyuu perspective, but that’s just me. Clara, on the other hand, is basically the free-spirited, adorkable character that I can’t get enough of. Overall, I also say give the series a chance, you may find yourself loving it more than you expect.
Heh, I think Kirio is a great character, and Ohsaka nailed it. But still plenty to love about the adaptation either way.
Didn’t really notice this series until yesterday when I found out that Hayami Saori is in it. Might check it out, though I’m very skeptical…
As someone who has been a long time fan of the manga, it’s good to see this. The series needs more love. As it’s already been said, even if it isn’t groundbreaking, it has a lot of heart and it is consistently fun.
Moreover, as a manga reader, I must say the anime is a great adaptation. It follows the events and the spirit of the manga with utmost loyalty, but it adds a lot of things, from hilarious background events to extra lines and moments for secondary characters. A true example of building on the original source.
Yup. And I love all the puns, too (like the Kanji with “SU-KI-MA” and Iruma’s name). And of course the Valac production numbers. Just really good all around.
Pingback: Mairimashita Iruma-kun – 20 – Lost in Anime | Aestetick Archive
So I watched the 1st episode and it was funny enough that I’ll watch a bit more, but it certainly felt like a low budget show out of the late 90/early 2000 years.
Like Hayate the combat Butler studying at Soul Eater Academy. Not a fan of the OP and I could do without SD grandpa.