Despite its weird premise, Akiba Maid War is an anime I did not expect to be as good as it was. After all, in the anime space, it is hard to separate the weird, profound, and hidden gems from one another. But Akiba Maid War is a series that constantly subverted my expectations. With its fantastic characters, funny moments, ludicrous scenarios, and glorious action segments. To any fan of true gems in the anime space, here is why you should watch Akiba Maid War.
A Seriously Brutal, Yet Fun Time
Akiba Maid War takes place in Akihabara where the main character Nagomi, finds herself a job at an obscure maid cafe. After being hired, she soon finds herself in a world where the many maid cafes in Akihabara are always in conflict with one another. But it is not just about the general business of the many cafes. In the very first episode, you get a taste of the absolutely shocking amount of violence and bloodshed the show has to offer.
Akiba Maid War gets pretty crazy real quick and does not hold back in its brutal scenes. The show even mixes in silly moments or music during some of these to give the show its unique flavor. Everything that happens in the story, happens for a reason and adds emotional weight to certain scenes as well. Like the opening scene from the show adding to the backstory of multiple characters. From the very beginning to the very end, the show does everything it can to keep you hooked, from fun moments to harrowing scenes.
An Original Story with Gorgeous Animation
Akiba Maid War is an original story, meaning there is no source material to draw from. Every episode is done with nothing holding it back. Such as the animation, which is constantly energetic and some of the violent scenes really stand as a result. Like an all-out gunfight being given the visual themes of a club rave. Even the opening and ending animations for the show benefit greatly from this. With original music that fits the show as a whole.
The characters are also a major highlight of the show. While Nagomi is an up-and-coming maid finding herself in a world she did not expect nor belongs in. Characters like Ranko, who is a stern and older maid acts as the muscle of the cafe. With side characters such as the manager of the cafe who can barely do anything right. As well as a mysterious person in a panda suit who barely says anything throughout the show. Not having limitations to tell the story and having great characters and gorgeous animation is a major boon for the show.
Where You Can Watch Akiba Maid War
Akiba Maid War is a show I can not recommend enough. It subverted my expectations greatly and became a sleeper hit show of the year. It only has 12 episodes, so you only need to set aside about 5 hours to watch all of it. You can watch it on HiDive, which only costs 5 bucks a month, but if you do not want to subscribe to another subscription service. HiDive does allow you to subscribe for a week and cancel if you do not like it within the first few episodes.
Definitely give Akiba Maid War a shot if you are looking for something new and interesting to watch. There really is nothing like it out right now.
