3ET: Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist

A blonde anime character, must have some of that dirty Euro blood in him.

Studio: Dogakobo

Director: Kon Chiaki (Umineko no Naku Koro ni, Junjou Romantica)

Main Cast: Eguchi Takuya as William Twining, Terashima Takuma as Dantalion, Fukuyama Jun as Kevin Cecil, Matsuoka Yoshitsugu as Sitori, Kakihara Tetsuya as Camio

Writer: Yokote Michiko (Genshiken, Nabari no Ou)

Music: Takaki Hiroshi (Tytania, AKB0048)

When I write about harem anime, I specifically mean an anime where one central character has a large number (three or more) of romantic suitors. And as I stated before, no, I don't consider the term "reverse harem" to be descriptive of anything. I like to be clear with my words. Therefore, I would describe Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist as a male-centered male harem show. Now, just because it's what some would call a gay harem show doesn't mean that I completely throw out my standards and watch it because it is relevant to my interests. It still has to have a basic level of competency for me to pick it up. Despite what anyone else may think.

Thankfully, Makai Ouji avoids the worst pitfall of harem shows of every type and gave its protagonist a character. William is a genius from a famous family who attends a Victorian era boys' school. He's also a major skeptic (which I'm substituting for the show's term of realist), meaning he does not believe in the occult, to the point of not believing what his eyes are seeing. He also is more concerned with paying for his tuition after his uncle squandered the family fortune than any of the business with demons. And since he is the sole chooser of the temporary ruler of hell, he deals with a lot of demon business.

Yes Dantalion, stroking William's face is completely necessary to protect him.

The demon business comes about because of William's search for some money in the mansion's basement. He summons Dantalion, a Grand Duke who leads 36 armies of Hell and the holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx or something like that. The main point is that Dantalion is a demon servant of the great king Solomon of
antiquity. And since William is another blond haired, blue eyed pretty boy, he has Solomon's blood, and can control Dantalion and all of Solomon's other demon servants who show up. Which mean Dantalion is loyal to him. Really loyal to him.

If this all sounds kind of absurd, that's because it totally is. And if it sounds like I was implying that this show is full of boys-love fanbait, that's because it totally is. In addition to Dantalion, there is a second demon, Sitori, William's butler, Kevin, and William's occult fanatic classmate, Isaac, all of whom seem to be quite interested with him. Or are at least easily paired up with him. And honestly, I don't mind this that much because there is other stuff going on. William wants to be able to support himself without the demons' help, or even acknowledging their existence. Dantalion and Sitori want to rule Hell. And there is rumblings in the background of a battle between Heaven and Hell with an accurately corrupt church in the middle. The fact that the harem aspect is not the focus of the show makes both the harem stuff and the show in general much more enjoyable. Because there is nothing more boring than a straight up romance.

No Sitori, your hand on his shoulder is totally appropriate. Your other hand though ...

So, while Makai Ouji is not what I would call a good show, I'm passing it. And yes, I was biased in this show's favor. Sue me. I don't remember ever saying that I'm the perfect arbiter of show quality, all I promise is that I want to share my journey as an anime fan, and give the reasons why I watch or don't watch shows. And in this case, I'm watching a show with nice looking male characters, boys-love pairing pandering, and a decent enough plot. Put it down as a guilty pleasure, but that's good enough for me!