MANGA REVIEW | "Hayate the Combat Butler" - Volume Forty-Four
So it’s taken forty-four volumes of Hayate the Combat Butler for the titular character to realize that he’s hot stuff. Okay, he may have had a feeling that there was maybe one or two women in his circle that were crushing over him. But those who have read Kenjiro Hata’s first hit series know that it’s not a mere couple of gals that are in love with Nagi’s servant; it’s practically everyone! And now, in its latest volume, another lady has her heart stolen by the blue-haired gentleman.
Her name is Konoha, and she was one of the many opponents Hayate faced off in the labyrinth last volume. She’s broke, got a sick mom, and even a little brother to look after. Knowing full well that it’s his fault for her lack of employment, Hayate uses his good boy powers to help Konoha obtain a new job. She takes up the offer, not just because he’s kind, but also because — of course — she’s smitten by Hayate.
It’s funny how those who suck at romance think that they have the best advice for it. Both Hinagiku and Saki-san attempt to deliver love tips to their patrons and co-workers, but with mixed results. Even Hayate seeks advice on how to handle the plethora of girls who are throwing themselves at him. The problem with Hayate is that he wants to stop being a babe magnet, which is unfortunately an impossible mission due to his good looks and the like.
Love isn’t the only thing that’s on the table for Hayate the Combat Butler. Jobs are also a focus, with Chiharu dealing with a new skimpy maid outfit Sakuya subjects her to. Thankfully, the place she wears it in public is Akihabara, where she blends in perfectly. But the appearance of Hayate makes things more complicated, as she tries her best to be unrecognizable. The good thing is that Hayate can be a little dim when it comes to looks; Nishizawa, on the other hand, isn’t.
Fumi steals the spotlight for her own chapter, with her need of a helper robot. She’s got some options, but is guilt-tripped into taking one skimpy android that’s days away from residing int he scrapyard. Not only is the bot unhelpful, she adds more trouble than fixes. The biggest victim of it all: Fumi’s poor defenseless credit card!
Meanwhile, Nagi gets the urge to become a more successful manga artist. But her need to succeed comes with many challenges. Not only is she just not good, but her previous success only occurred because of a stroke of good luck. The only way Nagi can gain victory in the manga-writing world is if she gets more life experience. And poor Kayura deals with the brunt of her utter stupidity as they seek out real rom-com situations.
Hayate the Combat Butler continues to be a joy to read. Even in its forty-fourth volume, it still finds ways to be fresh, funny, and adorable. But it appears someone has the upper hand when it comes to taking Hayate’s heart, and it’s someone that’s known him even longer than anyone else in the series. The question is, will Hayate finally be honest with his feelings, or will this woman flub up her plan to make the butler hers?
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
