Cover of “The Demon Girl Next Door, Volume 3” by Izumo ItoI’m back with another book review, and this time I’m reviewing “The Demon Girl Next Door, Volume 3” by Izumo Ito!
I enjoyed reading the first two volumes in the series, so I look forward to reviewing this third one. Here’s a quick summary so we know what it’s about:
“Ever since awakening to her demon powers, Shadow Mistress Yuko (a.k.a. Shamiko) has been fighting to free her dark clan from the curses placed on them by magical girls. But somehow, she wound up becoming allies with the magical girl who is supposed to be her rival, and now they’re working together to track down a magical girl who disappeared from the town. A new demon invades the neighborhood in Volume 3!”
Worldbuilding Development: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading the expanded worldbuilding in this one. There wasn’t as much worldbuilding compared to the past volume or so, mainly because the story in this volume focused more on progressing the main story. However, the introduction of the cafe and its associated characters and plot points helped add to the worldbuilding, as well as some of the funny characters. It also helps that Shamiko got a job at the same cafe (even though she didn’t come there to get a job in the first place).
I wish I could say more about worldbuilding, but it would give away some major spoilers that are best left for the reader to discover.
Plot Development: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed how this volume focused more on progressing the main story, and I enjoyed the heartwarming twist of Momo becoming Shamiko’s vassal (for now) to save her life by the end of the volume. I wonder what it will be like for Momo to be Shamiko’s vassal, and if Shamiko will acquire more vassals in the near future. There are still funny moments and scenes that would not be out of a slice-of-life manga series, but there is a steady main plot progression more emphasized in this volume compared to past ones.
Character Development: 4.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading the new characters introduced, as well as Shamiko and Momo’s relationship further developing as closer friends. I also enjoyed reading more of Shamiko’s ancestor demon in this one. Much like what I mentioned for plot development and worldbuilding earlier, I really wish I could write more. However, there are major spoilers if I do, and I’d rather leave them up to the reader to discover.
Overall, I’m rating this manga 4.5 out of 5 stars!
This is probably one of the stronger volumes in this series so far, and I look forward to reading and reviewing the next volume in this series!
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