Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid (小林さんちのメイドラゴン) is one of the most captivating anime series in recent years. Like most other anime series, it comes from the manga of the same name.
Let’s delve deep into the Dragon Maid manga and explain how it’s different from the anime.
A review of Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid and how it differs from the anime
Kyoto Animation released the Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon anime in 2017 (licensed by Crunchyroll and Funimation). Prior to that release, manga author Coolkyoushinsha struggled to find an audience with several anime versions of his books, such as K-On. However, this anime was a massive hit immediately after its premiere.
The original manga series, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, is equally as popular. If you want to take a break from dark, dramatic plotlines, this is the right read for you. It’s a cozy, slice-of-life, Nichijou-like series that accurately depicts mundane situations and relationships.
Like most slice-of-life stories, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid lacks an overarching storyline Except for the first and final few episodes, the manga series features standalone adventures. The story sometimes builds upon the previous content by including new jokes, themes, and characters, but this is primarily a standalone-type manga.
The story centers on the titular Miss Kobayashi. This office worker spends her days juggling between her work and drinking with Makoto Takiya, her otaku best friend and colleague who Kobayashi helps set up his Comiket show every year.
Although she’s normally calm and composed, Kobayashi generally gets a boost of confidence when she’s drunk. Her intoxication plays a pivotal role when she meets a chorogon (Japanese for “dragon”) named Tohru (sometimes spelled as Tooru).
On this occasion, she confronts the beast that could easily tear her to pieces in the blink of an eye. Not only does she encounter the creature, but she also invites it to put on a maid outfit and be her housemaid. To Kobayashi’s shock, Tohru agrees, marking the start of their adventures.
The manga isn’t just about Tohru and Kobayashi. There’s a large cast that shows up throughout the manga. For instance, Kanna, a young dragon, shows up quickly after Tohru’s introduction. Other dragons, friends, and associates accompany her.
The central theme of the manga is the interaction between Tohru, Kobayashi, and Kanna. Kobayashi acts as the laid-back parent figure, whereas Tohru teeters between the roles of an older sister and a giddy mother figure. Kanna mainly serves as an innocent young daughter.
You’ll thoroughly enjoy the dynamics between the trio. Over time, the idea of living with other dragons becomes more appealing to Kobayashi. Likewise, Kanna and Tohru trust grow more trustful of the human world, thanks to Kobayashi. These developments are relatable and make you root for the relationship.
Kobayashi’s development is especially prominent. Her relationship with Kanna Kamui (voiced by Maria Naganawa in the anime), Tohru, and others helps her mature and tap into previously unknown sources of energy. She reinvigorates her routine owing to the dynamics.
That’s not to say she completely transforms. She maintains her down-to-earth personality and calmness, but she appreciates her family and friends to a greater extent. Her growth is the main reason this manga is highly relatable.
Some of the most notable supporting characters include dragons like Elma, Lucoa (from Quetzalcoatl), and Fafnir. There are meaningful human friends, too, such as Takiya, Saikawa, Ilulu, and a wizard named Shouta.
The biggest difference between the original manga and the anime series is the action scenes. On the one hand, the manga version is chock-full of fights that help drive the plot forward. The setting is peaceful for one moment, but things quickly go south when dragons show up and threaten others.
You won’t find these fanservice video game-like action scenes in the anime version, though. (You can find them on some other shows on your anime watchlist, such as Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War. )
Additionally, certain characters behave differently on screen and on paper. Lucoa, voiced by Minami Takahashi in the anime, is the best example. In the anime version, she often helps her friends and is a key part of some scenes. But in the manga, she’s mainly a spectator who takes a backseat to most of the action.
About the author
Coolkyoushinsha (Coolkyousinnjya), the author of the Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid series, is a Japanese manga creator. He’s written dozens of mangas and made a massive contribution to manga anthologies.
Most of Coolkyoushinsha’s works revolve around slice-of-life adventures of eccentric yet grounded individuals as they interact with others in their daily lives.
Here are some fast facts about this mover and shaker in the manga world:
- Spell My Name with an S – Many translators fail to write his name correctly — for example, some use COOL Kyoushinsa. However, his American publishing company, Seven Seas Entertainment, always uses the correct version (Coolkyoushinsha).
- Attention Deficit Creator Disorder – Coolkyoushinsha generally creates multiple mangas at the same time. Fortunately, his penchant for simplicity helps him cope with his workload.
- Off-Model – Coolkyoushinsha is known for inconsistent character proportions and models.
- Monster Girl – Coolkyoushinsha loves to use this trope, which is any exotic being can resemble an attractive woman. In Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Tohru the dragon has the ability to morph into a cute girl with horns and a long tail.
In addition to Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Coolkyoushinsha has many other notable manga titles:
- Boku no Migitewa o Sake ni Natta
- ChiChi Chichi
- Fukumaden
- Happy Days
- Harobi Club
- Inochi no Katamari
- Metsuko ni Yoroshiku
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FAQ
Is Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid inappropriate for kids?
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid contains suggestive adult humor that’s inappropriate for children. It is recommended for readers age 13 and over.
What is the difference between a Harem and a Yuri manga?
A Yuri is a manga series that follows a love relationship between two females, whereas Harem books center on males worshipped by women.
Is Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid a Yuri manga?
Yes. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is a Yuri manga that sees a female dragon fall in love with the female main character.
Is Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid a Harem manga?
No. Harem content usually involves a male surrounded by females who are in love with him.
