The story of The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies follows the adventures of Byakuya Mimori, a magical girl, and Mira, the Evil King’s right-hand man. Despite their natural enmity, Mira finds himself falling in love with Byakuya instead of trying to defeat her. He learns about the struggles she faces in her daily life and decides to protect her, leading to moments of peace and friendship between the two.
Created by Cocoa Fujiwara, known for her work on Inu x Boku SS, this manga series was compiled into one omnibus edition by Yen Press after the mangaka’s passing. The story ends abruptly in the middle of a larger arc, leaving readers wanting more. Despite this, the relationship between Byakuya and Mira is heartwarming and engaging, as they slowly come to terms with their feelings for each other.
The artwork in the manga evolves from a 4-koma style to more traditional panels as the story progresses, allowing for more expressive storytelling. While the series has its shortcomings, such as abrupt ending and instances of sexualized humor, it remains an enjoyable read overall. The translation by Giuseppe di Martino and lettering by Rochelle Gancio are well done, with color pages and bonus content included in the omnibus.
Fans of Cocoa Fujiwara’s work will appreciate The Magical Girl and the Evil Lieutenant Used to Be Archenemies for its charming characters and heartfelt moments. Despite its flaws, the series offers a unique take on the enemies-to-lovers trope and is worth checking out for those looking for a light-hearted and fun read.
