In a world where humans are scorned by beastfolk, human office worker Oki gets promoted–to assist the most intimidating beastfolk in the company!
Creative Staff
Original Story/Art: Shiroinu
Translation: Julie Goniwich
What They Say
In a world where humans are thought to be inferior to beastfolk, human office worker Saki Oki endures a constant stream of ridicule and scorn from her beastfolk colleagues and superiors. So when she gets called into the CEO’s office, she’s prepared for the worst―but instead of firing Saki, the CEO acknowledges her hard work and makes her his private secretary! With all eyes in the office on her, Saki struggles to get used to her new position, not to mention her boss’s intimidating―yet oddly charming―aura…
Content: (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
In an alternate modern society of beastfolk and humans, humans are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. As a result, diligent human office worker Saki Oki is ridiculed by her beastfolk colleagues and never gets recognized for her hard work. That is, until the CEO calls her into his office and makes her his personal secretary! She’s thrilled by the promotion, but her new boss–who has all the menace of a lion–is going to take a while to get used to…
Me and My Beast Boss is rated Older Teen. While there isn’t much in Volume 1 that would be objectionable, I doubt the title is that relatable for younger readers. It has a corporate setting and all adult characters. (Oki’s age isn’t provided, but from her work experience, she has to at least be in her mid-20s). Office politics, harassment by abusive superiors, and the frustration of others taking credit for your hard work are all elements geared toward an older audience. Oki’s struggles in the workplace are certain to resonate with corporate drones who suffer terrible bosses.
Despite the fantasy element of beastfolk, Me and My Beast Boss falls more into the category of office romance. The romance starts off entirely one-sided though. When CEO Atlas gives Oki her promotion, she’s thrilled but must immediately deal with the grumblings of jealous colleagues and backlash from her no-good former supervisor. In short, even with her tough as nails personality, she’s got her hands full. As CEO, Atlas can do what he wants without having to answer to anyone, and he promotes Oki because he recognizes her abilities. But after their first meeting, he’s utterly captivated by her.
The reason why this combination works is because they are both misunderstood by almost everyone at the office. For Oki, it’s because beastfolk choose to despise humans and refuse to recognize anything to the contrary. Having Atlas acknowledge her without prejudice and praise her efforts is a dream come true. Atlas is misunderstood because he’s a “reverted beastfolk.” Majority of beastfolk look like cosplayers wearing animal ears and tails. However, reverted beastfolk retain more animal characteristics, and Atlas, who derives from a lion, has the face, fangs, mane, and paws of a lion. Combine that with his position as CEO, and everyone in the company’s too frightened of him to notice the honest, gentle personality that lies beneath. So Oki’s forthright efforts to get to know him despite the fear triggered by his fearsome appearance captivate his heart.
Volume 1 mostly has Oki grappling with the triple challenge of getting accustomed to her scary looking boss, living up to her new position, and dealing with coworkers who don’t think she deserves it. Meanwhile, Atlas supports her publicly and privately, subtly and dramatically (as the situation calls for it), even as he hides his growing affections for her.
Overall, I love the dynamic between the two, but the one thing that prevents me from completely enjoying it is that Atlas is awfully handsy with his new secretary. Blame it on corporate HR training videos and all the garbage unearthed during the “Me Too” movement, but when Atlas pats Oki’s face and hair, my internal alarms scream, “Inappropriate!” The narrative provides both Oki’s and Atlas’ POVs so readers know he’s not a sexual predator, but as the head of the company, he holds all the power in this relationship.
Then again, this is a fictional world, one in which humans are so despised that a beastfolk superior can break his human subordinate’s wrist with impunity. When Atlas catches Oki’s old supervisor in the act of physically assaulting her, Atlas tries to have him fired, but even with his power as CEO, the most he can do is get him demoted. So, yes, the rules are definitely different in this world.
The artwork, by the way, is fabulous. Shiroinu does an excellent job especially portraying the varied aspects of Atlas, from fearsome to supportive to lovelorn. Moods are also conveyed beautifully, whether tense, uplifting, or romantic.
Extras include first page printed in color, illustrations printed on the inside cover, and bonus manga.
In Summary:
Don’t let the beast people aspect of it fool you–Me and My Beast Boss is an office romance! Despite the obvious differences between the main characters, this story isn’t so much opposites attract as it is misunderstood souls finally being seen for who they are. While there are definitely behaviors that would never fly in a real-life office, the interactions between Oki and Atlas are utterly charming.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: A+
Packaging Grade: B+
Text/Translation Grade: B+
Age Rating: 13+
Released By: Yen Press
Release Date: May 23rd, 2023
MSRP: $13.00
