Hayate the Combat Butler: Can't Take My Eyes Off You

About Hayate the Combat Butler: Can't Take My Eyes Off You

Looking for background on Hayate the Combat Butler: Can't Take My Eyes Off You (ハヤテのごとく! CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU)? This comedy series by Manglobe (2012) starts out like this. The setup: Hayate Ayasaki's life has never been easy, though after being sold to Yakuza who want to harvest your organs to pay off your parents' debts it's hard to imagine things sinking much lower. But since becoming employed as the butler/bodyguard for teenage heiress Nagi Sanzenin, Hayate's misery has been primarily focused around Nagi's insecurity.

More of the story: However, when a new and unexpected relative arrives without warning, and issues concerning Nagi's long dead father rear their ugly head, Hayate stumbles on himself thrust even further into the deep, dark. That is only the beginning of his troubles, as somehow aliens, haunted swords, an untrustworthy kitten and even a cross-dressing curse all come into the mix as well. Will our embattled butler struggle his way through these epic complications?

In a comedy series like this, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. Voice work is led by Rie Kugimiya as Nagi Sanzenin and Shizuka Itou as Hinagiku Katsura. It will appeal most to viewers who want something light between heavier series. With 12 episodes in total, there is enough room for the story to develop.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by Manglobe, so the studio's house style defines how Hayate the Combat Butler: Can't Take My Eyes Off You looks and moves on screen. The comedy focus matters here: timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. Its 6.7/10 score suggests opinions are split, so it suits viewers who already like the genre. On the casting side, Rie Kugimiya voicing Nagi Sanzenin gives the lead role a recognizable voice. Released in 2012, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.