Hataraku Maou-sama is finally completed (spoilers)

Paul Nebeling

Well, after 21 volumes, this series has come to an end. It's been a wild ride and overall, I'm happy with the way the story ended. Some minor criticism of the final volume though.

The story kept jumping back and forth three years between the assault on heaven and what I would call the epilogue.
The author threw in a deus ex machina to tie up several loose ends and fill in some plot holes. Specifically, the Yesod sword. Yes, it was necessary, but still.
While Chiho got her happy end, the implied harem ending was just a bit off-putting, though not completely out-of-character.

I'm happy with how everything turned out, but I'll miss having move volumes to look forward to.

Korppi

I know many complained, but the main couple I rooted for got together so I have no issues in that regard.

That said, the last volume did feel ~~a bit~~quite rushed, and the assault on Heaven played out not like a bang but a whimper. Also, a minor nitpick perhaps, but I'm disappointed for the fact Ashiya didn't end up with Rika...

Paul Nebeling

@korppi That entire plot thread seemed to have vanished, much to Ashiya's relief. Still, I can see ~~two~~ three obstacles in the way.

Ashiya pretty much went back to Ente Isla for work. While Rika probably wouldn't have major issues following him, I got the sense that her family kind of expected her to stick around and help with the family business.
While not expressly stated, I think we can assume that the "issue" that effected Maou would occur to any demon that developed romantic feelings for a human. Unlike Maou, using the same treatment on Ashiya would not be well received.
I really don't think Ashiya was into Rika as she was into him.

ETA:

Chiho was always best girl and the frontrunner to land Maou. How can anyone complain?
Chiho's end of story revelation kind of made it obvious that Maou would end up with both Emi and Sukano. Again, how can anyone complain?
Both Emi and Sukano would have killed Maou for real if he broke Chiho's heart, especially after Emi removed the biggest reason why they couldn't be together.