"Alice on Deadlines" is a supernatural comedy manga series that blends elements of the afterlife, bureaucracy, and absurd humor. The story centers on Lapan, a shinigami (grim reaper) who is demoted and sent to the human world to retrieve a runaway soul. Lapan's mission is complicated when his assigned body is accidentally destroyed, forcing him to inhabit the body of a high school girl named Alice. This unexpected situation creates a series of comedic and chaotic events as Lapan navigates his new identity while attempting to complete his duties.

The runaway soul Lapan is tasked with retrieving belongs to a powerful and mischievous spirit named Shido, who has escaped the afterlife and is causing trouble in the human world. Shido's abilities make him a formidable opponent, and Lapan must rely on his wits and limited shinigami powers to capture him. Along the way, Lapan encounters various supernatural entities and human characters, including Alice's classmates and family, who remain unaware of his true identity.

The narrative explores the challenges Lapan faces in balancing his grim reaper responsibilities with the mundane aspects of high school life. His interactions with Alice's friends and family often lead to humorous misunderstandings, as he struggles to maintain his cover while pursuing Shido. The series also delves into the bureaucratic nature of the afterlife, with Lapan frequently receiving orders and reprimands from his superiors, adding a layer of satire to the story.

Key characters include Lapan, whose gruff and no-nonsense personality contrasts sharply with his new feminine appearance; Alice, whose body Lapan inhabits, though her own consciousness remains largely absent; and Shido, the cunning and elusive spirit who serves as the primary antagonist. Supporting characters, such as Lapan's shinigami colleagues and Alice's classmates, contribute to the series' comedic and episodic structure.

The manga combines supernatural action with slapstick comedy, often poking fun at the absurdity of its premise. The interplay between Lapan's grim reaper duties and his high school life creates a unique dynamic, blending elements of fantasy and everyday humor. The story progresses through a series of episodic encounters, with Lapan gradually closing in on Shido while dealing with the challenges of his new existence. The series maintains a lighthearted tone, using its supernatural setting to explore themes of identity, responsibility, and the unpredictability of life—and death.