A Special Thanks To Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for the ARC.
Before we begin this review, I would like to warn the reader, I have not read Osamu Nishi’s Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-Kun manga, nor have I watched the anime series. So, this will be a review done by someone familiar with the series, but as someone new to the Iruma-kun series. For past reviews, click here to read them.
The lovable Iruma-kun cast is back in an all-new spin-off story! Iruma is dirt poor, but a disgustingly cheery young boy growing up in a city slum. One day, Iruma gives the last of his food to an injured old man, and nurses the stranger back to health, only to find out that the elder gent is none other than Don Sullivan, head of the Babyl Mafia! Sullivan comes back and whisks young Iruma away, and begs the boy to become his grandson. And just like that, Iruma begins his new life as the next in line to lead a gigantic gang of demonic mafiosos in, Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun, IruMafia Edition!
In this new story, we’re trading the Demon world for a Mafia world, but it keeps the charm that keeps fans coming back for more. The groundwork in terms of the main cast and premise from the original series was built by Osamu Nishi is honored by Hiroja, the manga creator overseeing the script and artwork for this title but does contain more violence, Demon talk (again, no actual demons), and how twisted the Underworld can get. IruMafia Edition’s first volume does find a way to attract new readers by keeping the story at a good pace, but also building momentum for future volumes.
What I have enjoyed about this book is how well Hiroja has written and illustrated how dark and twisted the Underworld could be. In a sense, it shares various similarities to the Demon World when you get down to how it could the power and corruption can entice a person, how much power money, and influence are wielded in this new mafia world. But Iruma is still the same, even as an underboss, and still keeps that positive attitude that he is known for, as for the other characters, Opera was one of the characters that stood out at the beginning, who comes to care for Iruma differently than in the original manga. Sullivan is a lovable character, and Kalego is vastly different than his original counterpart.
Finally, the artwork in this manga is spectacular. Hiroja captured the emotional tones of each character perfectly, even down to their character designs and their suits (Iruma’s outfit is my favorite!) Aside from the action, and comedy, it has good morals and a heartwarming setting, despite being set in a criminal-themed world. I close this review out to say as someone only familiar with the franchise through clips and promotional material for the TV anime, I am impressed by this spin-off title and recommend it for new manga readers and fans of the Iruma-kun series. I look forward to reading the next volume.
Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-Kun: IruMafia Edition Volume One goes on sale on August 19th, and it will be available at your Local bookstore and e-retailer. Click here to pre-order your copy at the links below.
Final Grade:
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