Hideaki Sorachi, the creator of the hit manga series Gintama, has returned to Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump after an eight-year absence. His new serialization, titled Class 2-B Hero Destroyerz, debuted on April 19 via the Manga Plus app, according to polygon.com.
Sorachi’s return marks a significant moment for the flagship magazine as it rebuilds its lineup following the conclusion of major titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia. The new work promises to revive the meta-humor and bizarre comedy that propelled Gintama to become one of the best-selling manga of all time.
Subverting classic tropes
The new series tackles the ubiquitous 'Demon King vs. Hero' trope with a comedic twist. While the setup traditionally involves a battle between good and evil, Class 2-B Hero Destroyerz introduces the character Valaris 3, a clone of the Demon King Valaris, who emerges from a toilet stall in a Japanese high school.
According to polygon.com, the story follows Valaris 3 as she attempts to blend into Shinkai Academy while waiting to gather enough minions to face the Hero. She encounters Akira Kumon, a student who appears bookish but is secretly a legendary delinquent known as 'Demon King Commode.'
The premise relies heavily on the absurdist humor Sorachi is known for. The plot involves Kumon attempting to 'cage' a dark beast within him, which the reporter from polygon.com clarifies is actually his struggle to 'take a dump in peace' without being interrupted by school delinquents.
Sorachi’s previous work, Gintama, spanned sixteen years and included anime adaptations, movies, and live-action films. The series was famous for its constant satire of popular manga and anime tropes, such as Dragon Ball and One Piece.
Critics note that while many modern series struggle with repetitive tropes, Sorachi uses these familiar elements to craft comedy gold. The reporter observed that even if the series does not reach the heights of Gintama, it provides a much-needed breath of fresh air for Shonen Jump.
