Last month, I watched the final episode of My Hero Academia with my younger brother, and honestly, we both just sat there in silence for a good five minutes afterward. After nearly ten years of following Deku’s journey from quirkless underdog to the world’s greatest hero, it felt like saying goodbye to an old friend. My brother turned to me and asked, “What are we supposed to watch now?” And you know what? I didn’t have an answer.
That empty feeling after finishing a beloved anime series hits differently. You scroll through your streaming apps, desperately searching for something—anything—that might fill that specific void. Most suggestions feel hollow, like trying to replace your favorite comfort food with something completely different.
But here’s the thing: sometimes the perfect replacement has been sitting right under your nose all along. In this case, it’s a 2017 fantasy anime that’s been quietly building one of the most heartwarming and engaging stories in recent memory.
Why Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun Is Your Next Binge Watch
Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun might sound like a completely different beast from My Hero Academia, but trust me on this one. At its core, this series captures everything that made MHA special while carving out its own unique identity that feels both familiar and refreshingly original.
The story follows Suzuki Iruma, a 14-year-old human who gets sold to a demon by his negligent parents. Instead of becoming dinner, Iruma ends up being adopted by the powerful demon Sullivan and enrolled in Babyls Demon School. The catch? He has to hide his human identity while navigating life among demons who would literally eat him if they found out.
Sound familiar? Just like Deku started as the quirkless kid in a world of heroes, Iruma begins as the powerless human in a realm of demons. Both protagonists share that same pure-hearted determination to prove themselves despite—or perhaps because of—their apparent disadvantages.
“What makes Iruma-kun special is how it takes the underdog formula and adds this layer of genuine warmth and humor,” explains anime reviewer Sarah Chen. “You’re rooting for Iruma not just because he’s weak, but because he’s so fundamentally good in a world that doesn’t always reward goodness.”
The Similarities That Make It a Perfect Transition
If you’re looking for a My Hero Academia replacement, Iruma-kun delivers on multiple fronts. Both series excel at character development, world-building, and that special blend of comedy and heartfelt moments that make you genuinely care about what happens next.
Here’s what makes the transition so smooth:
- School Setting: Both series use educational institutions as the primary backdrop for character growth and relationship building
- Underdog Protagonist: Iruma and Deku share that relatable struggle of proving themselves in extraordinary circumstances
- Found Family Dynamics: Strong bonds between classmates and mentors drive both storylines
- Power Progression: Gradual character development that feels earned rather than handed out
- Moral Complexity: Both shows explore what it truly means to be heroic or evil
| Aspect | My Hero Academia | Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | Quirkless boy wants to be a hero | Human boy hiding among demons |
| Setting | Hero academy training future pros | Demon school educating future demon lords |
| Core Theme | What makes a true hero? | What makes someone truly evil or good? |
| Power System | Quirks and hero techniques | Magic and demon abilities |
The brilliance of Iruma-kun lies in how it subverts expectations. While MHA asked “What makes a hero?”, Iruma-kun flips the script and explores “What makes a demon?” The answer, surprisingly, isn’t what you’d expect.
Why This Series Keeps Getting Better
Unlike many anime that peak early and coast on their initial success, Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun has this remarkable ability to continuously improve with each season. The character development feels organic, the stakes gradually increase without feeling forced, and the humor never overshadows the genuine emotional moments.
Season one introduces us to this bizarre world and establishes the core relationships. Season two deepens those bonds while adding layers of complexity to the demon hierarchy. Season three, which recently concluded, delivered some of the most emotionally satisfying character arcs I’ve seen in years.
“The progression in Iruma-kun reminds me of the best parts of long-running shonen series,” notes manga analyst David Torres. “Each arc builds meaningfully on what came before, and characters actually grow in ways that stick.”
What’s even more exciting is that we’re getting a fourth season and a spin-off series, with the manga showing no signs of slowing down. For fans devastated by MHA’s conclusion, this means years of quality content still ahead.
The series also tackles themes that feel particularly relevant right now. Iruma’s journey of self-acceptance, learning to value himself, and finding his place in a world that seems designed to exclude him resonates on multiple levels. His growth from someone who couldn’t say “no” to becoming a confident leader happens so naturally that you barely notice until you look back at where he started.
The Growing Community You’ll Want to Join
One of the best parts about discovering a great series is joining the community around it. The Iruma-kun fanbase has that same energy that made early MHA discussions so engaging—passionate but not toxic, welcoming to newcomers, and genuinely excited about theorizing and discussing character development.
The series has been steadily gaining international recognition, with streaming numbers climbing each season. Fan art, discussions, and memes are spreading across social platforms, creating that communal viewing experience that made following MHA’s weekly releases so special.
“Watching the Iruma-kun community grow has been incredible,” says longtime fan Maria Rodriguez. “It has that same wholesome energy that drew people to My Hero Academia in the first place.”
The timing couldn’t be better for new viewers to jump in. With three complete seasons available and a fourth on the horizon, you have plenty of content to binge while still being able to participate in ongoing discussions about future developments.
For those mourning the end of My Hero Academia, Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun offers something rare in anime: a worthy successor that honors what made the original special while blazing its own trail. It’s comfort food for the soul, wrapped in demonic packaging that somehow makes it even more heartwarming.
FAQs
How many seasons of Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun are there?
There are currently three seasons available, with a fourth season and spin-off series confirmed for future release.
Is Iruma-kun suitable for My Hero Academia fans?
Absolutely! Both series share similar themes of character growth, school settings, and underdog protagonists overcoming challenges.
Where can I watch Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun?
The series is available on most major streaming platforms including Crunchyroll and Funimation.
How does the humor compare to My Hero Academia?
Iruma-kun tends to be more consistently comedic but balances humor with genuine emotional moments just like MHA.
Is the manga still ongoing?
Yes, the manga is still actively publishing with no announced end date, providing plenty of source material for future seasons.
Do I need to know anything about demon mythology to enjoy it?
Not at all! The series creates its own demon world rules and explains everything you need to know as you go along.
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