The world of demon school comedies is reaching a new fever pitch as the popular series Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun continues its ascent in global popularity. Written by Osamu Nishi and serialized in Akita Shoten’s Weekly Shonen Champion, the franchise has evolved from a quirky manga about a human boy in the Netherworld into a massive multimedia powerhouse, recently surpassing a significant commercial milestone.
As of March 2026, the comic series has officially surpassed 20 million copies in cumulative circulation according to the official anime website. This growth coincides with the rollout of the TV anime’s fourth series, which began broadcasting in April 2026 on NHK E-Tele. The story continues to follow Suzuki Iruma, a kind-hearted human boy sold to a demon by his parents, who finds himself unexpectedly doted upon by a powerful demon grandfather and enrolled in the prestigious Babyls Academy for Demons.
The narrative remains a compelling blend of school-life fantasy and gag comedy, focusing on Iruma’s struggle to hide his humanity while navigating the complex social hierarchies of the demon world. With the manga reaching volume 48 as of April 8, 2026 per Wikipedia records, the series has expanded its universe through various spin-offs and a dedicated animation strategy that keeps the global fanbase engaged.
The Stakes of the Fourth Anime Series: The Rank 4 Challenge
The latest iteration of the TV anime, which premiered in April 2026, pushes Iruma and his classmates into their most challenging academic hurdle yet. While Iruma has spent much of his time at Babyls Academy building friendships and climbing the rank ladder, the school has issued a daunting new mandate: the entire “Abnormal Class”—all 13 students—must achieve Rank 4.
This “unprecedented” requirement places immense pressure on the group, as the path to this rank is tied to a critical condition: winning the school’s music festival. The tension is heightened by the presence of one specific classmate who is “not allowed to stand out,” creating a central conflict for the season. The plot explores whether Iruma’s inherent kindness and leadership can unite a group of disparate demons to achieve a collective goal that has never been accomplished before.
This arc emphasizes the theme of class unity and the personal growth of the Abnormal Class members, transitioning the indicate from individual achievements to a collective struggle for success. The music festival serves as the primary stage for this development, promising a mix of high-stakes competition and the series’ signature comedic charm.
Expanding the Lore: Spin-offs and Manga Milestones
The success of the primary series has paved the way for several expansion projects that deepen the lore of the demon world. One of the most notable is Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun if Episode of Ma-fia. This alternative-universe take on the characters saw a serialization run in Bessatsu Shonen Champion from September 2023 to October 2025, before moving to Weekly Shonen Champion in December 2025 according to Wikipedia. As of February 6, 2026, this spin-off has released seven volumes.
the franchise has explored the backstory of the strict faculty through the Kalego Gaiden (Kalego Side Story). This project included a one-shot in April 2021 and a subsequent serialization between December 2023 and January 2024, resulting in a single volume released on April 8, 2024 per Wikipedia. These side stories allow the creator, Osamu Nishi, to flesh out the world beyond Iruma’s immediate perspective, adding layers to the institutional structure of Babyls Academy.
Another expansion, Boku Doumei no Game-dou (My Alliance’s Game Way), further diversifies the content by focusing on gaming elements, with Osamu Nishi providing the original concept and Tsudanuma Atsushi handling the story. This strategy of diversifying the narrative focus has helped the franchise maintain momentum over nearly a decade of publication.
Commercial Success and Global Reach
The commercial trajectory of Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun reflects the broader trend of “comfort” fantasies gaining traction in the global market. The series’ ability to balance the dark aesthetic of a demon world with a heartwarming story of friendship and self-improvement has resonated with a wide demographic. The milestone of 20 million copies is a testament to the enduring appeal of Iruma’s character—a protagonist whose primary strength is his empathy and desire to help others.
The integration of the anime with digital platforms has also played a key role. With the fourth series currently airing on NHK E-Tele and the third series available on various streaming services, the accessibility of the content has ensured a steady stream of new viewers. The official X (formerly Twitter) account for the series continues to update fans on the latest volume releases, including the 48th volume of the main manga and the 22-volume complete set of the spin-off Makai no Shuyaku wa Wareware da! via the official @wc_mairuma account.
Key Franchise Milestones at a Glance
| Category | Detail/Statistic | Verification Date/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manga Debut | March 2, 2017 (Weekly Shonen Champion) | Wikipedia |
| Cumulative Circulation | Over 20 Million Copies | March 2026 (Official Site) |
| Main Manga Volume Count | 48 Volumes | April 8, 2026 (Wikipedia) |
| Anime 4th Series Premiere | April 2026 | Official Site |
| Ma-fia Spin-off Volume Count | 7 Volumes | February 6, 2026 (Wikipedia) |
For fans looking to preserve up with the latest developments, the official anime website and the Weekly Shonen Champion publication remain the primary sources for updates. As the fourth series progresses, the focus remains on the Abnormal Class’s quest for Rank 4 and the mystery of the student who must remain hidden.
The next major checkpoint for the series will be the unfolding events of the music festival within the fourth anime season. Stay tuned for official announcements regarding new volume releases and streaming updates.
Do you think Iruma and the Abnormal Class can achieve the impossible and all reach Rank 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below and share this article with your fellow anime fans!