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Raw Hero
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| Raw Hero | |
 Cover of the first volume | |
| Genre | |
|---|---|
| Manga | |
| Written by | Akira Hiramoto |
| Published by | Kodansha |
| English publisher | |
| Magazine | Evening |
| Original run | September 25, 2018 – August 11, 2020 |
| Volumes | 6 |
Raw Hero (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Hiramoto. It was serialized in Kodansha's Evening from September 2018 to August 2020, with its chapters collected in six tankōbon volumes. In North America, the manga is licensed for English release by Yen Press.
Publication
[edit]Raw Hero is written and illustrated by Akira Hiramoto. It was serialized in Kodansha's Evening from September 25, 2018,[2][3] to August 11, 2020.[4][5] Kodansha collected its chapters in six tankōbon volumes, released from February 22, 2019,[6] to September 23, 2020.[7]
In North America, the series is licensed for English release by Yen Press.[8]
Volumes
[edit]| No. | Original release date | Original ISBN | English release date | English ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 22, 2019[6] | 978-4-06-514552-4 | February 25, 2020[1] | 978-1-97-539924-5 |
| 2 | June 21, 2019[9] | 978-4-06-516076-3 | July 21, 2020[10] | 978-1-97-531284-8 |
| 3 | September 19, 2019[11] | 978-4-06-517257-5 | October 20, 2020[12] | 978-1-97-531459-0 |
| 4 | January 23, 2020[13] | 978-4-06-518282-6 | April 20, 2021[14] | 978-1-97-532338-7 |
| 5 | May 22, 2020[15] | 978-4-06-519584-0 | July 27, 2021[16] | 978-1-97-532429-2 |
| 6 | September 23, 2020[7] | 978-4-06-520715-4 | February 22, 2022[17] | 978-1-97-533568-7 |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "RaW Hero, Vol. 1". Yen Press. Archived from the original on May 15, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ Ressler, Karen (September 11, 2018). "Prison School's Akira Hiramoto Launches New Manga on September 25". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ 「監獄学園」平本アキラの新作「RaW HERO」がイブニングで連載開始. Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. September 25, 2018. Archived from the original on October 22, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (July 15, 2020). "Prison School's Akira Hiramoto Ends RaW Hero Manga". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 14, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ “撃墜王”菅野直の活躍を描く本格戦記、イブニング新連載「紫電改343」. Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. August 11, 2020. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ a b ＲａＷ ＨＥＲＯ（１） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ a b ＲａＷ ＨＥＲＯ（６） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 28, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ Sherman, Jennifer (July 4, 2019). "Yen Press Adds The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious, 13 More Manga/Novels (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ ＲａＷ ＨＥＲＯ（２） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ "RaW Hero, Vol. 2". Yen Press. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ ＲａＷ ＨＥＲＯ（３） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on January 29, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ "RaW Hero, Vol. 3". Yen Press. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ ＲａＷ ＨＥＲＯ（４） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on March 7, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ "RaW Hero, Vol. 4". Yen Press. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ ＲａＷ ＨＥＲＯ（５） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ "RaW Hero, Vol. 5". Yen Press. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
- ^ "RaW Hero, Vol. 6". Yen Press. Archived from the original on June 4, 2023. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
External links
[edit]- Official website at Evening (in Japanese)
- Raw Hero at Anime News Network's encyclopedia
Raw Hero
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
RaW Hero (stylized as RaW HERO) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Akira Hiramoto.[1] It was serialized in Kodansha's Evening magazine from September 25, 2018, to August 11, 2020.[2] The series comprises 41 chapters collected into six tankōbon volumes.[3] In English, Yen Press licensed and published the complete series from February 2020 to February 2022.[4]
The story centers on Chiaki Miura, an unemployed young man in his early twenties who supports his two younger brothers after their parents' death.[1] While heading to a job interview, Chiaki encounters a chaotic incident involving a woman attacked by a monster, leading him to download a mysterious smartphone app that enables him to transform into a hero.[1] This draws him into a hidden world of superheroes, villains, espionage, and moral ambiguity, where he grapples with themes of justice, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.[1]
Hiramoto, renowned for his earlier work Prison School, infuses RaW Hero with his signature style of ecchi comedy, action, and dramatic tension, targeted at a seinen audience.[5] The manga explores mature themes including deception, heroism, and personal sacrifice, often through exaggerated and provocative scenarios.[1] It received attention for its bold narrative twists and artwork, though the series concluded after a relatively short run due to serialization decisions.[2]
Synopsis
Plot
In a world where a portion of humanity possesses special abilities, those who wield them for truth and justice are designated as heroes, while those who use them for deceit and evil are branded as villains, with oversight provided by organizations such as the Justice Management Team (JMT).[6] The story centers on Chiaki Miura, an unemployed young man in his early twenties who supports his two younger brothers after their parents' death, amid ongoing struggles to secure employment and maintain financial stability for his family.[5] During a train ride to a vital job interview, Chiaki intervenes to stop a groping incident involving a woman named Mariko Atsumi, an action that leads to his recruitment by a clandestine organization offering him superhuman powers through a mysterious smartphone app that he downloads.[3][7][8] Central to the narrative is Chiaki's forced duality, as he performs heroic deeds against villains during the day but must engage in criminal acts at night to preserve his abilities, resulting in intense moral and personal dilemmas.[3] The plot progresses through Chiaki's deepening entanglement in mounting rivalries between hero and villain groups, marked by fierce battles and fragile alliances that test the distinctions between right and wrong.[6]Themes
Raw Hero explores the central theme of moral ambiguity, depicting a world where the distinctions between heroes and villains are intentionally blurred, revealing corruption and self-interest within hero organizations that undermine traditional notions of justice.[9] This duality forces characters to navigate ethical gray areas, questioning whether true heroism lies in systemic allegiance or personal integrity.[10] The manga delves into sacrifice and family duty as driving forces, portraying how economic pressures compel individuals to compromise their principles for familial stability, contrasting individual ethics against the demands of a stratified society.[9] Chiaki's unwavering commitment to supporting his siblings underscores this tension, highlighting the personal costs of survival in an unforgiving world.[10] Hiramoto employs satire to critique superhero tropes, exaggerating elements of fame, media sensationalism, and bureaucratic exploitation to expose the absurdities and hypocrisies in the idolization of powered figures.[10] Organizations like the JMT are lampooned as controlling entities that prioritize control over genuine protection, subverting expectations of heroic narratives with over-the-top, trashy commentary akin to twisted genre parodies.[10] Gender and sexuality play a pivotal role, with ecchi elements used to subvert power dynamics and emphasize vulnerability amid objectification in the hero-villain landscape.[10] The integration of themes like forced feminization and exhibitionism critiques how societal roles exploit individuals, blending eroticism with commentary on trust, humiliation, and voyeurism.[10] On a broader level, the series offers social commentary on unemployment and urban isolation in contemporary Japan, illustrating the illusion of justice in a society where powered individuals are commodified and the powerless face systemic exclusion.[9] It portrays modern economic struggles and the erosion of communal bonds, using the superhero framework to reflect controlled societal structures that perpetuate inequality.[10]Characters
Chiaki Miura
Chiaki Miura is the protagonist of Raw Hero, a young man in his early twenties who acts as the eldest sibling and primary caregiver to his younger brothers Chiharu and Chinatsu following the death of their parents.[11][12] He bears the financial burden of supporting his family amid ongoing poverty, often struggling with unemployment and misfortune despite his persistent efforts to secure stable work.[8] Miura presents as an unassuming "pretty boy" with glasses, embodying a mild-mannered and approachable demeanor that contrasts with the high-stakes world of heroes and villains.[11] Miura's personality is marked by diligence and moral integrity, tempered by pragmatism and a streak of bad luck that frequently complicates his life.[13] He is deeply committed to his family's well-being, demonstrating a willingness to endure personal humiliation and ethical compromises if it means providing for Chiharu and Chinatsu.[8] Over the course of the story, Miura evolves from a reluctant entrant into the hero-villain conflict into a conflicted anti-hero, grappling with the moral ambiguities of his dual existence.[14] Miura's core ability revolves around a transformative suit that alters his form into that of a woman, endowing him with superhuman strength, speed, and enhanced combat prowess suitable for infiltration missions. However, the suit's functionality demands periodic engagement in villainous activities to recharge, which exacerbates Miura's internal identity struggles as he navigates the blurred lines between heroism and monstrosity. Throughout his arc, Miura contends with profound ethical dilemmas stemming from his undercover role, which force him to question the righteousness of his actions and the hero system's flaws. His growth is shaped by interpersonal dynamics, including a budding romantic tension with Mariko Atsumi that highlights his vulnerability and desire for genuine connection, as well as confrontations with antagonists like Ryuu Hoshi that test his resolve and combat skills.[7] These experiences propel Miura toward a more assertive stance, though his core drive remains rooted in familial duty.[12] Miura's key relationships anchor his decisions, with his protective bond to Chiharu and Chinatsu serving as the unwavering motivation behind his high-risk choices.[11] Initial guidance from mentor figures within the hero agency further influences his navigation of the power system, reinforcing his pragmatic approach while challenging his innate sense of justice.Hero Faction
Mariko Atsumi, known by her hero alias Jelly E. Fish, possesses abilities centered on gel-like transformations that allow her to engage in combat and restrain opponents effectively.[15] Initially portrayed as a distressed victim in encounters with antagonists, her personality evolves into that of a resilient ally, serving as both a romantic interest and co-hero alongside the protagonist in key missions.[16] Jun Mihono is a cheerful 19-year-old neighbor to Chiaki and his brothers, known for her enthusiasm for cosplay.[17] Her role involves living nearby and providing a sense of normalcy amid the extraordinary events.Villain Faction
Ryuu Hoshi stands out as an antagonistic powerhouse, wielding destructive powers that position him as a key rival in intense battles, embodying chaotic evil through his relentless pursuit of disorder. The narrative explores implications of alter egos like Jelly E. Fish's dual nature, blurring lines between hero and villain affiliations. Minor antagonists, such as train gropers who evolve into powered threats, highlight the emergence of low-level villains from everyday criminals. Villain syndicates operate with group dynamics that amplify their impact, often challenging hero alliances through coordinated attacks and ideological opposition.[18]Neutral and Supporting Figures
Chiharu Miura and Chinatsu Miura, the non-powered younger brothers of the protagonist, provide emotional grounding and familial motivation, remaining outside direct conflicts in the ability-based world.[19] Tadano Hyoichiro serves as a pivotal organizational figure, facilitating hero recruitment and bureaucratic support within government structures. Throughout the series, ensemble interactions reveal shifting alliances, such as tentative partnerships between heroes and reformed villains, while rivalries intensify based on personal backstories tied to the global ability system that grants powers to select individuals. These dynamics underscore the precarious balance in the hero-villain ecosystem, where backstories often reveal origins in experimentation or innate gifts leading to factional divides.[18]Production
Development
Akira Hiramoto transitioned to Raw Hero following the conclusion of his previous series Prison School, which ran from 2011 to 2017.[20] The new project was announced in September 2018 for serialization in Kodansha's Evening magazine, a seinen publication.[20] Serialization began on September 25, 2018, with the story centering on a protagonist navigating duality between his ordinary life and a superhero identity marked by gender transformation, blending action, comedy, and ecchi tropes in a satirical take on hero genres.[20][1] The writing process spanned 41 chapters across six volumes, starting with the protagonist's everyday struggles as a caregiver before escalating into conflicts involving superhuman abilities and organizational intrigue.[18] Early in serialization, Hiramoto encountered health challenges, leading to a brief hiatus announced in October 2018 due to a sudden illness; the series resumed the following month.[21][5] This interruption highlighted the physical demands of maintaining the manga's pace, which incorporated escalating action sequences and satirical commentary on hero society. Hiramoto decided to conclude Raw Hero in August 2020, wrapping up the narrative after 41 chapters that built toward a climax exposing corruption within the hero organization.[2] The magazine, which ceased publication in February 2023, had serialized the series during its run.[22] Throughout, Hiramoto balanced the conceptual demands of plot progression with the series' humorous and provocative elements, though specific author reflections on these challenges remain limited due to his reclusive nature.[12]Art and style
Akira Hiramoto's art in Raw Hero is characteristic of his overall visual approach across works like Prison School.[12] The style supports the manga's comedic and ecchi elements.[12]Publication
Serialization
Raw Hero was serialized in Kodansha's Evening, a bi-weekly seinen manga magazine, starting with issue #20 on September 25, 2018.[3][5] The series ran for 41 chapters until its conclusion in issue #17 on August 11, 2020.[3][2] Publication began steadily following a launch announcement in September 2018, but was briefly interrupted by a hiatus announced on October 22, 2018, due to the author's health issues.[21][5] Serialization resumed on November 16, 2018, and continued bi-weekly without further delays, culminating in a finale announced for the August 2020 issue.[5][2] The chapters were collected into six tankōbon volumes.[3]Volumes
Raw Hero was compiled into six tankōbon volumes by Kodansha under the Evening KC imprint, collecting the series' 41 chapters from its serialization in Evening.[18][23] The volumes were released in standard B6 format with cover art highlighting central characters such as Chiaki Miura in various heroic or disguised forms; no limited or special editions were produced.[24][25] Pricing ranged from ¥693 to ¥704 per volume, reflecting the standard rate for the imprint with a minor adjustment in later releases due to tax changes.[26][27]| Volume | Release Date | ISBN | Chapters | Price | Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | February 22, 2019 | 978-4-06-514552-4 | 1–6 | ¥693 | Introduces the world of heroes and villains with special abilities, establishing the protagonist's entry into espionage and transformation powers.[24]) |
| 2 | June 21, 2019 | 978-4-06-516076-3 | 7–13 | ¥693 | Develops the protagonist's infiltration of the villainous organization, exploring initial missions and interpersonal dynamics.[25]) |
| 3 | September 19, 2019 | 978-4-06-517257-5 | 14–20 | ¥693 | Deepens rivalries among heroes and villains, heightening tensions through escalating conflicts and alliances.[28]) |
| 4 | January 23, 2020 | 978-4-06-518282-6 | 21–27 | ¥693 | Advances the spy operations with greater risks, focusing on personal stakes and moral dilemmas within the dual identities.[29]) |
| 5 | May 22, 2020 | 978-4-06-519584-0 | 28–34 | ¥704 | Builds toward climactic confrontations, examining loyalties and the blurring lines between justice and evil.[26]) |
| 6 | September 23, 2020 | 978-4-06-520715-4 | 35–41 | ¥704 | Concludes the narrative with faction showdowns, resolving the central arcs of heroism, betrayal, and redemption.[27]) |