Talking about my favorite 'unorthodox mainstream' works

I recently started accepting letters, and I've already received some, so I'd like to introduce them!

The idea that mainstream works also have unorthodox elements is actually something that's been true for a long time, isn't it?

For example, in 'ONE PIECE', the flashback scenes inserted during battles
were, at the time, a unique, arguably 'unorthodox' technique for One Piece, but now that time has passed, it has become a 'type of mainstream' that many works incorporate.

It could be said that one of the laws of best-selling manga is 'the coexistence of mainstream and unorthodox'.

And, the protagonists of 'Bakuman.' embody that hypothesis.
They achieved success by using their own specialty, the unorthodox route, as a base while incorporating mainstream elements, a 'unorthodox mainstream' approach.

And personally, I really like this type of work.

So, this time, I'm going to introduce a few carefully selected 'unorthodox mainstream works'!

First of all, what is an 'unorthodox mainstream' work?

To begin with, the question arises: how is it different from a 'mainstream work that incorporates unorthodox elements'?

In conclusion, the subject matter is unorthodox, but the techniques and themes used to depict it are strictly mainstream. Personally, I think that's how you can rephrase it.

So-called 'mainstream works that incorporate unorthodox elements' are works that differentiate themselves by taking existing, proven subject matter and incorporating other elements into it.

In contrast, 'unorthodox mainstream' works are works that start from an unorthodox angle, with subject matter that you haven't seen before to begin with.

However, the core of the entertainment depicted within them—
for example, cooperation with allies or the unraveling of mysteries that have been built up—are elements that are firmly based on mainstream conventions.

In other words, the entrance is unorthodox, but the structure that draws in the reader is mainstream.
I define this as the definition of a work that can be called 'unorthodox mainstream'.

Recommended unorthodox mainstream works

From here on, I will introduce some unorthodox mainstream works that I like!

Hyper Inflation

This is a work about a boy from a discriminated class who is granted the 'ability to produce counterfeit money from his body' and aims to 'buy' his own country.

In terms of the mainstream for this type of work, the protagonist's ability would tend to be more straightforward magic or, even with a slight twist, the power to produce iron or food, and the story would also likely land on a war chronicle that hits things head-on.

However, this work expands on the single idea of 'creating counterfeit money,' using underhanded tactics and behind-the-scenes maneuvering to flip the situation on its head.
At this point, it can be called quite unorthodox as a subject itself.

However, what is depicted within that framework is firmly classic.

• The 'effort' to rise in the world using one's abilities

• The 'friendship' with people met along the way

• And the great reversal 'victory' that comes after all the information gathered connects

These 'cores of entertainment' are truly classic Jump-style tropes themselves.

Despite the unorthodox subject matter, the feeling after reading is firmly classic.
I think that balance is the charm of this work.

Even though it deals with economics, it is surprisingly easy to read, so I hope you will feel free to pick it up.

Burning Kabaddi

A work centered on the minor sport of Kabaddi.
It is not a major sport like baseball or soccer, so the fact that it dares to use Kabaddi as its subject is unorthodox.

However, its storytelling is thoroughly classic.
In fact, the match developments, which push 'intensity' to the forefront even more than your average sports manga, are its greatest appeal.

Furthermore, what makes this work excellent is that it never forgets the premise that 'Kabaddi is a minor sport' until the very end. It is structured to be very easy to read because it carefully addresses the most important part: how to convey the fun of the sport to readers who know nothing about it.

Even though you probably knew nothing about Kabaddi at first, by the time you finish reading, you are drawn into its 'burning' world.
It is truly a prime example of an unorthodox subject depicted in a classic way. It is a work that can be called that.

Personally, it is my favorite work among all sports manga.

This Communication

A so-called post-apocalyptic world where humanity is on the verge of extinction due to an invasion by mysterious life forms.
To counter them, Huntresses who possess the immortal power of 'resurrecting in the state they were in one hour ago if they die' were created, and former soldier Deluha was put in charge of leading them.

The method he took to create the ideal unit
is 'when the members have inconvenient memories, kill them to reset them.' That is the kind of work it is.

Needless to say, the subject matter is completely unorthodox.
And among the works I have read so far, there haven't been many that have gone this far.

Not only that, but the protagonist's motivation for organizing the unit to that extent is something with no grand cause at all, like 'just to eat three meals a day,' and the process is handled with a somewhat gag-like tempo. Including the fact that it doesn't even depict cruelty in a classic way, but dares to mix in lightheartedness,
it is thoroughly structured as 'unorthodox.'

So, where is it classic?

That isthe fact that the essence of this work, as the title suggests, is 'communication'.

Normally, human relationships cannot be reset even if you fail.
They are built upon an accumulation of things that cannot be undone.

However, this work shatters that premise and depicts a 'relationship that can be redone'.
If we could really do that, would human relationships truly become smoother?
That theme itself is a very universal and mainstream one that directly connects to us in reality.

In other words, while what is happening is chaotic, the core it tries to depict is a dead-center mainstream theme.This can also be called an example of an 'unorthodox mainstream' work.

……That said, to be honest, I feel like it's most fun to read it as a slapstick comedy where Deruha-dono goes on a rampage using that theme as a pretext.

Since it remains interesting from any angle, it is a work I can highly recommend.

In conclusion

That's all. That was my introduction to an unorthodox mainstream work~

There are so many works of this type that I truly love, and I had wanted to introduce them for a while, but because I like them so much, I didn't know where to start talking about them, so I couldn't quite put it into shape.
So this was a perfect opportunity! Thanks for the great question!!

I am still accepting requests!
Please feel free to send me manga you want me to read, ideas for analysis articles, questions for miscellaneous notes, or feedback on the articles!