Controversies surrounding a manga series always attract significant attention, but they also lead the public to elaborate on the story. Below are the developments regarding *Drama Queen*, the latest manga from Shonen Jump+. The comic is set to release in December 2024 and has already garnered considerable interest, particularly due to its unique premise.
The controversy surrounding *Drama Queen* has made it one of the most anticipated new series for early 2024. Information comes from the official Manga Plus website.
At the end of each year, Manga Plus, the global official source for Shonen Jump manga, will announce a ranking based on viewership statistics from the previous year. This ranking for new manga is compiled based on viewership data from the first day after the initial chapter is published. It’s important to note that this ranking is exclusively for series that have been translated into English.
Manga Plus has added 57 series translated into English in 2024, and *Drama Queen* has emerged as the most popular manga until now. This manga has also become a trend on the Manga Plus platform since its release. The first chapter has over 1.5 thousand comments, where most discuss the main themes of the story.
What is the controversy surrounding *Drama Queen*?
The *Drama Queen* manga is currently facing accusations of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community due to its central theme of opposing extraterrestrial beings. The story is set against a backdrop in Japan, nine years after an alien race has begun to exterminate and invade Earth. The human population is now 17 million, living in a society that resembles a typical dystopia but with elements of “alien oppression.”
Nomamoto, a factory worker tired of her alien overlord, views this oppression as a reflection of her own dissatisfaction. She often behaves arrogantly and believes she is superior to aliens.
She meets a man named Kitami, whose family has been slaughtered by the aliens. The two quickly bond over their shared hatred of extraterrestrials. However, their lives take a drastic turn when Kitami unintentionally kills an alien, and Nomamoto becomes his accomplice to help him escape from dire circumstances. The story takes a dark turn right from the first chapter, where we see the shocking actions of Nomamoto and Kitami. Nomamoto distinctly notes that the smell of the alien species is reminiscent of a delicious seafood dish.
Some critics argue that the portrayal of aliens serves as a metaphor for people who are different, leading to discussions about the meaning of discrimination and the role of marginalized communities within the story. Some critics even suggest that the manga is being misunderstood, as they assume that extraterrestrials are not meant to represent any specific group, but merely act as antagonists in the narrative.
Additionally, a scene in the first chapter has sparked controversy when a character declares that they despise LGBTQ+ couples. Nomamoto specifically mentions that she hates the aliens and refers to her female friend’s boyfriend as her “boyfriend,” which has not been well received.
While the manga has not officially addressed the controversy, it has altered Nomamoto’s statement to “I hate those who use derogatory terms for their boyfriends.”
The manga will debut on December 1 and is currently in its initial chapter. The ongoing controversy does not seem to be waning as the theme of opposing extraterrestrial beings is perceived as increasingly evident in each new chapter.
Despite facing considerable backlash, *Drama Queen* has successfully launched with a few initial chapters. We’ll just have to wait and see if this manga can develop into a profound narrative or merely serve as a sensational work. Regardless of the outcome, *Drama Queen* will certainly be a test for the diversity and sensitivity of the Japanese manga industry. It will take more time to determine whether this work can surpass the controversies it has stirred.
