Sexy Commando Side Story: You're So Cool, Masaru!

Sexy Commando Side Story: You're So Cool, Masaru! began its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1995, authored by Kyousuke Usuta. The series emerged as a subversive entry within the magazine, intentionally eschewing the traditional high-stakes tropes of the 'battle manga' genre in favor of absurdism, non-sequiturs, and the surreal concept of 'Sexy Commando'—a fictional martial art defined by bizarre, distracting movements. Its arrival signaled a shift in late-90s manga, opening the door for more experimental, gag-focused comedy series that prioritized chaotic humor over linear narrative structure.

Usuta’s illustration style is characterized by deliberately exaggerated expressions and grotesque character designs that heighten the comedic impact of his nonsensical scenarios. The series was received as a cult classic upon its debut, praised by readers for its refreshing refusal to take itself seriously. While it initially perplexed some mainstream audiences, its unique influence eventually cemented Usuta as a pioneer of the modern gag manga aesthetic, directly paving the way for the dry, surreal humor found in many contemporary Japanese comedy titles.