In anime, comedy typically takes one of two forms. The one you’re most likely to see is raunchy, tasteless humor that capitalizes on characters’ over-sexualization. The other popular style is very physical, slapstick comedy, which pairs well with action anime. Assassination Classroom stands out in this regard. Everything about the premise suggests that it will be a comedy, yet it consistently outdoes itself in execution.

Assassination Classroom is about a mysterious being that destroys the moon and leaves it in a perpetual crescent shape, then informs the government that it will do the same to Earth in one calendar year. The one caveat is that he wishes to teach Kunugigaoka Middle School’s class 3-E for the school year. The government informs the students of this and sets a goal for them: assassinate this being by the end of the year and earn ten billion yen, because the fate of the world is at stake. The catch is that the creature, which the students have dubbed “Koro-sensei,” is extremely intelligent and capable of traveling at Mach 20 speeds.

As one might expect, the students are unable to approach him. It is up to the class to observe his tendencies and weaknesses, as narrator Nagisa Shiota does, and ultimately plan the perfect assassination. Additionally, the United Nations dispatches several professionally trained assassins, including two teachers, Tadaomi Karasuma and Irina Jelavic. Koro-sensei, of course, is aware of all of this and even assists various students in their endeavors, such as teaching Manami Okuda how to properly prepare and distribute an effective poison. Despite the blatant absurdity of the premise, the show’s most amusing moments occur within the context of everyday, relatable human interactions. A rebuttal here, a playful insult there, jokes you might tell in a group of friends. Assassination Classroom will find ways to make you laugh even within a plot that is saturated with the same style of humor.

Naturally, as with other anime that regularly incorporate realistic scenarios between characters, the developing subplot does the same. Class 3-E is located a considerable distance from the main middle school campus, but why is that? In a nutshell, they are referred to as the “End Class.” The students who attend are those who have received the lowest grades in the school, for whatever reason. There are a few notable exceptions, most notably Karma Akabane, who was sent there as a result of his violent tendencies. These students are despised by both students and teachers, and their facilities are outdated, as if the school wishes them to fail. It even goes further than that, as the End Class serves as a source of fear for the other students, who fear that they, too, may be sent there if they falter.

With nothing to lose, the assassination premise lends itself to this notion of the characters being rendered ineffective. Koro-sensei so fully assumes the teacher role that you almost wish he would survive. He goes above and beyond academics, teaching students how to be the best versions of themselves possible. Around 30 characters share a 22-episode spotlight in the first season, highlighting their strengths as well as their unique or misunderstood characteristics. Assassination Classroom does not allow students to blend in order to support a few key characters. They are all assigned personalities, such as Hinano Kurahashi, a biologist, Tomohito Sugino, a baseball player, or Hinata Okano, a gymnast.

Assassination Classroom is a coming-of-age story disguised as a parody of assassination. It is not afraid to embrace its absurdity, but it is also not afraid to raise the stakes and present the characters with obstacles to overcome. It distinguishes itself from both lighthearted feel-good stories and gritty underdog tales. It’s a genuine pleasure to watch and is available on Hulu.