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“In the past and present, I have to change or nothing else will.”

Tokyo Revengers was an experience to say the least. Its overall story was never enough to get critics and elitists of the anime community raving from in their mothers’ basements, but it was definitely something. It is a story that although was a basic shounen, had characteristics and factors that kept you wanting to read until the end. For a good portion of this series, I was interested. Sure, there were multiple plot holes and circumstances that made me question a lot of things, but there was something about it that stopped me ... from putting it down. Until the final saga hit.

My main annoyance when looking back on the story of Tokyo Revengers was Mikey and Takemichi’s characters. I understand Takemichi wanted to save everyone but the lengths he went to and the lives he ran through over and over again to stop Mikey from having his emo mental breakdowns got tiring. Kazutora was right. It is all Mikey’s fault. Every time I would feel a glimpse of hope that the story was ready to be concluded, Mikey would be off somewhere causing problems like always. Considering he started as a genuinely interesting, cool character, what he ended up being watered down to by the end of the series makes my blood boil. Also, the whole idea of dark impulses felt cheap and stupid, to say the least. It still feels as edgy as when it was first introduced. Mikey, honey, you don’t have “dark impulses,” you’re mentally ill.

On the topic of characters, progressing through the story did nothing but drown me in the sheer number of new additions that I did not give a single shit about. Every chapter it felt as if fifteen new people were brought in and each time they would be preached as someone insanely strong, just to be taken out by the crybaby mc because of plot armour, of course. In no way do I understand how so many characters developed an admiration for Takemichi. It was not only repetitive but got rid of the idea that any repercussions would be faced for the dangerous circumstances he would throw himself into without a second thought; continuously, he makes dumb decisions just to regret and cry about them a moment late. It’s annoying and makes the story predictable and stale.

However, don’t get me wrong, I can understand why people enjoy Takemichi’s character and I don’t dislike him for the fact he cries all the time as many others do. His primary goal to save Hinata is worthy of respect and the idea that he wanted to fix his original, sad adolescence is honourable. But damn. No way all these supposed big, bad, gang leaders have this much admiration for the kid who gets his ass pummeled every fight, just to give a long speech about loneliness and friendship to get his way out of the situation like always.

Next, it’s important to mention the number of plot holes present in this story. Throughout this whole series not once did Takemichi learn or even try to pick up on small defensive tactics at least. I’m pulling at straws here trying to fathom how on earth this dude didn’t die. Especially when you consider how much of a threat some of these characters are made out to be. It’s clear to see the evident plot armour he has when you understand how other characters are affected by attacks from the same people Takemichi is faced with. Character after character is bleeding from every orifice possible because of just one kick, but no, our beloved mc is standing tall, describing his goals and ambitions like some kind of Ted Talk. I can’t realistically comprehend Takemichi’s durability, let alone how easily members of the Tokyo Manji gang are taken down sometimes. Furthermore, the deaths of significant characters felt more and more as if they were being used as shock bait and to fill the readers with despair as we watch Takemichi, for the hundredth time might I add, cry about how he messed things up again and has to go back in time once more. It definitely got annoying quickly.

My final complaint is the ending. The story of Tokyo Revengers could have ended as early as the third arc, but Ken Wakui just couldn’t give us that pleasure. Instead, the story was dragged out and readers were handed an overly happy ending over a hundred chapters later that was just supposed to magically fix all the problems developed. How all these psychotic kids, eager to kill and break bones turned into average members of society is beyond me.

Despite all this, I do, believe it or not, have some praise for this manga. Looking at it from purely an entertainment point of view, it’s definitely something anyone could get behind; action, comedy, and a wide variety of characters available for every type of person, each designed to be more badass than the last. Also, the use of cliffhangers and the whole mystery element was interesting to explore. At the end of the day, my average monkey brain will always enjoy a good fight and exaggerated “epic” moments no matter how nonsensical. Overall, there are a few notable panels throughout that were pretty cool to look at, too.

To conclude, Tokyo Revengers was a story that lost its way. Originally, it followed the basic shounen formula to a T, but unfortunately became an edgy mess that banked on cheap thrills over a genuine, interesting plot. It had its good moments and is filled with cool artwork but that wasn’t enough to save it. Tokyo Revengers was an alright story until it wasn’t.