Tokyo Revengers, back and forth in time
When you're about to die, have you ever dreamt of being able to go back in time and change the course of things? Well, let's hope it hasn't happened to you yet... but in any case Takemichi Hanagaki has been there and done that in the manga Tokyo Revengers, by author Ken Wakui and published between 2017 and 2022. Let's explore the hows and whys in this wild adventure set in Tokyo's organised crime world.
How to go back in time
Takemichi is what is commonly called a "freeter" in Japan. In other words, a young adult - he's 26 at the start of the story - who isn't yet earning a full-time living. His best days are clearly behind him, especially his high school years when he even had a girlfriend, Hinata Tachibana. But that's all in the past...
One day, he learns that his ex-girlfriend, Hinata, has been killed in a brawl involving the Tokyo Manji gang. And even his little brother, Naoto, has lost his life. It's enough to make him even more depressed.
Then, the next day, while waiting for the underground, Takemichi is pushed off the platform by someone. He falls in front of the oncoming train... and just before the fatal impact, he finds himself 12 years back in time.
Changing the past to save the present
Back when he was 14, the hero, with Naoto's help, sets off on a mission to change history, and above all to prevent Hinata, his ex-girlfriend, from dying. To do this, he joins the Tokyo Menji Gang, led by Mikey, whose real name is Menjiro Sano. In reality, Mikey is not a criminal villain; he remains faithful to certain ideals and beliefs. His aim is to run a not-very-legal but respectful organisation.
Unfortunately, the members of the Menji Tokyo Gang are often corrupt, while rival gangs wreak havoc. Fights and murders ensue, with innocent victims as bystanders. Takemichi will have to help Mikey achieve his goal to prevent Hinata's murder.
Easier said than done. After taking this or that action, he regularly returns to the present to find that the situation has only got worse.
Manga, anime and live-action film
Published in 31 tankobon volumes after its publication in Weekly Shonen Magazine, Tokyo Revengers manga has also been the subject of an animated series. The manga has sold over 80 million copies, making it a huge success.
Here is a list of the Tokyo Revengers manga volumes published so far:
Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of Takemichi Hanagaki with each volume of Tokyo Revengers. Follow his journey through time to save his loved ones and prevent the rise of the dangerous Tokyo Manji gang. Each volume is packed with epic battle scenes, heartfelt friendships and plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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