English Dub Review: Tokyo Revengers: “Resolve”

Overview: Tokyo Revengers returns with Takemichi’s (AJ Beckles) resolution in stopping at nothing to save Hinata (Lizzie Freeman) no matter what challenges he faces.  

Our Take: The steady rate that Revengers have been building Hanagaki and his fortitude makes his developing strength and determination positively awe-inspiring but, just as important, damn deserving. It’s especially impressive when taken in consideration it manages to nail this within just two episodes. Thankfully, it never tonally strays into outlandish territory. Takemichi doesn’t suddenly transform into a total slick “Be like water” badass during his scrap. Even if I guiltily would have loved to see that. It remains grounded, making his fight (if you can even call it that) with Masataka that much more empowering. 

Before poor Takemichi gets tenderized into sirloin though, the head honchos of the Tokyo Manji Gang finally step onto the scene. Ken Ryuguji, or Draken, the second in command has an overwhelming presence making him intimidating whenever he is on screen. At the top lies Manjiro Sano, or Mikey. Overall, he is the classic eccentric and ironically pleasant leader. He too has a dominance to him but even more brutal so there is something to set him apart from others in a similar flock. Also notable is how the show is not neglecting the relationship amongst Hanagaki and his group of friends. Another layer of tension that blanketed Takemichi’s standoff with Masataka was whether Akkun would go through with stabbing the brute for his Hanagaki’s sake. It’s moments like these that continue to foster their commitment to one another and further cement how meaningful their relationship is amongst each other. 

Takemichi is put to the test once more when he must stand up to Draken for Hinata’s sake. It is incredibly compelling and effective, presenting an even more challenging trial than before, making this the perfect momentous culmination as it truly solidifies his resolve. As the sun sets and the episode winds down, Mikey’s true colors are shown as to his ideals and why he likes Takemichi. In regards to Hanagaki, there’s the personal touch of him paralleling Mikey’s brother pinning an emotional underlining. One that is expanded upon as he wants to clear the name of all delinquents alike and show they can be better than people’s public perceptions. These are all good signs to there being more to him but hope there’s more complexity beyond the thug life and the common idealistic nature of it, with the same going for Ken with his similar recognition of Takemichi for his chivalrous disposition. It also seems the other part of the equation of Hinata’s future death rears its ugly head in Kisaki. Again, this seems to indicate more detailed cultivation to come as it looks to be the start of the antagonist’s development. It’s a promising sign for things to come that the show is getting out ahead of it early as he looks as if he is going to be built up properly. 

Driven by a powerful main character, equally strong chemistry with the supporting crew and new intriguing additions to the cast, Tokyo Revengers continues to grow as a series and is beginning to show it’s defining strengths and flex its muscles.