Tokyo Revengers has built a strong fanbase through its gripping story, emotional moments, and intense gang conflicts. As a modern take on the delinquent genre, it became a standout hit in both manga and anime. However, the series’ ending has left many readers frustrated, creating a cloud of uncertainty over the anime’s future. Fans are now questioning whether the adaptation will follow the same divisive or attempt to fix its flaws.
With the second season, Christmas Showdown, in April 2023, the anime still has a long way to go before reaching the final arcs. However, the backlash from the manga’s ending could impact future viewership. If the anime faithfully adapts the controversial finale, it risks alienating a significant portion of its audience. On the other hand, the adaptation has an opportunity to correct the manga’s mistakes and give fans the satisfying closure they crave.
Fans React Strongly to the Manga’s Rushed
When Ken Wakui’s Tokyo Revengers manga wrapped up in November 2022, it failed to meet expectations. The biggest issue was the introduction of a crucial plot twist in the penultimate chapters, leaving little room for development. The rushed storytelling and lack of emotional weight made the final arc feel forced and unsatisfying. For a series that thrived on well-paced drama, this abrupt shift was a major letdown.
Rather than delivering a powerful and well-earned finale, the manga on a strangely happy note that many felt was undeserved. Fans expected a dramatic and emotional payoff for the characters’ journeys, but instead, they were left with an ending that felt disconnected from the series’ original tone. While some defended the final chapters, the reception has been overwhelmingly negative.
The Tokyo Revengers anime now faces a dilemma—should it faithfully adapt the manga’s ending or take creative liberties to fix its flaws? If the adaptation follows the source material too closely, it could suffer the same backlash. Many viewers who already disliked the ending might decide to abandon the anime altogether, leading to a decline in ratings.
There is a real opportunity for the anime’s production team to rework the final arc and address its weaknesses. The biggest complaint was the rushed time-travel element, which lacked depth and impact. By expanding on this aspect and adding more emotional weight, the anime could provide a more compelling resolution. Slowing down the pacing and giving characters proper development would help make the story’s more satisfying.
If the anime manages to fix the manga’s mistakes, it could win back fans who were disheartened by the ending. However, if it chooses to stick to the original storyline without improvements, the franchise could lose a significant portion of its audience. The next steps for the Tokyo Revengers anime will determine whether it continues to thrive or fades away in disappointment.
