Boiru Iseebi’s manga adaptation of Yūji Keino’s light novel series, The Revenge of My Youth: Re Life with an Angelic Girl, has reached its conclusion, marking the end of a unique take on the “second chance” trope. The final chapter was published in the April issue of Kadokawa’s Monthly Comp Ace magazine on March 26, bringing Shin’ichiro Niihama’s journey to a close.
A Corporate Slave’s Second Shot at Life
The Revenge of My Youth centers around Shin’ichiro Niihama, a salaryman in his thirties trapped in a dead-end job, working for a company devoid of morals and under a boss who despises him. His life is a monotonous cycle of corporate abuse, leaving him disillusioned and filled with regret. One day, Shin’ichiro collapses and unexpectedly wakes up as his high school self, retaining all the memories and experiences of his adult life.
This time-slip grants him a precious opportunity to rewrite his past, correct his mistakes, and ultimately find redemption. Reunited with his mother, who had passed away in his previous timeline, Shin’ichiro vows to make the most of his second chance. He sets two primary goals for himself: to pursue the college education he missed out on before, paving the way for a better career, and to prevent the tragic fate of Haruka Shijoin, the girl he secretly admired in high school.
Haruka, a kind and angelic girl, faced a dark future in Shin’ichiro’s original timeline, succumbing to bullying, harassment, and ultimately taking her own life at the young age of 25. Armed with the knowledge of her impending tragedy, Shin’ichiro dedicates himself to protecting Haruka and ensuring she avoids the pitfalls that led to her demise.
More Than Just Revenge: Redemption and Second Chances
While the title suggests a tale of vengeance, The Revenge of My Youth delves into themes of redemption, second chances, and the importance of human connection. Shin’ichiro’s journey is not about seeking revenge on those who wronged him, but rather about using his adult knowledge and perspective to make better choices and create a brighter future for himself and those around him.
As Shin’ichiro navigates high school life once again, he finds himself in familiar scenarios, but this time, he approaches them with a newfound maturity and understanding. He confronts bullies, stands up for himself, and actively participates in school activities, quickly transforming from a timid introvert to a confident and dependable individual.
His relationship with Haruka blossoms as he supports her, offers her guidance, and helps her overcome the challenges she faces. Shin’ichiro’s genuine care and concern for Haruka’s well-being allow her to open up and confide in him, creating a strong bond between them.
A Critical Look: Themes and Art Style
The Revenge of My Youth explores the stark contrast between the idealistic world of high school and the harsh realities of corporate life. Shin’ichiro’s experiences as a salaryman provide him with a unique perspective, allowing him to see through the superficiality and navigate the social dynamics of high school with ease.
The manga also touches upon themes of social commentary, highlighting the exploitative nature of some workplaces and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams. Shin’ichiro’s determination to avoid the same mistakes he made in his previous life serves as a reminder to readers to make conscious choices and strive for a fulfilling life.
While the overall story is compelling, some critics have noted that the art style in the manga adaptation is fairly generic. Some feel that the male characters appear bland, while the female characters, particularly Haruka, are drawn with more detail and expressiveness. The character designs differ from Tantan’s original illustrations for the light novel.
A Growing Trend: “Life Do-Over” Stories
The Revenge of My Youth taps into a popular trend in light novels and manga: the “life do-over” story. This genre often involves characters who are granted a second chance at life through time travel, reincarnation, or other fantastical means. These stories explore themes of regret, redemption, and the desire to make different choices.
Other examples of “life do-over” stories include ReLIFE and Haibara’s Teenage New Game+. While these stories share similar premises, The Revenge of My Youth stands out with its focus on preventing a specific tragedy and its relatable portrayal of a corporate slave seeking a better life.
Final Volume and Availability
The fourth and final compiled book volume of The Revenge of My Youth is scheduled to be published on May 23. One Peace Books publishes the manga in English, with the first volume released on January 21.
A Heartfelt Conclusion
The Revenge of My Youth offers a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of second chances, redemption, and the importance of human connection. While the manga adaptation has come to an end, the story’s themes and messages will continue to resonate with readers. Shin’ichiro’s journey serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to make a change and strive for a better future.
