Astro Royale, the new Shonen Jump manga created by Tokyo Revengers’ mangaka Ken Wakui, seems to be distancing itself from its predecessor. In his previous work, Wakui studied how our experiences, regrets, and choices affect our present. Takemichi, the protagonist, was driven by his desire to create a better past that would positively impact his future. Furthermore, most characters in the manga are defined by their past, being unable to let go.
In just two chapters, Astro Royale has proven that it will not follow the same path as Tokyo Revengers, as its story seems to be focused on the future of its characters.
Hibaru, the protagonist, is a resilient and confident young man who does not dwell on what has already happened. His strong will is set on making the future he desires a reality, never losing sight of where he wants to go next.
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Astro Royale is the latest series from the author of Tokyo Revengers, and fortunately, it’s already looking to be a very different story.
The Will To Forge Your Future
Hibaru and his brothers do not let their past dictate their lives
One of the first details we learn about Hibaru is that he is the only biological son of Kongo, the first leader of the Yotsurugi clan. All of his siblings were adopted later in life by his father, who took them in and gave them a family. Despite this, Hibaru never focused on their origins, treating them just as if they were his biological siblings. Later in chapter #1, Hibaru refuses to let his father’s death stop him from living his life. His sadness does not control his actions.
Nonetheless, the best example of how focused Hibaru and his siblings are on their future comes from chapter #2 of the manga. After the meteor that gave them supernatural abilities destroys their town, they do not waste time lamenting what they lost. Shio, Kongo’s first adopted son, uses the tragedy as an opportunity to take over the family. Hibaru, who was severely injured during the incident, refused to stay seated, choosing to help the people of his town. Astro Royale’s characters know that the past cannot change, so they instead focus on what will come next.
The Inability To Let Go
The key difference between Tokyo Revengers and Astro Royale
At its core, Tokyo Revengers is a series about how the past is an integral part of who one is as a person. Most characters in the series have gone through harsh experiences, becoming stuck in the past and letting it dictate their lives. Mikey, for example, went down a dark path due to the tragic deaths of his brother and sister, only being able to heal thanks to Takemichi’s friendship. The manga purposefully centers around the experiences of its characters, as Wakui seemingly wanted to explore that part of the human experience.
In Astro Royale, the mangaka has turned over a new leaf, exploring themes of hope, dreams, and aspirations. The characters of his new manga will not be defined by their past, but rather by what occurs in the present and how it will shape their future. While it is almost impossible that the past will ever play a role in Hibaru’s story, it will likely not be what determines what happens next. Past events may serve more as a means for the readers to better understand certain characters.
As of chapter #2 of the manga, it appears that Astro Royale will not follow the same philosophy as Wakui’s previous manga. The will to construct a new future and make wishes come true will be at the center of Hibaru’s adventure. Astro Royale will allow followers of Wakui’s work to explore new themes and learn new lessons alongside a fresh cast of endearing characters.
