The Revenge of My Youth: Re Life with an Angelic Girl, vol. 1 | Review

The Revenge of My Youth: Re Life with an Angelic Girl, vol. 1
Manga by Boiru Iseebi, Original Story by Yuzi Keino, Character Design by Tantan
One Peace Books, Published 1/21/25
Age rating: Teen
TW: Suicide, Bullying

What would you do if you were given an opportunity to go back in time and do things you never got to do when you had the chance? Maybe right some wrongs? Get a second chance with the one that got away? Save a life?

This is the chance Niikama receives in The Revenge of My Youth. After 30-year-old Niikama, overworked from his job, disconnected from his family, and reminiscing about a girl who inspired him during his teenage years, suddenly collapses (possibly dies) and loses consciousness, he finds himself traveling back in time to his high school years. Back to being a teenager, but still retaining his adult mentality, Niikama strives to make sure he has a better life than he had before. He works to have a better relationship with his single mother and younger sister. He works to become a better student to make his mother proud. But most of all, Niikama wants to connect with Shijoin, the girl who never left his thoughts.

While reading the story, we learn the details of the devastating events that befell Niikama and especially Shijoin, whose familial pressures and bullying from her peers lead her to commit a desperate act, an act that haunts Niikama. Now with this second chance, and using his experiences from his time as an adult, Niikama wants to make things right for those important to him, as well as stay close to Shijoin.

It’s a heartfelt story that will hit you in the feels. All of us can relate to Niikama and Shijoin. To have that one person who gets and supports us, flaws and all, is a blessing. Both teens bond over their love of light novels and build an organic friendship that is obviously going to become something more. While Shijoin is very beautiful and is popular, she has her own struggles. She is bullied by jealous girls, and her family already has plans for her future without considering what Shijoin wants. Niikama, who grew up feeling like a failure and bears the weight of disappointing his family in his previous life, understands how she feels and wants to support her.

While the drama falls flat in some parts, The Revenge of My Youth is very compelling and very relatable. It’s the right slice-of-life story that will make the reader consider, “what if?” While the ending gave us a great cliffhanger to lead into volume two, The Revenge of My Youth has potential of being a very important story for all readers.

*Reviewer’s note: During these uncertain times, I just want our readers to know that you are loved, valued, and special. If you ever need to talk or need help, please contact the 988 Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386. You can also contact me on Bluesky (libraryladynyc) if you just want to talk. You are not alone.

Filed under: Graphic Novels, Manga, Reviews, Young Adult