Draken, one of the most beloved characters in Tokyo Revengers, meets his tragic end in Episode 22 of Season 2 (Christmas Showdown Arc), titled “One for all.” This pivotal episode showcases the devastating consequences of the conflict between the Tokyo Manji Gang (Toman) and the Black Dragon gang, forever changing the course of the story.
The Shockwave of Draken’s Death
Draken’s death isn’t just a fleeting moment of sadness; it’s a narrative earthquake that reverberates throughout the entire series. His unwavering loyalty, his formidable fighting skills, and his crucial role as the heart of Toman made him a central figure. Losing him was a profound blow to the characters and a turning point in the story’s trajectory. The Christmas Showdown Arc itself becomes synonymous with this loss, marking a significant shift in tone and stakes.
The Circumstances Surrounding the Tragedy
The circumstances surrounding Draken’s death are crucial to understanding its impact. During the fierce battle between Toman and the Black Dragons, Draken selflessly puts himself in harm’s way to protect Takemichi and Inupi from a sneak attack by members of the 10th Generation Black Dragons. He takes multiple stabs, ultimately succumbing to his injuries despite Takemichi’s desperate attempts to save him. This act of sacrifice further solidifies Draken’s image as a true hero and amplifies the tragedy of his passing.
The Emotional Fallout and its Impact on Other Characters
The emotional fallout from Draken’s death is devastating. Takemichi, already burdened by the responsibility of changing the future, is particularly affected. Mikey, who viewed Draken as his closest confidant and anchor, spirals into a darker state of mind. His grief and anger contribute to the internal conflicts within Toman and the eventual disbandment of the gang. Even characters like Chifuyu and Mitsuya are deeply affected, struggling to cope with the loss of a respected friend and comrade. Draken’s death essentially accelerates the fragmentation of Toman and fuels the escalating conflict that follows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Draken’s Death
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Draken’s death in Tokyo Revengers, providing deeper insights into the event and its ramifications:
Q1: Is Draken’s death permanent in the Tokyo Revengers timeline?
Yes, Draken’s death in Episode 22 of Season 2 is initially presented as permanent. While Takemichi does travel back in time, his attempts to prevent Draken’s death are ultimately unsuccessful in that timeline. However, the possibility of altering future timelines always exists within the narrative framework of Tokyo Revengers itself, leading to speculation among fans. This question acknowledges that the manga storyline, from which the anime is adapted, takes many twists and turns, and Draken does eventually show up again, but with key differences in the circumstances of the events.
Q2: What was the significance of Draken’s role in Toman?
Draken served as the Vice-President of Toman, acting as Mikey’s right-hand man and the practical, grounded force that kept the gang in check. He provided crucial leadership, ensured discipline, and often mediated conflicts between members. His presence was a stabilizing influence, and his absence created a power vacuum that contributed to Toman’s downfall.
Q3: How did Draken’s death affect Mikey’s character arc?
Draken’s death was a catastrophic event for Mikey. He relied heavily on Draken for emotional support and guidance. Losing him pushed Mikey further down a path of darkness, exacerbating his “Dark Impulses” and leading him to make increasingly questionable decisions that ultimately fractured Toman.
Q4: Did Takemichi try to save Draken? What did he do?
Takemichi desperately tried to save Draken. He fought alongside him against the Black Dragons, attempted to shield him from attacks, and even performed CPR in a frantic effort to revive him. Despite his efforts, he was ultimately unable to prevent Draken’s death, leading to immense guilt and a renewed determination to change the future.
Q5: Who was responsible for Draken’s death? Was it a specific person?
While numerous members of the 10th Generation Black Dragons participated in the attack, the direct responsibility for Draken’s death lies with one of the members who landed the killing blows. Although no single individual is exclusively named, the collective assault orchestrated by the Black Dragons under the leadership of Taiju Shiba is the cause of Draken’s demise.
Q6: Was Draken aware of Takemichi’s time-leaping ability?
No, Draken was not explicitly aware of Takemichi’s time-leaping ability. Takemichi keeps this information closely guarded, revealing it only to a select few, like Naoto Tachibana. Draken likely perceived Takemichi’s actions as acts of bravery and determination, unaware of the true extent of his knowledge of future events.
Q7: What were Draken’s last words?
According to what Takemichi and Inupi would later recall, Draken’s last words were: “Don’t worry about me. Protect everyone.” This epitomizes his selflessness and unwavering commitment to his friends, even in his final moments.
Q8: How did the other Toman members react to Draken’s death?
The other Toman members were devastated by Draken’s death. They mourned his loss deeply, and his absence left a palpable void within the gang. The emotional impact varied among individuals, with some seeking revenge, others struggling with grief, and others questioning their loyalty to Toman. Ultimately, the collective grief and internal conflicts contributed to the gang’s instability.
Q9: Was Draken’s death necessary for the overall plot of Tokyo Revengers?
While Draken’s death was undeniably tragic, it served a crucial narrative purpose. It acted as a catalyst for significant character development, particularly for Mikey and Takemichi. It raised the stakes of the conflict, highlighted the consequences of violence, and ultimately forced the characters to confront their own weaknesses and motivations. While viewers may not have wanted it, it was a pivotal moment that shaped the direction of the story.
Q10: How popular was Draken among fans of Tokyo Revengers?
Draken was immensely popular among fans of Tokyo Revengers. His strong moral compass, his unwavering loyalty, his imposing presence, and his cool demeanor made him a fan favorite. His death was met with widespread sadness and outrage within the Tokyo Revengers community.
Q11: What symbolic meaning does Draken’s dragon tattoo hold?
Draken’s dragon tattoo is symbolic of his strength, power, and protective nature. In Japanese mythology, dragons are often associated with wisdom, courage, and good fortune. The tattoo reflects Draken’s role as a guardian figure within Toman and his ability to inspire loyalty and respect among his peers.
Q12: Is it possible that Draken could be revived or return in a future timeline?
While Draken’s death is a significant plot point, the series is known for its time-travel mechanics and unpredictable twists. Given the nature of the narrative, the possibility of Draken’s return in a future timeline, perhaps through a different set of events or a variation in Takemichi’s actions, cannot be entirely ruled out. Such a return, however, would likely come with its own set of complexities and consequences. This theory gained even more traction as the manga progressed, where future time-leaps revealed some alternative outcomes.