Tokyo Ghoul

It feels kind of weird to review a manga that I've already read. Especially since there is a lot more smaller details that you pick up. This review contains some spoilers till vol. 6. Since there is a shift in story after the Aogiri arc (which ends in volume 8). I will try to remain somewhat spoiler free but be warned.

Ghouls are creatures that look like human, Breathe like humans, Reproduce like ones but are not humans. They have overall physical superiority factor on top of having crazy abilities depending on what they are. However the reason they are exterminated in this society is because they need to eat human meat to survive. Our Protagonist, Kaneki gets wooed by Rize, a ghoul pretending to be human. However before he can get eaten, steel beams fall on her and she dies. Now her organs have been transplanted into Kaneki and Kaneki has become a half ghoul half human.

Kaneki has to get used to what it means to be a ghoul. Since Ghouls can't eat normal food they all taste like hot garbage. He realizes that he is gaining a massive hunger for Human meat, a rabbit hole he doesn't want to fall into. Throughout the series we see Kaneki get stronger by utilizing his Ghoul powers as well as he's demeanor changing due to his Ghoul's desires. He meets new friends, allies and realizing that his organ transplant may not have been a coincidence after all.

I really like this manga. The major aspect of the series that I like is the Dichotomy between Ghouls and the CCG. The CCG are basically an Anti-Ghoul, but they aren't monsters or typical villains. If anything they are the typical good guys. The Ghouls are the ones eating humans, They are trying to do anything to stop him. The person that shows this best is Amon who is Kaneki of the Doves (Specific Name for the Ghoul Exterminators). He represents The good of the Doves. He is what is humanizing the Doves whiles Kaneki is humanizing the Ghouls. They have a rivalry throughout the series. With Amon questioning the disposition of the Ghouls due to him. They have such a good relationship I really hope to see more of something like that in the sequel.

The action scenes of the series is fantastic, bloody, violent every 14 year olds dream. Edgy as hell but in an enjoyable way. The art just strengthens the OMPF moments and does such a good job of it. I've seen people mention that the action scenes are a little hard to follow. I wouldn't really say so. At least not on the level I would say "a little difficult".

The biggest bad of the series relatively is Arima. Which is the No. 1 Dove in the entire CCG. Top dog as it were. And Holy shit does it show. There is just chapters of the author just drawing this guy's dick and swinging it around. When this guy shows up The Ghouls run. That's how fucking intense it is.

The story however and how its revealed to me is the reason why you should read Tokyo Ghoul. It is one of a kind not because it has an original concept, but rather because it utilizes so well. Kaneki's transformation to a ghoul, his choice to what to do next, His mental capacity declining all these things are such a joy to watch. You feel his pain every chapter and its exhausting as it is incredible.

I'm a bit upset on some of the fights and some of the side characters ended up being sidelined. The series obviously also ends with a bunch of questions unanswered with a full intention to making a sequel, But its a relatively small thing considering the series as a whole. Kaneki becoming the Monster he was destined to become is what makes this series.

Tokyo ghoul is fantastic. I've noticed so many little details re reading the manga but even if you didn't you'd still enjoy the hell out of this manga. Addicting, crazy and full of twists and turns to keep you engaged. 8/10 Tokyo Ghoul is one of a kind.