The sequel to the acclaimed 2014 seinen manga Tokyo Ghoul has finally made it’s way to America. Taking place years after the final chapter of Tokyo Ghoul; Tokyo Ghoul:re focuses on Haise Sasaki, a CCG investigator who’s slowly rising up in the ranks, however unique to the CCG, Haise is a one-eyed half-ghoul/half-human hybrid who is leading the experimental team of fellow half-ghouls. As Haise continues his work as a ghoul investigator, he uncovers mysterious of his past as well as that of Ken Kaneki.

Tokyo Ghoul is a 2014 seinen manga, it is written and illustrated by Sui Ishida, and licensed by Viz Media. The original manga as well as it’s sequel are currently available in print and digital in English.

Editor’s Note: A review copy of Tokyo Ghoul: Re Volume 1 was provided by Viz Media.

Ishida’s unique use of water coloring returns in Tokyo Ghoul: Re.

Continue about three or so years from the events of Tokyo Ghoul, Tokyo Ghoul: Re introduces a near entirely new cast of characters with half-ghoul/half-human Haise Sasaki. The leader of the experimental Quinx Squad; a team of young, inexperienced fellow half-ghoul investigators,  Haise begins to learn some dark secrets of the CCG as well as uncovering his past which seems to have a connection to Ken Kaneki, effecting a number of his relationships within his workplace.

Tokyo Ghoul:Re’s new setting leads to a fresh story thread with loads of potential.

THE GOOD: Perhaps one of the biggest complaints of the original Tokyo Ghoul was the inconsistent focus between the ghouls and CCG investigators, however Ishida fixed this issue in :Re the only way he knew how; by giving us both worlds without much conflict between the two. Having ghouls work as investigators brings about a new perspective of both sides, as Haise begins to struggle with his job as an investigator, while living as a ghoul within a human world. The Quinx are mostly a group of delinquents who rarely take Haise seriously due to his laid back attitude, with mostly Mutsuki and Saiko showing Haise respect, and Urie questioning Haise’s orders at any given moment.

Haise rarely gets respect from his squad as he himself learns what it takes to be a leader.

THE BAD: The series is slow to addressing unanswered questions from the first manga, but the build is well written and keeps you engaged once those story threads begin to pick up again.

Staple characters from Tokyo Ghoul return in :Re.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Though the new setting and characters take some getting used to, Tokyo Ghoul: Re is classic Ishida. Ishida’s obsession with parallels to continue previous story threads works a unique magic in the sequel as viewers begins to learn of Ken Kaneki’s fate, while getting attached to new lead Haise Sasaki and the Quinx Squad. Otaku Dome gives Tokyo Ghoul: Re Volume 1 an 86 out of 100.