Tokyo Ghoul tells the story of main character Kaneki Ken, an shy young man who is unlucky thrusted into the world of ghouls after having been attack by a ghoul (his crush) and has one of her organs transplanted into him to save his life. Kaneki initially suffers trying to balance his human and ghoul lives as an one, but comes to respect and enjoy the company of his newly acquired ghoul companions. Though his new life ends up leading him to fight battles he never wanted to be apart of.

Tokyo Ghoul is an 2011 shonen manga, it is created by Sui Ishida, and is currently being licensed by Viz Media in North America. It is currently available in digital and physical format.

A panel showcasing an ghoul attack.

Having been released in 2011, Sui Ishida’s Tokyo Ghoul quickly rose in popularity both in Japan and overseas. Having spawned an anime with two seasons (and talk of a third), two OVAs, a couple of video games, and even an official stage play and replica restaurant, Tokyo Ghoul was quick to cement its place in mainstream status. With an official translation finally hitting North America, and an ongoing sequel manga already being released in Japan, Tokyo Ghoul will continue to impress for the next few years.

Strong secondary characters, both Human and Ghoul help thrive Tokyo Ghoul’s world.

THE GOOD: While obviously tragic, Tokyo Ghoul in it’s own way is quite a light-hearted story when you take away the ultra-violence which doesn’t occur as one would have often thought from the title. Both Human & Ghoul characters get some time to shine, which I found particularly appealing. Also, Ghouls aren’t portrayed completely as blood thirsty monsters who are violent psycho paths. In fact, many (including main character Touka) wishes they were Human so much that they live a double life as one, and even have Human companions that they would die to protect.

Amon Koutarou and the CGG were the more interesting human characters.

THE BAD: While more limited than you would expect, the ultra-violence can get crazy gory, and it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

Ken Kaneki: A Tragic Hero.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Tokyo Ghoul underneath it’s violence, is an genuine light-hearted story with great characters who each get great character development. The Ghouls aren’t always shown as being blood thirsty monsters, while the Humans aren’t always portrayed as being completely innocent either. The gore won’t be everyone’s taste, but for fans of hard hitting action titles, it should definitely be on their consideration lists.  Otaku Dome gives Tokyo Ghoul Vol. 1 an 87 out of 100.