Tokyo Ghoul Review

Highlights

• Tokyo Ghoul is the story of Ken Kaneki losing his humanity when he transforms into a vampire-like creature called a ghoul
•  Tokyo Ghoul was released in 2014 by Studio Pierrot and aired on Toonami's Adult Swim
• Tokyo Ghoul received a second season in 2015 which was not well received 

Tokyo Ghoul Plot

Vampire-like creatures with blood powers struggle to find a homeland amongst their prey and their fellow beasts. Tokyo ghoul dives headfirst into a world where humans are not at the top of the food chain, they just don’t know it yet. 

We’re shown this world through their eyes. I watched Tokyo Ghoul now let's talk about it.

Tokyo Ghoul is set in an alternate reality where ghouls, individuals who can only survive by eating human flesh, live among normal humans in secret, hiding their true nature to evade pursuit from the authorities. 

A regular ghoul possesses enhanced speed, senses, and regenerative abilities. They are several times stronger than a normal human and have skin that is resistant to ordinary piercing weapons. 

Additionally, they possess a special predatory organ called a "Kagune" which they can manifest and use as a weapon during combat.

This show hits hard in so many areas. Toyko Ghoul is unapologetically brutal from intense fight scenes to the story which continually alienates the protagonist and raises the stakes week over week this is not a kind show.

After watching Tokyo Ghoul you may need a palate cleanser so check out One Punch Man for a much sillier action anime

Review of Tokyo Ghoul

This is the kind of show that trains you to be suspicious of anything altruistic or merciful when presented. 

A new character behaves nicely to the lead? They are probably luring him into an underground gladiatorial battle/ gourmet dining experience. 

Kind stranger helps the lead and asks for nothing in return? They are most likely planting a tracer on him to find his hideout and kill all his friends.

Continually the lead character begs people to stop before he has to act cruelly or violently OR begs them to kill him before he can commit said cruel acts.
This show also does a great job of making you want to watch the lead character struggle against his circumstances. 

Fantastic action but a melancholy atmosphere

You would think that watching someone’s life implode piece by piece would be cringeworthy however they manage the sad factor very well and keep you wanting more each and every episode. 

This is a series that is great to binge as you just want more and more after every episode.

You should care about this series if you like anime because it has everything that you’re looking for. Smooth animation, well done human struggles punctuated by supernatural fighting and circumstances. 

This thing is just a juicy anime steak waiting for you to enjoy. Saver it and enjoy the ride. If you are new to anime this series is maybe not the best entry point for you. 

The mentioned mature/horror-themed content might scare you off of the genre however if you can keep an open mind and give the series a chance I think that this will show you that anime is more than cartoons and can be a true art form tackling good questions.

Should you watch Tokyo Ghoul?

For all the reasons listed above the show is of great value. I would recommend finding it via a streaming service and giving it a try. I can almost guarantee you that you will not be disappointed.