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feedingbrett's reviews
187 reviews
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 10 by Sui Ishida
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Up until now, my interest in the series remained consistent due to its interesting thematic exercises between humans and ghouls, using our protagonist as a conduit for that dual life. However, in Volume 10 we find Tokyo Ghoul finally entering a territory of over-familiarity, with attributes of the manga stereotype creeping in as its conspiracy behind Ken's predicament opens up the true purpose of his being, leaving me in a swirl of eye-rolls and trepidation that its commitment to such would be its own downfall. Oh, I can only hope that it doesn't drop the ball.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 9 by Sui Ishida
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A momentum reset from the heights reached in the last two volumes, here we find motivations recalibrated to inform us of the goals that would shape the story ahead. Again, that balance remains on both sides, watching things slowly unfold to not only build towards its eventual climax but to also fill in the burning questions that have been left lingering since its opening chapters. I remain eager but also cynical about how this would all dramatically unfold, hoping that its revelations won't crumble the narrative on itself.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 8 by Sui Ishida
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Fuelled by kinetic energy, we see the concluding passage of this raid against the ghouls, a showdown between key characters, a trace of siblings' past, and forging pathways for the upcoming future. There is excitement to be had in its momentum, with an initial glimpse of our protagonist's new potential. However, Sui Ishida - perhaps for the sake of exposition and perhaps an emotional payoff later - decides to fill further backstories of particular characters, reinforcing the duality of human/ghoul living, but producing very little insight compared to previous discourse.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 7 by Sui Ishida
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
While not evidently the climactic peak of this saga, it is, however, this arc's breakthrough, as we arrive at our protagonist's critical and defining point. Here, his beginnings are placed into contrast, a memory unlocked, surging desperation from those linked to him, with also a rencounter between unexpected ties. Impressed I was by the swallowing depths that Sui Ishida takes in its emotional crises, I was shown anguish defining morals and the brutal capabilities of an individual's soul. Will this limit push even further? Will its ideas sustain interest and curiosity as we further progress? Will its suspense and catharsis excel in what is presented here? Not sure, but I am sure keen to find out.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 6 by Sui Ishida
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Though the necessity of world-building and dispersed characterisations does hold itself back from generating dramatic interest, what seized my interest was the opportunity to follow both sides of the coin. Reviewing the investigators' progress of management in a separate Tokyo ward (from what was initially introduced) conveyed this expansiveness that would surely (hopefully) reap its rewards down the track. Volume 6 finds its story branching out to various avenues, again necessary to Sui Ishida's teased ambitions, that unfortunately provides progress in these individual pockets as small in comparison to what was shared in the first 3-4 volumes. One can only hope this investment will pay itself off.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 5 by Sui Ishida
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A minor climactic peak that finds our protagonist against a key threat, Volume 5 rides that wave from its preceding volume of world expansion and further solidify the concerns of the human population against the ghouls. Making matters further complicated are the multiple wards throughout Tokyo that divide sectors/feeding grounds that are simultaneously enduring their own individual issues. Perhaps since these chapters seem to be focused on their world-building over the personal growth of our protagonist, I did find myself more speculating rather than involved in the storytelling. But perhaps this is a necessary step to build towards something critical and cathartic ahead.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 4 by Sui Ishida
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
With the third volume as a climactic point for its initial arc, this volume marks the beginning traces of not only a story moving forward but also an introduction to the broader edges of Ghoul culture. With emerging threats and new allies forming, an added complexity to the protagonist's assimilation provides an engaging unpredictability, using him as the emotional conduit for our appetite to investigate and explore. It is almost brutal that his suffering becomes our gain.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 3 by Sui Ishida
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
While an action climax no doubt, Sui Ishida also used this as an opportunity to clarify his existential themes between contrasting societies, with sympathy served for both sides and our protagonist as the beacon of empathy that bridges them together. This was the first point in the series that marked a solidified interest in the characters and story, generating excitement in anticipation of what Ishida may do with the ideas that he is playing with.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 2 by Sui Ishida
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
As the story moves forward, the mechanics of the world begin to take shape and open up its potential narrative pathways. While remaining consistent with the initial volume's exploration of assimilation, Ken's relationship with himself and those that have since harboured him tread a personal journey that, again, fuels that curiosity that was previously established and eases our ability to identify. There is enough that is teased but never unpacking its entire point, with tension meticulously brewed and the readers squarely in line with the protagonist. While I have yet to feel a moment of emotional attachment for its characters, I do have an appreciation for them. If kept consistent and at this pace, I can envision my appreciation potentially growing into fondness.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 1 by Sui Ishida
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
With a typical premise, Tokyo Ghoul grabs readers' interest through its keen interest in the protagonist's struggling experience. A circumstance that tears him between two worlds, Sui Ishida injects engaging drama in what lesser works would lead to a dramatic drought. In its climactic peaks and eye-opening revelations, it whets the appetite of its targeted audience. However, even so, outside-of-target readers would also find identification with the lead character, thus holding their interest. With its points of curiosity, I was instilled with a desire to continue forward. I can only hope for greater things to come.