Tokyo Ghoul: A Reflection

Warning: The following article contains spoilers and graphic images of the series.

I sat down today to catch up on a few series I have been wanting to watch. One of them being the much anticipated horror series, Tokyo Ghoul. I for one love horror anime because not only is it a refresher from the more colorful and silly anime, but they are created for the mature audiences with rock hard stomach’s. Series such as Hellsing, Elfen Lied andAyakashi keep us on the edge of our seats and constantly having us point and scream “Oh my God!” at the screen.Tokyo Ghoul, with just it’s first two episodes, did just that to me.I hadn’t heard of the series until I happened to come upon it while browsing upcoming anime titles for a previous article. All I saw were the words “Tokyo Ghoul Coming This July” followed by this:

Ok. You have my attention.

So I thought, “Yes! I need to find out more about this!” As it turns out, the anime would be an adaptation of an ongoing manga series of the same name. I decided to read the first volume or so and I have to admit, I wasn’t really into it. The art style reminded me more of a manga aimed towards a younger crowd. I had thought, “Hmm, if this is a series about eating people, why is it so cartoonish?”

Case in point.

So, I gave up on it; focusing my otaku needs on other series. That is, until the PV came out.

That was back in April and while I didn’t continue to read the manga, I was, however, looking forward to the anime. The first thing that came to mind was the animation. How could this art that I had thought silly and juvenile in manga form, attract me so much now that it was animated? I mean, it’s downright beautiful; particularly with the brightly colored reds and purples placed in front of a dark, dimly lit city. I felt like your typical anime watcher that is only interested in a series just because of the anime. And I am not a fan of that. I know of so many people who refuse to read an anime’s original manga because it’s either too long or they don’t like reading. I feel that if one can binge watch at least half a series, they should be able to make time to read an appreciate the original work to an extent. It’s one thing to give it a shot and not like it than it is to not even try at all. Of course, that is just my opinion and there are many out there who disagree with me.

When the second PV came out not only did I know I needed to watch this, but I knew I just HAD to continue reading the manga. How could I not? With under 100 chapters, I can definitely catch up in the time it takes for another episode to come out. The second trailer flashes numerous characters and elements I had either not yet encountered or knew too little of. My biggest yearning was to find out more about main character Ken Kaneki and his incredibly unique look. I had so many questions about his damn face.

Turns out it’s a mask.

Be sure to check back for my review on the series along with some brutal gifs and images!