Story: 10/10
The story in Tokyo Ghoul is truly outstanding. It seems simple, but the devil is really in the details here. Seriously, there are bits of foreshadowing from the very first chapters that I'm only noticing upon re-reading the manga, because without knowing what happens, these details seem mundane and unimportant. But everything has a meaning in Tokyo Ghoul. Ishida (the mangaka) plants a million seeds in the storyline, and you don't even notice until they grow into major reveals. There is symbolism in the imagery, the dialogue, everything. There are minor events that you forget about until they pop up again in Tokyo Ghoul:RE, the sequel series. The planning, pacing, and buildup of this story is just amazing. Ishida really planned this out beautifully. There are bits of dialogue that read like poetry, especially in the latter half, and I found myself breathless a few times. The best part is that there are so many hidden clues and possible outcomes to unanswered questions that there's always room for theories and analysis, which for me is a lot of fun. It makes the story very engaging, and when questions are answered it makes the reveals all the more satisfying.
Art: 10/10
The art seems mediocre at first glance -- not bad, but nothing special either. However, once the characters start to develop, it becomes apparent that Ishida is a master at nailing characters' emotions and development through gestures and facial expressions. Kaneki especially gets some devastating expressions, and even his body language changes as he develops. Pay attention to how black-haired pre-Aogiri Kaneki fights compared to white-haired post-Aogiri Kaneki -- the difference isn't just that he's stronger; his stance becomes wild, animalistic, desperate. He looks older in the most subtle of ways. It's subtle but explosive, just like the story. Ishida knows just what to show and what not to show for maximum impact. The art isn't perfect standing alone, but it's perfect for Tokyo Ghoul, if that makes any sense.
Character: 10/10
The characters in this manga are almost never what they seem, and I love that. Everyone is complex, and all the characters that count get development. They're very lovable, too, even those that do horrible things. The character development is really great, and it goes both ways -- some characters become better, others become worse, and many pull surprises that no one saw coming. Relationships between characters are all very interesting too. When characters care for each other, they care deeply, and Ishida uses that to tear your heart to pieces with later events.
Enjoyment: 10/10
Honestly, Tokyo Ghoul is depressing. It's absolutely miserable. If you want something happy, or at least a storywith a light at the end of the tunnel, then I don't recommend it.When Kaneki states in an early chapter that a story about his life would surely be a tragedy, he was right. But it's so, so addictive and exciting. The quality of Tokyo Ghoul has carried on into Tokyo Ghoul:RE, and with each weekly chapter of :RE, I find myself on the emotional roller coster again. It just doen't stop surprising me. So if you want to read something dark and gruesome that will give you something to think about, Tokyo Ghoul is my first recommendation.
