However, there are several aspects of the show that could be modified. One of my main issues with Tokyo Ghoul is that most of the supporting characters are underdeveloped. After around episode four or five, suddenly we are hit with a mass of side characters, who's pasts or motives are unknown. A redeeming feature regarding the characters in Tokyo Ghoul is that each character is individualised, and has their own specific characteristics. The character development is also quite gradual throughout the show (in my own opinion), as Kaneki continues to deny his ghoul urges for majority of the season. I can understand that he was attempting to adapt to the whole 'ghoul lifestyle' and everything, but it was very infuriating for me to watch him deny the inevitable. Although, near the end of the season, It was great to watch Kaneki finnally accept himself, and he ended up being totally badass in the last episode. As for the second main protagonist Touka, I believe her personality is honestly very annoying as she often drags in other characters into her own problems. She is very headstrong, which is a good trait, but this also leads several of the other characters into conflicts due to her thirst for revenge. Hide, who plays Kaneki's best friend is a complete mystery. We know nearly nothing about him, except for the fact that he and Kaneki have been best friends since childhood. Also throughout the show we are given hints that Hide knows of Kaneki's status as a ghoul, but we are not given exact details about this. The only other notable characters are Jason and Rize. Jason is depicted as being quite psychotic (for obvious reasons), but I felt that his lack of presence throughout the middle of the show dampened his effectiveness as a proper villain.
The art for Tokyo Ghoul is fine, nothing special but nothing particularly lacking. As the show progresses, however, it becomes apparent that Tokyo Ghoul needs a more atmospheric and interesting style to suit its themes. The animation can be a bit choppy and falters at some critical moments. To contradict this though, Studio Pierrot does some very well executed scenes, especially towards the end of the season (especially during Kaneki's hallucinations and internal conflicts with him and Rize). I especially liked how the animation was done for each ghoul's kagune, as each one was very unique and had their own special factors.
The music and sound was very good for the anime. The sounds enhanced critical scenes, and really gave more depth to the story. The opening song really complimented the art in the OP, and I thought it was very fitting for the anime. The voice acting was very solid for the sub version, (I typically don't watch the dub version, so I wouldn't know how that was)and there was a very good cast for it.
Tokyo Ghoul is more about the action than a deeper meaning. There are a couple of twists, but nothing that is particularly groundbreaking. Overall, the watching experience was good. The anime and art were great, as well as the plot, although the characters were really what made and broke the anime in several aspects. However, when overlooked, the anime itself is quite good. I found it interesting watching Kaneki struggle to develop and change in order to protect the ones close to him, and I am looking forward to watching the development in the second season.
