Now to the actual review itself:
Before I see comment's "This is so **** the manga is the best, **** the anime", how about you actually read everything I have to say before you spread your butthurt around the world.
The first thing I'll say is that I have not read much of the manga (but am planning to) but whether I have or I haven't definitely wont and cannot change the rating of the anime. For this anime I thoroughly enjoyed in every possible way and to this day "Tokyo Ghoul Root A" is still my 4th most favourite anime. Just because it is different from the manga (or because everyone seems to go full rage mode when an anime differs from the manga), doesn't mean it can't be an awesome show to love. I decided to start my first review on this show because of all the hate towards the anime adaption (and maybe because my room mate rates it 1/10). But no, I will not get butthurt and develop a severe case of anime butthurt disease syndrome, but instead, will calmly tell you why I really enjoy this anime and why it deserves a 10/10.
Story 10/10:
Since I'm assuming you're reading this because you've seen the first season, it shouldn't be a problem putting season 1 spoilers here. The story on Root A leaves off from when Kaneki was tortured by Jason, Kaneki breaks free and Kaneki's personality greatly changes. The story of Root A followed this very well, becoming more in depth about the differences between humans and ghouls and making me very emotionally attached to this series. To be brief, the story of Root A is a very touching story about the relationship between Ghouls and Humans which can often invoke the question "What is the difference between a Ghoul and a Human?" and through every little battle and every little dialogue, it helps the viewer define and understand the differences between the two on a physical, mental and even emotional level. As a fan of deep psychological anime, the story of Root A really hit me hard in many ways and I always had many different thoughts about both Humans and Ghouls and who is really the bad guy. I'll leave it at that to prevent spoilers.
Art 9/10:
The art sticks to the typical style of anime and is very appealing to the eye with the animation being very smooth and I had absolutely no problems with the art. There was no annoying 3D aspect or weird shapes that just... made no sense, It was just a really good choice of art style and animation that everyone will enjoy without having any problems about.
Sound 10/10:
I must say the sound in this show has one of my best soundtrack's in any show I've ever seen. Epic music during the fight which gets your attention but still has a tint of sadness which makes you remember more then just the fight. Sad music during the right times and I don't think there was many, if any happy songs, since the show certainly does not suit any happy or positive music whatsoever. Not just the music suited the events, but the music was composed perfectly just like in the original series. I have the entire OST downloaded and I still listen to it today because of how brilliant the music is. Ill also briefly mention the voice actors fit the characters perfectly, with no one sounding out of place, and the sound effects were also a perfect match. Ill never forget the sound of a Quinque and a Kagune smashing together.
Character 10/10:
This is probably what makes me love the show the most, second to the story. Root A goes much more in depth with character development then in the original series. Even though you aren't Kaneki, you can still feel what he is feeling and you can still emotionally relate to these characters even though you pretty much have almost nothing to do with them. Every character in Root A is very memorable and are all very different. They also progress very differently within the show as well. Even if they spend most of the show on the sidelines you still feel very attached to these characters, whether its a ghoul or a human character. You feel like both sides are good, both sides are bad, because even if the character at first is portrayed to be the enemy, as you watch more of them, you start to feel more connected to the character and start to barrack for the character.
Enjoyment 10/10:
With all the story, art, sound and character stuff aside, I generally extremely enjoyed Tokyo Ghoul Root A and I watched the whole thing in one night at 2AM in the morning, not going to bed until I finished it because I simply just couldn't turn it off and go to sleep I was that attached to it. There definitely aren't many shows out there that have made me do the same thing.
Just to end this, even If you really liked the manga and you are disappointed that the anime isn't the same, just like the anime for what it is. Sure it might be a different show to what you read, but it is still, one hell of an amazing show. So just put down the book, and forget about the manga while you let this show borrow 4 hours of your time and just... Enjoy it.
