Review by Ian Keogh
Half human/half ghoul is hardly the ideal way to go through life, but on the other hand for Ken Kaneki it’s got to be better than being all ghoul. The shocking ending to Tokyo Ghoul 4 here gives way to an opening chapter of relative calm, but that changes as Kaneki’s made an offer he can’t refuse at the end.
The starting calm is but a brief pause, as Sui Ishida keeps up a monumentally fast pace throughout the series, the plot designed to ensure the pages turn rapidly. Despite the rush of events to Kaneki’s life since his transformation, Ishida has built up an ever increasing supporting cast, and most are seen in this volume. While Kaneki has found a more humane solution to the ghoul’s compulsion to consume human flesh, others relish what they’ve become and that’s the thrust of this volume’s threat.
As is common in Japanese comics, flashback sequence are indicated by the panels being on black pages, and Ishida uses them to supply more information about individual cast members. This time we see Nishiki growing up under less than ideal circumstances with his older sister, and an explanation of why he’s so close to Kim.
Ishidia is a frustrating artist. He can be very good at depicting emotion, but that’s not universally applicable, and action scenes remain difficult to follow. Thankfully with the exception of a single chapter they’re relatively brief in this volume.
Given what’s happened to date, and factoring in what happens here, Tokyo Ghoul seems to be Kaneki’s growth arc. Because he’s committed to not accepting what he’s become and the consequent necessities, he’s creative about alternative solutions, and that provides surprises. The final two chapters have him again reminded that he’s actually working for an agency that tracks down ghouls, and results are expected. The CCG itself expects trouble in the district where Kaneki lives, and intend to increase their presence, which will complicate his life. Several people are introduced in the final chapter, and they’re fleshed out in Tokyo Ghoul 6. The final pages, however, introduce a terrifying new character.
This is an emotional roller coaster for a few chapters, but a fair bit of the remainder concerns process. It’s information that’s needed going forward, but slows this volume down.
