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This will be a review of Tokyo Ghoul Season 1. The anime. Not the manga.

Do I believe Tokyo Ghoul is worthy of your time?

Unequivocally, yes I do.

Story - This is a story that has been told in many anime before. I would, in fact, say it is THE story in action anime. Weak main character is 'special' in some way, and through training and conditioning becomes the hero that saves the town/country/universe. Tokyo Ghoul tells this story, but does it in such a way that it feels fresh. Almost like a deconstruction of the genre. The story unfolds with surprising (to me ... anyway) care and nuance. This is a world that feels like it is teetering on the brink of disaster, and one wrong move will tip the scales. I particularly liked the villains. A hero is only as strong as his opposition, and here the opposition is worthy.

Art - The battles are spread throughout the series and are the flashiest element. They do not disappoint. Character design is spot-on as well, with each character's look complementing their personality and role in the story.

Sound - Music is perhaps my least favorite aspect, but its not terrible by any means. It just doesn't stand out the way some other series musical score does. I will mention the OP and ED's are excellent. Voice acting is quite good.

Character - Any one of them taken individually isn't going to blow your mind, but the way they are handled. The way the fight scenes are properly motivated by character needs and desires. The character arcs. The way the antagonists mirror and are the opposite of the heroes. The relationships that develop over time. The author of this story clearly took tremendous care with crafting his characters, and it shows.

Enjoyment - This, at times, wasn't an easy show to watch: it is incredibly violent and gory. Especially the final arc. But it was never less than absorbing and entertaining. This show will make you realize why THIS story is such a cornerstone of action anime. If you go into it like I did - knowing nothing about it, I find it hard to imagine you will disappointed.

10/10