[Criticism] Tokyo Ghoul Novel: two volumes that plunge us back into the series!

Today, we come back with a new manga review, but this time, we turn to a light novel. It is mainly aimed at readers who already have a good knowledge of the original story. Discover what we thought of the first two volumes of Tokyo Ghoul Novel published by Glénat !

Tokyo Ghoul Novel

Original title: 東京喰種-トーキョーグール- Tokyo Ghoul

Alternative title: Tokyo Ghoul Novel

Mangakas: Ishida Sui (illustrator) & Towada Shin (screenwriter)

Genre: everyday – fantasy – short stories

Type: Light novel

French publisher: Glénat

Japanese publisher: Shueisha

Release date: July 5, 2017 & November 22, 2017

Number of volumes published: 2 (France) & 4 (Japan)

Status: Completed

Price : 6.90€

Synopsis

Let's go back to the time when ghouls and humans crossed paths at the "Antique" café… A mysterious individual prowls around the headquarters of the ghouls. Who is he? How will he cross paths with Hide, Shu, Ken or Hinami?

Novels derived from series usually feature parallel stories, spin-offs that are not essential to reading the main series. But, Sui Ishida decided otherwise. This young author loves to mix media, as proven by Tokyo Ghoul Jack (exclusively digital). And so, when an interesting character appears in the novel, he will not hesitate to include him in his main series: Chie Hori, who makes his first appearance in this novel, will join the manga team for the second season. And any fan of Tokyo Ghoul:re will obviously be happy to discover his first steps alongside the gourmet Shu Tsukiyama …

Spring: Glénat

The ghouls…

For a few years now, many publishers have lent themselves to the game by surfing on the success of a license and offering various media. It is clear that it is not always easy to be satisfied with his stories often exploited by an author different from the original. However, despite some apprehension on our part, we took the plunge to give you our feelings on this work. The story unfolds like a slice of life and offers us to see or review some of the characters of the Tokyo Ghoul license in a new way.

Indeed, we find familiar faces with obviously Kaneki, Toka, Hyde or CCG inspectors. Each plot has a common thread which facilitates reading. In addition, they allow us to discover a universe that we know well, but in a different way which stimulates our imagination. Both volumes approach with ease the vision of ghouls and humans as well as the highlights that punctuate their daily lives!

And humans

Ishida Sui is a well-known writer to Tokyo Ghoul fans as he is the original creator of the Tokyo Ghoul OAV [PINTO] as well as novels about Kakashi (Kana edition) and Sasuke Uchiha (unreleased in France). The man was not at his first attempt because knowing the domain of ghouls, we were still entitled to tell ourselves that it was on the right track. The stories are well written, interesting and engaging, the cutting of the chapters and the evolution of the characters allow us to quickly get attached. We appreciate being able to discover the human side of ghouls who were always called monsters without any feelings.

The details and descriptions are numerous especially for the food of the ghouls so beware of sensitive souls. In terms of illustrations, they are nothing extraordinary but are signed Ishida Sui and allow to overcome the monotony that some could feel as they read. In addition, the color jacket at the beginning of each volume is very appreciable for its beauty and its double-sided that will please fans of the series. Two volumes that we liked while giving us new information about the universe of the license and its characters. In particular, the relationship of Shu and Hori or that of Ken, Toka and Hinami!

Tokyo Ghoul Novel is a good way to immerse ourselves in this very special universe. Various plots that make us turn sometimes to the human race and other times to the side of ghouls! The first two volumes are to be discovered at the publisher Glénat.