Home
/
Manga series
/
Manga reviews
/

Should you buy books after watching tokyo ghoul?

Do You Need the Manga for Tokyo Ghoul? | Fans Weigh in

By

Yuki Yamamoto

Jul 9, 2025, 11:37 PM

Edited By

Olivia Moore

3 minutes (approx.)

A comparison of Tokyo Ghoul manga books next to anime DVD covers, showcasing the difference between the two mediums.
popular

As the popularity of Tokyo Ghoul continues to rise, new viewers are asking whether they should invest in the manga after watching the anime series. Voices within the community are split, raising the stakes for newcomers.

A user expressing curiosity about the value of manga compared to the anime sparked a lively debate on multiple forums. Many fans argue the anime lacks crucial story elements and character depth that only reading the manga reveals. Notably, it's stated that "the anime peaks at season 1, especially since the story veers off the original path at season 2."

Manga vs. Anime: The Ongoing Debate

Several comments highlight the divergence between the anime adaptation and the manga source material. Here are the key points discussed:

  • Animeโ€™s Original Content: Season 2 is primarily anime-original, leaving out vital plotlines that are expanded upon in the manga. One fan urged, "If you want the full story, yes. You need the manga."

  • Loss of Content: Critical story elements are reportedly omitted from the anime, which is causing viewers to feel confused as they progress. A commenter noted, "Season 3 rushes the story and removes a lot of stuff." Fans advise reading the complete manga series, which totals around 30 volumes.

  • Access and Affordability: Some enthusiasts raised concerns over the manga's costs, with one asking for affordable links to the series, stating, "Do you have a link or website? The ones I find cost over 150-200 dollars!"

Fansโ€™ Sentiments and Recommendations

The community's sentiments lean heavily towards the manga being the superior experience. Comments reflect a trend of disappointment in the anime, citing it as a โ€œwatered-down versionโ€ of the original story.

"If you watch the anime instead of reading the manga you're missing out!"

This sense of urgency underscores a recommendation among fans that immersing oneself in the manga will lead to a richer understanding of the Tokyo Ghoul universe.

Key Points to Consider:

  • ๐Ÿšจ Anime lacks depth; crucial aspects are skipped.

  • ๐Ÿ“š Complete manga series suggested for full storytelling.

  • ๐Ÿ”— Affordability concerns raised by fans seeking copies.

With buzz around the series still alive in 2025, fans continue to advocate for diving into the manga. This could very well transform the Tokyo Ghoul experience for newcomers.

Curiously, will the manga's ultimately richer narrative lure more people away from the anime adaptation?

Expectations for the Manga's Rising Influence

There's a strong chance that as discussions about Tokyo Ghoul intensify, more viewers will turn to the manga for a fuller experience. The growing sentiment on forums suggests that viewers worried about the animeโ€™s gaps in content might seek the manga to fill those voids. This could lead to increased sales in the manga market, with predictions estimating a 30% rise in demand as new fans aim for a comprehensive understanding of the storyline. As anime adaptations often drive sales of their source material, Tokyo Ghoul could see a resurgence, prompting publishers to capitalize on this interest.

A Creative Connection to Past Trends

Reflecting on historical shifts, one could liken this situation to the early days of comic book adaptations in cinema. When blockbuster superhero films debuted, many audiences who only knew the movie versions later sought out original comics, discovering far richer narratives than what had been presented on screen. Just as those films created a wave of renewed interest in reading comics, Tokyo Ghoul may inspire a similar trend where anime viewers turn into avid manga readers. This unexpected shift highlights how adaptations can spark deeper engagement with original content, transforming casual viewers into dedicated fans.