Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 1 is where the legendary dark-fantasy manga by Sui Ishida begins. College student Ken Kaneki survives a date with a flesh-eating ghoul — barely — after an organ transplant turns him half-ghoul himself. Now he must hide among humans while craving the one thing he swore he’d never want. Gory, philosophical and unforgettable.
Why Tokyo Ghoul Is a Must-Read
- The international mega-hit behind the anime phenomenon
- Unforgettable body-horror meets moral philosophy
- Gorgeous, haunting artwork by Sui Ishida
- Official English release from VIZ Media
Start the 14-volume original series here — rated Older Teen (16+) for graphic violence.
Book Details
| Title | Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 1 |
| Author | Sui Ishida |
| Publisher | VIZ Media LLC |
| Binding | Paperback |
| Language | English |
| ISBN-13 | 9781421580364 |
| Genre | Manga / Dark Fantasy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tokyo Ghoul manga suitable for teens?
It’s officially rated Older Teen (16+) due to violence and horror themes.
Is this the official English translation?
Yes — VIZ Media’s official North American edition.
How many volumes are in the Tokyo Ghoul manga series?
The original Tokyo Ghoul story runs 14 volumes — Vol. 1 is where Ken Kaneki’s transformation begins.
Is Tokyo Ghoul appropriate for a 13-year-old?
It is officially rated Older Teen (16+) for graphic violence and horror themes.
Is this the official English translation of Tokyo Ghoul?
Yes — VIZ Media’s official North American edition (ISBN 9781421580364).
Should I watch the anime or read Tokyo Ghoul first?
Manga readers get the full uncensored story — the anime skips significant arcs, so start with Vol. 1.
What Readers Say
4.4★ average · 176,000+ ratings on Goodreads · 87% five-star on Amazon
★★★★★ “If you're looking for a layered, gripping story that tears your heart out in the best way, then Tokyo Ghoul is the perfect manga for you.”
— nekojita · Amazon · Verified Purchase
★★★★★ “Came in perfect condition and a day early, can't complain. Strong start, I plan on getting the 2nd volume.”
— Sal Russo · Amazon · Verified Purchase · 2025
★★★★★ “Stooopp this is so painful 😭 Kaneki: 'If you were to write a story with me in the lead role, it would certainly be a TRAGEDY!'”
— nadine · Goodreads · 2025
★★★★☆ “I definitely see why so many people like this manga! I liked the main character, though I wanted to punch some sense into him sometimes — but then again, he just became something he thinks of as a monster.”
— Romie · Goodreads · 2023
★★★★★ “There’s something so haunting about this manga, and not in the bloody, gory sense. I grew attached to Kaneki in no time; watching him endure the suffering of becoming the first human-ghoul hybrid proved a surefire way to break my heart”
— Lauren Lanz · Goodreads ★★★★★
Reader reviews sourced from public platforms (Goodreads, Amazon & book communities) and lightly edited for length. They reflect global readers of these titles.
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