Sui Ishida’s Tokyo Ghoul stands as a monumental pillar in the legacy of 2010s anime and manga, captivating a vast audience and garnering widespread acclaim. Released during an era when giants like Attack on Titan and Hunter x Hunter soared in popularity, Tokyo Ghoul quickly emerged as an essential narrative that every fan needed to experience. Its anime adaptation in 2014 solidified its status as a must-see series, captivating viewers with its unique blend of horror, action, and psychological depth.
Since wrapping up its initial storyline, Ishida has successfully ventured into new projects, including the sequel series Tokyo Ghoul: re and his current work, Choujin X. Despite its status as a recommended entry point for newcomers to anime and manga, Ishida seems to possess a strikingly humble view of his work, indicating that he may not hold the same affection for Tokyo Ghoul as its fervent fanbase does.
Commercial Success of Tokyo Ghoul, but Author’s Discontent
Tokyo Ghoul: An Exceptional Franchise
The acclaim surrounding Tokyo Ghoul is matched only by its impressive commercial success. In 2014, it ranked as the fourth best-selling manga series, with sales surging dramatically post-anime adaptation. Currently, estimates indicate that Tokyo Ghoul and its sequel Tokyo Ghoul: re boast nearly 50 million copies in circulation, making it one of the most successful franchises in the industry.
Despite this, Ishida’s perspective differs significantly from the prevailing sentiment. In a revealing interview for the German magazine Animania in 2023, he stated, “As far as the story is concerned, I don’t really consider Tokyo Ghoul a success. For me, success is the feeling I get when I have drawn something good.”His comments sent shockwaves through the fanbase, which had embraced the series wholeheartedly.
Fans Disagree with Ishida
Everlasting Fandom and Critical Acclaim for Tokyo Ghoul
It is not uncommon for creators to grow dissatisfied with their past works. For instance, Hideaki Anno, the mastermind behind the influential Neon Genesis Evangelion, grappled with his own sentiments regarding his creation, which ultimately shaped anime culture for years. While Ishida may share similar feelings towards Tokyo Ghoul, the series’ impact remains undeniable.
The narrative of Ken Kaneki, who fights to retain his humanity in a society rife with tension between humans and ghouls, has resonated with a global audience for over a decade. Its exploration of profound themes, including racial oppression and moral dilemmas, has solidified its position in the hearts of readers.
While criticism of Tokyo Ghoul exists, particularly regarding its conclusion which some deem rushed, the overall consensus suggests a majority appreciate its storytelling. Despite some discontent with the adaptation, the ongoing admiration for the franchise continues unabated.
Controversy Surrounding the Anime Adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul
Persistent Calls for a Tokyo Ghoul Anime Remake
A significant portion of the success that Tokyo Ghoul achieved is linked to its anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot, which first premiered in 2014, capturing the interest of a new wave of fans and elevating the series within the competitive landscape of anime.
However, the reception of the second season was far less favorable. Straying from the source material significantly, the adaptation confused and disappointed many fans. By the time Tokyo Ghoul: re was introduced, the narrative coherence suffered, causing a divide within the community. Many fans continue to advocate for a remake akin to the Fullmetal Alchemist adaptation, which rectified previous discrepancies.
Ultimately, regardless of Ishida’s personal feelings, Tokyo Ghoul remains one of the most revered manga franchises ever created. The hope for an anime remake lingers, signifying a desire amongst fans to see Ishida’s original vision accurately represented. Until then, audiences can appreciate the series in all its complexities, even amidst the creator’s mixed emotions.
Source: Animania, Manga Passion
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