How to read Tokyo Ghoul in order

Tokyo Ghoul is one of the most popular manga and anime series of all time. Those who want to hop into the original source material will find there are a few different manga series that make up the franchise. Fortunately, the human-consuming ghouls’ story is pretty easy to get into, unlike a lot of other manga. Here’s how to read Tokyo Ghoul in order.

How to read Tokyo Ghoul in order

The Tokyo Ghoul manga series is a lengthy one, with three separate manga series in total to check out. While one of them is a spin-off and not too long, the other two are lengthy, with more than a dozen volumes each to read. While this might seem overwhelming in terms of length, there is a pretty straightforward reading order you should know about.

Tokyo Ghoul

The reading order for this manga series begins with the original manga, Tokyo Ghoul. This is the one that started it all. It began its run on September 8, 2011, and concluded with the final chapter just a few years later on September 18, 2014. In total, it has only 14 volumes for players to sift through from its time, which equals around 143 chapters in total.

The chapter count is far lower than many dark action manga of this ilk, in no small part due to the fact this is only half of the main story. You get to see the origins of Ken Kaneki, the changes he incurs, and the tragic events that set up the second half of the series. Those who want to read the original Tokyo Ghoul should check out places like Manga Plus and Viz Media.

Tokyo Ghoul Jack

In the middle of the first manga series in this franchise, the manga’s creator Sui Ishida came out with a prequel series known as Tokyo Ghoul Jack. Now, the confusing part about this particular manga is how it, technically, takes place before the events of both main series. However, it doesn’t make a ton of sense to read it first because it deals with characters, events, and knowledge of ghouls you should already be aware of at this point.

That is why it is worth reading through at least most of the original series, if not all of it, so you can know about certain key characters. This particular series deals with the origin story of Kishou Arima, one of the main CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul) investigators and how he became one of the most powerful in all of Japan. There is only a single volume, so this is a quick read.

Tokyo Ghoul:re

After you read the first two series, it is now time for Tokyo Ghoul:re. This is not a spin-off but a direct sequel to the original series. You truly have to finish the original to appreciate this one, as it spoils everything and ties up all of the loose ends as well. While it deals with a fresh set of faces in the special CCG Quinx Squad, it calls back to the familiar characters and storylines from the previous series. It is longer than the original, too, clocking in at 16 volumes and 179 chapters.

Like the original series, you can read it right now through Manga Plus and Viz Media.