Tokyo Ghoul: Days is a spin off novel based on the popular series Tokyo Ghoul. The novel was written and illustrated by Towada Shin and Ishida Sui. I didn't think that this series would spawn a light novel but with Attack on Titan pushing out spin offs left and right, the next most popular series right now would also created something to garner more money from fans. (Spin offs too of course ..) I'm not complaining though. A new story is always welcome in my opinion as long as it aids to an already interesting series.
This novel tells six different stories surrounding characters that fans of Tokyo Ghoul may know as well as a few new characters. What I enjoyed about this novel the most was the different points of view that the content introduces. not only from one character to another but also the view point of Hyde, the main character of the original series, Taneki's best friend. Hyde is active in the original Tokyo Ghoul story but you don't get he chance to see inside his head because of the ever so driving main plot. Hyde is a pretty sharp character and Days give a great insight into this while the anime hinted at it and the manga downright has him in the action after certain chapters. Switching view points from each character to another from one chapter to another but also keeping a stable stance in the writing was also well done. While reading you will see a character through multiple view points and think, "oh, so that what this character was thinking!" or, "I see why that character acted the way that they did!".
They new additional characters were a nice touch to the novel. Each character added new layers to an already engaging story where Kaneki is there but the focus isn't on him this time. He's mentioned more than a few times though. I believe the lesson Days offers readers is the question of if Ghouls and humans are really so different? Yes, one eats and kills humans to survive but humans kill animals to survive as well.... correct? Both species share the same emotions of wanting to belong and protect the ones they hold dear. Ghouls just have a harder time adjusting to life with humans because murderous Ghouls give the ones trying to live peacefully a bad name. They must find a way to survive day after day without being killed just for being alive. Half human, half Ghoul people might be the only chance to bridge the two species to come together. Lets hope good results come in future chapters of the manga.
Another thing about the format of this novel that I noticed was the picture placement. Picture weren't places the way in a normal novel format. Instead you had pictures under the context. Not on the side or on a lone page by itself. I actually like this format because the visual is right there next to the action in the content. Days is a very short ready and fast readers could finish it up the same day. I took me time by only reading a chapter every other day for slow enjoyment.
Tokyo Ghoul: Days is a great treat for hardcore fans of the series. Reading or watching the original Tokyo Ghoul is highly recommended but not necessary. You will get something out of the novel even if you never picked up the original. I hope everyone is ready for the second novel thats on its way this month.
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