Tokyo Ghoul:re [Season 3 Episode 1 to Episode 24]

Tokyo Ghoul:re – A Rollercoaster of Emotions and Mixed Reactions

When Tokyo Ghoul:re (Season 3) premiered in April 2018, fans were both excited and apprehensive. After the divisive reception of Root A (Season 2), many wondered if Studio Pierrot could redeem itself with this adaptation of Sui Ishida’s sequel manga. The first episode set the tone for what would be a polarizing yet undeniably gripping season.

A Fresh Start with Familiar Faces

The season opens two years after the CCG’s raid on Anteiku, introducing Haise Sasaki, a half-ghoul investigator leading the Quinx Squad—a group of humans infused with ghoul abilities. The premise is intriguing, blending psychological drama with brutal action, but fans quickly noticed the breakneck pacing. The first episode adapted six manga chapters, leaving many viewers, especially anime-only fans, confused.

One Reddit user summed it up: “It’s rushed beyond belief, and it’ll confuse a lot of people who haven’t read the source material.” Others, however, appreciated the callbacks to the original series, like Haise’s eerie resemblance to Kaneki and the haunting flashbacks.

The OP Debate: Love It or Hate It

The opening theme, “asphyxia” by Cö shu Nie, sparked heated discussions. Some fans praised it as a “big improvement over Root A”, while others found it generic compared to Unravel (Season 1’s iconic OP). A MyAnimeList user lamented, “The music is definitely better than Root A, but with the visuals, it’s the weakest of the three.”

The ED, “Half” by Queen Bee, fared better, with fans calling it “comfy” and a fitting end to each episode’s chaos.

Pacing Problems and High Stakes

The biggest criticism was the pacing. With only 24 episodes to adapt the entire :re manga, Studio Pierrot had to cut corners. Key character moments, like Tooru Mutsuki’s backstory, were glossed over, frustrating manga readers. One fan noted, “They completely skipped Mutsuki’s stuff, which is very important!”

Yet, some defended the adaptation, arguing that the manga’s early chapters were similarly dense. “It’s not that rushed,” a MAL user countered. “The manga felt the same way at the beginning.”

The Final Verdict: A Flawed but Entertaining Ride

Despite its flaws, Tokyo Ghoul:re delivered intense action, emotional depth, and a satisfying conclusion for long-time fans. The Quinx Squad’s dynamics, Urie’s inner turmoil, and Haise’s struggle with his identity kept viewers hooked.

As one fan put it, “We’ve waited too long—something is better than nothing.” While the adaptation wasn’t perfect, it honored the manga’s spirit, leaving an impact that lingers long after the final episode.

Would I recommend it? If you’re a Tokyo Ghoul fan, absolutely—just brace yourself for the pacing. And if you’re new? Maybe start with the manga first.

Final Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed but thrilling finale to Kaneki’s journey.