It’s no secret thatTokyo Ghoulis one of the best manga ever written. Not only was it one of the best-selling manga series during its publication run from 2011–2014, but it also spawned a widely watched — and debated — anime series. Perhaps most tellingly, nearly a decade after its finale,Tokyo Ghoulcontinues to enjoy phenomenal popularity, commercial success, and critical acclaim.
What’s less well-known is that the author ofTokyo Ghoul, Sui Ishida, hasnever consideredTokyo Ghoulto be a success. However, he did acknowledge that it gave him the means to create a manga that he believes is already more successful thanTokyo Ghoul. That manga, which Ishida is currently writing, isChoujin X. Contrary to Ishida’s beliefs, it is nowhere near the success levels ofTokyo Ghoulin terms of popularity and sales. But it should be. Indeed, whileTokyo Ghoulis considered part of manga royalty,Choujin Xmight just be better.
In Choujin X, Ishida Elevates His Signature Art Style To A Whole Other Level
His Tweeted Image Featuring Protagonist Tokio Is Spectacular
A manga is ultimately a visual story, which means that artwork matters. Ishida’s artistic talent was on full display inTokyo Ghoul. His unique blend of painterly styles with traditional manga’s distinct line art was truly mesmerizing.InChoujin X, he brings this ability back — and it’s even better. The artwork showcases a greater level of sophistication, heightened intensity, and a more powerful impact. Indeed, the development of his form enhances clarity and flow while maintaining the original meaning.
A perfect example of this is the color image Ishida posted to his X account,@sotonami, featuring the series protagonist, Tokio. It boasts free-flowing lines that mimic brushstrokes, color washes with light and dark gradients, and a naturalistic background. This creates texture, depth, and atmosphere. But in the center of this moody milieu is a classic manga sketch line art depiction of Tokio. It’s a quintessential Ishida dynamic composition that creates a visually compelling and memorable aesthetic.
While most of the manga’s art is in black and white, Ishida is able to masterfully convey dynamism and emotion. Arguably, the absence of color intensifies the artwork. Without color to distract, Ishida’s creatively iconic use of shadows, shades, patterns, hard and soft lines, and white space becomes even more prominent, effectively highlighting or subduing a character’s actions depending on the situation. Naturally, Ishida’s exceptional artwork is something fans need to see to believe — and it will not disappoint.
The Artistry Aside — Choujin X Tells A Story That Is Hard To Ignore
It Centers On Two Very Different Teens Who Become Choujin
While artwork is the most important element of a manga, it won’t amount to much more than a glorified picture book without a strong story to anchor it. Masterpieces likeTokyo Ghoulmay catch a reader’s attention with stunning artwork, but they truly captivate through their storytelling. The same holds true forChoujin X. Loosely translated as “Superhuman X”,Choujin Xis, in my opinion, a dark fantasy and superhero psychological thriller with a healthy dose of horror.
The story revolves around the strikingly average high school student Tokio Kurohara. Despite his unremarkable nature, Tokio has formed an unlikely friendship with Azuma Higashi, their school’s charismatic, athletic, and heroic star. However, living in Azuma’s shadow takes a toll on Tokio, who longs to break free from the suffocating pressure. Their relationship is even more strained in a world where superpowered humans, known as Choujin, possess extraordinary abilities. Azuma’s remarkable feats, achieved without any special powers of the Choujin, only add to Tokio’s frustration. Meanwhile, Azuma grows increasingly weary of shouldering the burden of “carrying” Tokio through life.
Both believe their newfound powers will lead them to greatness, but they quickly learn that being superpowered comes at a steep price.
Everything changes when a chance encounter with a criminal Choujin leads both Tokio and Azuma to become Choujin themselves. Now, finally as strong as —if not stronger than— Azuma, Tokio must come to terms with being his equal. Conversely, Azuma struggles with the realization that Tokio no longer exists in his shadow. At first, both believe their newfound powers will lead them to greatness, but they quickly learn that being superpowered comes at a steep price. In time, Tokio and Azuma come to fully understand the true meaning of the phrase, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
Choujin X Updates And Extends Key Themes From Tokyo Ghoul
The Manga Borrows Elements From The Superhero Genre
TheChoujin Xnarrative draws parallels withTokyo Ghoul, notably in its depiction of the protagonist’s abrupt and unforeseen transformations. These metamorphoses introduce them to a dark, uncharted world, prompting a profound inner turmoil. As they navigate the blurred lines between their past and present selves, they must confront the complexities of their dual existence.However,Choujin Xoffers a more detailed and complex exploration of these themes through its superhero framework.
The superhero paradigm, by itself, is already rich with moral dilemmas and questions about the responsibilities that come with possessing unimaginable power in a world of powerless people.Choujin Xamplifies this tension by weaving in Tokio’s and Azuma’s personal insecurities. Additionally, unlikeTokyo Ghoul, where much of the action unfolds in secrecy,Choujin Xtackles these issues with the added complexity of public awareness. The Choujin’s activities are not hidden, introducing another layer of conflict — the varying pro — and anti-superhuman biases within society.
In short, withChoujin X, Ishida delves even deeper into several themes he previously explored inTokyo Ghoul, including power, responsibility, morality, discrimination, and the nature of heroism. WhileTokyo Ghouloffered a powerful examination of these ideas,Choujin Xenriches them by incorporating the complexities of the superhero genre. This results in a more compelling and nuanced exploration — one that readers, especially fans of superhero comics, will undoubtedly enjoy.
Choujin X Is The Manga Ishida Always Dreamed Of Making
His Work Approach To Choujin X Was Much More Solitary
One final reasonChoujin Xmerits more attention isIshida’s unique approach to the project. Although this aspect is more abstract, it enhances the fan experience and fosters a deeper appreciation for Ishida’s dedication and perseverance. Notably, Ishida has devoted himself fully toChoujin X, believing that complete immersion is essential to creating the manga he has always envisioned — on his own terms. According to a 2023 interview withManga Passion, Ishida’s “lone wolf” approach means he works anywhere between 10 and 30 hours straight.
This is a stark contrast to his work onTokyo Ghoul, which he admits required a healthy dose of editors and assistants to bring to completion. While remaining open to suggestions and fan feedback, he has since focused on tuning out the majority of the “noise” and “chatter” that typically accompany the serialization process. Fortunately, his success withTokyo Ghoulhas earned him enough clout in the industry to embrace these idiosyncrasies and dedicate himself to makingChoujin Xone of the best manga you should be reading right now.
