feedingbrett's reviews
184 reviews

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 7 by Sui Ishida

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 6 by Sui Ishida

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 5 by Sui Ishida

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Perhaps the first shining post of this series, with more of its accumulated mystery and suspense towards Sasaki’s history finally starting to unfold, and in turn, giving us action that carries with it the weight and intensity. This not only made it the first page-turner of the series but also my first instance of recognition of effective tension that left me utterly impressed.

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 4 by Sui Ishida

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Having now breezed past the Auction operation, we are treated to a reset. Now with the advent of recent kidnappings - related to the feeding of Master Shu, a recall of an original cast member -  Haise Sasaki’s team find themselves confronted by Master Shu’s plan to reawaken Ken Kaneki. The author has slowed the pace and increased the conversations, giving us breathing room to tether us closer to these characters - an approach that I appreciated. I am holding onto hope that this arc will prove to be a remarkable improvement from its predecessor.

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 3 by Sui Ishida

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

While I appreciate Sui Ishida’s surge of kinetic energy flowing through this third volume, unfortunately, it was met with disorientation and confusion as it darts back and forth between aspects of the operation against the Aogiri ghouls. With an attempt to understand and appreciate the mystery that is being uncovered - highlighted by the uttering of Ken Kaneki in the mix - I was left instead with confusion and bluntness. Based on what I read, there is much gap left between each frame for the reader to assemble the flow of the fight scenes, and it is a participation that feels more cumbersome than rewarding.

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 2 by Sui Ishida

dark lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

With the characters already formally introduced, this second volume attempts to jumpstart the plot by elevating the danger and congregating its characters. Indeed, there is much more motion to the story this time, but to the detriment of my connection to its focused characters, it is still underdeveloped and distant. This is perhaps also since it carries with it a far more light-hearted tone - tethering on the realm of comedy - in its interactions. it is by no means dull or lifeless, as it never means to slow down to highlight its deficiencies at this point of the story, especially if one is in the moment reading through it. That being said, this criticism stems from my current position as a first-time reader of the :re series, with much of the story’s secrets remaining obscure and ahead.

Tokyo Ghoul: re, Vol. 1 by Sui Ishida

dark hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Almost as if retreading a familiar path but with new sights, Tokyo Ghoul: re Vol 1 brings me back to the nature of humans vs ghouls, but this time progressing previous concepts and with a fresh new coat of paint. This introductory volume attempts to warm us up to this new set of characters and establish the key agenda that, assuming, would shape their journey up to the series’ final volume. I am excited to retread this harrowing world again - but this time with a detective twist.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Under the guiding and empathetic eye of an American Indian patient of the story’s mental health unit, we are led to trace the influence of the unit’s new arrival, Randle McMurphy, as the readers are treated to an insight into the constricting and inflicting system that governs it. Watching this newbie identify, question and react against the oppressive powers’ counterintuitive effect of their ‘therapeutic intentions’,  aspects of the story that dramatically mirror true issues in the mental health space - exploitation, manipulation, politics, and segregation being the key takeaways from this initial read. Recognising the humanity behind the labels that these patients are forced to don, notably set at a time where cultural acceptance and awareness were disparate in comparison to today. While it is fairly easy to pin down Miss Ratched as an unsympathetic antagonist, given that the novel places the cross-hairs on her, while the personal flaws exist that live up to such a title, one can also identify behind the socio-political strings that shape her. This sympathy I carry is perhaps linked to my similar professional position, but it didn’t require the novel at all to highlight the human that lives underneath that label.

Akira, Volume 6 by Katsuhiro Otomo

dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Beyond the lives of its various characters, it was evident that Neo-Tokyo’s future was at stake. While its domestic affairs were destructive, fed by competitive greed and unhinged power, for our characters, it was personal and local. However, the recent presence of international intervention highlighted an even more destructive villain, one willing to apply destruction to a foreign city and its inhabitants for the sake of peace of mind and inappropriate compulsion. This becomes clear in its final moments, that the concept of moving forward is for those who inhabit the land would rehabilitate on their terms, led by those who understand the source and morality of their recent tragedy and assure that it will protect their personal needs and interests. However, I cannot end this write-up without at least acknowledging the emotional core within this climactic volume, as we are finally given a glimpse of the vulnerable human within the accused monster. Tetsuo may never be forgiven for what he has unleashed, but sympathy and understanding were served by those who truly cared for his wellbeing.

Akira, Volume 5 by Katsuhiro Otomo

dark sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

As it builds towards its expected climax, we find our characters further converging towards a clearer goal, as our antagonist falls further from his grip. Expositions and key movements of its story pieces are heavily emphasised within these pages, carrying their ups and downs. Kaneda’s return brought a personality that became apparent to me that he was not entirely missed, despite the perceived growth that has been traced, his redemption arc feels sloppy at best - although I am willing to be proven wrong in its final volume. It was through Kei that acted as my emotional anchor and through her reflection and decisions I managed to feel more attuned to her emotions and all that she has endured. I will enter into its final chapters with strong hopes.