Shy college student Ken Kaneki is thrilled when the beautiful, well-read Rize Kamishiro asks him out on a date, sharing his deep passion for literature. However, his ordinary world is shattered when Rize reveals herself to be a Ghoul—a flesh-eating creature that preys on humans—and brutally attacks him in a dark alley. Kaneki miraculously survives the assault after a freak accident drops heavy steel beams on Rize, killing her instantly. In a desperate move to save his life, doctors transplant Rize's organs into Kaneki's body. Upon waking up, he discovers a horrifying reality: he has been transformed into the first known half-human, half-ghoul hybrid. As normal food becomes utterly nauseating, Kaneki must grapple with his monstrous new biological cravings while trying desperately to maintain his fragile humanity.