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Saiyuki universe #10
Saiyuki Reload Volume 1
Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai, a band of four handsome young adventurers, travel the land to fight the demonic youkai, almost human-looking beings with pointy ears and bat wings.
200 pages, Paperback
First published July 25, 2002
5 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Kazuya Minekura
211 books188 followersKazuya Minekura (峰倉かずや Minekura Kazuya, born March 23, 1975) is a Japanese manga artist most known for the Saiyuki series. Her other manga series include Wild Adapter, Shiritsu Araiso Koto Gakko Seitokai Shikkobu (Araiso Private School Student Council Executive Committee), and Stigma. Stigma is notable for being a full-color work, unusual as manga is generally drawn in black and white.
She had an illness that affected her writing from 2004–2007, which caused her to have a hysterectomy. On 28 September 2010, she went on Hiatus to undergo surgery for ameloblastoma on the right half of her upper jawbone. On 31 December 2010, she reported her surgery was successful after removing the tumor on her right upper jawbone and is currently resting and being fitted with artificial prosthetics to reconstruct the area where her bones were removed.
She had an illness that affected her writing from 2004–2007, which caused her to have a hysterectomy. On 28 September 2010, she went on Hiatus to undergo surgery for ameloblastoma on the right half of her upper jawbone. On 31 December 2010, she reported her surgery was successful after removing the tumor on her right upper jawbone and is currently resting and being fitted with artificial prosthetics to reconstruct the area where her bones were removed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 18, 2018
A warning: I am biased. This has been my favourite manga series for over a decade and I'm on my sixth (or so) reread. This is as good as I remember. Minekura has given us distinct characters, and even when the speech balloons aren't tied directly to anyone in the panel, you know exactly who is expressing which thought. The art is amazing, and sometimes I'll just stare at scenes trying to soak more in. And the drama/angst jumps in to contrast the humour so suddenly that I will need to stop reading just to process how much I love the moments/characters/everything. Or the humour bumps aside the drama, which is a delightful way to break the tension. In all, that's basically the theme of the whole story. Nothing matters so much you can't joke about it. Though at the same time, everything absolutely matters. Sweet and sour, baby.
My copies of this manga are all beat up, but I know I'll read them again. Everytime, it's a treat.
My copies of this manga are all beat up, but I know I'll read them again. Everytime, it's a treat.
March 25, 2025
I just finished reading the full series. First things first. It's an old manga but despite that it has aged quite nicely. The plot is slow at points and super rushed elsewhere. It feels like the author was never awarded the right time for the story. Despite that, most characters are well built and investigated individually as well as in the team dynamic. I like the friendships among the MCs but also those developed with secondary characters. Many side stories are tragic as hell, and many characters are there just to die.
Recommend for those looking for a story about Eastern mythology and those looking for some throwback feelings from their childhood.
Recommend for those looking for a story about Eastern mythology and those looking for some throwback feelings from their childhood.
August 17, 2014
I'm taking KatiKat's advice and reading some manga to get me back into reading. Just not been in the mood for novels lately!
Saiyuki Reload starts at breakneck pace and never really slows down in this volume. The Sanzo party are famous and being hunted by all youkai. There is a lot of subtext between Sanzo and Gojyo, I think, but maybe I'm seeing what I want to see ;-)!
The story Snowdrop is so bittersweet with a youkai who has escaped the effects of the minus wave doing all he can to protect the youkai children in his care.
Saiyuki Reload starts at breakneck pace and never really slows down in this volume. The Sanzo party are famous and being hunted by all youkai. There is a lot of subtext between Sanzo and Gojyo, I think, but maybe I'm seeing what I want to see ;-)!
The story Snowdrop is so bittersweet with a youkai who has escaped the effects of the minus wave doing all he can to protect the youkai children in his care.
August 26, 2014
Love it!! fun, and funny, and hilarious characters! highly recommend!
September 28, 2024
Review for Saiyuki Reload 1-10:
Reload is to the original series what a fully realised TV series is to its pilot episode. While I'm getting rid of my original Saiyuki manga, I've scoured the internet to find a hardcopy of my missing Reload #10.
Saiyuki is a retelling of Journey to the West in an extremely modern and irreverent jacket. Genjou Sanzo, the supposed priest, curses, smokes, and carries a gun, while the others all have their own weaknesses. However, where the older series seemed to be in it for the shock value, making the four companions nearly toxic in their in-group struggles, these reloaded versions have matured and show emotion fitting each of their traumatic pasts. It's a world of difference, and I much prefer this new troubled Shangri-la.
(Time to look up the next sequel, Saiyuki Reload Blast)
Reload is to the original series what a fully realised TV series is to its pilot episode. While I'm getting rid of my original Saiyuki manga, I've scoured the internet to find a hardcopy of my missing Reload #10.
Saiyuki is a retelling of Journey to the West in an extremely modern and irreverent jacket. Genjou Sanzo, the supposed priest, curses, smokes, and carries a gun, while the others all have their own weaknesses. However, where the older series seemed to be in it for the shock value, making the four companions nearly toxic in their in-group struggles, these reloaded versions have matured and show emotion fitting each of their traumatic pasts. It's a world of difference, and I much prefer this new troubled Shangri-la.
(Time to look up the next sequel, Saiyuki Reload Blast)
August 30, 2025
This volume is episodic and doesn't have anything new to say about its characters. I'll attribute that to this being a continuation of Saiyuki, and new readers possibly not having that previous series behind them for context.
There's tragedy in killing yokai who've killed humans because the negative wave is affecting them, and less tragedy in killing humans who've killed yokai out of fear and hatred. As we know from the previous series, without the limiters, Goku and Hakkai could be in exactly the same boat as those other doomed yokai.
I really like the outdoor scenes in this manga, and the action is well done (though there are also some obvious shortcuts at times). The familial bickering between the guys in our found family is the star of the show, but I'm hoping for something more impactful than "the usual" as this sequel moves further west.
There's tragedy in killing yokai who've killed humans because the negative wave is affecting them, and less tragedy in killing humans who've killed yokai out of fear and hatred. As we know from the previous series, without the limiters, Goku and Hakkai could be in exactly the same boat as those other doomed yokai.
I really like the outdoor scenes in this manga, and the action is well done (though there are also some obvious shortcuts at times). The familial bickering between the guys in our found family is the star of the show, but I'm hoping for something more impactful than "the usual" as this sequel moves further west.
May 1, 2021
I am curious about Sanzo. He is in a rush to get to the west to solve the Minus Wave mystery. Yet, the team keeps getting detoured and delayed. I have wondered what his thoughts are concerning these impediments to his mission. His focus is so narrow and he is so tightly wound compared to his companions. He does have compassion for the suffering humans and Youkai But he hides it (very well as a matter of fact!) After reading this volume I think I may have found an answer to my question. Perhaps Sanzo is in such a hurry because he fears his Youkai companions will go berserk and he will have to kill them as he tells Goku at the end of chapter 3. That would be a pretty good reason.
July 2, 2018
I ADORE this series. I have never found anything like. I have watched all of the anime, read the series over multiple times, and lots of fanfiction. I can’t suggest this more. It is cute yet not lighthearted. The characters are great and I love them all so much (I ship Goku and Sanzo forever). If you like m/m then you will like this as the characters have plenty of “interesting” moments. If you simply like an adventure then you will like this. If you like retellings then you will like this. Overall, it’s really good and you need to pick it up.
February 2, 2021
This series is so frustrating to me because it has such a good concept and characters with such a great group dynamic but 1) I don't feel like she really uses any of it to its full potential, especially from what I remember of the Reload anime which I watched half of and call Oops! All filler! and 2) it's really incredibly sexist, especially for something written by a woman. I guess that's probably what you have to do to get ahead in the shounen manga world especially at the time this was written but it's still just so disappointing to me. I'll probably keep reading it because I apparently just can't stay away but this series could be so amazing and instead it's just okay.
October 9, 2023
This volume has one of the darkest chapters in the entire series, Snow Drop, but it also has one of my favorites, 3 Years Ago! So many emotional scenes! But of course some funny ones too!
Don’t get me started on the bonus story! The bunny outfits had me dying of laughter!
Something this manga series does is give us little extras. From the bonus stories to chapter pages with the Sanzo part in different poses and outfits, it’s a nice touch that gets me immersed in the series even more. I love this series so much!
Don’t get me started on the bonus story! The bunny outfits had me dying of laughter!
Something this manga series does is give us little extras. From the bonus stories to chapter pages with the Sanzo part in different poses and outfits, it’s a nice touch that gets me immersed in the series even more. I love this series so much!
January 31, 2024
I read the original series in 2020 and fell in love. Couldn’t get back into it for a while but so glad I did. The art style is always enough to keep me engaged but damn the story is so good too. Yakumo’s arc of protecting the youkai kids was depressing as hell, Goku’s snowy cage story was great. The characters are so rich and each volume even when it feels “episodic” is just so fun to read. Love this series. Not rly excited for the clone fight trope in the next volume though.
October 24, 2023
I've never been so amused by a summary.
"How do we describe a mostly plotless story about 4 friends traveling the world with the thought of saving it being there somewhere in the background?"
"Just mention the bat ears."
"How do we describe a mostly plotless story about 4 friends traveling the world with the thought of saving it being there somewhere in the background?"
"Just mention the bat ears."
November 29, 2023
Ho amato tutto da Saiyuki a Saiyuki reload,gunlock...il mio anime e manga preferito,i disegni sono qualcosa di meraviglioso,il tratto della Minekura ê particolarissimo...scontri tra yokai,personaggi eretici , divinità 😍 Amo alla follia
July 11, 2017
やくもの話は泣かせた。
August 9, 2017
Didn't add much of the main story, but for sure one of my favourite side stories. Actually wanted more of it.
July 5, 2021
Action packed but super dark starter volume.
December 6, 2021
This is the first book in the continuation of Saiyuki manga series as the guys head west to stop the villains. I really love this series.
June 25, 2022
Come primo numero mi aspettavo di meglio. Vediamo come continua.
May 17, 2024
If trouble follows you you’re probably on the right track. 🐒
January 24, 2009
The Sanzo party has become so famous as youkai exterminators that they keep running into trouble from villagers who have heard embroidered rumors about them and youkai are hunting for them as a preemptive thing. Humans who get to see the rude, crude, almost sociopathic actual guys in action tend to be a little less enamored. A few times people harp on the mostly youkai makeup of the Sanzo party itself, while the heartbreaking "Snow Drop" suggests that they might someday fall to the influence of the Minus Wave themselves. "Snow Drop" in particular is all about consequences and kills me every time. Yeah, life can't possibly be the same even if they stop the Minus Wave and the youkai regain their sanity. Too much blood has been spilled.
"Run" is better than most "For new readers, here's an introduction to our guys" stories tend to be. It also turns the original series' concept on its head a bit by showing how the Sanzo party is becoming ever more hunted. Yeah, regular people would see the Sanzo party's blasé attitude toward killing creepy. Then you have the Brothers Hayabusa.... *g*
"Snow Drop" is an exercise in tragedy and subtlety. Sakumo was a great character. Damn, poor Goku.... Sanzo's "I would" gets me every time too. Though I wish the kids had eyes! I know it's a manga custom but c'mon!
"3 Years Ago" is sweet. These guys do care about each other, though you have to judge them, particularly Sanzo, by their actions instead of their words. Goku's fear of snow in this is nicely contrasted by his gleeful tromping through it in "Snow Drop."
Ah, "Death Match." It still amuses me that that Sanzo's far more freaked out by facing a doppelganger than the others are. And him breaking down while in a nicotine fit to smoke one of Gojyo's Hi-Lites makes me smile, particularly with the tiny caption of "Ooooh. [Sanzo] does not approve" when it obviously doesn't meet his high standards for a cigarette. And then there's that poor woman he boots into the next room! To safety, yeah, but there were nicer ways of doing it. Non-Sanzo ways, but nicer.
Then the end piece has the Kou party in Playboy bunny costumes. Huzzah! Doku looks particularly funny. Ni Jianyi, you are a creepy, scary man but you have your moments.
"Run" is better than most "For new readers, here's an introduction to our guys" stories tend to be. It also turns the original series' concept on its head a bit by showing how the Sanzo party is becoming ever more hunted. Yeah, regular people would see the Sanzo party's blasé attitude toward killing creepy. Then you have the Brothers Hayabusa.... *g*
"Snow Drop" is an exercise in tragedy and subtlety. Sakumo was a great character. Damn, poor Goku.... Sanzo's "I would" gets me every time too. Though I wish the kids had eyes! I know it's a manga custom but c'mon!
"3 Years Ago" is sweet. These guys do care about each other, though you have to judge them, particularly Sanzo, by their actions instead of their words. Goku's fear of snow in this is nicely contrasted by his gleeful tromping through it in "Snow Drop."
Ah, "Death Match." It still amuses me that that Sanzo's far more freaked out by facing a doppelganger than the others are. And him breaking down while in a nicotine fit to smoke one of Gojyo's Hi-Lites makes me smile, particularly with the tiny caption of "Ooooh. [Sanzo] does not approve" when it obviously doesn't meet his high standards for a cigarette. And then there's that poor woman he boots into the next room! To safety, yeah, but there were nicer ways of doing it. Non-Sanzo ways, but nicer.
Then the end piece has the Kou party in Playboy bunny costumes. Huzzah! Doku looks particularly funny. Ni Jianyi, you are a creepy, scary man but you have your moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
One of the best volumes in the entire series. Snowdrop might be the most depressing arc but it is also one of the best because it serves as a grim reminder as to why it is so important that the four go on their journey to the west. The last mini-arc is funny and sweet, so the volume is perfectly balanced.
October 15, 2012
Saiyuki Reload has started off just as amazing as the first set. And the end "extra manga" is killer. I was laughing so hard I was crying! Kazuya Minekura, you are truly a goddess in my eyes! My hero!!
Update (October 15th, 2012)
Oh man!! Double the Sanzo party!! Too hot to handle!! First, I want to say I love the new/tweaked outfits! So sexy!! (Kougaiji's is hot too!!) Second, Hakkai looks SO HOT on the double page spread of them pulling their robes off. Oh. My. Ra. Seriously, I about fainted XD Third, the "extra manga," as mentioned above, oh lordy! I laughed forever! Fourth, I love the color spreads in the front of these volumes! Delicious!
I seriously just love this series so much! This volume was an excellent example of what I love about the series - there were moments where I was tearing up and super sad and then the next moment I'm snorting and laughing. The storytelling is absolutely amazing too, and I know I've praised the art so many times, but honestly, I can't praise it enough. Minekura-sama is incredibly talented it's ridiculous!
And now, for your viewing pleasure:
(boy oh boy do I love this picture!)
This has nothing to do with this volume, I'm just putting it up because I love this picture so much!! (It really should be against the law to draw men THAT sexy! XD)
Update (October 15th, 2012)
Oh man!! Double the Sanzo party!! Too hot to handle!! First, I want to say I love the new/tweaked outfits! So sexy!! (Kougaiji's is hot too!!) Second, Hakkai looks SO HOT on the double page spread of them pulling their robes off. Oh. My. Ra. Seriously, I about fainted XD Third, the "extra manga," as mentioned above, oh lordy! I laughed forever! Fourth, I love the color spreads in the front of these volumes! Delicious!
I seriously just love this series so much! This volume was an excellent example of what I love about the series - there were moments where I was tearing up and super sad and then the next moment I'm snorting and laughing. The storytelling is absolutely amazing too, and I know I've praised the art so many times, but honestly, I can't praise it enough. Minekura-sama is incredibly talented it's ridiculous!
And now, for your viewing pleasure:
(boy oh boy do I love this picture!)
This has nothing to do with this volume, I'm just putting it up because I love this picture so much!! (It really should be against the law to draw men THAT sexy! XD)
August 16, 2016
Awesome! I didn't want Saiyuki to end, and it looks like it didn't - this picks up pretty much right where they left off! The first story was a great return to the beginning of the first series, reiterating: 'until the day I die, the only side I'm on is my own!' I love these characters! The chapters with the youkai children on the mountain top was really very heartbreaking. I think that man was very brave, giving the children a home, then killing them when they went insane; I'm glad he managed to kill the humans who slaughtered the children before he lost it and had to be stopped himself. That chapter was so poignant in communicating the real danger facing the Sanzo party - that any of them could lose it at any time. The flashback chapter about Goku's fear of snow was rather heartwarming, and it was interesting to get a look into Goku's psyche, he's such a comical character, sometimes you forget he thinks of things other than food. The last chapter threw me for a loop, I wasn't expecting duplicates. It's an over-used convention in action stories, but it still works well enough not to be cliche, and I am fully certain that with these characters, it's going to be thrilling. Can't wait to see how it will pan out in the next book!
February 18, 2023
(review for entire series)
“Fate is not something that is already decided; nor is it something you choose. By the time you realize, it is already there."
The continuing adventures of Sanzo and company. Honestly, I prefer the first two manga a little better. Saiyuki, Vol. 1 is one of the first anime I ever watched so it's very nostalgic for me and Saiyuki Gaiden n. 1 is just so awesome seeing everything in the past. This one is still really good, since we're REALLY starting to move the plot forward which is super amazing to see after what I feel like is forever with no forward progress.
Next up: Saiyuki Reload Blast 1.
“Fate is not something that is already decided; nor is it something you choose. By the time you realize, it is already there."
The continuing adventures of Sanzo and company. Honestly, I prefer the first two manga a little better. Saiyuki, Vol. 1 is one of the first anime I ever watched so it's very nostalgic for me and Saiyuki Gaiden n. 1 is just so awesome seeing everything in the past. This one is still really good, since we're REALLY starting to move the plot forward which is super amazing to see after what I feel like is forever with no forward progress.
Next up: Saiyuki Reload Blast 1.
October 6, 2010
excerpt from detailed review here:
http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2009/1...
Saiyuki RELOAD is the sequel to the series, making an almost complete reversal on perspective of the youkai/demons driven to madness and murder. Where Gensomaden Saiyuki (the main series) sets up the world and the characters, RELOAD delves into the other side of the story: the youkai who have not gone mad, surviving in a world of human distrust and want for revenge. The second half of RELOAD, the "even a worm" arc, deals with "what if" youkai souls could be harvested to bring humans back to life? The only catch is, they come back with an ingrained need to destroy other youkai. Ethics and alternate perspectives are the main focus in this sequel, and much is left ambiguous for the reader to mull over after the action ends.
http://angeltyuan.blogspot.com/2009/1...
Saiyuki RELOAD is the sequel to the series, making an almost complete reversal on perspective of the youkai/demons driven to madness and murder. Where Gensomaden Saiyuki (the main series) sets up the world and the characters, RELOAD delves into the other side of the story: the youkai who have not gone mad, surviving in a world of human distrust and want for revenge. The second half of RELOAD, the "even a worm" arc, deals with "what if" youkai souls could be harvested to bring humans back to life? The only catch is, they come back with an ingrained need to destroy other youkai. Ethics and alternate perspectives are the main focus in this sequel, and much is left ambiguous for the reader to mull over after the action ends.
March 25, 2013
This volume covers several stories - we have our heroes come to a town where Youkai are apparently murdering women but the perpetrators aren't quite what they seem. Next we move to a lone, sane Youkai looking after a band of orphaned Youkai kids. This arc is fantastic. It's really dark as we see this guy forced to kill his charges when they turn. Things take an even darker turn when a band of youkai hating humans decide to take matters into their own hands.
The last part of the volume leads into the doppelgangger story arc and Sanzo comes face to face with himself! A real cliffhanger so be sure to have volume 2 on hand!
Very silly afterward with costume changes. Kou as a playboy bunny. Hillarious!
A great mix of humour, philosophy, dark twisted stories and fast paced adventure. As always mixed with stunning artwork.
The last part of the volume leads into the doppelgangger story arc and Sanzo comes face to face with himself! A real cliffhanger so be sure to have volume 2 on hand!
Very silly afterward with costume changes. Kou as a playboy bunny. Hillarious!
A great mix of humour, philosophy, dark twisted stories and fast paced adventure. As always mixed with stunning artwork.
May 20, 2008
The coninuation to the Gensoumaden Saiyuki. This is the next story arc in the series.
March 18, 2014
Kazuya Minekura! I don't think anything else really matters. Other than it is a great sequel.
May 28, 2015
I love Kazuya Minekura's art. Saiyuki & Saiyuki Reload have become some of my favorite series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews