Sango attacks and unmasks Naraku, and she may have unleashed his full demonic fury! Then, a string of murders in a farming village turns its citizens against a peaceful demon. Will the real killer be found before the people take the search for justice into their own hands?
Rumiko Takahashi (高橋留美子) was born in Niigata, Japan. She is not only one of the richest women in Japan but also one of the top paid manga artists. She is also the most successful female comic artist in history. She has been writing manga non-stop for 31 years.
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
We are pretty immersed in the historical fantasy world now, with Kagome's uniform and bicycle the only reminder that she has another life waiting for her.
The implicit betrayal at the end of the previous installment was no bait-and-switch -- Sango really did betray them to the evil demon! She almost dies and it's a close call for some others as well. But they are surprisingly forgiving, even when she says she would do it again.
As Kagome becomes more adult her kind nature and strong character has more influence on everyone she meets, even the short-tempered InuYasha.
This volume contains one of my favorite minor characters, Jinenji, who is also a half-demon. He's such a sweet character. He's the reason this volume is 4 stars because honestly the moment Kikyo shows up I just get this glazed look in my eyes.
As I said in previous volumes, I am re-reading the first half then going on to finish the series (eventually). It's been a while since I read the first half of this series, and so not all of it is fresh in my mind. And this was a cliffhanger!
It's 12:30 in the morning as I type this and it was a cliffhanger.
The life of a fangirl is a challenging one.
---- Spoilers below... ----
But I got to say that I really enjoyed this volume. Kagome and Inuyasha finally got some time one on one, which was refreshing, as Inuyasha revealed a bit of his heart to her, discussing his past. And realizing how comfortable he felt beside her. It was a really cute, lovey-dovey scene. I don't really like the romance genre, but being a fangirl, having scenes like that sprinkled in my fandoms (both canon and not) is a wonderful feeling.
Sango betrayed her friends, by stealing Inuyasha's sword. But you know what. They still love her (even if they don't say it exactly like that). They were really forgiving and not ass-faces about it like most characters in other series would have been.
Inuyasha and Kagome also get to help a gentle half-Yokai from an angry and incredibly prejudiced town. I gotta say, in a weird way, that monster was kind of cute and definitely a sweet-heart.
*This review is for the series as a whole with 4.5 out of 5 stars*
This series is absolutely the longest series I’ve ever read so far, with a total of 56 volumes containing 559 chapters. Yeah right? I grew up watching anime and when I stumbled to this one, I instantly got hook. I’m so in love with this anime that I have the complete anime series in my possession. Yep! It occupy mostly the memory of my external drive haha sucker I know. And it’s just now that I finally had the courage to read its manga. I started reading this last December but had a 1 week off because of the Holiday until finally I finished it!
This story is about this modern Japanese girl, Kagome, that was pulled from her own time and went to feudal Japan. It is where she met the half yokai (supernatural monster in Japanese folklore) or also called Hanyou, Inuyasha. Two opposite personalities that were forced to travel together because of the Shikon Jewel or the Jewel of Four Souls.
Kagome (female lead) is so much fun and a wonderful heroine. If she’s a real person, she could be my hero. And Inuyasha on the other hand is such an awesome badass that thinking about him hurts. And as a couple, they sure are mind blowing. After writing this review, I’ll definitely re-watch the anime hehe.
Speaking of which, Inuyasha is a bad boy. But he’s the awesome kind of bad boy with humor and with a touch of dumbness at the same time. When he first met Kagome, I swear he could really be a great pain in the ass and is a straight-up a-hole. And as the story progresses, he became this kind of awesome person without losing his bad boy image ofcourse. And when it comes to Kagome, he sure is kind of protective and I love their usual bantering. It could get annoying sometimes but mostly entertaining lol, especially when Kagome really gets angry at him.
His character is so realistic too. Behind the bad boy image is the guy who lost his first love and when she returned, he’s torn between her and Kagome. Which to be honest, made me kind of mad at him. Well, I’m 100% with Kagome and I totally hate Kikyou. But after reading the manga, I still don’t like her, but she is kind of likeable now especially when she saved Kohaku. And also Inuyasha’s inner battle with his demon blood and his human heart, and you know what’s awesome about it? It’s because it’s only Kagome who can make him back to his senses, isn’t that just sweet?
(I was a bit teary-eyed when the Spider youkai were after them and he got bitten while he’s in his human form. And speaking of human form, he sure still rock it even with black hair minus the cute doggy ears. Then he lay on Kagome’s lap and told her that he love her scent even if he told her otherwise before. They’re in the middle of a dangerous situation but because of that, it became kind of romantic and unforgettable scene for me.)
Kagome on the other hand is a typical female lead. She started as a helpless girl until they found out about her being the reincarnation of Kikyou which was Inuyasha’s first love and the strongest Miko in the feudal Japan. I love how she became badass as the story progresses. Kikyou may be the first woman Inuyasha loved, but it is Kagome who really changed Inuyasha as a person. Plus, did I tell you how many times she saved Kikyou? Also, even how many times she got hurt because she’s Inuyasha’s first love, her heart remains pure.
I have to be honest, there’s some point in this series that totally got my nerve and made me flipped. That’s mostly about Inuyasha being torn between Kikyou and Kagome and how many times he chose Kikyou over Kagome. I mean, that’ quite of cruel really. But even that’s the case, I learn to outgrow it simply because he still travels with her, plus, once in a while they have their own moments. And speaking of moment, I need to step ahead and point out the lack of kissing scenes between them. In anime there’s quite a lot, but in manga, almost none. Yeah right?
As they travel, their group of two grows into a group of 6 where they met the kitsune Shippou, the monk Miroku, cool Sango and her cute Kirara.
Shippou is a cute Kitsune (fox) yokai that specializes in making pranks which he mostly use to Inuyasha lol. At first, they both hate each other and argues which is kind of funny lol. But as they both travels together, their relationship improved. He is really adorable and so attached to Kagome.
Miroku – A playboy and pervert who loves caressing women’s butt. But his proposal to Sango was pretty sweet.
Sango – a really tough cookie. I love her character and the fact that she can man handle guys. And her relationship with Miroku was so kawaii.
(Quite cliche eh? Inuyasha and Kagome fell in love with each other and Miroku, Sango with each other too. Well, IDC haha. I just love their group.)
Kirara – is a cute yokai that transforms into a ferocious beast during battles. Plus, he flies!
With a very long series, a long list of character isn’t a surprise at all. But what’s really hard with manga or anime is to get familiarize with the character’s names. But as for my favorites or the ones that totally got my attention here’s my list. (I’m being mean today, so I’m not going to add Kikyou in my list, blee)
1. Number one in my list is Sesshoumaru. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m one of those really annoying fangirls who love him. Deym! When I first saw him in the anime, I’ve got to say that there’s something dangerous about him. Inuyasha has this bad boy image, but Sesshoumaru is on the highest level. I really hate him at first. Unlike Inuyasha, he really is living the bad boy life. He’s rude, full of pride and all things bad. I specifically hated how he keeps on stealing their Father’s memento, Tessaiga, that is originally given to I But everything changed when he met Rin, and then we got to find out about Tenseiga and everything about it. Then, it just happens, I love Sesshoumaru. And then I came to the part about Meidou Zangetsuha, I feel so sorry for him. Huhu, and then after that my admiration for him intensified. He made me feel so many emotions, I almost cried because of him. It will take too much writing if I’ll enumerate the things that made me love Sesshoumaru so I’ll just let these images speaks for itself.
2. Well, obviously, it’s Rin. I love her character simply because she’s the reason why Sesshoumaru became compassionate, which is also the reason how he was now able to use his healing sword T And I love her teasing with Jaken. I love how the boring team of two grows and became lively because of her.Honestly, at first, I’m one of those fans that ships Rin to Sesshoumaru. But after I read the manga, I realized how absurd that is. I don’t know, but I think Jaken is right. Sesshoumaru is like a father to Rin in a strange way, and he sure is a great one.
3. Kagome’s family, her mother, younger brother Shouta, grandpa including their cat Buyo. I thought it’s going to be a big shocker when they met Inuyasha, but end up petting him like a pet dog lol. They’re all touching Inuyasha’s ears haha. Well, that couldn’t be help lol especially if he has that adorable doggy ears.
4. Kouga – The moment he was introduced in this series, I can’t stop laughing. He’s the third party between Inuyasha and Kagome and I can’t really stop laughing whenever I remember the scene where he boldly said that he loves Kagome and he’s determine to make her his woman. Well, after what Kagome went through because of Kikyou, I can’t help but send Inuyasha a dirty sign. Blee!
5. Miyouga – The coward flea. He’s some sort of the guy who knows it all, well, not totally all but mostly about Inuyasha and his father. I wish this series was able to show something about the past especially about Inuyasha’s father and mother. Well, it did actually in the anime.
6. Totosai – The swordsmith who forged Tessaiga and Tenseiga due to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru’s father’s request. I would have love it more if they included a back story of him too.
7. Kaede – Kikyou’s younger sister. A strong lady who would probably live another 50 years the way she’s going.
8. Kohaku – The younger brother of Sango. For a young age, he’s been through a lot. But I’m happy how he was able to regain or fight for his humanity after what Naraku did to him.
9. Jaken – Originally, I didn’t have the intention of adding him in this list but looking back, I have to say that he made my whole reading experience so enjoyable too. He’s Sesshoumaru’s companion. He’s arrogant and even pitiful sometimes especially when he receives death glare or punches from Sesshoumaru when he’s pissed but he is mostly funny especially when Rin joined the group.
10. Naraku – For the ultimate cunning supervilain, I guess he quite deserve to be in this list lol. He’s a hanyou like Inuyasha. He’s the reason why Kikyou died 50 years ago and is the reason why Kikyou and Inuyasha had a rough past.
When I think about it, this is obviously a typical adventure anime/manga. For an adventure stories, the idea of different set of individuals forming a group while traveling is quite cliche too, let alone falling in love with each other! But what sets this story different from others is on the adventures each characters went through. When I though it’s the end and the ideas are already sucked out dry from the author, we then introduced to a new unexpected scene. I’ve been watching anime and they all gave me the same reaction. And what is that? It’s astonishment. We might already encountered the story’s plot before, but the twists and turns, the scenes, the lines are so unique. I can’t count how many times I said out loud “I didn’t expected that!” while reading this series.
All we’re covered too. I love that each characters has their own background covered, so we all got the chance to really know more about them and where they come from. I love that each characters have the chance to stand out and we’ve got to see how they matured with each chapters. As the title goes, without watching the anime, I really thought this series would only revolves around Inuyasha, well, it kind of does since each characters have a connection with Inuyasha. But what I like to say is that the author didn’t made a selfish decision to just make Inuyasha the hero all the time. We’ve got the chance to see the weaker side of him, the annoying one, the part where others from the group became the hero and saved him, and ofcourse the funny and dense Inuyasha which is my favorite.
As I said, this series has a total of 559 chapters so it will absolutely take us a lot of time if I talk about the adventures the group encountered one by one. So to make it short, I’ll just “kind of share” my favorite chapters from this series. Before I decided to read this manga, I have a lot of favorite scenes from the anime, mostly? Well, all of them we’re from Kagome and Inuyasha. But after reading the manga, I have to say that my favorite scenes were from Sesshoumaru (Inuyasha’s youkai brother). The first one was when he met Rin (human girl) and resurrected her. I really love how little by little he changed from this full mean badboy image to a compassionate one. He’s still a badboy but when he’s with Rin, dayum, I just can’t help but squeal in delight. And another favorite scene was when he went inside the meidou (a place where the living are not suppose to go) to save Rin. It’s also the most touching scene ever because of how he discarded his sword tenseiga (his father’s memento) because it can’t save Rin. Like dang! (just zoom the image to read the lines)
For my rating, I’m detracting a half star. It really is painful but I guess I really need to. It’s because even with the 559 chapters, it failed to tell us an introduction of what really is a yokai or hanyou or everything about those so-called monster. I mean, it’s been 50 years after that the story resumed but Sesshoumaru look as fabulous as ever and so is Inuyasha. I mean, if Inuyasha and Kagome will live together as man and wife, Kagome will age and Inuyasha would still be looking the same? The slowness of the villains too is quite so-so but I understand that to make this series long. Also, about crossing time through the well, in its first few chapters, we’ve got to find out that it’s the Shikon Jewel that connects the two worlds, but I remembered after Naraku seized all the shards of the Jewel, Kagome was still able to go back to her world. That really is kinda confusing though. And lastly, the epilogue. Dang! Sango and Miroku had their three little angels, how come Inuyasha and Kagome didn’t have atleast 1 son or daughter?! Oh well, I guess you can’t really have all.
You might be wondering which one of the two I love, manga or anime, I have to say that I love both. All the scenes from manga can be seen in anime, but what’s great with anime is that there’s some new scenes added to it. So if you’re planning to read the manga, I would highly recommend watching the anime too.
I would highly recommend this series, if you’re down for a good solid adventure and a kickass heroine with a sexy demon badboy. It’s often hilariously funny and the drawing is so lovely. It’s just simply awesome.
AAAAAAAHHHH OMFG SHIT JUST GOT REAL. Up until now InuYasha was just something that I read because it was a cool story and it felt pretty at ease, despite all the action scenes, but holy craaaaap, man.
Allora eravamo rimasti al fatto che Sango aveva rubato la spada di Inuyasha per portarla a Naraku, il quale in cambio gli aveva promesso di liberare il fratello Kohaku che teneva prigioniero. Ovviamente ciò non è successo: Inuyasha e gli altri sono arrivati, c'è stato il solito combattimento e poi la nostra cara Kagome si è rivelata la solita Mary Sue, con la sua gonnellina, a scagliare una freccia che ha ferito per la prima volta Naraku, il quale è fuggito con l'aiuto di Kohaku. Ci sono stati un po' di piagnistei e poi tutto risolto.
Degno di nota in questo combattimento l'uso di nuovo di capelli malefici: anche Naraku, come un demone precedente, si avvale di questi capelli che sono come un'arma orripilante.
Kirara è l’animale magico di Sango ed è rimasto avvelenato dopo aver dato un morso a Naraku. Ed ecco che si apre una parentesi off-topic: invece di incontrare casualmente il prossimo demone che non c'entra niente con la trama principale, Inuyasha e Kagome si allontanano da soli per andare a prendere delle erbe medicinali per curare i feriti. L'idea è carina, ma è solo un grande riempitivo. Ovviamente dove si trovano le erbe medicinali, ci sono anche i demoni. Ne consegue un combattimento, con soluzione della questione e raccolta delle erbe. Ci sono, per fortuna, alcuni momenti di romanticismo in cui Inuyasha e Kagome si confrontano e poi tutto torna alla normalità, o quasi.
La squadra è di nuovo in forma e si mette in cammino e viene subito ingaggiata da un gruppo di uomini che la porta nei pressi di una caverna che sprigiona un’aura malefica. Inuyasha e Miroku entrano e scoprono che si tratta di un luogo di combattimento di alcuni demoni che sono stati scelti affinché si scontrassero, con la conseguenza che l'ultimo rimasto sarebbe diventato il nuovo corpo di Naraku. Nei paraggi c'è anche Kikyo che dapprima viene chiamata dai servitori di Naraku per curarlo e poi anche lei viene attratta dalla grotta perché gli spiriti che la compongono vogliono fuoriuscire e unirsi al demone. Inuyasha, essendo anche lui un mezzo demone, entra a far parte dell'incantesimo e il grande demone che stava per uscire vittorioso ora deve scontrarsi con lui. Naraku attende che il demone vincitore esca affinché diventi la sua nuova forma e Inuyasha non sa se combattere o meno perché Miroku l'ha avvertito del pericolo. Nel frattempo, Kikyo ha perso i sensi perché si è ritrovata svuotata dei demoni spiriti che la tenevano in piedi.
Una curiosità: Shippo, Kagome e Sango rimangono fuori dalla caverna. Kagome, perché ha i suoi poteri, Shippo, perché è un demone, Sango, che è umana, è l'unica a sentire l'aura malefica e per proteggersi si mette una mascherina: che profezia!
Questa seconda parte è più interessante, anche se pasticciata. Ci sono un po' troppe cose che succedono a caso, però vengono tirate un po' le fila che erano rimaste allentate per troppo tempo e si comincia a sperare in una trama compatta. Dunque, interessante ma leggermente dispersivo e complicato, anche se in topic e dati i precedenti numeri è molto!
Concludo con una interessante citazione da parte di Inuyasha: “Dare confidenza agli esseri umani è un errore, bisogna chiarire subito chi è il più forte”.
Rumiko Takahashi again strikes with gold on another solid installment of the series InuYasha! At first, I thought the way volume 11 ended was one of those fake outs, but....Sango REALLY BETRAYED THEM! To me, that alone holds solid character development and story for Takahashi. I do love InuYasha's reason for allowing her to continue with the team. I think that hits at the core of the way characters are in this series. Do I feel it was a little disingenuous and that he cares more than he leads on? YES! But still...well done, well done.
Este será el último volúmen que leeré. La verdad, disfruto mucho más de ver el anime de Inuyasha que de leer su manga, el anime toma lo mejor del manga y lo potencia, así como limita lo que resulta innecesario. El manga me está empezando a aburrir desde hace 4 volúmenes atrás, mientras que el anime me hace querer maratonearlo día y noche. Esta es una gran historia, que merece ser disfrutada viendo el anime ♡
I like that in this volume (besides Naraku still able to escape ALTHOUGH HE'S ONLY A HEAD!), that we get to see another half-breed.
The introduction to the new half-breed is fun because he does't look human. I love that there are varieties to the looks of those that are half-breeds.
Jinenji is such a sweet hanyou, it's really a wonderful look into what Inuyasha may have experienced as a hanyou himself, and also his mother who was human. Kagome also makes another strong showing here with her purification abilities, and of course, poor Sango (though Kohaku is meh too me honestly, unpopular opinion!).
I definitely did not enjoy manga 12 as much as I thought I would. It's got some really sad and depressing moments with Songo and her brother. But the end of the Earth Boy chapter was better but wow still really rough feelings happening in this book. I had to power through and not give up with this one even though I know the rest of the manga gets hella good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jinenji ist knuffig, die Bande kommt näher zusammen und Sango wird rehabilitiert - nicht ohne Folgen aber. Mit dem zwölften Band der Reihe "Inu Yasha" gibt es Charaktermomente, nette Dämonen und logischerweise Kämpfe, aber alles in einer gute Balance. Rumiko Takahashi zeigt, dass sie eine Geschichte mit unterschiedlichen Emotionen anreichern und erzählen kann.
This volume just feels a bit repetitive to me. I really like the side stories, but every time they engage Naraku, you just know he's going to get away, and that predictability makes the story, not as fun to read.
Kagome kicks some aaaaass in this volume! Good on her!
Also, the Jinenji story, one of my favorite little side stories. I like that it opens up the conversation of Inuyasha's treatment as a child between Kagome and Inuyasha.
Given Kikyo's change in personality (alive vs revived), I can't help but wonder how kuch of her personality when she was alive was genuine. Or perhaps she was too young, too naive, for the cruelties of this world and bound to fall to corruption.
This is such a good one - with the first awful Sango / Kohaku reunion, that moment of vulnerability when Inuyasha first shares a personal detail with Kagome, and the oncoming Kikyo / Kagome scene...emotional in every scroll. And I love the blossoming friendship between Inuyasha and Miroku.
I keep finding that there's 2 1/2 stories in a volume, and that I end up only liking 1. :-( Happened again with this volume. The only one I like is the Jineji story.
Reread Possible spoilers?? Aaaaand Sango's a part of the crew. Solidified in the crew! Even though she betrayed Inuyasha he understood why she did so and helped her out. Why Sango cries, I cry. But they are a legit team now and I love it. During the battle, Kagome shot up Naraku with her sacred arrows and any change where Kagome's growth is highlighted is a big thumbs up from me. The next part is filler, but again it's a great filler. Kirara gets poisoned with Naraku's poisonous vapors and needs medicine so Inuyasha and Kagome head off to find some. They meet the "earth boy" or Jinenji and his Mother and find out that Jinenji's a half breed and is being bullied and blamed for murders he didn't commit. Inuyasha and Kagome, of course, help and its a quick clean up. bUT I'm a sucker for any floof that InuxKag spout so I'm happy. This filler highlighted Kagome's gentle yet strong nature and how easily she fits into Inuyasha's life. Heart eyes. The last little bit I always thought was a weird one. The gang stumbles upon a mountain emitting bad vibes and when the look into it Inuyasha gets roped into fighting a Frankenstein demon that Naraku plans to absorb for his new body since Kagome straight blasted his old one. Oh and Kikyo shows up? Then tsuzuku. What a roller coaster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.