The search for the final shard of the Shikon Jewel leads Inuyasha and the gang to a mountain fortress...but only the dead may enter. Meanwhile, Naraku teams up with a demon who hunts the blood of innocent villagers—just his type! Then Kagome faces a moral dilemma. Only she can rescue her rival Kikyo from Naraku’s miasma. Will she make the right choice? Elsewhere, Naraku sends Kohaku on an evil errand... Now a fierce battle rages in the borderland between the world of the living and the afterlife. A mysterious force attacks Inuyasha and claims to act on behalf of the Shikon Jewel itself! Naturally, Naraku joins the fray. Then, when all hope seems lost, Inuyasha receives unexpected help from his half brother!
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
Another great issue. The constant back and forth of Inuyasha between Kagome and Kikyo is a little tiresome at this point, but I have a feeling it won’t be a factor after the next volume. Hosenki was pretty cool tbh, and I do remember the Adamant Barrage attack from the anime (tho I don’t remember ever seeing this arc). Gonna take a small break before I continue on with the series.
Every volume so far has been action packed and is filled with great twists and turns. Although, near the end of this Vizbig volume, I was actually getting annoyed by everyone hating on Inuyasha and not trusting him over the whole Kikyo situation. Kagome, didn’t you say you would stick around, even if it meant inuyasha would choose Kikyo ????! If you don’t want to be strung along, go back home to the 90s and stfu...
Seems like forever since I've read a book (Goodreads begs to differ), but the discovery of realizing I've read sixteen books every month this year alone warrants a break to focus on other hobbies (I'm not too keen on on finding out what a reading slump/burnout feels like). Graphic novels/manga are always a safe bet, especially those whose longevity/plot devices are ever changing. Kagome's selflessness takes center stage, as she's literally sacrificing her heart's happiness for Kikyo's life. Such a kind soul, that Kagome, but truth be told, I've never really been a Kikyo fan, and even less so with her advice to Inuyasha (she warns him to not bring Kagome to the other realm because she unwittingly acts as Naraku's eyes for the jewel, and even gives him one of her arrows for Kagome, only to have it be rendered useless in battle. Did she set them up for failure as one of Naraku's many puppets? Perhaps we'll find out...). For those of you looking for character drama, be warned: this is action heavy nearly to a fault; everything moved so quickly from battle to battle, it was hard to keep up with what puppet/villain the gang was up against. Seven bind up's to go... not sure if that counts as the home stretch or not...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The MVP of this volume is Sesshomaru. He really was just minding his business, entered the gate at the Borderland unharmed, and beat up Naraku. Good for him.
I'm really sad for Kohaku. I'm not sure how he will survive if/when the shikon jewel is officially restored. I'm also sad that he finally got back his memories and is aware of all the things he did while under Naraku's control. I wish there was a way for him to join Inuyasha and the others and survive.
I'm interested in seeing Inuyasha's sword get stronger and it being able to harness more abilities. I'm still shocked that the shikon jewel is almost complete. I really did expect the search to take much longer.
I'm happy that Kikyo is alive. The scene where Kagome cleanses her was really good. I hate, with a passion, how Kagome treats Inuyasha when she's jealous and how everyone just believes that he did something wrong whenever he shows concern for Kikyo. Caring about Kikyo doesn't mean he is being disloyal to Kagome or that his feelings for Kagome are wavering. I know that it's constantly played as a joke, but it sucks that Kagome literally yells that she hates him when he didn't do anything and then when he later asks her to take it back (because it rightfully hurt his feelings), she doesn't remember even saying it and Inuyasha is just written off as insecure. I desperately wish Kagome was more self-assured in her relationship and where they both stand with each other... that's all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The battle for the final shard was amazing. I love what happened to the Tetsusaiga. Kagome's decision to help Kikyo was heartwarming. Also, Sesshomaru continues to rock this series.
Volume 31 The gate of death…in an attempt to get into the realm that holds his father’s remains, Inuyasha squares off with the Gate Keepers. Discovering the Gateway is a death trap for all who attempt it, the crew is forced to turn back and find another way in. Naraku makes a deal with Princess Adi (a demon) to help her gather blood of humans to restore her poisoned demon mother’s health (there’s a mouthful to say). He offers this in exchange for her help. She agrees, planning to betray him, but betrayal goes both ways in this deal.
Inuyasha and friends decide to help the village against the bird demons (they look like pterodactyls) and get a whiff of Naraku on Abi. A fight ensues, of course.
Is Kikiyo still alive??? Damn it all…Inuyasha comes across Hakudoshi and his flaming stallion demon mount. An arrow dispels his shield and Inuyasha manages to kill the demon horse and damage Hakudoshi enough to make him flee the battlefield. Kikyo’s spectors are abound as the crew tracks down the demon birds. While Inuyasha fights a horde of demons, Kagome discovers a badly wounded Kikiyo.
Volume 32 Kagome cures Kikiyo of Naraku’s powerful miasma. Obviously no thanks is given. Inuyasha and Kagome fight after Kikiyo leaves and everyone else catches up (what else is new?).
Bird demon attack the castle Kohaku and the infant spawn are staying at. It just so happens to be the one Sango and the other show up at…Fighting, as usual, takes place. Kohako FINALLY remembers his past. And, as his MO, Inuyasha runs to be with Kikiyo who gives him an arrow to give to Kagome after explaining that the path to the borderland will soon be open, blah blah blah. Sigh.
Also, the bird demon’s mom finally arises and Naraku makes short work of her and her daughter, using them to open a portal to Inuyasha’s father’s gravesite.
Phew.
Volume 33 Inuyasha faces off with Lord Hosenki in order to retrieve a jewel shard from his skull. Lord Sesshomaru walks through the Gateway to the borderlands. Now it’s Naraku vs Inuyasha vs Lord Hosenki vs Sesshomaru vs the Kagome and friends crew. Phew!
Inuyasha acquires a new sword technique. Kikiyo plants a tree. Hakudoshi releases a horde of demon rats and leaves Koharu to guard their box. He, too, is being watched.
I loved this volume! In every chapter there was some element of action! The comedy was there too.
We start the volume by seeing Inuyasha and the others at his father’s grave, but they must be dead to pass through the gate to the Borderland where his father’s corpse is. Myoga the flea makes a few funny appearances. Kagome senses the last Shikon Shard somewhere within the Borderlands. Naraku wants Bird Princess Abi to create a way to the Borderlands for him. Will she???
While this is going on, Jaken is looking after Rin. “If I didn’t have to babysit her, I could be by my Lord Sesshomaru’s side...” I found this funny! Jaken hates not being there for his master, Lord Sesshomaru, who he’s extremely devoted to!
Will Kagome save Kikyo when she has the chance to?
“I sense a Shikon Shard. Just one. Kohaku’s,” is Kagome saying that she senses where a Shikon Jewel Shard is — Kohaku’s! What does this mean?
Naraku wants Kagome’s eyes because she can sense where the Jewel shards are. Therefore Kikyo tells Inuyasha not to take her with him into the Borderlands. Does he listen?
“Hakudoshi...lure Kikyo out into the open. Use whatever stratagem you like. And take someone with you. Hmm...Kohaku will do,” is what Naraku says to Hakudoshi to get to Kikyo because he knows he’ll find Inuyasha if he goes after her!
What happens next? You’ll need to read to find out!
Overall, I think this volume has the most action so far. There are some significant parts that I haven’t summarised above to keep it a surprise!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Kagome is my favorite, so I'm really struggling to appreciate Kikyo. I really, REALLY wish Takahashi had done their relationship differently. I don't expect them to be BFFs, but I really feel Kagome's frustration with Kikyo, especially in this one. I suppose it highlights their differences, despite her being Kikyo's reincarnation, but I still would have loved a better interpretation of their relationship beyond being jealous of the other for being with Inuyasha. As it is, Kikyo is like the emotionally unavailable dad in every movie towards Kagome, who literally goes out of her way to help her.
Some interesting stuff happened this book regarding looking for the shards and where they went. Didn’t really adequately explain how they got there or back but oh well. Obviously wasn’t interesting enough to keep me invested as you can see by my read time. Not bad though. I also don’t understand why everyone acts like the Kikyo/Kagome thing is even really a choice… even before kikyo’s wound she was dead???? She’s not really alive??? She’s not exactly a viable leg of the triangle - just IY’s lingering feeling for her.
I love this series, it's so nostalgic for me. I'm glad to finally be finishing the series. Eventually at least. I must say it can get a little repetitive at times. I think that Inuyasha should be growing more as a character. He still seems to be rushing into every battle with the same moves and acting shocked when the same thing happens every time. I love this series and author, but I do think it could be a little less repetitive, or mix things up sometimes.
Kikyou I swear to god I hate you so much. Literally. I could not find anything redeemable. I should like you because you are a could B**ch, but I don't. I just don't. And just god bless that the scene where Sesshomaru punches Inuyasha just for being on their father's grave is still here.
More running around. More villains narrowly escaping being vanquished because the plot needs to keep them around. More villains of the week. More swords being upgraded… Maybe I should stop reading these.
So much good stuff happening in this installment. Final shard is found. A peak of the naruku plot before the ongoing battle really kicks off. Great read!
The plot was plotting! Not really a dull moment in this volume, it was all focused on the story itself, which I enjoyed! However, I am glad that the next volume promises some more slice of life as well
Okay wait a minute, this is getting intense. And the kind of intense that makes me think it's ending soon? Which is funny bc I still have like 7 omnibus volumes to go.
Anyway yes. Intense, fast-paced, still funny and heartfelt. I love the whole lore and everything, I don't think I've mentioned it in my previous reviews yet. But the lore about demons and the Shikon jewel, the Black Pearl, the demon graveyard/otherworldly. Even the Tetsusaiga upgrading and collecting its own character arcs is so good lol. I think they all tie up nicely and they're just so interesting.
Also this volume also made me think about Kikyo's endgame here. I don't think I finished the anime completely but I do know she dies in the end. But like? This push and pull with Naraku, as well as with Kagome/Inuyasha, can feel particularly annoying and dragging in a way? Her character is nuanced, I appreciate that. But it's still hard to like her 😭😂
What first drew me to this series was the romantic historical aspect. I loved how a modern day girl gets pulled back into the past. I don't know what it is about those stories that attract me so much, maybe it is the difficulty for the girl of fitting in and having to rely on the guy so much to be able to get along in the world.
I also really liked the group aspect to this series and the corresponding relationships that affect each of the characters.
I would really recommend this series to fans of Red River, it has a lot of the same concepts.
I don’t know how to really feel about this volume. I feel excited but also frustrated because I just want Kagome to be angry to make Inuyasha realize that some point he will need to choose.
I also think that Inuyasha might not feel the same type of love for Kikyo than before and his interest is more out of duty and guilt.
In another romance I’m so happy that Miroku is trying hahaha it makes me laugh that they have so low standards for him lol
Super excited that a certain character got his memories back yay
I just noticed how awesome Kagura's character is in this volume, and how awesomely Rumiko Takahashi plays with the conventions of historical (fantasy) fiction. What I love about Kagura is that not only she's an awesome villain, but she's also a woman searching for her freedom/ independence from a dominant male figure ( Naraku). Takahashi shows us how the treatment of women as objects was an issue back then as much as it is now.