Arata: The Legend, Vol. 01

アラタカンガタリ~ 革神語 [Arata Kangatari] #1

by Yuu Watase

An action-packed shonen fantasy from the acclaimed author of Fushigi Yûgi!R to L (Japanese Style). An action-packed shonen fantasy from the acclaimed author of Fushigi Yûgi! In a mythical world where humans and gods co-exist, Arata has the unfortunate honor of being the successor to the matriarchal Hime Clan. This means he has to pretend to be a girl or face death if his true gender is discovered! On the day of his inauguration, an assassination plot forces him to flee—and he somehow winds up in modern-day Japan! Meanwhile, a boy named Arata Hinohara gets sucked into the first Arata’s world and finds himself dealing with people after his life!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Adventure, Young Adult, Comics, Romance

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2009

About the author

Yuu Watase (渡瀬悠宇) is a Japanese shoujo manga-ka. She is known for her works Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend. She likes all music, except heavy metal and old traditional music.

She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".

Reviews

[Mizuki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read up to 23 volumes of Arata: The Legend, it's a good, fast paced, action themed fantasy series.

The main concept of the story is based on both parallel universes and also on the Japanese creation myths: Arata is a teenage boy from a parallel world which looks quite similar with the mythical ancient Japan, he is the sole heir of the decaying Hime clan and this means he must pretend to be a young maiden and be sent to the capital in order to be the successor of the Hime Queen--an ageless, half-deity queen with unearthly power (obviously the Queen is based on the legendary Queen Himiko from the Japanese myths).

However, things have gone terribly wrong with Arata when he travels to the Queen's palace: the Queen is assassinated and fatally wounded by her trusted generals (who possess different supernatural weapons and power). Arata is framed as the assassin, now he has to run for his life, but as he runs to the sacred forest he accidentally breaks into another world: the modern-day Japan. Just when Arata is sent magically to Japan, in his place, a Japanese boy named Arata Hinohara is also sucked to Arata's world. Now this other Arata is forced to fight to recuse the Hime Queen and clean his/Arta's name, while Arata has to figure things out in the modern Japanese society and protect Arata Hinohara's family.

This series has a good mixture of prettily drawn characters, awesome setting, finely designed weapons, comical movements and a fast paced and enjoyable story line. The two Arata-s are very different in personality, it is always fun to see how people react around them and how the two Arata-s grow as characters when they meet other people. Although some parts of the story can be quite cliched, e.g. the modern-day Arata is a bit too much of an all-round nice guy and there already are two pretty girls falling for him, etc. Still, I'm looking forward for more developments from this story and I want to see how this story will end.

[Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis:

An action-packed shonen fantasy from the acclaimed author of Fushigi Yûgi! In a mythical world where humans and gods co-exist, Arata has the unfortunate honor of being the successor to the matriarchal Hime Clan. This means he has to pretend to be a girl or face death if his true gender is discovered! On the day of his inauguration, an assassination plot forces him to flee—and he somehow winds up in modern-day Japan! Meanwhile, a boy named Arata Hinohara gets sucked into the first Arata’s world and finds himself dealing with people after his life!

My Thoughts:

This gets off to an interesting start. I'm not expecting much, but I do expect Yuu Watase's usual style. Lots of magic and drama and action.

So far, I like both Aratas, but I like the long, black-haired Arata best. I hope to see just as much of him as Arata Hinohara, even though the main story is really about him. I have to wonder if the two of them will switch back to their own worlds at the end of the series. Considering that only Hinohara is the sho for the hayagami passed down through the hime clan, I don't see how that is possible. Especially with what the princess asked of him. Who knows, maybe they'll both be better suited to the worlds they've ended up in?

I foresee romance between Arata of the modern world and Kotoha. No surprise since Watase is known for her romance.

[Adrienne Oliveri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series...and I love Yuu Watase even more

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arata was very different than what I was expecting... in a good way. If you have ever read anything by Yuu Watase, such as Fushigi Yugi, then you know that her writing involves adventure, action, and romance with the first two come behind the romance aspect. This made lead some readers to believe that her novels are geared toward the female reader. This is not the case with Arata. This novel is high in action and adventure with a microscopic hint of romance. While I can that the novel is not targeted mainly at males, I can say that males may enjoy this series more than her previous work. However, this is based on the first volume, so my opinion may change.

But what will not change is the Watase sparkle. Every manga I have ever read of Watase's has this sparkle that I find so rarely in other novels. So what is the sparkle? It is a novel filled with memorable characters that you will think of long after you have read the last page, amazing premises that keep you on the edge of your seat, and outstanding drawings that can take your breath away. For me, there is nothing like a work by Watase. They are a joy to read, and I have yet to find one that I have not devoured.

I am happy to report that Arata follows in this great tradition. This is an action packed novel that involves world travel, action, intrigue, and quite a few twists. Arata will pull you in and not let go till the last page. There is a lot here for both male and female readers to enjoy. And I will be waiting excitedly to see what happens next.

[Nevergreen]

Again, trying something different and while it had elements I do like, this format is not right for me. I'd rather a novelization that is not manga-over-the-top as this is.

[collection.of.words · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endlich mal ein guter Manga mit einer Handlung die nicht total platt ist. Trotzdem weiß ich noch nicht ob ich die Reihe weiter lesen werde... 3,5/5 Sterne

[Azbaqiyah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot - 4 ☄
Character - 4 ☄
Writing Style - 4 ☄
World Building - 4 ☄
Art - 4 ☄
Cover - 4 ☄

Overall - 4🌟

[Eleanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a slay. It started out and I was a little lost but then the moment I saw Arata emerge back out of the forest I actually had to put down the book and scream a little bit. I've read Ceres a lot of times but it's nice to see some of Watase's other work. Her art in this book seemed a bit more ambitious at times, and still equally as beautiful.

I'm looking forward to reading more from this series!

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a Yuu Watase fan since I read FY when I was younger. One of the reasons I liked her stories so much was due to their originality. She seems to recycle a lot of themes and plot devices from series to series. Whereas that may make her newer series more predictable and less original than her earlier series, I will continue to read the Arata series for nostalgia's sake. That and the artwork is cute.

I would not give Arata 5 stars like FY, but I definitely think it is worthy of 4. I would recommend this series to any manga fans who like fantasy/romance elements in their stories.

Note - Since I am just starting the series, it may get better as I get further into it. If that is the case, I will amend this review later...

[Utha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edisi baca ulang di GD. Soalnya koleksi buku fisiknya nggak lengkap haha.

Kangen bats sama Yuu Wataseeee~~~~

* * *

Pembuka yang appealing! Yah, seperti biasa, selalu suka karya Yuu Watase. Mau dicampur legenda, fantasi, ya suka... :)

[Yasiru · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much too generic.

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this series while I was browsing the books at my local library. I had never heard of Arata: The Legend or Yuu Watase. Well I am definitely glad that I found this book!

The story was interesting. It's a simple case of two characters swapping worlds, but it was well set up and I liked the fantasy world that Watase created. It's not like the world is completely fantastical (there are really only a few "out-there" elements). But there's a nice sprinkling of fantasy. There was some good comedy mixed into the story and I chuckled a few times. The additional material at the end of the volume included some funny material. You get to see the fun side of the writer and her assistants. Reading those additional things made me like the creators more.

Overall, I look forward to watching the characters develop and if the story continues to move at this pace, some crazy things will surely go down.

[Bees · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO this is the book I wrote about briefly in my last review, Cyclone . I've read all the way up to book four( I think.....) but I'm lazy/ sick with a fever and won't be writing a review for them XD
This book series is great, although as it progresses becomes a little heavy on the weird made up words. I'd actually like to see more of the modern day, but thats not how it works out. The final book I read ends on a note like-
Oh, so you wanted more modern day? Well heres your modern day and heres your comic book even if its not what you wanted and will cause hell for Arata, SUCK IT!!!
And I'm like--- T-T why??????? So now after the book I last read, Again, I THINK book four?, I'm left on a cliff hanger. A good book series and a great inspiration for my friend who wants to be a Manga Artist, I'll give it a 5 star.

[Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly did not expect to enjoy this story as much as I do. I am not usually one for fantasy, and instead enjoy more slice-of-life stories. Well imagine my surprise when this manga includes both!

This manga follows the story of two Aratas: one boy from a fantasy world who witnesses a princess get murdered by her most loyal guards, and another boy who is from our world and gets relentlessly bullied until he wishes to disappear completely. Their places are swapped by a magical forest and the Arata from our world is tasked with getting home and restoring order to this fantastical world.

Maybe it is just that this manga surprised me with the genre switch, or perhaps it is because it employs tropes that I really like, but I found this story to be very fun and interesting. I ate it right up! I'm curious about what else is in store for this manga and I hope to read more soon.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm typically not fond of either YA fantasy manga or Yuu Watase's stories, but I remember enjoying the first few volumes of Arata: The Legend a decade ago, and I liked this first one a lot this time around, too. I now have all 24 volumes that were published in English, so I'll have the opportunity to see what I think of it in the long term.

I'm not sure if I'll see it in its entirety, though. It went on hiatus for a few years, and was completed a little over a year ago in its magazine serialization in Japan. However, according to its Wikipedia page, its Japanese collected editions are now in a different book format than the ones I have, and I'm not sure if Viz intends to publish the "remastered" version in English or not.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two Aratas, one in contemporary Japan, and one in a fantasy world where magic exists, switch places accidentally.

Fantasy Arata is being accused of the death of his Princess because he saw her bodyguards kill her. Contemporary Arata is bummed that his bully at his former school has shown up at his new one and started again.

The 'hook' that got me to try this is that Fantasy Arata must dress as a girl since only girls can inherit the throne. But this was thrown out in the very beginning of the book when his charade was discovered so it's not actually a plot point. Overall, this was a decent start but not enough to make me want to continue in the series.

[amandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm finally getting used to the way a manga reads I'm fairly new to the genre and don't have many others to compare it to yet i have to say I liked this way more then the other manga series i read Absolute Boyfriend by the same author this was just more up my alley the plot was good and less silly fast paced and action packed i can't wait to read vol. 2 and get more involved in this world.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick paced manga that has 2 different worlds involved. No adult content so I would probably recommend to my middle school students. I can see this developing into a fun manga, the 1st book just focuses on story set up, character set up, and social interactions. Now that I sit and think what I read it was very simple story, but it will perhaps be one of those books that develops the characters and you get to grow with them.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up three volumes from the library. I am a huge fan of Fushigi Yugi and wanted to see what else Yuu Watase had done.

The story line was very interesting. But the way the graphics moved the story along left me, quite often, feeling like I was missing something.

A few days passed after I read the first book and I just have no urge to read the other two, even though I could do it in a single sitting.

[Mary Havens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would consider this my first true Manga or at least my first true fiction Manga.
It was fine. I'm interested in pursuing the story a little bit. I don't care for the over exaggeration of features to convey emotion but that's not a deal breaker.
I LOVE Kotoha!! I also really like both Arata's and do want to learn more about them navigating their new worlds. We will see. My daughter has it now - that might inform how much we pursue the series :)

[Amandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I'm finally getting used to the way a manga reads I'm fairly new to the genre and don't have many others to compare it to yet i have to say I liked this way more then the other manga series i read Absolute Boyfriend by the same author this was just more up my alley the plot was good and less silly fast paced and action packed i can't wait to read vol. 2 and get more involved in this world.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read many other books by Yuu Watase but I had a little trouble deciding about this one. I wasn’t able to get into it as much as I had hoped, although there is a decent story there. I wasn’t left feeling compelled to read beyond volume 2. Also it doesn’t help that the story seems to be on hiatus and may not be completed.

[Erika · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first time trying a manga, and I enjoyed the story to an extent but it was difficult getting used to the format. Not a fan of the whole walking in on a group of bathing women... that was odd and inappropriate. I definitely plan on trying more manga, though.

[Jillian -always aspiring- · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread in 2019

There are a lot of shonen tropes at play here, but Watase manages to give her own nuance, such as the bullying subplot that affects our-world Arata. It’s not the greatest story you’ll ever read, but it is still a solid read.

[Bhawisha · Rating 1 out of 5]

The anime was better #SNS

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m on the fence about my rating. 3 or 4 stars so I went with 4. This series has potential.

[Karen Holt · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting fantasy/ gender changing/comedy

[Raygun ∆ Gothic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yaaaaawwwwn

[Marjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I am *into* this! It's great! I keep wavering between 4 stars and 5, because when you get down to it, it's a effective but still generic isekai, yet somehow it works for me.

[Nining Sriningsih · Rating 4 out of 5]

*baca di Gramedia Digital
=)

lumayan seru..
:D