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アラタカンガタリ~ 革神語 [Arata Kangatari] #3
Arata: The Legend, Vol. 03
Reads R to L (Japanese Style). An action-packed shonen fantasy from the acclaimed author of Fushigi Yûgi!
Hinohara manages to escape his captors, and now he must make his way back to the Amawakuni capital. In order to get there, however, he has to first cross the region ruled by the treacherous Kannagi!
200 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2009
7 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Yuu Watase
362 books1,164 followersYuu 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".
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".
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 23, 2023
Here I can see hints that our mangaka is coming to grips with some of the implications of her story setup. Our protagonist being part of a pattern of dominance forcing others into submission isn't the way to go--this volume's villain character shows the reader, unsubtly, where that kind of thinking leads.
On learning that his hayagami is , Earth Arata's attitude pivots more from distrust and fear of his mission, to something more like acceptance. I'm not sure what the endgame of an arc like this looks like. As we here on Earth know, there's no guarantee that a revolution will lead to long-lasting peace afterwards.
Now that Kannagi has , his role in the story is less clear-cut. We see that he is loyal to his sho, just as his sho are loyal to him. At this point I somewhat pity him, but I can't say I'm on the way to liking him just yet. And I'm not excited about him becoming a part of Arata's party, if that's where this is leading.
That scene with Konoha and Arata at the end of the volume felt somewhat abrupt. It's true that from the moment she came on stage as a loyal retainer to the protagonist, it wasn't difficult to see her becoming the heroine in a romance. I'm probably overthinking things here.
I'm interested in seeing if this story continues to be mildly thought-provoking by running obliquely to shonen manga tropes.
On learning that his hayagami is , Earth Arata's attitude pivots more from distrust and fear of his mission, to something more like acceptance. I'm not sure what the endgame of an arc like this looks like. As we here on Earth know, there's no guarantee that a revolution will lead to long-lasting peace afterwards.
Now that Kannagi has , his role in the story is less clear-cut. We see that he is loyal to his sho, just as his sho are loyal to him. At this point I somewhat pity him, but I can't say I'm on the way to liking him just yet. And I'm not excited about him becoming a part of Arata's party, if that's where this is leading.
That scene with Konoha and Arata at the end of the volume felt somewhat abrupt. It's true that from the moment she came on stage as a loyal retainer to the protagonist, it wasn't difficult to see her becoming the heroine in a romance. I'm probably overthinking things here.
I'm interested in seeing if this story continues to be mildly thought-provoking by running obliquely to shonen manga tropes.
January 9, 2019
This felt more like a “bridge” volume (meant to connect two major plot points in the volumes before and after this one) than anything else. It was okay but not outstanding. There were several fairly emotional parts, however.
On my way to volume 4!!
On my way to volume 4!!
October 3, 2017
I couldn't keep reading this series. It's an easy read but I wasn't enjoying the story or the plot, so I'm dropping the whole series. :/
June 23, 2018
Not bad. I got 12 volumes of this series from the library just now. I’m glad the story isn’t horrible even if the characters are a little annoying.
December 19, 2019
What I love about Watase Yuu's writing is the build up of characters, actions, and dialog. Oo, this series is fun to read!
September 24, 2021
4.5/5 stars
December 30, 2013
Ok, this review is going to go from volume 1 to volume 3.
This fantasy manga is pretty interesting as far as the setup of the fantasy world goes. There’s not much to it except for the weapons called Hayagami that give the Feudal Lords their power. The governing of Amawakuni is a bit odd. Apparently a princess rules the land with warriors that are called the Twelve Shinshou (or Feudal Lords). And smaller territories that under the Shinshou are controlled by Shou. Ok, that sounds fine except if the princess is the ruler. Why is she Princess and not Queen or Empress? Nitpicking aside, it says that this is supposed to be a fantasy world were humans and gods coexist. Um . . . ok. But the only thing I’ve seen so far are the humans and the mention of there being a heaven. I know there’s a connection between the gods and the humans with the Hayagami but it’s still kind of unclear on what that is. Is there a power of a specific god in each Hayagami or were they weapons given to the princess by the gods to the twelve Shinshou? Either way, it sounds interesting and I look forward to reading about them in future volumes.
Another interesting aspect of this manga series is definitely the story. It starts off as a simple, switch-placement story but then it changes to a story about Arata Hinohara, your average high school student, who goes on a journey to take the princess’s place and govern the world that he was sent to. As far as characters go, Arata’s your typical hero. He’s sincere, always tries to do the right thing, and becomes stronger as he goes on his journey. The unique trait about Hinohara is his backstory. He was bullied in junior high and he gets depressed because of what he has to go through. He’s not that complex but he’s likable enough.
Kotoha, so far, is just the generic love interest. She’s nice, kind, has healing powers, and is willing to follow Hinohara wherever he goes. The Arata from Amawakuni is a little bit more complex and more interesting than Hinohara. He’s kind of a goof and doesn’t take things seriously, he cares for his family, and he can have a temper at times. He’s not seen much in the first three volumes but I think he’s pretty likable. There is also Kanate and Ginchi whom we meet in volume two. They are like brothers and do care for each other. They’re tough and a bit rough around the edges sometimes but they do have a sense of justice and they make a funny combination.
We haven’t seen many villains except for Kannagi and we really don’t know much about him except that in the third volume it makes it seem like he’s not really a villain but more like an antihero who just did something terrible. I don’t know, his reason for attacking the princess was because that
The Twelve Shinshou are (supposedly) the villains but I haven't seen most of their faces or their powers. I've only seen a couple and they are pretty evil. There’s also Hinohara’s classmate, Kadowaki, who I HATE. I don’t care what he went through, what’s going on in his home or why he’s bullying Hinohara I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand this asshole. I hate bullies or bullying of any sort. It is NOT justified. I don't care who you are, what you did, what someone else did, or whatever. Bullying is NEVER okay, no one deserves to be bullied, no one has the right to bully OTHER PEOPLE and NO ONE is too old to have help to stop the bullying. The teachers in this manga even said “they’re in high school now! We adults shouldn’t get too involve.” Really? That is the most piss-poor excuse I’ve ever heard! Seriously, I’m just wondering why Hinohara doesn’t approach the teachers and try to stop the bullying. I don’t understand why no one is on his side! Is Kadowaki that much of a threat that no one will stand by him? Even his ‘best friend’ ends up betraying him! I mean, what the hell?? I have known some classmates in high school who were bullied and some of them went into serious depression! Do you know what depression can lead to if there is no one to help them? Do you really want me to go there and just accept that if someone is in high school they are too old to receive help from adults? NO!
I like this manga, I really do. It’s interesting, the characters are likable and I can’t wait to finish it. The only big issue I have that will prevent it from being five stars for me is the bullying.
This fantasy manga is pretty interesting as far as the setup of the fantasy world goes. There’s not much to it except for the weapons called Hayagami that give the Feudal Lords their power. The governing of Amawakuni is a bit odd. Apparently a princess rules the land with warriors that are called the Twelve Shinshou (or Feudal Lords). And smaller territories that under the Shinshou are controlled by Shou. Ok, that sounds fine except if the princess is the ruler. Why is she Princess and not Queen or Empress? Nitpicking aside, it says that this is supposed to be a fantasy world were humans and gods coexist. Um . . . ok. But the only thing I’ve seen so far are the humans and the mention of there being a heaven. I know there’s a connection between the gods and the humans with the Hayagami but it’s still kind of unclear on what that is. Is there a power of a specific god in each Hayagami or were they weapons given to the princess by the gods to the twelve Shinshou? Either way, it sounds interesting and I look forward to reading about them in future volumes.
Another interesting aspect of this manga series is definitely the story. It starts off as a simple, switch-placement story but then it changes to a story about Arata Hinohara, your average high school student, who goes on a journey to take the princess’s place and govern the world that he was sent to. As far as characters go, Arata’s your typical hero. He’s sincere, always tries to do the right thing, and becomes stronger as he goes on his journey. The unique trait about Hinohara is his backstory. He was bullied in junior high and he gets depressed because of what he has to go through. He’s not that complex but he’s likable enough.
Kotoha, so far, is just the generic love interest. She’s nice, kind, has healing powers, and is willing to follow Hinohara wherever he goes. The Arata from Amawakuni is a little bit more complex and more interesting than Hinohara. He’s kind of a goof and doesn’t take things seriously, he cares for his family, and he can have a temper at times. He’s not seen much in the first three volumes but I think he’s pretty likable. There is also Kanate and Ginchi whom we meet in volume two. They are like brothers and do care for each other. They’re tough and a bit rough around the edges sometimes but they do have a sense of justice and they make a funny combination.
We haven’t seen many villains except for Kannagi and we really don’t know much about him except that in the third volume it makes it seem like he’s not really a villain but more like an antihero who just did something terrible. I don’t know, his reason for attacking the princess was because that
The Twelve Shinshou are (supposedly) the villains but I haven't seen most of their faces or their powers. I've only seen a couple and they are pretty evil. There’s also Hinohara’s classmate, Kadowaki, who I HATE. I don’t care what he went through, what’s going on in his home or why he’s bullying Hinohara I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand this asshole. I hate bullies or bullying of any sort. It is NOT justified. I don't care who you are, what you did, what someone else did, or whatever. Bullying is NEVER okay, no one deserves to be bullied, no one has the right to bully OTHER PEOPLE and NO ONE is too old to have help to stop the bullying. The teachers in this manga even said “they’re in high school now! We adults shouldn’t get too involve.” Really? That is the most piss-poor excuse I’ve ever heard! Seriously, I’m just wondering why Hinohara doesn’t approach the teachers and try to stop the bullying. I don’t understand why no one is on his side! Is Kadowaki that much of a threat that no one will stand by him? Even his ‘best friend’ ends up betraying him! I mean, what the hell?? I have known some classmates in high school who were bullied and some of them went into serious depression! Do you know what depression can lead to if there is no one to help them? Do you really want me to go there and just accept that if someone is in high school they are too old to receive help from adults? NO!
I like this manga, I really do. It’s interesting, the characters are likable and I can’t wait to finish it. The only big issue I have that will prevent it from being five stars for me is the bullying.
October 28, 2017
Another great continuation of the series. It starts with a quick look of how Arata is doing in Japan. This has been mostly absent from the series thus far so I'm interested to see how his story line continues to move alongside the story of Arata Hinohara.
We meet a friendly new character and a less friendly new character who both- in their own way- offer a glimpse into the complex journey that Hinohara has undertaken. We get a couple of risqué shots of Kotoha as Hinohara and Kanate continue to fight over her affection (though at the end of the volume we clearly see who Kotoha cares for more).
Like the second volume, volume three has some early sketches at the end and Yuu Watase talks more about how the series has come together for her. I continue to enjoy her commentary at the end just as much as I like the story itself.
We meet a friendly new character and a less friendly new character who both- in their own way- offer a glimpse into the complex journey that Hinohara has undertaken. We get a couple of risqué shots of Kotoha as Hinohara and Kanate continue to fight over her affection (though at the end of the volume we clearly see who Kotoha cares for more).
Like the second volume, volume three has some early sketches at the end and Yuu Watase talks more about how the series has come together for her. I continue to enjoy her commentary at the end just as much as I like the story itself.
March 13, 2017
I really enjoyed this volume and it had a lot of pleasant twists. One of my favorites so far in the series for sure. Held my attention well.
August 25, 2015
Seriously getting BASARA vibes, but beyond that - ya know this is something I often don't think about because it doesn't seem to MESH with the artwork, but Watase writes/draws/creates truly awful bad guys. Think about it.
Fushigi Yuugi - we can START with Nakago, but that doesn't even begin to touch on Miboshi or Tomo (neither of who seemed to suffer the same horrific childhood that Nakago so they can't even claim trauma, not that its an excuse)
Ayashi no Ceres - Mikagi, who can forget MIKAGI?
Arata - Akachi. Just. This guy.
I suppose it says something that only her fantasy series seem to suffer from truly awful bad guy syndrome (her contemporaries or "light" fantasy like Absolute Boyfriend or Alice 19th, don't suffer this).
I'm enjoying this so very much. I forget why it took me this long (16 vols) before I started reading this (I was buying the volumes...that would have been an expensive lesson to learn that I didn't like the series!). I think I like Arata's story in modern day japan a tad bit better, just because he's freaking hilarious, but I feel so bad for Hinohara. People just keep TRUSTING him to do the right thing and he sort of feels obligated to.
And if I want to wear Kotoha's outfit all the time no big deal right?
Fushigi Yuugi - we can START with Nakago, but that doesn't even begin to touch on Miboshi or Tomo (neither of who seemed to suffer the same horrific childhood that Nakago so they can't even claim trauma, not that its an excuse)
Ayashi no Ceres - Mikagi, who can forget MIKAGI?
Arata - Akachi. Just. This guy.
I suppose it says something that only her fantasy series seem to suffer from truly awful bad guy syndrome (her contemporaries or "light" fantasy like Absolute Boyfriend or Alice 19th, don't suffer this).
I'm enjoying this so very much. I forget why it took me this long (16 vols) before I started reading this (I was buying the volumes...that would have been an expensive lesson to learn that I didn't like the series!). I think I like Arata's story in modern day japan a tad bit better, just because he's freaking hilarious, but I feel so bad for Hinohara. People just keep TRUSTING him to do the right thing and he sort of feels obligated to.
And if I want to wear Kotoha's outfit all the time no big deal right?
February 6, 2012
~3/5
So, the volume started by showing us Arata getting ready and then going to school. He's still confused by things, which is still awesome. He doesn't know a lot of things, and he doesn't know what's going on, and it's great. And he even, a little, beats up the jerks that were mean to Hinohara. It's fantastic, and I want more. Seeing that made me all excited, but it was just a trick. Because we get one chapter of him (and these are short chapters), before it goes back to Hinohara. Which is uncool. (Also, it's mentioned that the people just see them as the person who originally lived there. Is that how it actually works? Because it still kind of bothers me, but that's the best explanation I can come up with.)
The next chapter one continues with Hinohara (I keep wanting to call him Arata, but I have to differentiate them somehow). He's traveling with Kotoha, Ginchi, and Kanate. Their ships quickly breaks apart, though, and they come to an island. Where they meet some traveling villagers, which includes Ginchi's mother...
(Read the rest here: http://geekyreading.blogspot.com/2012... )
So, the volume started by showing us Arata getting ready and then going to school. He's still confused by things, which is still awesome. He doesn't know a lot of things, and he doesn't know what's going on, and it's great. And he even, a little, beats up the jerks that were mean to Hinohara. It's fantastic, and I want more. Seeing that made me all excited, but it was just a trick. Because we get one chapter of him (and these are short chapters), before it goes back to Hinohara. Which is uncool. (Also, it's mentioned that the people just see them as the person who originally lived there. Is that how it actually works? Because it still kind of bothers me, but that's the best explanation I can come up with.)
The next chapter one continues with Hinohara (I keep wanting to call him Arata, but I have to differentiate them somehow). He's traveling with Kotoha, Ginchi, and Kanate. Their ships quickly breaks apart, though, and they come to an island. Where they meet some traveling villagers, which includes Ginchi's mother...
(Read the rest here: http://geekyreading.blogspot.com/2012... )
September 28, 2010
To be honest, this series is starting to disappoint me. It started out more interesting than it's gone on. Still, it _is_ only volume 3. I will keep reading and give it more of a chance. After all, this is the woman who created Fushigi Yuugi!
We get to see what the transplant into our world is up to and how he's coping. He goes to school. Which is interesting as a nice break, but really, is not that terribly interesting.
And then she reveals her Highlander plot to us all.
I find it all a little confusing, in that there are a lot of terms she's created for the people and objects (and really, why do weapons of any sort need freaking names?). I expect if I was a Japanese speaker, I wouldn't be as confused. Not that I want the translators making up English-y words for the things either. So I have no solution.
We get to see what the transplant into our world is up to and how he's coping. He goes to school. Which is interesting as a nice break, but really, is not that terribly interesting.
And then she reveals her Highlander plot to us all.
I find it all a little confusing, in that there are a lot of terms she's created for the people and objects (and really, why do weapons of any sort need freaking names?). I expect if I was a Japanese speaker, I wouldn't be as confused. Not that I want the translators making up English-y words for the things either. So I have no solution.
February 6, 2013
... the plot has just turned into a sorta Highlander twist... not sure if total cliche or what.
The names of things are starting to pile up a bit. The magic-weapon carriers are called Shou, the weapons each have their own names, but ALL of them as a class are called Hayagami, but then their "divine powers" in battle have names of their own... Egads, this series needs a running terms chart!
Also Arata v1 had a whole 2 chapters of modern-world adventures. Yeah!! The series needs more of that please. Magical RPG-lands transplanted adventures are common, but other way around stories need to happen more
The names of things are starting to pile up a bit. The magic-weapon carriers are called Shou, the weapons each have their own names, but ALL of them as a class are called Hayagami, but then their "divine powers" in battle have names of their own... Egads, this series needs a running terms chart!
Also Arata v1 had a whole 2 chapters of modern-world adventures. Yeah!! The series needs more of that please. Magical RPG-lands transplanted adventures are common, but other way around stories need to happen more
September 29, 2016
Arata in the contemporary world has figured out that the people who surround the boy he replaced are not his friends, but his enemies. He knows how to treat an enemy. He gets in trouble for kicking one of them (the ringleader who followed him into the school, of course).
Arata in the world of demons and a fighting kingdom has met a man who works as a smith for the Sho who has framed Arata and wishes to kill him. He refuses to submit or to force others to submit. It is revealed that he has a rare demon on his side who does not deal in submitting, but entrusting.
Arata in the world of demons and a fighting kingdom has met a man who works as a smith for the Sho who has framed Arata and wishes to kill him. He refuses to submit or to force others to submit. It is revealed that he has a rare demon on his side who does not deal in submitting, but entrusting.
February 21, 2013
I loved the beginning of this! Arata is in Hinohara's world, and he manages to stand up to Hinohara's tormentors. I really hope that when Hinohara goes back home, he will be strong enough to make it on his own :)
December 23, 2016
Yuu Watase is one of my favorite manga artists/authors. I can see similarities in this series to her other series, they all have that Watase style and characters. Love the art and can't wait to see how the story continues.
July 2, 2012
I think this is a great manga to read. Arata is still in a strange world but he's coping. Get's interesting ever time I turn the page the other way because you read it from right to left basically.
June 16, 2013
Another good volume. The characters are very likable, although I wish the female companion had more backstory. Arata 2 is building a little group of followes and stuff is getting real real.
March 26, 2019
Interesting and intriguing story. Now the real fight begins!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews