![[MANGA REVIEWS]](images/section_manga.gif)
 |


by Eugene Cheng
She's at it again. Takahashi Rumiko has undertaken yet another
series which promises to be a hit. And from the fertile mind
which has brought us the likes of RANMA
1/2, MAISON IKKOKU, and LUM: URUSEI YATSURA, readers should expect no
less.
The story takes place in feudal
Japan. Kagome, a girl from modern day Japan, has been
transported back into the past by a demon in search of the
"Shikon Jewel" or the "Jewel of Four Souls". It is said that
this jewel may grant demons limitless power. But the jewel was
supposedly burned with the remains of Kikyo, the village
priestess. By some strange twist of fate, the jewel ends up in
Kagome's possession.
"Inu-Yasha" literally translates
into "Dog-Demon." It is the name of a half-demon who seeks to
gain more power. He had managed to capture the Shikon Jewel,
but before he managed to flee from the village, Kikyo, who was
already suffering from fatal injuries, pinned him to a tree with
an arrow and placed a spell upon him. Inu-Yasha would be unable
to move, until the day when someone would set him free. Enter
Kagome...
The first two issues complete the
first story arc and lay the framework for the rest of the
series. Interesting plot twists abound, and there is rarely a
dull moment. Fans of Takahashi's MERMAID'S
FOREST series should find that INU-YASHA has the same shades of horror, but
with a few lighter scenes thrown into the mix. The many cultural
aspects in the book are explained in brief asides in the
beginning of the book. It is obvious that the writers spent much
time in explaining the cultural aspects, rather than just
neglecting them, or giving a short-changed description. These
first two issues are a must-have in order to truly understand
and appreciate the series. Following issues will indubitably
tell stories that will engross readers yet again. It has been
somewhat of a Takahashi trademark to begin a story with an
outwardly simplistic and forgettable plot, and weave it into a
complex and thoroughly intriguing epic.
Beginning with the third issue of
the series, Kagome's trials begin. She must defend the Shikon
Jewel from all sorts of monsters. And to quote a line: "Not only
monsters, but also men... who are sometimes worse." Kagome must
defend the jewel not only from the hands of man and monster, but
must also protect her own life from Inu-Yasha, who has become a
reluctant companion. He is constantly plotting some way to rid
himself of Kagome, to take the jewel as his own, and to gain
the power of a full-fledged demon.
The English adaptation chores have
once again been handled competently by Gerard Jones. His writing
complements the visual aspect that Takahashi's artistry begins.
The flow of the story is very natural, and very smooth. No doubt
Jones' experience with adapting RANMA 1/2
and MAISON IKKOKU have helped in this
integration of their styles. Takahashi's art style and layouts
have only improved since her debut several years ago. Her full
page spreads are elegant and beautiful, yet her lines remain
simple, and minimalistic. In an era of visual pizazz and graphic
intensity, Takahashi stands head and shoulders (figuratively
speaking) above the rest in her well-paced visual
storytelling.
INU-YASHA
is a monthly title published by Viz Comics concurrently with the
Japanese release. American fans will only be a few weeks behind
readers in Japan, story-wise. This is something that has never
before been done in a manga release, and it is fitting that it
should be with one of Takahashi Rumiko's works. There has long
been a trend of animating Takahashi's stories, and INU-YASHA should be no different. It would not
be surprising to see an anime series based on the manga to
appear on the horizon.
|
INU-YASHA
A Feudal Fairy Tale
Story and art by Takahashi Rumiko
English Adaptation by Gerard Jones
Viz Select Comics
Monthly $2.95 USA/$4.00 CAN
|
|
 |