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Vol 2 Issue 6
[MANGA REVIEWS]

inu-yasha.
— 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


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