After Ranma 1/2 and the collection of Rumik World stories, the time has come for an opinion after reading the two so far published volumes of Inuyasha . This title was originally published in the period 1996-2008 in the magazine “Shūkan Shōnen Sunday” and has 56 parts in its entirety. On its basis, an anime was also created (2000-2004), which may be known to fans of the so-called tapeworms, as it has 167 episodes. This manga appeared on the Polish market a dozen or so years ago thanks to the Egmont publishing house, but a beautiful edition in an enlarged format, graphically consistent with other Rumiko Takahashi titles, we received only this year from the aforementioned JPF.
Half dog and all girl
Inuyasha is a half-demon who wants to become a full-fledged representative of his species, and the Jewel of the Four Souls can help him in this. Unfortunately, the ancient stone was burned along with a brave girl named Kikyo, who did not want it to fall into the wrong hands. Before her death, she also sealed Inuyasha himself so that he would not cause confusion in her native surroundings. This is what we learn from the introduction to the manga, and then we move to modern times, where we meet Kagome – an ordinary teenager who, together with her grandfather (a fan of old tales and legends), younger brother and mother, live in the area of a very old temple. One day the girl is dragged by a multi-armed demon into an old well and discovers that she traveled back to Japan during the Civil War period. On site to survive and protect the surrounding village, he removes the seal from the newly met Inuyasha, and as a result of several subsequent events, he discovers that the Jewel desired by everyone was still in her body. Now that it has emerged from the light of day, all the worst scum and monsters are starting to come for it. As if that were not enough, as a result of the unfortunate shot of Kagome, the stone itself is broken into pieces that scatter around the world. So Inuyasha and his new partner commit to putting it back together. as a result of an unfortunate shot by Kagome, the stone itself is broken into pieces that scatter around the world. So Inuyasha and his new partner commit to putting it back together. as a result of an unfortunate shot by Kagome, the stone itself is broken into pieces that scatter around the world. So Inuyasha and his new partner commit to putting it back together.
A bit of mythology, a bit of adventure, a bit of comedy
Rumiko Takahashi proves once again that she can create an interesting story. In Inuyasha, the mangaczek intertwines interesting threads and references to Eastern mythology with humorous scenes (for example, Kagome, to calm Inuyasha, calls out “SIAD!” And then the half-demon is nested to the ground with magic) and numerous adventures. Half-Demon and the Girl are a fun and complementary duo at the same time. He, as the strong and impulsive one, she, in turn, being his counterweight, brave, brave, loyal and getting the best out of Inuyasha. Each character takes something for himself in this account, and we, as readers, have the opportunity to observe how they deal not only with their new friendship, but also with the ancient opponents lurking for them.
Retro with a claw
It is not a manga gore or a horror movie, but for people who are not used to Japanese demonology, the depictions of attacking demons or the scenes of torn flesh and severed limbs may turn out to be unpleasant. A lot happens in this story, and the title itself is classified as shōnen (a type of manga that is primarily intended for boys), so don’t expect a romantic getaway here. Each opponent brings a new, dangerous fight, and there are also many sad threads (see a sad story with a fox demon who lost his father).
Once again, I am like that!
This time we get to know the much less humorous side of Rumiko Takahashi’s work. However, it is still a very interesting title that has a lot to offer readers. So far, I have not felt that the story contained in it has in any way aged and I will gladly reach for its continuation, which I also encourage you to do.
