InuYasha, Vol. 1

by Rumiko Takahashi

Book Overview

Now that she's in the past, Kagome discovers that she wasn't pulled there by accident -- her very life is linked to events hundreds of years in the past by the mystical Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1569319472
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.5" x 0.8" x 5.0"

Customer Reviews

Love it

I really like this manga and the quality was amazing

Cute, creepy, and better than the anime. [No Spoilers]

I picked up the series after watching a bit of the anime. The 90’s art style is really cute which takes away from the horror aspect it has and makes it more creepy then anything else. Main character Kagome is also really inspiring. She’s very independent and doesn’t let herself be a damsel in distress. In the anime she can come off as a bit annoying. The story line itself is a bit fast paced so there is a lot of progress with each chapter as well! There are even some comedic and semi romantic aspects brought in as well. All in all I can see how the series got so popular it’s one of my favorite mangas now and I 100% recommend it!!!

I Love Inu!

Inu Yasha is a great series. When I saw this series at the library where I live I got it and read it over 50 times. IT WAS SO GOOD!(That person is crazy, you think, but I kinda memorize them)This is different from the show, because of how they look mostly. If you wanna know I think I like the manga better!

You'll never live the same again...

You will get hooked on this series like I did. You will not believe how beautiful the art is and how you could read it again and again and not get tired of it. It's a MUST. It is something like the show, but somehow not.

I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET BACK TO MY TIME

In 1997, Kagome is a normal everyday Japanese high school student who has to constantly listen to her grandpa going on about old legends and folklore. She basically lives in a shrine with her grandpa, mother and little brother, next to a sacred tree and a mysterious well. When she is dragged into that well by a humongous centipede demon, she finds herself back in the time of the warring states. The demon wants the "Shikon Jewel" from Kagome. There's no way she will be able to stand alone against this demon so she will have to free an even more powerful half demon to fight it. That half-demon's name is Inuyasha! Rumiko Takahashi has a certain magic in her manga. To me she is like the Steven Spielberg of Japanese comics. She has a lot of popular appeal but in the end it's not because she caters to her fans, but because there is just something unique about her character designs, or maybe it's the warmth and passion she brings to her work. I just love her stuff. Inuyasha is by no means targeted at small children. There's nudity, blood, and genuine frights in this volume. It seems Inuyasha and every other demon that comes along wants the Shikon Jewel because it amplifies their power considerably. Actually, that's why Inuyasha was ensorcelled, because Kikyo, who everybody seems to think has been reincarnated as Kagome, had to stop him from abusing his power. It will be interesting to see how this relationship will play out between the two main characters. While I have been aware of Inuyasha, this is the first time I have ever read one of the manga. It looks like it will be good, and there are many many volumes to follow. I would also recommend the manga Mermaid Saga by the same author and also the anime version of Inuyasha. Two other anime that have the same theme are The Twelve Kingdoms and Escaflowne.

The Perfect Combination of Maison Ikkoku and Mermaid Scar

Takahashi has an absolute masterpiece here, in my book. This is the perfect combination of constructed love story (that is, it IS a love story, unlike the out-of-hand romantic wackiness that is "Ranma1/2" and "Urusei Yatsura") and the great strange creatures of the "Mermaid Scar."Inu Yasha bears a great resemblance to Ranma, from "Ranma1/2," but the resemblance ends with their equal impetuousness, desire to fight, and solid knowledge that they are the absolute best at brawling. They both possess the hidden heart of gold that they hide beneath arrogance, but there is a big difference: Inu Yasha is more open about his feelings. Perhaps this has to do with his being a half-demon and having been in a relationship with a beautiful young priestess. Maybe it is because their relationship ended tragically, hating each other into death, and Kagome is the priestess' reincarnation, dragged through time into feudal Japan. I don't know, but Inu Yasha is a much more willing to admit to having affection than Ranma ever has.Now, the monster part is great. Much like "Mermaid Scar" and "Rumic Trilogy," there are monsters trying to collect power. There is a soul jewel called the "Jewel of Four Souls" or "Shikon Jewel" that shattered (long story!). This is the best part. Inu Yasha and Kagome must join forces and collect the shards of jewel. This means Kagome locates them, and Inu Yasha battles for them. Why does he want the jewel? Once, he wanted to become human and love the priestess Kikyo; now he wants to become a full demon and never be hurt by a woman again. See? Tender hearted!They are joined by a small fox demon, Shippô, a flea demon, Myoga, the lascivious Buddhist priest, Miroku, and a demon hunter, Sango.I personally love this manga. It's the best fantasy manga that I have come across in a long time (er... well, I've been reading "Bastard!" and that's equally good, but for different reasons!). Enjoy it from book 1-11...I know I did!

If only it were released more quickly!

As a devotee of Ranma 1/2, I decided to give Takahashi sensei's new title Inu Yasha a look. I was so surprised and pleased by it! In fact I think Takahashi sensei has vastly improved her repertoire with the introduction of Inu Yasha. The most notable instance is that of the heroine. I hate to admit this, but sometimes Akane just grates on my nerves. She's just a bit too bullheaded to use all her charm, strength, and intelligence to their utmost. Kagome, the heroine of Inu Yasha, definately does not have this problem. This girl knows what needs to be done and does it. She is strong and savy enough to battle the creepiest demons and monsters. She is smart and sensible enough to take care of herself even when her world is turned completely upside down. She is also sweet and sensitive enough to see the truth behind the tough veneer of a little girl's lost spirit (and sometimes behind a demon dog-boy's facade as well ^_^). Should you get Inu Yasha solely based on the merits of Kagome? It is worth it, but the complex and well-plotted story and the amazingly likeable and always interesting other characters are great too. Takahashi sensei combines horror, mystery, adventure and comedy with her signature touch of romance to sweeten the deal.