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境界のRINNE [Kyokai no Rinne] #12
Rin-Ne 12
After a mysterious encounter in her childhood, Sakura Mamiya gained the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! Then one day she meets Rinne Rokudo, a boy who is far more than what he seems.
Rinne’s Black Cat by Contract, Rokumon, is going to take the Black Cat Ranking Test! Rokumon’s rival Black Cats, Oboro and Suzu, have also joined the battle, and Rinne seems disturbed about the exam fee! From haunted pools to a fracas over mushrooms, Rinne always has his share of ghostly problems to solve!
Rinne’s Black Cat by Contract, Rokumon, is going to take the Black Cat Ranking Test! Rokumon’s rival Black Cats, Oboro and Suzu, have also joined the battle, and Rinne seems disturbed about the exam fee! From haunted pools to a fracas over mushrooms, Rinne always has his share of ghostly problems to solve!
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 9, 2013
10 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,587 books2,098 followersRumiko Takahashi (高橋留美子) was born in Niigata, Japan. She is not only one of the richest women in Japan but also one of the top paid manga artists. She is also the most successful female comic artist in history. She has been writing manga non-stop for 31 years.
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
Rumiko Takahashi is one of the wealthiest women in Japan. The manga she creates (and its anime adaptations) are very popular in the United States and Europe where they have been released as both manga and anime in English translation. Her works are relatively famous worldwide, and many of her series were some of the forerunners of early English language manga to be released in the nineties. Takahashi is also the best selling female comics artist in history; well over 100 million copies of her various works have been sold.
Though she was said to occasionally doodle in the margins of her papers while attending Niigata Chūō High School, Takahashi's interest in manga did not come until later. During her college years, she enrolled in Gekiga Sonjuku, a manga school founded by Kazuo Koike, mangaka of Crying Freeman and Lone Wolf and Cub. Under his guidance Rumiko Takahashi began to publish her first doujinshi creations in 1975, such as Bye-Bye Road and Star of Futile Dust. Kozue Koike often urged his students to create well-thought out, interesting characters, and this influence would greatly impact Rumiko Takahashi's works throughout her career.
Career and major works:
Takahashi's professional career began in 1978. Her first published story was Those Selfish Aliens, a comedic science fiction story. During the same year, she published Time Warp Trouble, Shake Your Buddha, and the Golden Gods of Poverty in Shōnen Sunday, which would remain the home to most of her major works for the next twenty years. Later that year, Rumiko attempted her first full-length series, Urusei Yatsura. Though it had a rocky start due to publishing difficulties, Urusei Yatsura would become one of the most beloved anime and manga comedies in Japan.
In 1980, Rumiko Takahashi found her niche and began to publish with regularity. At this time she started her second major series, Maison Ikkoku, in Big Comic Spirits. Written for an older audience, Maison Ikkoku is often considered to be one of the all-time best romance manga. Takahashi managed to work on Maison Ikkoku on and off simultaneously with Urusei Yatsura. She concluded both series in 1987, with Urusei Yatsura ending at 34 volumes, and Maison Ikkoku being 15.
During the 1980s, Takahashi became a prolific writer of short story manga, which is surprising considering the massive lengths of most of her works. Her stories The Laughing Target, Maris the Chojo, and Fire Tripper all were adapted into original video animations (OVAs). In 1984, after the end of Urusei Yatsura and Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi took a different approach to storytelling and began the dark, macabre Mermaid Saga. This series of short segments was published sporadically until 1994, with the final story being Mermaid's Mask. Many fans contend that this work remains unfinished by Takahashi, since the final story does not end on a conclusive note.
Another short work left untouched is One-Pound Gospel, which, like Mermaid Saga, was published erratically. The last story to be drawn was published in 2001, however just recently she wrote one final chapter concluding the series
Later in 1987, Takahashi began her third major series, Ranma ½. Following the late 80s and early 90s trend of shōnen martial arts manga, Ranma ½ features a gender-bending twist. The series continued for nearly a decade until 1996, when it ended at 38 volumes. Ranma ½ is one of Rumiko Takahashi's most popular series with the Western world.
During the later half of the 1990s, Rumiko Takahashi continued with short stories and her installments of Mermaid Saga and One-Pound Gospel until beginning her fourth major work, InuYasha. While Ran
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 9, 2016
This series just keeps getting funnier and funnier with each volume and I continue to enjoy what Rumiko Takahashi brings to the “Rin-Ne” series! In the twelfth volume, we finally see what kind of events that the black cats by contracts get involved in and how it affects the relationships to their owners and I was literally rolling over laughing at the crazy antics in this volume!
In this volume, Rinne’s Black Cat by Contract, Rokumon, wanted to participate in the Black Cat Ranking Test where he gets to participate in various events that test each Black Cat’s skills and whoever the winner is will get a discount on various Shinigami tools (so of course Rinne will agree to let Rokumon participate)! So, Rinne and Rokumon, along with Oboro and Suzu compete in the ranking test in order to grab the grand prize! Other stories in this volume include a ghost girl haunting the school’s swimming pool, Rinne and Rokumon fighting over a pack of mushrooms that were mysteriously sent to them and a ghost girl having unresolved romantic issues with the Sensei.
Rumiko Takahashi has done an excellent job at making this volume extremely hilarious and interesting to read! I really enjoyed the story involving all the Black Cats getting involved in the Black Cat Ranking Test as it was hilarious and exciting to read, especially during the scenes where the Black Cats had to go through several obstacle courses that test their skills and their attention spans! It was great seeing a story that focuses on Rokumon for a change and we get to see how he is as a character as he shows great devotion to Rinne and is one of the few Black Cats in the event who actually has his head on straight! I also liked the story line with Rinne and Rokumon fighting over a package of mushrooms as we get to see Rokumon’s loyalty to Rinne being tested as he is so set on eating those mushrooms that he is willing to fight Rinne to get them! Rumiko Takahashi’s artwork is creative, especially of the images of the Black Cats competing in the Black Cat Ranking Test as you can see them jumping all over the place and also see the comedic images of them getting beaten up by the obstacle courses!
A bit of a warning for some readers: this volume has some language such as the usage of the “d” word and anyone who does not like language in a book might want to skim through these words.
Overall, “Rin-Ne Volume Twelve” is a fun volume filled with hilarious escapades from Rinne and the gang that fans of the “Rin-Ne” series will surely enjoy!
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
August 13, 2013
Rokumon wants to take the Black Cat Ranking Exam, and RIN-NE doesn't want him to, until he hears that it will get him discounts by having a ranked cat. So, he is there every step of the way for Rokumon during the examination, even when his shinigami scythe is all but destroyed. Luckily, Rokumon passes and wins his rank.
In the other story, a schoolgirl has fallen for the student gym teacher, but it seems he has shunned her. Is it really a good idea that she made a straw doll and cursed him? Can they work their differences out?
I was really glad she didn't get to hear him say that he is now dating the lady that helped him retrieve her number, as she might not have passed on as easily.
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This volume was provided to me as an eManga by VIZ Media, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
In the other story, a schoolgirl has fallen for the student gym teacher, but it seems he has shunned her. Is it really a good idea that she made a straw doll and cursed him? Can they work their differences out?
I was really glad she didn't get to hear him say that he is now dating the lady that helped him retrieve her number, as she might not have passed on as easily.
-------------------
This volume was provided to me as an eManga by VIZ Media, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
August 10, 2025
“We are going to win no matter what, Rokumon!”
I’ve been loving the addition of the other black cats to the story. It’s so funny to see how different the other shinigami’s relationships are to their own black cats compared to Rokudo and Rokumon. As always, despite his poverty, Rokudo is a step above his peers even when it comes to his black cat contract.
Rokudo and Rokumon’s relationship is probably my second favorite thing about this series. It really exemplifies the humor and gentleness that is the core of this world. Even though he can’t properly pay for Rokumon’s services or consistently provide for his needs, Rokumon is still very loyal to Rokudo and always looks out for him. And Rokudo always returns the favor. (Except when it comes to matsutake mushrooms, apparently.) Seeing the other shinigami we’ve met so far and their relationship with their black cats…leaves a lot to be desired. But in the funniest way possible.
These relationships are put on full display in the first half of this volume with the Black Cats by Contract Ranking Exam. With the last few volumes mainly consisting of one shot stories, it was a treat to read a long arc again. It was fun to see all the shinigami we’ve met so far interact and compete. You really get the feeling that these characters exist outside of the times we see them in the main story; that they come and go with their own motivations in this world Rumiko has built. They’re also all such idiots it’s hard not to be charmed by them, even when they’re antagonizing Rokudo and Rokumon. Not to mention Rokumon got to have some cool moments during the exam, just like Rokudo last volume.
The rest of the volume is more one shot cases. They were pretty cute, as always. Again, my favorite one would have to be the last one about Rokudo and Rokumon fighting over the matsutake mushrooms. Even when they’re fighting each other, they show how perfectly in sync they are. It’s nice to see a volume that showcases all facets of, arguably, the second most important relationship of this series.
I’ve been loving the addition of the other black cats to the story. It’s so funny to see how different the other shinigami’s relationships are to their own black cats compared to Rokudo and Rokumon. As always, despite his poverty, Rokudo is a step above his peers even when it comes to his black cat contract.
Rokudo and Rokumon’s relationship is probably my second favorite thing about this series. It really exemplifies the humor and gentleness that is the core of this world. Even though he can’t properly pay for Rokumon’s services or consistently provide for his needs, Rokumon is still very loyal to Rokudo and always looks out for him. And Rokudo always returns the favor. (Except when it comes to matsutake mushrooms, apparently.) Seeing the other shinigami we’ve met so far and their relationship with their black cats…leaves a lot to be desired. But in the funniest way possible.
These relationships are put on full display in the first half of this volume with the Black Cats by Contract Ranking Exam. With the last few volumes mainly consisting of one shot stories, it was a treat to read a long arc again. It was fun to see all the shinigami we’ve met so far interact and compete. You really get the feeling that these characters exist outside of the times we see them in the main story; that they come and go with their own motivations in this world Rumiko has built. They’re also all such idiots it’s hard not to be charmed by them, even when they’re antagonizing Rokudo and Rokumon. Not to mention Rokumon got to have some cool moments during the exam, just like Rokudo last volume.
The rest of the volume is more one shot cases. They were pretty cute, as always. Again, my favorite one would have to be the last one about Rokudo and Rokumon fighting over the matsutake mushrooms. Even when they’re fighting each other, they show how perfectly in sync they are. It’s nice to see a volume that showcases all facets of, arguably, the second most important relationship of this series.
November 30, 2023
As can be seen on the cover, there's a story in this volume whose major focus is the "black cats on contract" of Rinne, Ageha, etc. As usual, the crowd scenes are a lot of fun to look at, but the story itself didn't do much for me. Ageha is a good target for slapstick, it seems, since she gets that treatment a couple times. She's a brat, and the pratfalls are definitely of the cartoony variety where the character bounces back in the next panel, so it's all good fun.
Unusually, I enjoyed the one-off stories that lasted a chapter or two better than the longer one about the black cats, which was a stop-and-start affair over a couple of days as I put the volume down, feeling a bit bored.
Unusually, I enjoyed the one-off stories that lasted a chapter or two better than the longer one about the black cats, which was a stop-and-start affair over a couple of days as I put the volume down, feeling a bit bored.
January 17, 2023
Good lord is this book fun! I forgot how much I enjoyed reading Rin-Ne when it was first being released in English, and now that I've gotten back into the series, I can safely say that it's still a favourite.
I always appreciate Takahashi's sense of humour and comedic timing in her books, so reading the Black Cat Ranking Test Arc was pure joy because the comedy was on point!
I always appreciate Takahashi's sense of humour and comedic timing in her books, so reading the Black Cat Ranking Test Arc was pure joy because the comedy was on point!
February 28, 2018
I don't like the kitties in this one.
August 26, 2019
La arco de los gatitos, es muy bueno.
Me gustó mucho. 💕
Me gustó mucho. 💕
January 1, 2022
Me encanta
June 25, 2023
六問の頑張る姿は可愛いかった。
黒猫の段階テスト編は結構面白かった。六問ちゃんとりんねは本当にいいパートナーシップだよね。
黒猫の段階テスト編は結構面白かった。六問ちゃんとりんねは本当にいいパートナーシップだよね。
January 11, 2014
No cabe duda que este volumen es de los mejores en cuanto comedia se trata. El examen de los gatos negros es divertidisimo, la mala suerte de Rinne provoca tanto carcajadas como lastima: No solo deben cuidar cada centavo sino que por su mala suerte se desperdicia. Pobres.
October 7, 2016
I love this zany manga. It's funny and the stakes are so so low, so it's not anxiety inducing to read. It has actually helped me a bit with my fear of ghosts.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews