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うる星やつら 文庫 [Urusei Yatsura Bunko] #1
Lamu: Urusei Yatsura, 1
Uno de los títulos imprescindibles para entender muchas de las obras posteriores de Takahashi.
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1989
98 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,595 books2,151 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 - 30 of 131 reviews
September 2, 2019
When aliens invade earth, Ataru Moroboshi is selected to be earth's champion in a game of tag against Lum, the alien princess. Little does he know that Lum will fall in love with him and perpetually make his life more difficult...
I enjoyed the first volume of Ranma 1/2 so I decided to take a chance on Urusei Yatsura, Rumiko Takahashi's earlier work. It was awesome.
"What's that about?" my wife asked.
"It's like Archie if Veronica was a magic alien with horns and she had an ex-fiance who turned into a monster when he got angry. Other than that, just like Archie," I said.
That's simplifying things but Urusei Yatsura reminds me of Archie more than anything else. Ataru is like Archie in that he falls in lust with anything with compatible genitals, constantly caught between his human girlfriend Shinobu, the ogre princess Lum, and anything other female that wanders into his field of vision.
The comedy is in the Japanese vein, of course. Lots of misunderstandings, most of them involving Ataru's libido. Lum is a hilarious character. Rumuko Takahashi's art is cute and expressive. I don't know that I'm going to read every volume but I'm definitely on board for more.
Base on one volume of each, I prefer Urusei Yatsura to Ranma 1/2 but we'll see which one wins out in the long run. I'm definitely in for more of both. Five out of five stars.
I enjoyed the first volume of Ranma 1/2 so I decided to take a chance on Urusei Yatsura, Rumiko Takahashi's earlier work. It was awesome.
"What's that about?" my wife asked.
"It's like Archie if Veronica was a magic alien with horns and she had an ex-fiance who turned into a monster when he got angry. Other than that, just like Archie," I said.
That's simplifying things but Urusei Yatsura reminds me of Archie more than anything else. Ataru is like Archie in that he falls in lust with anything with compatible genitals, constantly caught between his human girlfriend Shinobu, the ogre princess Lum, and anything other female that wanders into his field of vision.
The comedy is in the Japanese vein, of course. Lots of misunderstandings, most of them involving Ataru's libido. Lum is a hilarious character. Rumuko Takahashi's art is cute and expressive. I don't know that I'm going to read every volume but I'm definitely on board for more.
Base on one volume of each, I prefer Urusei Yatsura to Ranma 1/2 but we'll see which one wins out in the long run. I'm definitely in for more of both. Five out of five stars.
January 1, 2020
The material in this collection was originally serialized in the late 1970s, and it really shows. Starting off like an oddball tribute to Archie, we have lustful teenage sad sack Ataru pining for girl next door Shinobu when the sexy alien Lum shows up to start pursuing him. Over-the-top hijinks involving gods, aliens, demons, interplanetary teleportation, and time travel ensue. It's almost humorous its mindless cartoon sitcom sort of way. Almost.
My big problem is that Ataru is such a jerk, chasing after every pretty girl that happens by even while professing his love of Shinobu. And of course, more and more keep showing up and sticking around to give him a harem. And frankly, the personalities of most of those females aren't that great either.
I'm not eager to do it, but since this is a classic series, I may read another volume or two to see if there is any sign that any of the characters will begin to evolve beyond their single dimension.
My big problem is that Ataru is such a jerk, chasing after every pretty girl that happens by even while professing his love of Shinobu. And of course, more and more keep showing up and sticking around to give him a harem. And frankly, the personalities of most of those females aren't that great either.
I'm not eager to do it, but since this is a classic series, I may read another volume or two to see if there is any sign that any of the characters will begin to evolve beyond their single dimension.
May 14, 2021
Finalmente posso leggere Lamù. Ho sempre voluto farlo. Quando iniziai i manga, in generale, c'erano le sottilette ma al tempo della mia prima spedizione in fumetteria per recuperare gli arretrati sarebbero passati sei anni oltre che non mi venne mai in mente di farlo e mi rimase il desiderio visto che adoro Rumiko Takahashi.
A partire dall'anno scorso in varie sessioni mi sono guardata un po' di episodi su Man-Ga ma mai dall'inizio e mai tutti. Un paio di episodi quest'anno me li sono sparati anche da Italia 2 ma la voce di Ataru mi sembrava diversa e ho lasciato perdere. Qui potrei sbagliarmi. Sulla voce.
Comunque mi sono innamorata di Kotatsu Neko guardandolo su Man-Ga (quando già è con il preside) e dopo su Italia 2 mi pare di aver visto quello dell'arrivo di Kotatsu Neko ma non vorrei sbagliarmi era già iniziato.
Tornando al manga ora finalmente posso leggerlo tutto dall'inizio alla fine. Saranno 19 volumi quindi sarà lunga ma ne vale la pena.
Intanto le tavole sono sicuramente nuove visto che le onomatopee sono originali con la piccola traduzione vicino. Una volta erano sicuramente tradotte.
Detto questo finalmente ho capito perchè Lamù vuole così tanto Ataru e del perchè nessuno è sconvolto di avere Lamù a scuola o vederla volare in giro. Tutto si comprende nei primi capitoi e probabilmente episodi. (Non che poi si possa essere sconvolti con gli elementi che ci sono in quella scuola).
Comunque al momento l'unico che ho visto in TV in questo volume è la parte 9. Mi ricordo la lotta tra Sakura e Sakurambo.
Prima lettura: Ottobre 2019
Seconda lettura: 14 maggio 2021
A partire dall'anno scorso in varie sessioni mi sono guardata un po' di episodi su Man-Ga ma mai dall'inizio e mai tutti. Un paio di episodi quest'anno me li sono sparati anche da Italia 2 ma la voce di Ataru mi sembrava diversa e ho lasciato perdere. Qui potrei sbagliarmi. Sulla voce.
Comunque mi sono innamorata di Kotatsu Neko guardandolo su Man-Ga (quando già è con il preside) e dopo su Italia 2 mi pare di aver visto quello dell'arrivo di Kotatsu Neko ma non vorrei sbagliarmi era già iniziato.
Tornando al manga ora finalmente posso leggerlo tutto dall'inizio alla fine. Saranno 19 volumi quindi sarà lunga ma ne vale la pena.
Intanto le tavole sono sicuramente nuove visto che le onomatopee sono originali con la piccola traduzione vicino. Una volta erano sicuramente tradotte.
Detto questo finalmente ho capito perchè Lamù vuole così tanto Ataru e del perchè nessuno è sconvolto di avere Lamù a scuola o vederla volare in giro. Tutto si comprende nei primi capitoi e probabilmente episodi. (Non che poi si possa essere sconvolti con gli elementi che ci sono in quella scuola).
Comunque al momento l'unico che ho visto in TV in questo volume è la parte 9. Mi ricordo la lotta tra Sakura e Sakurambo.
Prima lettura: Ottobre 2019
Seconda lettura: 14 maggio 2021
May 12, 2019
I liked this, but it mostly made me want to re-read RANMA 1/2 VOL. 1
July 2, 2019
No real organized thoughts for this one, so here are a few bullet points.
- I first came across this manga in the '90s. I can't remember how Viz serialized it, but the collected books were (1) mirror flopped from their original right-to-left reading orientation (2) incomplete (3) expensive and (4) glossed over or Americanized many of the Japanese cultural references. Things were rough in those days.
- This edition is a gem in comparison. This is a direct reproduction of what I assume was a Japanese edition, which includes a very brief essay by Rumiko Takahashi herself, a couple of fun "data files" about Tomobiki town and recurring character Priestess Sakura, and cultural notes. Hooray!
- Word of warning: this manga is from the early '80s, and it feels its age in an unfortunate way when it comes to social awareness. There's plenty of T&A and "comedic" sexual assault, and there's even a very brief instance of sexual assault on Lum that isn't funny at all.
- Readers who can deal with that--and I'd completely understand if they couldn't--are in for an imaginative, absurd, oddly charming comedy with magic and weirdness around every corner. Takahashi has always been great at facial and body expressions, and these short episodes are full of silly energy. Lum's way too cute!
- I first came across this manga in the '90s. I can't remember how Viz serialized it, but the collected books were (1) mirror flopped from their original right-to-left reading orientation (2) incomplete (3) expensive and (4) glossed over or Americanized many of the Japanese cultural references. Things were rough in those days.
- This edition is a gem in comparison. This is a direct reproduction of what I assume was a Japanese edition, which includes a very brief essay by Rumiko Takahashi herself, a couple of fun "data files" about Tomobiki town and recurring character Priestess Sakura, and cultural notes. Hooray!
- Word of warning: this manga is from the early '80s, and it feels its age in an unfortunate way when it comes to social awareness. There's plenty of T&A and "comedic" sexual assault, and there's even a very brief instance of sexual assault on Lum that isn't funny at all.
- Readers who can deal with that--and I'd completely understand if they couldn't--are in for an imaginative, absurd, oddly charming comedy with magic and weirdness around every corner. Takahashi has always been great at facial and body expressions, and these short episodes are full of silly energy. Lum's way too cute!
April 21, 2019
3.5 Stars
When it comes to the adventures of the lecherous Ataru and the lovely space princess, Lum, I am of 2 minds about it.
On the one hand, I was definitely entertained in a way that had me laughing out loud. The outlandish things that happen in this series had me giggling, and wondering how seriously I should be taking this.
On the other hand, this started falling into some tropes that I don't particularly love, mainly the objectification of women.
Thankfully for this series, Ataru is regularly called out on his behavior. I just didn't love it being the butt of the joke so much.
I don't think I will collect any more of this particular one, but I did enjoy my read of it.
When it comes to the adventures of the lecherous Ataru and the lovely space princess, Lum, I am of 2 minds about it.
On the one hand, I was definitely entertained in a way that had me laughing out loud. The outlandish things that happen in this series had me giggling, and wondering how seriously I should be taking this.
On the other hand, this started falling into some tropes that I don't particularly love, mainly the objectification of women.
Thankfully for this series, Ataru is regularly called out on his behavior. I just didn't love it being the butt of the joke so much.
I don't think I will collect any more of this particular one, but I did enjoy my read of it.
February 14, 2025
funny and energetic; but i have to say there isn’t a single likable character.
edit: I have since grown to adore the characters
edit: I have since grown to adore the characters
March 2, 2019
*I voluntarily read and reviewed and ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own*
I love manga! I also loved Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha when I was a kid. Both these series were written by this author. Yet, this one just didn't hit the mark for me.
It definitely has the style of older manga and unfortunately has a lot of the same jokes and gimmicks. Aka guys being perverts and gals overreacting, hitting their lecher boyfriends (but staying in the relationship), and gals occasionally loosing their tops.
I just... *sigh* I guess I've grown and after reading some amazing works, I stopped enjoying these types of stories.
If a guy believes he is going to marry his current girlfriend, I don't understand how he could cheat on her and have it not be called on or having it be considered a natural thing.
It's a shame since I could tell it is supposed to be funny, but more than anything I was bored.
I love manga! I also loved Ranma 1/2 and Inuyasha when I was a kid. Both these series were written by this author. Yet, this one just didn't hit the mark for me.
It definitely has the style of older manga and unfortunately has a lot of the same jokes and gimmicks. Aka guys being perverts and gals overreacting, hitting their lecher boyfriends (but staying in the relationship), and gals occasionally loosing their tops.
I just... *sigh* I guess I've grown and after reading some amazing works, I stopped enjoying these types of stories.
If a guy believes he is going to marry his current girlfriend, I don't understand how he could cheat on her and have it not be called on or having it be considered a natural thing.
It's a shame since I could tell it is supposed to be funny, but more than anything I was bored.
November 3, 2021
What a fun blast from the past.
May 29, 2022
Not as interesting to me as some of the authors other works, but not bad really. Don’t think I’ll be continuing on with the series, but I think for other people it might be worthwhile.
May 23, 2025
No me ha gustado casi nada 🥲 entiendo que hay cosas que son como son por la época pero yo me esperaba una historia lineal y el formato de cortos no me ha gustado, no creo que la continuo aunque me da pena 😭
January 23, 2019
I received my copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss+.
As a fan of Takahashi's later works, I was eager to get my hands on this re-release(/re-translation?). Like the rest of her work, the main character just can't seem to get what he wants. Hilarity and antics ensue: it's drama all day. Lum is way too sexy, and Ataru is just one notch above milquetoast, though he thinks he isn't. Naturally, they're great together.
While the art is very dated (vintage, timeless, take your pick - however you want to characterize these late-70s manga conventions), the translation is fresh. In that sense, it's a little mismatched. But it's nothing over which one should gripe. Here's a series that's just as entertaining as Takahashi's future works, if not more so.
I'm glad Viz Media is breathing new life into this series that, in my opinion, didn't get as much love as it should have on this side of the pond. Kudos, Viz. I look forward to the next installment.
https://nosenseofstyle.blogspot.com/
As a fan of Takahashi's later works, I was eager to get my hands on this re-release(/re-translation?). Like the rest of her work, the main character just can't seem to get what he wants. Hilarity and antics ensue: it's drama all day. Lum is way too sexy, and Ataru is just one notch above milquetoast, though he thinks he isn't. Naturally, they're great together.
While the art is very dated (vintage, timeless, take your pick - however you want to characterize these late-70s manga conventions), the translation is fresh. In that sense, it's a little mismatched. But it's nothing over which one should gripe. Here's a series that's just as entertaining as Takahashi's future works, if not more so.
I'm glad Viz Media is breathing new life into this series that, in my opinion, didn't get as much love as it should have on this side of the pond. Kudos, Viz. I look forward to the next installment.
https://nosenseofstyle.blogspot.com/
Did not finish
November 7, 20203 chapters in, and I can tell this isn't for me. Not going to rate it or anything because I don't think I read far enough in to give it a fair rating. It's just not for me.
January 10, 2020
This is a classic for a reason. Granted my experience with the Harem genre is limited to TENCHI and LOVE HINA for the most part, URUSEI YATSURA seems to be more of a subversion of or parody than anything else. The male protagonist is not the "innocent and accident prone." The compromising situations he finds himself in are not h"honest mistakes." Ataru is a deplorable, lecherous, deviant and the entire comic revolves around his karmic suffering.
You're not supposed to like him. I'm not entirely sure you're supposed to like Lum either. A lot of her conduct is quite frankly abusive and stalkerish. But you do get a great sense of satisfaction whenever she doles out her punishment against her "darling" and his transgressions.
That being said, I'm not pretending it's anything deep and ground breaking. It's not. It's popcorn entertainment. Gag of the week manga at it's finest. There's nothing at all wrong with that. Not to mention that there's something inherently charming about Rumiko Takahashi's early style of artwork. Maybe it's just the overall 70's vibe, I don't know. But it's nostalgic and comforting regardless.
You're not supposed to like him. I'm not entirely sure you're supposed to like Lum either. A lot of her conduct is quite frankly abusive and stalkerish. But you do get a great sense of satisfaction whenever she doles out her punishment against her "darling" and his transgressions.
That being said, I'm not pretending it's anything deep and ground breaking. It's not. It's popcorn entertainment. Gag of the week manga at it's finest. There's nothing at all wrong with that. Not to mention that there's something inherently charming about Rumiko Takahashi's early style of artwork. Maybe it's just the overall 70's vibe, I don't know. But it's nostalgic and comforting regardless.
March 30, 2018
Nunca he conectado demasiado con el estilo humorístico de Rumiko Takahashi, me aburre su fijación exclusiva hacia los líos amorosos, las actitudes pueriles de sus personajes y el excesivo fanservice en sus tramas y dibujos, como si no hubiese más campos de los que arrancar buenas dosis de diversión. Pero de todas las obras que he visto y leído de ella, esta ha sido la de menor calidad. Takahashi gusta también de proponer escenas absurdas al lector, con situaciones disparatadas sin un hilo argumental prolongado y coherente, y de nuevo, aquí lo lleva hasta el extremo, perdiéndose toda forma interna en el tomo y en cada historia corta que lo compone.
March 24, 2015
Wow, this takes me back in time. I watched the anime series on some Italian TV station years ago. Back then it was possible to watch an anime with a scantly clothed girl (and loosing her bra all the time) co-living with a lecherous student, back-to-back with something along the lines of The Smurfs. Good old times. I think this was the only Rumiko Takahashi based anime I watched more than a few episodes. The one that still sticks though, is the episode parodying Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None". Another Takahashi's classic manga series.
June 23, 2023
So annoyed my review didn't upload. Anyways this was such a letdown. Like Archie x Dragon ball in a way that lacks taste. Of course like.. congrats for writing/ drawing and publishing a book. But the story is boring. The characters are annoyingly caricatured : boy is horny and stupid. Girls are crazy and jealous.... next. I ADORE this author normally but this is worthy of an exchange/ refund.
October 1, 2019
Dopo aver visto più e più volte l'anime, finalmente riesco a leggere il manga, e niente, Lamù e sempre Lamù, anche in versione cartacea ❤️
November 18, 2020
I grew up watching the show so it's nice to see where it all came from. Reading a big book of it suffers cuz it's episodic but the characterization is so funny... every person in this is truly a terrible person but lum is just so fascinating, I love her so much she's such a femcel. The chapter where she time travels to the future and sees ataru married to shinobu just broke my heart it was so sad :'(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
I love reading such classic manga series like Uresei! Like most fans in the US, I was introduced to Lum and the rest of this crazy group of characters from the second Uresei movie, beautiful dreamer when it aired on sci-fi a channel. So now having a chance to read the original manga in this new format, I’m so happy! If you’re looking for zany stories with great comedy, definitely try Uresei Yatsura!
May 13, 2019
To much of a gag manga for me
Read
April 21, 2021DNF
October 14, 2025
Such expressive art and fast-paced comedy! I love the characters so much, they’re all hilarious and insane.
September 24, 2020
I've been watching the anime so thought I'd check out the manga to see if there's any variation. The answer is ... not much ... and now I'm stuck, unsure which medium to continue with. There's a lot of this. Lots and lots of it, and it's not to be devoured all in one go, it'd make you violently sick with the same jokes probably.
But first things first. Did this create the harem genre? Possibly. Is Lum an absolute babe? Absolutely. Would you want to be stuck with her giving you electric shocks every time you put a foot wrong and looked at another women with eyes of lust? Debatable.
In all seriousness, it's utterly wrong to look at this as anything other than a gag manga and too much assessment of characterisation and morals would really dampen your overall enjoyment. Takahishi is a master of absurdity almost on the level of, say, Monty Python (and I read minus the cultural references for the most part) and I've seen so often "Ataru is an awful unlikable pervert! so I can't get into this" Well, yes he is and awful things happen to him. The very first chapter has him meeting Cherry who tells him he's the unluckiest man on earth and bad things will happen to him. Takahashi is assuredly not justifying his behaviour, rather mocking our frequent inability as men and women to draw the lines between love and lust (a previous reviewer says that Lum is not a nice person either - indeed, she'll electrocute you for going astray and she'll do anything to be rid of her rival Shinobu).
So yes, this is a harem manga but it's not like Love Hina or anything else where the main character is a no hoper who has to win the affection of one of the girls in the context of being sexually harassed by the others. Here, Ataru is cajoled into "marrying" Lum shortly after aliens decide to invade earth unless Ataru can defeat Lum at a game of tag. He sortof loves Shinobu but he likes sex a whole lot more and is mostly only interested in putting himself in the path of the next beautiful woman and getting the hell away from Lum ... and beautiful women certainly do turn up quite a lot here, usually to hilarious results.
It's a fine work of absurdity of situation. I can watch/read the episode over and over where the guys all wish for aliens and accidentally summon a taxi cab who charges the entirety of the world's oil for a trip down the road. This kind of crazy is present in story after story whether it's meeting Lum's ex-boyfriend who is beautiful but can only think about food, or Ataru being kidnapped and forced to mate with an alien ... who turns out to be gorgeous and then tries to re-educate him to make him worthy, to Lum playing with a voodoo doll of Ataru or a failed exorcism that ends up summoning more demons (unlucky Ataru!) - the inventiveness is seemingly endless. I say that but who knows if it'll continue into volume 2. Posterity suggests it had a strong run throughout (and I've seen a couple of the movies, one directed by Oshii of Ghost in the Shell fame is particularly excellent) but whether time will suggest I keep reading this thing I don't know. It's recommended one at least dip into it to find out what all the fuss was about.
But first things first. Did this create the harem genre? Possibly. Is Lum an absolute babe? Absolutely. Would you want to be stuck with her giving you electric shocks every time you put a foot wrong and looked at another women with eyes of lust? Debatable.
In all seriousness, it's utterly wrong to look at this as anything other than a gag manga and too much assessment of characterisation and morals would really dampen your overall enjoyment. Takahishi is a master of absurdity almost on the level of, say, Monty Python (and I read minus the cultural references for the most part) and I've seen so often "Ataru is an awful unlikable pervert! so I can't get into this" Well, yes he is and awful things happen to him. The very first chapter has him meeting Cherry who tells him he's the unluckiest man on earth and bad things will happen to him. Takahashi is assuredly not justifying his behaviour, rather mocking our frequent inability as men and women to draw the lines between love and lust (a previous reviewer says that Lum is not a nice person either - indeed, she'll electrocute you for going astray and she'll do anything to be rid of her rival Shinobu).
So yes, this is a harem manga but it's not like Love Hina or anything else where the main character is a no hoper who has to win the affection of one of the girls in the context of being sexually harassed by the others. Here, Ataru is cajoled into "marrying" Lum shortly after aliens decide to invade earth unless Ataru can defeat Lum at a game of tag. He sortof loves Shinobu but he likes sex a whole lot more and is mostly only interested in putting himself in the path of the next beautiful woman and getting the hell away from Lum ... and beautiful women certainly do turn up quite a lot here, usually to hilarious results.
It's a fine work of absurdity of situation. I can watch/read the episode over and over where the guys all wish for aliens and accidentally summon a taxi cab who charges the entirety of the world's oil for a trip down the road. This kind of crazy is present in story after story whether it's meeting Lum's ex-boyfriend who is beautiful but can only think about food, or Ataru being kidnapped and forced to mate with an alien ... who turns out to be gorgeous and then tries to re-educate him to make him worthy, to Lum playing with a voodoo doll of Ataru or a failed exorcism that ends up summoning more demons (unlucky Ataru!) - the inventiveness is seemingly endless. I say that but who knows if it'll continue into volume 2. Posterity suggests it had a strong run throughout (and I've seen a couple of the movies, one directed by Oshii of Ghost in the Shell fame is particularly excellent) but whether time will suggest I keep reading this thing I don't know. It's recommended one at least dip into it to find out what all the fuss was about.
August 31, 2016
This is about the whole series, not these first chapters
Up until now my favorite manga series ;)
I reckon it could have been better, but it excels in several fields where others just do ok.
Urusei Yatsura was a pioneer in its time and had a great reception in Japan and also, for Rumiko surprise, outside (but of course way less than Japan). This was her first manga and she never expected it to be such a success (actually it started as a sci fi-comedy manga). So her first work catapulted her to fame and money, but she didn't stop there, her other works were mostly highly appreciated too (but I only recommend Ranma).
If you are familiar with manga and anime from now a days you may find this kinda plagued with cliches, typical characters or situations; but they most of them were not when this went out, Rumiko Takahashi popularity made them cliche, and the ones which were already there are pretty well used
Well enough, what this is about? the idea is to have a bunch of eccentric characters driven by normal desires perform lots of eccentric comedy, which is why some people found it kind of repetitive sometimes, also don't expect much about the main plot and all (that's just an excuse to dive in it).
My recommendation is don't read much at once, do it calmly (like for 30m when you just got home after work) so it doesn't become repetitive and you can really enjoy it
I think her success comes from her skill to create lots of amazing characters and situations and with all their rarities don't feel out of place. Also an interesting use of japanese mythology and folklore
btw I liked it more as it was going on, adding characters and all, the start and end are kind of weak. For example I really love it when it reaches volume 15 and we get to know Ryuunosuke. This is in part because Rumiko's manga was evolving a lot then
The main characters are Ataru (a lecherous guy always hungry for babies) and Lum (an obstinate et girl with the bad temper of Zeus), but they are just a part of the lot of characters after all. I particulary love Ran-chan, but there lots of great characters like Ataru in lecherus mode, the monk, kotatsu neko, the bird girl, Ryuunosuke (the girl_he-is-a-boy) and her father, Mendo and his sister (this one is really great sometimes), the eating baseball's balls guy and his sister... and well a lot more. Man it has been only a couple of months since I read it and I am nostalgic already
Up until now my favorite manga series ;)
I reckon it could have been better, but it excels in several fields where others just do ok.
Urusei Yatsura was a pioneer in its time and had a great reception in Japan and also, for Rumiko surprise, outside (but of course way less than Japan). This was her first manga and she never expected it to be such a success (actually it started as a sci fi-comedy manga). So her first work catapulted her to fame and money, but she didn't stop there, her other works were mostly highly appreciated too (but I only recommend Ranma).
If you are familiar with manga and anime from now a days you may find this kinda plagued with cliches, typical characters or situations; but they most of them were not when this went out, Rumiko Takahashi popularity made them cliche, and the ones which were already there are pretty well used
Well enough, what this is about? the idea is to have a bunch of eccentric characters driven by normal desires perform lots of eccentric comedy, which is why some people found it kind of repetitive sometimes, also don't expect much about the main plot and all (that's just an excuse to dive in it).
My recommendation is don't read much at once, do it calmly (like for 30m when you just got home after work) so it doesn't become repetitive and you can really enjoy it
I think her success comes from her skill to create lots of amazing characters and situations and with all their rarities don't feel out of place. Also an interesting use of japanese mythology and folklore
btw I liked it more as it was going on, adding characters and all, the start and end are kind of weak. For example I really love it when it reaches volume 15 and we get to know Ryuunosuke. This is in part because Rumiko's manga was evolving a lot then
The main characters are Ataru (a lecherous guy always hungry for babies) and Lum (an obstinate et girl with the bad temper of Zeus), but they are just a part of the lot of characters after all. I particulary love Ran-chan, but there lots of great characters like Ataru in lecherus mode, the monk, kotatsu neko, the bird girl, Ryuunosuke (the girl_he-is-a-boy) and her father, Mendo and his sister (this one is really great sometimes), the eating baseball's balls guy and his sister... and well a lot more. Man it has been only a couple of months since I read it and I am nostalgic already
September 29, 2025
This is hard to get through.
December 6, 2022
Review of all 17 volumes
I am a Rumiko Takahashi loyalist, but this just did not do it for me. I didn't mind it being episodic, but most of the time it felt clunky and unamusing. Unlike with Ranma 1/2, which followed the same episodic format, the story had stakes and a level of suspense that seemed to completely lack from Urusei Yatsura. That being said, it is fair to note that Takahashi improved on her story-building as her mangas went on.
Her characters are always the standout in every series she writes, but somehow I could not stand Ataru. He had little development, no redeeming qualities and felt like a teenage Happosai who we are supposed to grow to like (but simply can't). Lum, on the hand, is what I think keeps the series floating and was the only reason I got to the end. I'm not saying this series is in any way bad, but knowing how much I love the previous works of Takahashi's, this one just feels mundane and painfully average.
2/5
I am a Rumiko Takahashi loyalist, but this just did not do it for me. I didn't mind it being episodic, but most of the time it felt clunky and unamusing. Unlike with Ranma 1/2, which followed the same episodic format, the story had stakes and a level of suspense that seemed to completely lack from Urusei Yatsura. That being said, it is fair to note that Takahashi improved on her story-building as her mangas went on.
Her characters are always the standout in every series she writes, but somehow I could not stand Ataru. He had little development, no redeeming qualities and felt like a teenage Happosai who we are supposed to grow to like (but simply can't). Lum, on the hand, is what I think keeps the series floating and was the only reason I got to the end. I'm not saying this series is in any way bad, but knowing how much I love the previous works of Takahashi's, this one just feels mundane and painfully average.
2/5
March 13, 2020
Ataru Moroboshi must win a game of tag against the beautiful alien Princess Lum or the Earth will be under taken over.
I grew up reading the works of Rumiko Takahashi. Ranma 1/2 single-handedly paved the way for my ensuing manga addiction. Inu-yasha made me fall in love with a reincarnated priestess and a half demon dog boy. Maison Ikkoku was my riotously funny comfort blanket.
Urusei Yatsura, conversely, did not pull me into the extent of Rumiko's previous works. Maybe it's due to this being her debut series, but I did not connect with any of the characters at all. They felt similar in style to Ranma 1/2 but felt more one dimensional in their approach. It still has the same multi-layered absurdism that her other series entail but I found myself increasingly apathetic towards the characters plight.
I'm hoping that going forward the series will pull me in more.
I grew up reading the works of Rumiko Takahashi. Ranma 1/2 single-handedly paved the way for my ensuing manga addiction. Inu-yasha made me fall in love with a reincarnated priestess and a half demon dog boy. Maison Ikkoku was my riotously funny comfort blanket.
Urusei Yatsura, conversely, did not pull me into the extent of Rumiko's previous works. Maybe it's due to this being her debut series, but I did not connect with any of the characters at all. They felt similar in style to Ranma 1/2 but felt more one dimensional in their approach. It still has the same multi-layered absurdism that her other series entail but I found myself increasingly apathetic towards the characters plight.
I'm hoping that going forward the series will pull me in more.
August 15, 2022
There might be a lot of parts that haven't aged gracefully (as to be expected from 78' slapstick - and properly horny - comedy) and the frantic sense of humor is not always up my alley, but there's no denying Urusei Yatsura's merits. It's cultural impact can't be denied, illustrations are gorgeous, characters are lively and endearing (or downright infuriating) and a glimpse into barely 20-year old (!) Rumiko Takahashi's big debut is fascinating, with revelations of both differences and influences toward her (and other authors) later works - and all that packed in a rich and festive VIZ edition celebrating this Golden Age landmark.
December 15, 2019
Dated Manga Which Deserves To Stay In The Past
This manga makes me feel skeevy for reading it. The main character is a drooling pervert, the alien girl is a stalker who won't take no for an answer, and his long suffering girlfriend, the most likable character, hits him a lot, which, honestly, I wanted to do too. The art is cute, but it's hard for me to get past the characters.
Oh, and there's occasional exposed breasts, so depending on where you work, it may be NSFW.
Do not recommend.
This manga makes me feel skeevy for reading it. The main character is a drooling pervert, the alien girl is a stalker who won't take no for an answer, and his long suffering girlfriend, the most likable character, hits him a lot, which, honestly, I wanted to do too. The art is cute, but it's hard for me to get past the characters.
Oh, and there's occasional exposed breasts, so depending on where you work, it may be NSFW.
Do not recommend.
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