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犬夜叉 [Inuyasha] #9
InuYasha: Building a Better Trap
It isn't only demons who can gain power from the Shikon jewel, as Kagome, InuYasha, and their companions see when they fall afoul of the hideous "Peach Man." Meanwhile, there are even more mysteries of the jewel to be uncovered, as they meet a village of warriors dedicated to fighting the demons the jewel creates.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 1999
4 people are currently reading
672 people want to read
About the author
Rumiko Takahashi
1,583 books2,114 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 83 reviews
August 8, 2022
The peach man stuff was a bit eh - not a lot of interest in cannibalistic fat dudes - but damn, I forgot how heart-wrenching Sango's story was!
Also, why are there so many spiders in this series? *shudder*
So 2 stars for peach man but 4 stars for Sango.
Also, why are there so many spiders in this series? *shudder*
So 2 stars for peach man but 4 stars for Sango.
January 19, 2011
I really enjoyed the first story arc in here, revolving around the utter creepiness of the "Peach Man." A lot of this series has felt more light-hearted than the first volume, so it was nice to see it returning to the down-right creepy and scary roots of the first volume.
December 6, 2016
Another impressive installment in InuYasha. However, the cannibalistic sage, aka "The Peach Man" had a more compelling story in the anime. I'm partial to the anime's adaptation of the miniature garden where this monstrous man traps the men he ''trains'' to be his disciples, as well as because of the new moon, the fight scene between a desperate fully human InuYasha. In some ways this is even darker than the animated version, especially with the excess of severed heads and the scenes of "The Peach Man", with his grotesque bloated body, gorging himself on human flesh! Talk about bumping up the ewww factor to 11!
In the closing chapters, or "scrolls" Sango the demon slayer is finally introduced. Woohoo! Sango makes her debut with as much fanfare as she does in the anime. Likewise,the show down between Sango and her fellow slayers going up against a giant spider demon is just as heart wrenching and gripping inked out on the pages of the book as it is watching the animated version.
In the closing chapters, or "scrolls" Sango the demon slayer is finally introduced. Woohoo! Sango makes her debut with as much fanfare as she does in the anime. Likewise,the show down between Sango and her fellow slayers going up against a giant spider demon is just as heart wrenching and gripping inked out on the pages of the book as it is watching the animated version.
Read
September 30, 2009I like this episode because inuyasha's not in his half-demon form.
September 24, 2019
SANGO!!!!!!!!!!
August 6, 2019
Cada vez se pone más interesante la historia. Kikyo quiere eliminar a Naraku, pero quiere ayuda de Inuyasha, aunque parece que aún tiene asuntos pendientes con él.
Todos los Yokai que nacen de Naraku son fuertes, pero parece ser que cada uno tiene el deseo de ser libres y no títeres de Naraku
Wow Inuyasha como Yokai es increíblemente fuerte, incluso Seshomaru lo pudo ver, hablando de este último me sorprende que siga con Rin.
Veamos si Inuyasha puede con la Tessaiga
Todos los Yokai que nacen de Naraku son fuertes, pero parece ser que cada uno tiene el deseo de ser libres y no títeres de Naraku
Wow Inuyasha como Yokai es increíblemente fuerte, incluso Seshomaru lo pudo ver, hablando de este último me sorprende que siga con Rin.
Veamos si Inuyasha puede con la Tessaiga
June 27, 2024
I really like when InuYasha is human. The storyline in this one is really good. The boomerang lady seems awesome. I'm getting really sick of Naraku and I need someone to hurry up and kick his ass.
I really don't like that they have to keep showing us Kagome's bare breasts.
I really don't like that they have to keep showing us Kagome's bare breasts.
June 26, 2017
2.75
March 27, 2022
Reading this manga really bring backs memory from the childhood 🤣
The plot was good and the characters was designed well
The plot was good and the characters was designed well
Read
August 28, 2023.
May 4, 2024
Sad. But this gets an extra star bc I think the exterminators costumes are SICK
January 21, 2023
We get the boomerang lady AND the cat in this one.
August 26, 2020
POR FIN APARECE SANGO
DALEEEEEEEEE
DALEEEEEEEEE
March 14, 2020
Siempre es bueno ver a Inuyasha humano.
March 10, 2015
Currently reading this series and I can't seem to ever put the books down! I highly recommend it.
Kagome, a japanese school girl, frees a half-demon half-human creature known as Inu-yasha who she helps in his mission. Together, they must find jewel shards which were accidently shaddered long ago. The jewel shards are believed to give one much power, although some shards contain more power than others. However, they must find the shards while avoiding demons that come in their way, and protecting one another.
BEWARE THE FOLLOWING MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!
My opinion: So I've recently found out about this series by a recommendation from a friend, as well as my brother. He watches the actual anime Inu-yasha rather than reading the mangas unlike me. I mean most of us readers know that we like reading the actual books before watching the movies. In this case the show, HA HA. I'm completely LOVING Inu-yasha and Kagome. Something tells me they're going to end up together in the future! There's totally something going on between them two. At the same time the love Inu-yasha feels for Kikyo is heart warming, so I don't know. I can't find out what will happen in the future books! I'll definitely keep reading the series.
Kagome, a japanese school girl, frees a half-demon half-human creature known as Inu-yasha who she helps in his mission. Together, they must find jewel shards which were accidently shaddered long ago. The jewel shards are believed to give one much power, although some shards contain more power than others. However, they must find the shards while avoiding demons that come in their way, and protecting one another.
BEWARE THE FOLLOWING MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!!
My opinion: So I've recently found out about this series by a recommendation from a friend, as well as my brother. He watches the actual anime Inu-yasha rather than reading the mangas unlike me. I mean most of us readers know that we like reading the actual books before watching the movies. In this case the show, HA HA. I'm completely LOVING Inu-yasha and Kagome. Something tells me they're going to end up together in the future! There's totally something going on between them two. At the same time the love Inu-yasha feels for Kikyo is heart warming, so I don't know. I can't find out what will happen in the future books! I'll definitely keep reading the series.
January 25, 2017
*This review is for the series as a whole with 4.5 out of 5 stars*
This series is absolutely the longest series I’ve ever read so far, with a total of 56 volumes containing 559 chapters. Yeah right? I grew up watching anime and when I stumbled to this one, I instantly got hook. I’m so in love with this anime that I have the complete anime series in my possession. Yep! It occupy mostly the memory of my external drive haha sucker I know. And it’s just now that I finally had the courage to read its manga. I started reading this last December but had a 1 week off because of the Holiday until finally I finished it!
This story is about this modern Japanese girl, Kagome, that was pulled from her own time and went to feudal Japan. It is where she met the half yokai (supernatural monster in Japanese folklore) or also called Hanyou, Inuyasha. Two opposite personalities that were forced to travel together because of the Shikon Jewel or the Jewel of Four Souls.
Kagome (female lead) is so much fun and a wonderful heroine. If she’s a real person, she could be my hero. And Inuyasha on the other hand is such an awesome badass that thinking about him hurts. And as a couple, they sure are mind blowing. After writing this review, I’ll definitely re-watch the anime hehe.
Speaking of which, Inuyasha is a bad boy. But he’s the awesome kind of bad boy with humor and with a touch of dumbness at the same time. When he first met Kagome, I swear he could really be a great pain in the ass and is a straight-up a-hole. And as the story progresses, he became this kind of awesome person without losing his bad boy image ofcourse. And when it comes to Kagome, he sure is kind of protective and I love their usual bantering. It could get annoying sometimes but mostly entertaining lol, especially when Kagome really gets angry at him.
His character is so realistic too. Behind the bad boy image is the guy who lost his first love and when she returned, he’s torn between her and Kagome. Which to be honest, made me kind of mad at him. Well, I’m 100% with Kagome and I totally hate Kikyou. But after reading the manga, I still don’t like her, but she is kind of likeable now especially when she saved Kohaku. And also Inuyasha’s inner battle with his demon blood and his human heart, and you know what’s awesome about it? It’s because it’s only Kagome who can make him back to his senses, isn’t that just sweet?
(I was a bit teary-eyed when the Spider youkai were after them and he got bitten while he’s in his human form. And speaking of human form, he sure still rock it even with black hair minus the cute doggy ears. Then he lay on Kagome’s lap and told her that he love her scent even if he told her otherwise before. They’re in the middle of a dangerous situation but because of that, it became kind of romantic and unforgettable scene for me.)
Kagome on the other hand is a typical female lead. She started as a helpless girl until they found out about her being the reincarnation of Kikyou which was Inuyasha’s first love and the strongest Miko in the feudal Japan. I love how she became badass as the story progresses. Kikyou may be the first woman Inuyasha loved, but it is Kagome who really changed Inuyasha as a person. Plus, did I tell you how many times she saved Kikyou? Also, even how many times she got hurt because she’s Inuyasha’s first love, her heart remains pure.
I have to be honest, there’s some point in this series that totally got my nerve and made me flipped. That’s mostly about Inuyasha being torn between Kikyou and Kagome and how many times he chose Kikyou over Kagome. I mean, that’ quite of cruel really. But even that’s the case, I learn to outgrow it simply because he still travels with her, plus, once in a while they have their own moments. And speaking of moment, I need to step ahead and point out the lack of kissing scenes between them. In anime there’s quite a lot, but in manga, almost none. Yeah right?
As they travel, their group of two grows into a group of 6 where they met the kitsune Shippou, the monk Miroku, cool Sango and her cute Kirara.
Shippou is a cute Kitsune (fox) yokai that specializes in making pranks which he mostly use to Inuyasha lol. At first, they both hate each other and argues which is kind of funny lol. But as they both travels together, their relationship improved. He is really adorable and so attached to Kagome.
Miroku – A playboy and pervert who loves caressing women’s butt. But his proposal to Sango was pretty sweet.
Sango – a really tough cookie. I love her character and the fact that she can man handle guys. And her relationship with Miroku was so kawaii.
(Quite cliche eh? Inuyasha and Kagome fell in love with each other and Miroku, Sango with each other too. Well, IDC haha. I just love their group.)
Kirara – is a cute yokai that transforms into a ferocious beast during battles. Plus, he flies!
With a very long series, a long list of character isn’t a surprise at all. But what’s really hard with manga or anime is to get familiarize with the character’s names. But as for my favorites or the ones that totally got my attention here’s my list. (I’m being mean today, so I’m not going to add Kikyou in my list, blee)
1. Number one in my list is Sesshoumaru. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m one of those really annoying fangirls who love him. Deym! When I first saw him in the anime, I’ve got to say that there’s something dangerous about him. Inuyasha has this bad boy image, but Sesshoumaru is on the highest level. I really hate him at first. Unlike Inuyasha, he really is living the bad boy life. He’s rude, full of pride and all things bad. I specifically hated how he keeps on stealing their Father’s memento, Tessaiga, that is originally given to I But everything changed when he met Rin, and then we got to find out about Tenseiga and everything about it. Then, it just happens, I love Sesshoumaru. And then I came to the part about Meidou Zangetsuha, I feel so sorry for him. Huhu, and then after that my admiration for him intensified. He made me feel so many emotions, I almost cried because of him. It will take too much writing if I’ll enumerate the things that made me love Sesshoumaru so I’ll just let these images speaks for itself.
2. Well, obviously, it’s Rin. I love her character simply because she’s the reason why Sesshoumaru became compassionate, which is also the reason how he was now able to use his healing sword T And I love her teasing with Jaken. I love how the boring team of two grows and became lively because of her.Honestly, at first, I’m one of those fans that ships Rin to Sesshoumaru. But after I read the manga, I realized how absurd that is. I don’t know, but I think Jaken is right. Sesshoumaru is like a father to Rin in a strange way, and he sure is a great one.
3. Kagome’s family, her mother, younger brother Shouta, grandpa including their cat Buyo. I thought it’s going to be a big shocker when they met Inuyasha, but end up petting him like a pet dog lol. They’re all touching Inuyasha’s ears haha. Well, that couldn’t be help lol especially if he has that adorable doggy ears.
4. Kouga – The moment he was introduced in this series, I can’t stop laughing. He’s the third party between Inuyasha and Kagome and I can’t really stop laughing whenever I remember the scene where he boldly said that he loves Kagome and he’s determine to make her his woman. Well, after what Kagome went through because of Kikyou, I can’t help but send Inuyasha a dirty sign. Blee!
5. Miyouga – The coward flea. He’s some sort of the guy who knows it all, well, not totally all but mostly about Inuyasha and his father. I wish this series was able to show something about the past especially about Inuyasha’s father and mother. Well, it did actually in the anime.
6. Totosai – The swordsmith who forged Tessaiga and Tenseiga due to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru’s father’s request. I would have love it more if they included a back story of him too.
7. Kaede – Kikyou’s younger sister. A strong lady who would probably live another 50 years the way she’s going.
8. Kohaku – The younger brother of Sango. For a young age, he’s been through a lot. But I’m happy how he was able to regain or fight for his humanity after what Naraku did to him.
9. Jaken – Originally, I didn’t have the intention of adding him in this list but looking back, I have to say that he made my whole reading experience so enjoyable too. He’s Sesshoumaru’s companion. He’s arrogant and even pitiful sometimes especially when he receives death glare or punches from Sesshoumaru when he’s pissed but he is mostly funny especially when Rin joined the group.
10. Naraku – For the ultimate cunning supervilain, I guess he quite deserve to be in this list lol. He’s a hanyou like Inuyasha. He’s the reason why Kikyou died 50 years ago and is the reason why Kikyou and Inuyasha had a rough past.
When I think about it, this is obviously a typical adventure anime/manga. For an adventure stories, the idea of different set of individuals forming a group while traveling is quite cliche too, let alone falling in love with each other! But what sets this story different from others is on the adventures each characters went through. When I though it’s the end and the ideas are already sucked out dry from the author, we then introduced to a new unexpected scene. I’ve been watching anime and they all gave me the same reaction. And what is that? It’s astonishment. We might already encountered the story’s plot before, but the twists and turns, the scenes, the lines are so unique. I can’t count how many times I said out loud “I didn’t expected that!” while reading this series.
All we’re covered too. I love that each characters has their own background covered, so we all got the chance to really know more about them and where they come from. I love that each characters have the chance to stand out and we’ve got to see how they matured with each chapters. As the title goes, without watching the anime, I really thought this series would only revolves around Inuyasha, well, it kind of does since each characters have a connection with Inuyasha. But what I like to say is that the author didn’t made a selfish decision to just make Inuyasha the hero all the time. We’ve got the chance to see the weaker side of him, the annoying one, the part where others from the group became the hero and saved him, and ofcourse the funny and dense Inuyasha which is my favorite.
As I said, this series has a total of 559 chapters so it will absolutely take us a lot of time if I talk about the adventures the group encountered one by one. So to make it short, I’ll just “kind of share” my favorite chapters from this series. Before I decided to read this manga, I have a lot of favorite scenes from the anime, mostly? Well, all of them we’re from Kagome and Inuyasha. But after reading the manga, I have to say that my favorite scenes were from Sesshoumaru (Inuyasha’s youkai brother). The first one was when he met Rin (human girl) and resurrected her. I really love how little by little he changed from this full mean badboy image to a compassionate one. He’s still a badboy but when he’s with Rin, dayum, I just can’t help but squeal in delight. And another favorite scene was when he went inside the meidou (a place where the living are not suppose to go) to save Rin. It’s also the most touching scene ever because of how he discarded his sword tenseiga (his father’s memento) because it can’t save Rin. Like dang! (just zoom the image to read the lines)
For my rating, I’m detracting a half star. It really is painful but I guess I really need to. It’s because even with the 559 chapters, it failed to tell us an introduction of what really is a yokai or hanyou or everything about those so-called monster. I mean, it’s been 50 years after that the story resumed but Sesshoumaru look as fabulous as ever and so is Inuyasha. I mean, if Inuyasha and Kagome will live together as man and wife, Kagome will age and Inuyasha would still be looking the same? The slowness of the villains too is quite so-so but I understand that to make this series long. Also, about crossing time through the well, in its first few chapters, we’ve got to find out that it’s the Shikon Jewel that connects the two worlds, but I remembered after Naraku seized all the shards of the Jewel, Kagome was still able to go back to her world. That really is kinda confusing though. And lastly, the epilogue. Dang! Sango and Miroku had their three little angels, how come Inuyasha and Kagome didn’t have atleast 1 son or daughter?! Oh well, I guess you can’t really have all.
You might be wondering which one of the two I love, manga or anime, I have to say that I love both. All the scenes from manga can be seen in anime, but what’s great with anime is that there’s some new scenes added to it. So if you’re planning to read the manga, I would highly recommend watching the anime too.
I would highly recommend this series, if you’re down for a good solid adventure and a kickass heroine with a sexy demon badboy. It’s often hilariously funny and the drawing is so lovely. It’s just simply awesome.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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This series is absolutely the longest series I’ve ever read so far, with a total of 56 volumes containing 559 chapters. Yeah right? I grew up watching anime and when I stumbled to this one, I instantly got hook. I’m so in love with this anime that I have the complete anime series in my possession. Yep! It occupy mostly the memory of my external drive haha sucker I know. And it’s just now that I finally had the courage to read its manga. I started reading this last December but had a 1 week off because of the Holiday until finally I finished it!
This story is about this modern Japanese girl, Kagome, that was pulled from her own time and went to feudal Japan. It is where she met the half yokai (supernatural monster in Japanese folklore) or also called Hanyou, Inuyasha. Two opposite personalities that were forced to travel together because of the Shikon Jewel or the Jewel of Four Souls.
Kagome (female lead) is so much fun and a wonderful heroine. If she’s a real person, she could be my hero. And Inuyasha on the other hand is such an awesome badass that thinking about him hurts. And as a couple, they sure are mind blowing. After writing this review, I’ll definitely re-watch the anime hehe.
Speaking of which, Inuyasha is a bad boy. But he’s the awesome kind of bad boy with humor and with a touch of dumbness at the same time. When he first met Kagome, I swear he could really be a great pain in the ass and is a straight-up a-hole. And as the story progresses, he became this kind of awesome person without losing his bad boy image ofcourse. And when it comes to Kagome, he sure is kind of protective and I love their usual bantering. It could get annoying sometimes but mostly entertaining lol, especially when Kagome really gets angry at him.
His character is so realistic too. Behind the bad boy image is the guy who lost his first love and when she returned, he’s torn between her and Kagome. Which to be honest, made me kind of mad at him. Well, I’m 100% with Kagome and I totally hate Kikyou. But after reading the manga, I still don’t like her, but she is kind of likeable now especially when she saved Kohaku. And also Inuyasha’s inner battle with his demon blood and his human heart, and you know what’s awesome about it? It’s because it’s only Kagome who can make him back to his senses, isn’t that just sweet?
(I was a bit teary-eyed when the Spider youkai were after them and he got bitten while he’s in his human form. And speaking of human form, he sure still rock it even with black hair minus the cute doggy ears. Then he lay on Kagome’s lap and told her that he love her scent even if he told her otherwise before. They’re in the middle of a dangerous situation but because of that, it became kind of romantic and unforgettable scene for me.)
Kagome on the other hand is a typical female lead. She started as a helpless girl until they found out about her being the reincarnation of Kikyou which was Inuyasha’s first love and the strongest Miko in the feudal Japan. I love how she became badass as the story progresses. Kikyou may be the first woman Inuyasha loved, but it is Kagome who really changed Inuyasha as a person. Plus, did I tell you how many times she saved Kikyou? Also, even how many times she got hurt because she’s Inuyasha’s first love, her heart remains pure.
I have to be honest, there’s some point in this series that totally got my nerve and made me flipped. That’s mostly about Inuyasha being torn between Kikyou and Kagome and how many times he chose Kikyou over Kagome. I mean, that’ quite of cruel really. But even that’s the case, I learn to outgrow it simply because he still travels with her, plus, once in a while they have their own moments. And speaking of moment, I need to step ahead and point out the lack of kissing scenes between them. In anime there’s quite a lot, but in manga, almost none. Yeah right?
As they travel, their group of two grows into a group of 6 where they met the kitsune Shippou, the monk Miroku, cool Sango and her cute Kirara.
Shippou is a cute Kitsune (fox) yokai that specializes in making pranks which he mostly use to Inuyasha lol. At first, they both hate each other and argues which is kind of funny lol. But as they both travels together, their relationship improved. He is really adorable and so attached to Kagome.
Miroku – A playboy and pervert who loves caressing women’s butt. But his proposal to Sango was pretty sweet.
Sango – a really tough cookie. I love her character and the fact that she can man handle guys. And her relationship with Miroku was so kawaii.
(Quite cliche eh? Inuyasha and Kagome fell in love with each other and Miroku, Sango with each other too. Well, IDC haha. I just love their group.)
Kirara – is a cute yokai that transforms into a ferocious beast during battles. Plus, he flies!
With a very long series, a long list of character isn’t a surprise at all. But what’s really hard with manga or anime is to get familiarize with the character’s names. But as for my favorites or the ones that totally got my attention here’s my list. (I’m being mean today, so I’m not going to add Kikyou in my list, blee)
1. Number one in my list is Sesshoumaru. I never thought I’d say this, but I’m one of those really annoying fangirls who love him. Deym! When I first saw him in the anime, I’ve got to say that there’s something dangerous about him. Inuyasha has this bad boy image, but Sesshoumaru is on the highest level. I really hate him at first. Unlike Inuyasha, he really is living the bad boy life. He’s rude, full of pride and all things bad. I specifically hated how he keeps on stealing their Father’s memento, Tessaiga, that is originally given to I But everything changed when he met Rin, and then we got to find out about Tenseiga and everything about it. Then, it just happens, I love Sesshoumaru. And then I came to the part about Meidou Zangetsuha, I feel so sorry for him. Huhu, and then after that my admiration for him intensified. He made me feel so many emotions, I almost cried because of him. It will take too much writing if I’ll enumerate the things that made me love Sesshoumaru so I’ll just let these images speaks for itself.
2. Well, obviously, it’s Rin. I love her character simply because she’s the reason why Sesshoumaru became compassionate, which is also the reason how he was now able to use his healing sword T And I love her teasing with Jaken. I love how the boring team of two grows and became lively because of her.Honestly, at first, I’m one of those fans that ships Rin to Sesshoumaru. But after I read the manga, I realized how absurd that is. I don’t know, but I think Jaken is right. Sesshoumaru is like a father to Rin in a strange way, and he sure is a great one.
3. Kagome’s family, her mother, younger brother Shouta, grandpa including their cat Buyo. I thought it’s going to be a big shocker when they met Inuyasha, but end up petting him like a pet dog lol. They’re all touching Inuyasha’s ears haha. Well, that couldn’t be help lol especially if he has that adorable doggy ears.
4. Kouga – The moment he was introduced in this series, I can’t stop laughing. He’s the third party between Inuyasha and Kagome and I can’t really stop laughing whenever I remember the scene where he boldly said that he loves Kagome and he’s determine to make her his woman. Well, after what Kagome went through because of Kikyou, I can’t help but send Inuyasha a dirty sign. Blee!
5. Miyouga – The coward flea. He’s some sort of the guy who knows it all, well, not totally all but mostly about Inuyasha and his father. I wish this series was able to show something about the past especially about Inuyasha’s father and mother. Well, it did actually in the anime.
6. Totosai – The swordsmith who forged Tessaiga and Tenseiga due to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru’s father’s request. I would have love it more if they included a back story of him too.
7. Kaede – Kikyou’s younger sister. A strong lady who would probably live another 50 years the way she’s going.
8. Kohaku – The younger brother of Sango. For a young age, he’s been through a lot. But I’m happy how he was able to regain or fight for his humanity after what Naraku did to him.
9. Jaken – Originally, I didn’t have the intention of adding him in this list but looking back, I have to say that he made my whole reading experience so enjoyable too. He’s Sesshoumaru’s companion. He’s arrogant and even pitiful sometimes especially when he receives death glare or punches from Sesshoumaru when he’s pissed but he is mostly funny especially when Rin joined the group.
10. Naraku – For the ultimate cunning supervilain, I guess he quite deserve to be in this list lol. He’s a hanyou like Inuyasha. He’s the reason why Kikyou died 50 years ago and is the reason why Kikyou and Inuyasha had a rough past.
When I think about it, this is obviously a typical adventure anime/manga. For an adventure stories, the idea of different set of individuals forming a group while traveling is quite cliche too, let alone falling in love with each other! But what sets this story different from others is on the adventures each characters went through. When I though it’s the end and the ideas are already sucked out dry from the author, we then introduced to a new unexpected scene. I’ve been watching anime and they all gave me the same reaction. And what is that? It’s astonishment. We might already encountered the story’s plot before, but the twists and turns, the scenes, the lines are so unique. I can’t count how many times I said out loud “I didn’t expected that!” while reading this series.
All we’re covered too. I love that each characters has their own background covered, so we all got the chance to really know more about them and where they come from. I love that each characters have the chance to stand out and we’ve got to see how they matured with each chapters. As the title goes, without watching the anime, I really thought this series would only revolves around Inuyasha, well, it kind of does since each characters have a connection with Inuyasha. But what I like to say is that the author didn’t made a selfish decision to just make Inuyasha the hero all the time. We’ve got the chance to see the weaker side of him, the annoying one, the part where others from the group became the hero and saved him, and ofcourse the funny and dense Inuyasha which is my favorite.
As I said, this series has a total of 559 chapters so it will absolutely take us a lot of time if I talk about the adventures the group encountered one by one. So to make it short, I’ll just “kind of share” my favorite chapters from this series. Before I decided to read this manga, I have a lot of favorite scenes from the anime, mostly? Well, all of them we’re from Kagome and Inuyasha. But after reading the manga, I have to say that my favorite scenes were from Sesshoumaru (Inuyasha’s youkai brother). The first one was when he met Rin (human girl) and resurrected her. I really love how little by little he changed from this full mean badboy image to a compassionate one. He’s still a badboy but when he’s with Rin, dayum, I just can’t help but squeal in delight. And another favorite scene was when he went inside the meidou (a place where the living are not suppose to go) to save Rin. It’s also the most touching scene ever because of how he discarded his sword tenseiga (his father’s memento) because it can’t save Rin. Like dang! (just zoom the image to read the lines)
For my rating, I’m detracting a half star. It really is painful but I guess I really need to. It’s because even with the 559 chapters, it failed to tell us an introduction of what really is a yokai or hanyou or everything about those so-called monster. I mean, it’s been 50 years after that the story resumed but Sesshoumaru look as fabulous as ever and so is Inuyasha. I mean, if Inuyasha and Kagome will live together as man and wife, Kagome will age and Inuyasha would still be looking the same? The slowness of the villains too is quite so-so but I understand that to make this series long. Also, about crossing time through the well, in its first few chapters, we’ve got to find out that it’s the Shikon Jewel that connects the two worlds, but I remembered after Naraku seized all the shards of the Jewel, Kagome was still able to go back to her world. That really is kinda confusing though. And lastly, the epilogue. Dang! Sango and Miroku had their three little angels, how come Inuyasha and Kagome didn’t have atleast 1 son or daughter?! Oh well, I guess you can’t really have all.
You might be wondering which one of the two I love, manga or anime, I have to say that I love both. All the scenes from manga can be seen in anime, but what’s great with anime is that there’s some new scenes added to it. So if you’re planning to read the manga, I would highly recommend watching the anime too.
I would highly recommend this series, if you’re down for a good solid adventure and a kickass heroine with a sexy demon badboy. It’s often hilariously funny and the drawing is so lovely. It’s just simply awesome.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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June 16, 2020
Trying to improve my rubbish French skills, so obviously rereading my fav manga but in French is the only way I can force myself to practice. I had to look up something Miroku said and it turned out to be really pervy. Other than that it was très bien.
September 14, 2010
This has been my favorite one so far.
December 15, 2017
Another fun book. A interesting villain in this volume and we get to see a little bit of the modern day again.
January 13, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
New challenge–try to keep my Inuyasha reviews short.
I'll admit I was first underwhelmed by this volume, but I think that's because I have a fondness for how the anime adapted it. But upon a second read, it still hits all the same beats and iconic moments while accomplishing its storytelling goals.
I love human Inuyasha and the Peach Man does provide another noteworthy, perhaps pivotal, Inuyasha and Kagome development. Obviously we've seen and continue to see Inuyasha's growing affection for Kagome, but after he put it into words (to a degree) in the last volume, we now see more of how it affects him outside of the "I'm fighting and have to protect Kagome" arena. Though we do also get more of that. Compare this volume to InuYasha, Vol. 4: Lost and Alone and the Thunder Brothers and you'll certainly see a difference. Less denial and no "ew Kagome."
There is also an expansion of previously established themes. Inuyasha refuses to drink the elixir made from humans even though it would restore his strength. As Kagome says: "Inuyasha...your heart is human." There are lines Inuyasha is not willing to cross, and despite how he tries to hide it, he cares about people. The Peach Man is not a demon but another human overtaken by the desire for power. He reflects Inuyasha's own struggles, which are appropriately expressed when he's forced to be in human form! (Look at that purposeful mind behind the story)
Human vs. demon. What is good, what is evil? Does being human make one weak or strong?
This all feeds into the question of what Inuyasha wants for himself and his own feelings about humans, demons, and hanyous.
Inuyasha declares: "I want to become a full demon, of course." But Miroku comes in with the real questions, connecting Inuyasha's internal struggles and desires with the themes of soul and identity that Kikyo and Kagome have already established.
If Inuyasha became a full demon, would he still be Inuyasha? Does Kagome present a division within him and complicate his desires and goals? Can he be a demon and protect/care for her?
Interesting that like Kagome's own confrontation with her soul when confronted with Kikyo, Inuyasha thinks: "My soul...my soul is mine!" blaming the evil of the demons with shards of the Shikon Jewel on their character without the jewel.
Along with this, we also get another instance of Inuyasha being willing to die "as long as Kagome's alive," which does make it seem like the issue that has presented would result in Inuyasha choosing Kagome over becoming a full demon. And we get another reminder of Kagome having the special sauce ("That monster cannot be defeated by a mere bow and arrow" "I've got to find a way! I will find a way!" "...! From the bow and arrow are emanating...a power of some sort...this maiden is...")
I've said before that Rumiko Takahashi is very good at creating episodic stories and seemingly presenting the same formula while really slightly changing it, ever gradually pushing the development further. But yeah. It feels like we're doing a dance with all the same steps. Almost all the same steps–the same ones with the slightest change. It's kind of a Ship of Theseus situation, with each chapter or arc changing only one thing about the formula so that we're going piece by piece. From one chapter or volume to the next, things can feel extremely similar, but further down the line, perhaps they will be more unrecognizable. Piece by piece, inch by inch!
I think it is a skill, and an especially useful one for a serialized story, but I am not reading it in its original format. And sometimes very impactful conversations, like the one Kagome and Inuyasha had at the end of the last volume, feel a little neglected like we're resetting the pieces and ignoring some of the development to maintain the formula and episodic nature of the story. I think that conversation and development does impact how we move in this volume, but it's a more subtle impact, which can make it feel like a lack. Thus this feels like a 3.75 instead of 4-star read.
And this all before we get the introduction of Sango! A demon slayer is a perfect addition the set-up we've been given, especially a demon slayer from a village where the Shikon Jewel originated. From her and her village we learn that Kikyo, of course, was given the jewel to purify it "but she, ultimately, died in a battle over the jewel's possession" and that "all [the demon slayer village] can do for now is gather the shards into [their] village and guard them...until another who possesses the power to purify the jewel appears."
Maybe it's just knowing some spoilers about where the story eventually leads from the anime, but this line really stood out to me in a couple of ways for its potential foreshadowing. First, it emphasizes Kikyo's tragic fate was because of a fight over acquiring the jewel, which makes it seem like the jewel itself has a negative energy around it. Yes, Naraku or Onigumo were actors whose actions with regard to the jewel are to blame for Kikyo's fate, but it feels like there is more to the story. Kikyo was put in her restrictive position because of the jewel itself, Naraku isn't to blame for the circumstances he came across. It is like Naraku and the jewel in tandem are to blame. The second big thing to note is how the demon slayers believe the jewel must eventually be purified again, which is a big arrow pointing at Kagome and her spiritual powers. Not to mention her being the reincarnation of the first priestess who purified it...
Sango and the demon slayers give us more information about the jewel and Inuyasha and crew get more information about Sango and the demon slayers. Hearing about her and the shard she recovered leads a couple of men to observe "'Is he a demon?' 'He acts like one...'" about Inuyasha, and so we get a continuation of our human vs demon, identity, what makes a demon a demon etc themes. Sango herself even tells her brother, Kohaku, that "as father's fond of saying, the fearsome demons...are the ones that wear a human form." And also perhaps humans that appear like demons? With a seemingly mindless horde of demons showing up again later, we also get more depictions of different types and levels of demons. Almost like they are being presented as comparable to humans, with there being a range of good to evil within the species, although demons are different in that there really are different types with more major ones seemingly being able to think more rather than acting on instinct. That doesn't mean they are better in character, just look at Sesshomaru. Or our fellow half-demon foil to Inuyasha, Naraku.
Speaking of Naraku, we get more of his puppet mastery. And here is where the anime and then the manga confused me with regards to his plans and the degree to which he's making it up as he goes along. Sango and her fellow demon slayers are summoned to the castle of Kagewaki Hitomi to take out a demon. We've seen a glimpse of Naraku with the appearance of Kagewaki previously, so this always begs the question of: is this Kagewaki really Naraku in disguise? When does Naraku kill and take on the form of Kagewaki? I've seen others assert that by this time, Kagewaki is already dead and the Kagewaki we see is actually Naraku, but I don't think that makes sense.
Here's what I got: Naraku needs a body, he is incomplete. Kagewaki presents the perfect vessel–he's sickly and in a position of power. Naraku doesn't bother to kill Kagewaki because he's already dying. Maybe he is involved in the spider demon that kills and possesses Kagewaki's father and causes the tragic slaughter of all the demon slayers that come to the castle with Sango, maybe not. I think Naraku likes chaos and would get enjoyment out of that plot, but I don't think it directly benefits him or makes sense to a degree that would make it its sole instigator. If anything, it gets rid of Kagewaki's father so that Kagewaki gains more power and influence.
My whole interpretation of all of this relies on Sango and how she appears dead but then isn't actually dead. It seems too convoluted for Naraku to "almost" kill her to such a degree just so he can position her against Inuyasha. Rather I think a convenient outcome fell into his lap. So I'm saying Kagewaki is the real Kagewaki for this first bit with Sango! He finds that Sango is the sole survivor of the slaughter and Naraku recognizes that he can utilize that. So then he carries out his whole "slaughter of the demon slayer village right before Inuyasha shows up so we can pin it on him and then indirectly inform Sango of this so she goes after Inuyasha" plot. I suppose Naraku could have learned Inuyasha was looking for Sango's village and then came up with the whole "draw Sango and the best slayers away from the village" plan, but Sango's almost death throws this into doubt for me. Unless he wanted to make her reliant on him when he "saves" her as Kagewaki. I don't know! Can you tell this lack of clarity bothers me? I think the way it is presented pokes a small hole in Rumiko Takahashi's skill as a storyteller/writer. I love some good ambiguity but when it comes to an "all-knowing, all-seeing puppet-master villain," I think it is rather convenient when things are kept vague to make them look smarter and more capable.
Confusion and rant aside, the spider demon is a nice depiction of Naraku's puppet mastery ways. The horror elements really come out in the slaughter of the demon slayers, and poor Sango! Her village being slaughtered too–it's extremely tragic. Tangling her up with Naraku, the jewel, and Inuyasha again makes her a great addition to the growing main cast. This introduction also showcases Sango's ability and intellect and kickstarts her arc regarding her brother. The idea of how "the Shikon Jewel came into being" is planted with more lore headed our way in the near future.
Much of this Sango arc made me drift towards a 4-star rating, but the Naraku and Kagewaki of it all keeps this volume at 3.75.
I don't think that was much shorter than my prior reviews... (is it a review or me working through my thoughts and feelings?)
New challenge–try to keep my Inuyasha reviews short.
I'll admit I was first underwhelmed by this volume, but I think that's because I have a fondness for how the anime adapted it. But upon a second read, it still hits all the same beats and iconic moments while accomplishing its storytelling goals.
I love human Inuyasha and the Peach Man does provide another noteworthy, perhaps pivotal, Inuyasha and Kagome development. Obviously we've seen and continue to see Inuyasha's growing affection for Kagome, but after he put it into words (to a degree) in the last volume, we now see more of how it affects him outside of the "I'm fighting and have to protect Kagome" arena. Though we do also get more of that. Compare this volume to InuYasha, Vol. 4: Lost and Alone and the Thunder Brothers and you'll certainly see a difference. Less denial and no "ew Kagome."
There is also an expansion of previously established themes. Inuyasha refuses to drink the elixir made from humans even though it would restore his strength. As Kagome says: "Inuyasha...your heart is human." There are lines Inuyasha is not willing to cross, and despite how he tries to hide it, he cares about people. The Peach Man is not a demon but another human overtaken by the desire for power. He reflects Inuyasha's own struggles, which are appropriately expressed when he's forced to be in human form! (Look at that purposeful mind behind the story)
"I'm a half-demon...and I hate the frailty of the part of me that's human...I can sympathize with you wanting more than anything to be stronger...but this...this only proves your weakness!"
Human vs. demon. What is good, what is evil? Does being human make one weak or strong?
This all feeds into the question of what Inuyasha wants for himself and his own feelings about humans, demons, and hanyous.
"Back when I first met Inuyasha...he said he wanted to become a full demon using the Shikon Jewel. But...there was a time too when he was going to become human...for Kikyo. I wonder...which does he want now?"
Inuyasha declares: "I want to become a full demon, of course." But Miroku comes in with the real questions, connecting Inuyasha's internal struggles and desires with the themes of soul and identity that Kikyo and Kagome have already established.
"Tell me this, Inuyasha. When you become a full demon with the help of the Shikon's power...Will you still be who you are?...Have you seen anyone perform heroic acts with a shard from the Shikon Jewel? Then might that not mean, that in exchange for gaining the power of the jewel...the bearer loses his soul?"
"I don't recall ever saying that I wanted to become a good
demon anyway!"
"Yet you hope to protect Lady Kagome. When the Shikon Jewel makes you into a full demon...might you not find yourself slaughtering and devouring Lady Kagome and Shippo?"
If Inuyasha became a full demon, would he still be Inuyasha? Does Kagome present a division within him and complicate his desires and goals? Can he be a demon and protect/care for her?
Interesting that like Kagome's own confrontation with her soul when confronted with Kikyo, Inuyasha thinks: "My soul...my soul is mine!" blaming the evil of the demons with shards of the Shikon Jewel on their character without the jewel.
Along with this, we also get another instance of Inuyasha being willing to die "as long as Kagome's alive," which does make it seem like the issue that has presented would result in Inuyasha choosing Kagome over becoming a full demon. And we get another reminder of Kagome having the special sauce ("That monster cannot be defeated by a mere bow and arrow" "I've got to find a way! I will find a way!" "...! From the bow and arrow are emanating...a power of some sort...this maiden is...")
I've said before that Rumiko Takahashi is very good at creating episodic stories and seemingly presenting the same formula while really slightly changing it, ever gradually pushing the development further. But yeah. It feels like we're doing a dance with all the same steps. Almost all the same steps–the same ones with the slightest change. It's kind of a Ship of Theseus situation, with each chapter or arc changing only one thing about the formula so that we're going piece by piece. From one chapter or volume to the next, things can feel extremely similar, but further down the line, perhaps they will be more unrecognizable. Piece by piece, inch by inch!
I think it is a skill, and an especially useful one for a serialized story, but I am not reading it in its original format. And sometimes very impactful conversations, like the one Kagome and Inuyasha had at the end of the last volume, feel a little neglected like we're resetting the pieces and ignoring some of the development to maintain the formula and episodic nature of the story. I think that conversation and development does impact how we move in this volume, but it's a more subtle impact, which can make it feel like a lack. Thus this feels like a 3.75 instead of 4-star read.
And this all before we get the introduction of Sango! A demon slayer is a perfect addition the set-up we've been given, especially a demon slayer from a village where the Shikon Jewel originated. From her and her village we learn that Kikyo, of course, was given the jewel to purify it "but she, ultimately, died in a battle over the jewel's possession" and that "all [the demon slayer village] can do for now is gather the shards into [their] village and guard them...until another who possesses the power to purify the jewel appears."
Maybe it's just knowing some spoilers about where the story eventually leads from the anime, but this line really stood out to me in a couple of ways for its potential foreshadowing. First, it emphasizes Kikyo's tragic fate was because of a fight over acquiring the jewel, which makes it seem like the jewel itself has a negative energy around it. Yes, Naraku or Onigumo were actors whose actions with regard to the jewel are to blame for Kikyo's fate, but it feels like there is more to the story. Kikyo was put in her restrictive position because of the jewel itself, Naraku isn't to blame for the circumstances he came across. It is like Naraku and the jewel in tandem are to blame. The second big thing to note is how the demon slayers believe the jewel must eventually be purified again, which is a big arrow pointing at Kagome and her spiritual powers. Not to mention her being the reincarnation of the first priestess who purified it...
Sango and the demon slayers give us more information about the jewel and Inuyasha and crew get more information about Sango and the demon slayers. Hearing about her and the shard she recovered leads a couple of men to observe "'Is he a demon?' 'He acts like one...'" about Inuyasha, and so we get a continuation of our human vs demon, identity, what makes a demon a demon etc themes. Sango herself even tells her brother, Kohaku, that "as father's fond of saying, the fearsome demons...are the ones that wear a human form." And also perhaps humans that appear like demons? With a seemingly mindless horde of demons showing up again later, we also get more depictions of different types and levels of demons. Almost like they are being presented as comparable to humans, with there being a range of good to evil within the species, although demons are different in that there really are different types with more major ones seemingly being able to think more rather than acting on instinct. That doesn't mean they are better in character, just look at Sesshomaru. Or our fellow half-demon foil to Inuyasha, Naraku.
Speaking of Naraku, we get more of his puppet mastery. And here is where the anime and then the manga confused me with regards to his plans and the degree to which he's making it up as he goes along. Sango and her fellow demon slayers are summoned to the castle of Kagewaki Hitomi to take out a demon. We've seen a glimpse of Naraku with the appearance of Kagewaki previously, so this always begs the question of: is this Kagewaki really Naraku in disguise? When does Naraku kill and take on the form of Kagewaki? I've seen others assert that by this time, Kagewaki is already dead and the Kagewaki we see is actually Naraku, but I don't think that makes sense.
Here's what I got: Naraku needs a body, he is incomplete. Kagewaki presents the perfect vessel–he's sickly and in a position of power. Naraku doesn't bother to kill Kagewaki because he's already dying. Maybe he is involved in the spider demon that kills and possesses Kagewaki's father and causes the tragic slaughter of all the demon slayers that come to the castle with Sango, maybe not. I think Naraku likes chaos and would get enjoyment out of that plot, but I don't think it directly benefits him or makes sense to a degree that would make it its sole instigator. If anything, it gets rid of Kagewaki's father so that Kagewaki gains more power and influence.
My whole interpretation of all of this relies on Sango and how she appears dead but then isn't actually dead. It seems too convoluted for Naraku to "almost" kill her to such a degree just so he can position her against Inuyasha. Rather I think a convenient outcome fell into his lap. So I'm saying Kagewaki is the real Kagewaki for this first bit with Sango! He finds that Sango is the sole survivor of the slaughter and Naraku recognizes that he can utilize that. So then he carries out his whole "slaughter of the demon slayer village right before Inuyasha shows up so we can pin it on him and then indirectly inform Sango of this so she goes after Inuyasha" plot. I suppose Naraku could have learned Inuyasha was looking for Sango's village and then came up with the whole "draw Sango and the best slayers away from the village" plan, but Sango's almost death throws this into doubt for me. Unless he wanted to make her reliant on him when he "saves" her as Kagewaki. I don't know! Can you tell this lack of clarity bothers me? I think the way it is presented pokes a small hole in Rumiko Takahashi's skill as a storyteller/writer. I love some good ambiguity but when it comes to an "all-knowing, all-seeing puppet-master villain," I think it is rather convenient when things are kept vague to make them look smarter and more capable.
Confusion and rant aside, the spider demon is a nice depiction of Naraku's puppet mastery ways. The horror elements really come out in the slaughter of the demon slayers, and poor Sango! Her village being slaughtered too–it's extremely tragic. Tangling her up with Naraku, the jewel, and Inuyasha again makes her a great addition to the growing main cast. This introduction also showcases Sango's ability and intellect and kickstarts her arc regarding her brother. The idea of how "the Shikon Jewel came into being" is planted with more lore headed our way in the near future.
Much of this Sango arc made me drift towards a 4-star rating, but the Naraku and Kagewaki of it all keeps this volume at 3.75.
I don't think that was much shorter than my prior reviews... (is it a review or me working through my thoughts and feelings?)
Read
February 3, 2011AAAAAAGGGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!THIS BOOK IZ THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!READ IT!!!!!!!!
April 26, 2023
Ci risiamo, comincia il solito tran tran dei mostri da sconfiggere che sono sempre più brutti e disgustosi. Il demone di turno gioca con la gente, dopodiché se la mangia e le teste dei malcapitati spuntano su un albero. Inuyasha e i suoi amici si stavano riposando nei pressi di un fiume e ogni volta che si fermano ecco che arriva qualcosa di orribile, alcune teste galleggiano nell’acqua. Trovo che l’albero con le teste mozze sia veramente di cattivo gusto e brutto da vedere. Non ho capito perché la storia principale sia stata abbandonata e si stia solo allungando il brodo.
Come se non bastasse, c’è anche da ragionare sul fatto che Kagome si assenta dalla sua vita normale e tutto va avanti come se questo fosse normale. La credibilità di questa storia è molto bassa.
Si ripresenta il novilunio, ovvero il periodo durante il quale Inuyasha perde dei poteri e dunque si sbriga per affrontare il mostro prima che si faccia notte. Vorrei puntualizzare, dato che sono fissata con il ciclo della luna, che il novilunio non è detto che avvenga di notte. Potrebbe anche accadere nel momento in cui la luna non è presente nel cielo oppure durante il giorno. La percentuale lunare continua a cambiare durante la giornata, a prescindere dal fatto che sia giorno o notte. Vogliamo far finta di niente? Insomma...
Ci risiamo dunque con un disgustoso episodio off topic e di cui non avevamo bisogno. Questo demone dunque mangia la gente, Inuyasha si ritrova nel suo stomaco e poi viene vomitato. Gli altri anche rischiano di fare la stessa fine. Ci sono dei bei momenti tra Kagome e Inuyasha, ma è un peccato che siano stati inseriti in un contesto tanto banale.
Sistemato il demone si va avanti. Inuyasha sente parlare di Sango, la sterminatrice di demoni che va in giro a distruggere i demoni per raccogliere i frammenti della sfera che contengono, esattamente quello che sta facendo lui.
Quando raggiungono il villaggio di Sango, però, scoprono che è stato attaccato da un’orda di demoni, mentre lei invece era andata ad occuparsi di un demone per un principe. Sia Sango che questo principe hanno le stesse sembianze di Kagome e nuovamente mi ritrovo a constatare come la differenziazione facciale dei personaggi sia veramente povera.
Scopriamo che Naraku convince Sango che a sistemare il suo villaggio è stato Inuyasha e così si conclude il numero.
La prima parte era totalmente inutile, sanguinolenta e viscida, se ne poteva tranquillamente fare a meno. Con la seconda, più breve, torniamo un po’ in topic perché il villaggio sterminato è quello da cui ha avuto origine la sfera e ricompare Naraku.
Vedo che l’autrice del manga a volte arranca, persino la prima parte fuori trama è stata molto ridondante e prolissa, senza necessità di esserlo nella micro storia creata. La seconda parte già ha più senso vedendo di nuovo l’arrivo del cattivo principale.
Come sempre si va avanti.
February 8, 2025
It's not a big deal for me...but the cannibalism portion of this volume "The Peach Man" has me sitting with mixed feelings for my daughter who read it. Not that she is not old enough to read the book, but just feel the impact is probably much different for her then me. Now it is nothing for someone who reads Demon Slayer, but...I don't know it just left me with "thoughts". I think that also is part of the magic of master storyteller Rumiko Takahashi. The second half of this volume deals with the introduction of Sango. I absolutely love her character design. Also....a HUGE Spider! Takahashi can really draw them! Another solid volume!
August 24, 2020
A pesar de que AMO a Inuyasha humano, y este tomo transcurre en esos bellos momentos, no fue de mis favoritos..
Lo disfruté, pero no me fascinó.
Sin embargo la introducción del personaje de Sango sí me gustó. Me encantó rememorar lo que pasa, ya que si bien me acordaba lo más importante, no recordaba el cómo, por qué, para qué.
No sé si es que cuando mieaba el animé no le prestaba tanta atención o es que ya lo había olvidado, pero ahora leyendo el manga cierro muchos huecos de dudas que tenía.
Lo disfruté, pero no me fascinó.
Sin embargo la introducción del personaje de Sango sí me gustó. Me encantó rememorar lo que pasa, ya que si bien me acordaba lo más importante, no recordaba el cómo, por qué, para qué.
No sé si es que cuando mieaba el animé no le prestaba tanta atención o es que ya lo había olvidado, pero ahora leyendo el manga cierro muchos huecos de dudas que tenía.
January 31, 2023
Wie cool die Idee mit den Miniaturmenschen und dem Kannibalen auch ist, so oberflächlich und durchschnittlich wirkt die Serie "Inu Yasha" mit Band 9 auf mich. Das Schema "Umherwandern, neue Gegner treffen, dazwischen miteinander streiten" wiederholt sich stark, die Beziehungen zwischen den Figuren verändern sich leider nicht wirklich - und auch hier findet man wenig Tiefe.
Die Zeichnungen von Rumiko Takahashi sind hingegen sehr gelungen, der Humor passt auch; aber der Funken will nicht überspringen.
Die Zeichnungen von Rumiko Takahashi sind hingegen sehr gelungen, der Humor passt auch; aber der Funken will nicht überspringen.
September 6, 2018
The Peach Man is another InuYasha story I love. InuYasha is weaken by his Human state, and has to work fast after the Peach Man shrunk and ate him. I love how horrifying this story is, because the Peach Man is no demon, but a man with too much knowledge and a greedy personality.
Sango, the demon exterminator, is introduced as well as caught in another one of Naraku's many tangled webs. I love Sango, and her village!
Sango, the demon exterminator, is introduced as well as caught in another one of Naraku's many tangled webs. I love Sango, and her village!
January 5, 2021
The horror aspect of this volume is intense and fun to read as Inuyasha faces off again "Peach Man" in his human form! It's a very intense, somewhat stressful read as you wonder how our heroes will overcome. Towards the of this volume, we are introduced to a new character and she is one of my absolute favorites.
December 6, 2021
I spent most of this manga trying to remember whether I had or hadn't seen the episode that went with it. But the very last scene on the cliff reminded me that yes I had indeed seen it. Like always I seem to really enjoy when Inuyasha is under the effect of the new moon, it always makes a compelling story.
November 28, 2023
This is one of my favorite volumes in the series. While the Peach Man isn't the best villain, that's not what we're here for. I'm here for human!Inuyasha desperately struggling to protect Kagome and giving her his bloody kimono to cover herself. It's one of the best moments and we don't get enough of Inuyasha's human side. 5/5
February 10, 2021
The Peach Sennin storyline is compelling-- Kagome and the rest of the squad learn more about Inuyasha's motivations for wanting to become a full Demon and perhaps his own naïveté on the repercussions of the wish. Also, Sango! She's so beautiful in the manga, and her own tragic storyline begins.
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