Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 02

ふしぎ遊戯 玄武開伝 [Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden] #2

by Yuu Watase

When schoolgirl Takiko Okuda attempts to destroy her father's translation of "The Universe of the Four Gods", she is instead literally sucked into the story, becoming the Priestess of Genbu in an epic journey to find the seven Celestial Warriors!

During their journey Chamka and Takiko come upon a burning house. Chamka tries to save a young girl's life and demonstrates his special power: to freeze things in ice! The effort weakens Chamka however, and he must stay in the village to recuperate. The girl's family offers shelter, but her father sells Chamka out to the bandits who are hunting him. That's when Limdo reenters the picture...

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels, Shojo, Comics, Comics Manga

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Yuu Watase (渡瀬悠宇) is a Japanese shoujo manga-ka. She is known for her works Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend. She likes all music, except heavy metal and old traditional music.

She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".

Reviews

[~Cyanide Latte~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely can say with confidence that I'm still enjoying this so far more than I ever enjoyed the original series. I feel like the characters are marginally more lovable and Takiko as a protagonist has more agency and balls than Miaka did. Not that that's exactly a low bar to trip over or anything.

[Ana Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5!
La nueva estrella Hatsui es adorable y ya nos explican la historia de Rimudo!
Un poco feo que falten 2 páginas, no sé si es cosa de mi copia o fue en general que salió así pero madre mía vaya fallo.

[Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh! It is so hard not to gush over each individual volume, but I know it will make my finale review that much sweeter.

[Mika · Rating 3 out of 5]

(12/18/2020)

3.5

This continue a to be a great series so far. We get backstory for Uruki/Limdo, and plot progression. New warriors, yay!

The new enemy came outta nowhere BUT he's drawn like an important character, so I guess we'll see what his deal is.

I don't like the two bounty hunters, but I'm still enjoying the story. (Tomite is kinda like Tamhome from the OG Fushigi Yuugi btw. Can't change my mind.)

[Casey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in high school/ early college and was just happy to have a return to FY that I probably would have read a life story on Tetsuya (Miaka's brother Keitsuke's friend) lol. But since the original had shown that there where other priestesses I'm glad their stories got to be told. Byakko is next!!!!

[Bibliothecat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for complete series



Despite Fushigi Yuugi being a classic fantasy shoujo manga, I only got around to it long after its original publication. Sadly, I was rather disappointed by it, especially given that it is a popular work. Genbu Kaiden is a newer work of Watase's and serves as a prequel to the original series and this series is everything I hoped the original would have been.

All the things wrong with the original were made right here: our main character Takiko largely makes sensible decisions - sure, they are sometimes also emotionally loaded and not always strategic, but she never left me shaking my head in frustration over stupid decisions. Takiko and her love interest don't fall in love from the start allowing for a much more natural flow which in turn led me to genuinely care about them. The pacing was just right for this kind of plot with only a few chapters seeming a little rushed. The characters we meet along the way are more fleshed out and contribute to the story beyond being yet another follower of the main character - they've got agendas and dreams of their own. The fact that they still chose to follow Takiko just makes their bonds seem a lot stronger than in the original series. While I love a bit of comedy here and there, it was far more subtle than in the original which at times came across as silly.

Having fixed all that, this is a wholesome fantasy series with lovely friendships, interesting family dynamics and bittersweet turn of events. Takiko is a strong main character both in her determination but also in her willingness to lift a weapon despite being physically weaker than her companions. The world is interesting and the art is simply beautiful. Although I doubt it will ever happen, if Watase were ever to redraw the original series at this standard, I have no doubt I would love it. Instead, I will hope that her other prequel series, Byakko Senki, will soon no longer be on hiatus and be drawn to the end.

Only one little beef I had with this series: it's common for many manga, especially in the shoujo area, to have a style in which the characters look very much alike. It's usually hair and clothing more than anything else that makes characters look different from each other. This has never been an issue for me but I don't mind when artists add some more diversity. What I don't like is when authors add diversity purely for diversities sake. I am not sure if this is what Watase's intention was but the Genbu Kaiden cast was a lot more diverse than the original series' was (e.g. I was very pleased to have some more important female characters besides the main character). But, as I have already found with some of Watase's other works, she tends to add some goofy or stereo typical cartoonish characters. Hatsui is an overweight character and everything from design to behaviour and personality feels like a joke rather than a proper member of the group. Why not add a competent overweight character rather than, apologies, a bumbling idiot who is treated more like an overgrown child?

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 02 by Yuu Watase. It is the 184 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. As it is the second volume in the series, you need have read the first volume to understand the story. The cover has three main characters and one villain on it. The intended reader is someone who likes classic isekai fantasy, shojo manga, and beautiful art. There is no foul language, no sex, and some violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the manga- During their journey Chamka and Takiko come upon a burning house. Chamka tries to save a young girl's life and demonstrates his special power: to freeze things in ice! The effort weakens Chamka however, and he must stay in the village to recuperate. The girl's family offers shelter, but her father sells Chamka out to the bandits who are hunting him. That's when Limdo reenters the picture...

Review- The plot is moving right along in this volume. Takiko and Chamka are on the trail of another Celestial Warrior and trying to do good as they go. But because the Priestess and her Warriors are seen as harbringers of doom, they are also dodging trouble all the way. But they do find a new Warrior, a very scared little boy, who just wants to be accepted. I am enjoying this plot, after reading the first Fushigi Yûgi, with the Priestess and Warriors being seen as good and getting help from everywhere they traveled. It is an interesting way to take the plot and the characters. I look forward to he next volume and what trouble will come next.

I give this manga a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

{REVIEW FOR THE ENTIRE VOLUME}
I was reading this when I am on my trip in Brazil. I love the FS “mysterious play” it was one of my favorite anime back in the day. I am now 28 yrs old grown up working woman and I still love FY, I dont want to make this review long, Genbu Kaiden is more darker, kinda hardcore than the orig FY Miaka/Tamahome , I also believe that GK has the most strongest celestial warriors (they are all unique).

GK is something that is unexpected, there are many challenges, obstacles and it is always hard to look for new celestial warriors. This is also interesting as it shows the history of the book “The Universe Of Four Gods” and the author which is Takiko’s father in the Taisho era. Unlike Miaka who is kinda childish ,Takiko is a fighter, she is charming but she’s mature woman , she thinks of the people who need her and she is convinced to save them all.

There are twist and turns in this story which is very interesting. If you want to know more, read it! Highly recommend 🙂

[Stacey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second in the enjoyable series that finds Takiko becoming more comfortable in her role as Priestess of Genbu. She is still learning who to trust. She is confused about Limdo, who can be a man or woman. She is well on her way to finding all 7 of the Celestial Warriors. She stands for what she believes and doesn't back down to threats or attacks. She is a fierce and courageous fighter. I enjoy reading her story, seeing her journey come alive on the pages and feeling her conflict of emotions. It is well drawn and well written. A joy to read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I figured I'd be hooked, and I'm hooked. I really enjoyed the story of Fushigi Yuugi and the universe of the four gods and I'm loving being back in the general story, even though now it's a different priestess and a different world. I will definitely have to get the rest of the volumes so I can follow Takiko on her journey!!

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

En este nuevo tomo tenemos mas aventuras de Takiko junto a los siete centinelas, ya en busca de los demás compañeros para lograr su propósito, vamos conociendo más de Rimudo que me gusto mucho su historia y quiero saber que va a pasar con él y Takiko, si shippeando a full con este tomo. También se nos presenta a Hatsui que me causó mucha ternura y me gusto bastante su poder. Mega recomendado

[AestheticAngel: · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read a digital copy of this one, as a physical copy has been hard to track down! But this story is still keeping me engaged and I love Lindo's interaction with Takiko. I can't wait to see where the story goes! :)

[Stéphanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un très bon tome, j'aime beaucoup découvrir les étoiles de Gembu une par une. Les personnages sont très sympathiques et intéressants.

[Stephanie Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

Another great installment. More characters are introduced and Takiko is forging ahead as priestess. Very enjoyable so far can’t wait to see what is next!

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohhh Yuu Watase is so good at making a shojo with action. I really enjoyed this volume. I can feel the tension between Takiko and Limdo.
Maybe this story won’t be a love triangle after all?

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[dar · Rating 3 out of 5]

all these boys are starting to blend together to me

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery develops and we learn more about the legend and fortune told. I love the art.

[ⓘⓣⓐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 goal 134/150

[Nina Sakura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Leila Anani · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this one Takiko continues on her quest to fins the seven celestial Genbu warriors, in the last volume she found Chamka (Tomite) and together they find fourth warrior Hatsui - an overweight bully target who hides in a wicker ball and shoots out needles. Gender switching Limdo keeps popping up - despite joining the enemy and leading a team to hunt down our priestess he does seem to do an awful lot of saving her life. What side is he really on? - and with his father out to kill him, will Takiko be any better off if he does acknowledge the fact that he's one of the seven?!

I adore Fushigi yugi and this prequel series is proving just as engrossing - it's the same and yet different, if that makes any sense. Love the characters, artwork and emotion - shojo manga at its best.

[Maria Shuffit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original Fushigi Yuugi was the first anime I ever watched, and it's been one of my favorites ever since. It's been fifteen or so years, and it still, and probably always will, holds a special place in my heart.

Seeing Genbu Kaiden a few years ago, I'll admit that despite my Fushigi fangirl status, I was a little leery. I've really been enjoying Arata, but otherwise, any other Watase titles I'd tried to read had been sort of a let-down after Fushigi. Still, I picked up the first volume of Genbu Kaiden, expecting it to be a sad shadow of its predecessor and maybe just a way for the mangaka to reconnect with what is probably her most well-known series in America (I'm not sure how her titles rate in her home country.)

Once again, I am SO happy that I was wrong about misgivings I'd had over a book! Genbu Kaiden follows the same general formula as the original Fushigi Yuugi story arc, but it doesn't come across as a carbon copy. I definitely like Takiko WAY better than I ever liked Miaka. The warriors we have met so far (as of finishing the second book, there are three found, four more to go!) are very individual, well-drawn, easily distinguished in personality and backstory, and are developing interesting relationships with each other and the priestess.

I don't want to give anything away, but suffice to say, after reading the first book, I began slowly collecting the entire series till now, when I have it all and can sit and read away in one massive, gorging blissful Fushigi feast! I look forward to seeing how far the story of Genbu's warriors and priestess goes, and how much we might see of Byakko's side!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takiko and Chamka find a burning house, Chamka freezes things at Takiko's request--but then the villagers know who he is and come after him. They find Fen who seems kind but is really hiding Haitsu, and pretending to protect him, although she really wants to penetrate his armor and kill him as well as the other Celestial Warriors. Haitsu is a child Celestial Warrior who is timid and rolls in to a ball that can send out shards of metal. Limdo gets injured by Hagus who is able to absorb and use the powers of Celestial Warriors when confronted. Later he and Takiko go in a boat and she sings a sweet song The Song of the Gondolier about the brevity of life and the need to fall in love before dying. They share their first kiss, although Takiko is still in love with an older man in her Japan. In a confrontation with the assassins Ziyi and Feiyan, Takiko wields the naginata so exuberantly she cuts off Ziyi's arm.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this series forever ago. I think it was like in 2003. I never knew what it's about & just picked it up at my library. I was not even old enough for the rating that they gave it, but I was intrigued. I believe they only had up to volume 5 so I just stopped reading it. Somehow (thankfully) I was reminded if this story and so I began re-reading it online and oh my gods I feel in love. It's great Takiko is such a great priestess and I love her connection with all the Celestial Warriors.
I didn't have any idea that it was a prequel, & I'm very tempted to read it just so I can see if the other priestess lives up to Takiko & her journey with the Celestial Warriors. I seriously feel in live with these characters & I'm pretty sure they will be hard to live up to.
--M

•Planetarium-- Ai Otsuka

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fights are awesome and cool and she used her powers again, typical good guy vs bad guy novel but this is really different form what i have read about good vs evil.
can't wait to read the nest one since there are so easy to read and the way the Manga draw these is different form what i have usually seen in a manga book she always portrays their emotions better and the weapons too And i like how limdo can transform into a girl which is awesome and have not seen in any anime or manga so yeah real surprising and it's all connected to the cool legends so it's like so wow
I am in love with these series and intend to finish it!
and i have read the first bit of absolute boyfriend she is really good combining to elements like love and war but also with romance also wow she is good with her plots and story line...
so yeah...

[Raymond Regalado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the first volume of this series, I loved this book as while. The story line just gets better with
Takiko that had been ditched by Limdo but was found by Chamka and turns out he is a Celestial Warriors as well with a special power to summon ice. They become friends and set of on a journey to a village. They come across Limdo to have him preeminently stay with them on their journey. Once they reach the village, meet Hantsul a Celestial Warrior as well with a power to summon dangerous needles which didn't make it easy to befriend him. I love the character Chamka. He brings a lot of humor in the series. I recommend to read this book but only if you read the first one.

[Nisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful 2nd volume. We are introduced to the dire state of Takiko's position as the Priestess of Genbu. Another warrior is introduced, which was slightly disappointing for me, because I want more hot Genbu warriors. At least we have some bad guy Bishounen. (Nakago is unforgettable though, I don't know if Yuu Watase can reproduce such an epic character).

Limdo is really growing on me. He has this Tooya-feel to him, but even more real. Is it weird that I like his female form too? he's hot as a woman.

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good graphic novel, I always used to love these as a kid, this one had an engaging storyline of a quest for the seven celestial warriors.
Beautiful and detailed artwork enhance a lively story and what I found the most fascinating was that the publishers decided to publish using the traditional Japanese way of reading something which is back to front and from the right to the left.
Was confusing for the first few pages but you quickly get used to the quirky format.
Really enjoyed this and will have to look for more in the series.

[Yume Yoru · Rating 5 out of 5]

En este tomo conocemos a Hatsui. La verdad es que no tiene mucho protagonismo, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta a sus dos estrellas predecesoras: Uruki y Tomite. Normal teniendo en cuenta que es un chico tímido y compasivo, un personaje de esos de fondo que no hace mucho ruido. Además, su descubrimiento es uno de los más simples por el momento, justo por detrás de Tomite.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

The story just gets more and more exciting as the priestess locates another celestial warrior. I love that they all have a solid backstory and have special powers. Even the dreaded criminal limdo is more than meets the eye!