18
After 558 chapters, Ms. Rumiko Takahashi’s InuYasha takes a bow, bringing this reader a mixture of elation and sadness. Elation, because it is about darn time. Sadness, because this title brought me to the world of fansubs, via the now-defunct Fangirl Friday, which led me to a rather costly diversion. Despite the ups and downs, Inuyasha, a sentimental series in my book, breathes life to an epic adventure of two core characters and their legion of supporting cast.
More after the jump.
The Story:
Kagome Higurashi, a seemingly average gal (as they all are), travels through space and time, and finds herself in a long forgotten era when demons preyed on humans and humans feared demons. She was revealed to be the reincarnation of a priestess who passed away many moons ago, establishing her link to a sacred jewel, the Shikon no Tama. A dangerous clash with a monster forced her to release a half-dog demon called Inuyasha from his fifty-year enchantment. The decision saved Kagome but consequently led to a shattered Shikon no Tama. The disastrous meeting led to the series’ overarching plot: to gather the fragments of the jewel.
Along the way, they allies joined: a lecherous cursed monk, a demon warrior, and a young fox demon. The odd mix soon slogged through chapter by chapter to be reach their goal.
Some Big Bads:
At first, Sesshomaru stepped up as the Inuyasha’s nemesis. Cruel and ruthless, he pursued his half-brother with killer intent, fueled by a desire to claim the Tetsusaiga. But meeting Rin, an orphaned child, changed his behavior to humans and to Inuyasha. While he continued to be badass, he morphed into an unlikely ally to the Inuyasha group.
A pseudo-villain also resides in the tragic Kikyo, who is a source of both irritation and pleasure. Her character evolved from bitter and betrayed woman who had murder in her heart to her old human self, oozing with kindness and compassion. Her love-hate relationship with Inuyasha was an irritation for yours truly because it forced a not-needed love triangle. But one couldn’t help admire the details of Kikyo made of clay and memories of past as a mirror to her relationship with Inuyasha.
Throughout the entire series, only one stood as the sole big bad, Naraku. He seemed to be the character who just wouldn’t die. Chop him, fry him, boil him. The dude won’t frakkin’ die. While Ms. Takahashi incorporated lesser baddies here and there, they never usurped Naraku’s position as the most dangerous opponent evah. On the surface, it looks grand. But chapter by chapter, it told a different story. A single enemy dilutes excitement, and ultimately turns away readers. I was one of them, until the announcement of an impending finish. His death brought extreme relief and closure for everyone, including, or perhaps especially to Ms. Takahashi’s readers.
The Not-So-Big Finish:
After Kagome asked for her wish, the sacred jewel vanished. Its disappearance meant the disappearance of the connection between two worlds, forcing Kagome and InuYasha to part.
A time jump reveals three years later: Miroku and Sango in wedded bliss; Shippo advancing his youkai education; Kohaku maturing to a fine warrior; Rin in Kaede’s care, receiving occasional visits from Sesshomaru; Kagome surviving high school; and Inuyasha sidelining as a demon-hunter for hire with Miroku, while waiting for Kagome.
But of course, lovers apart will dissatisfy readers and fans, so Kagome magically returns to Sengoku period, and into the arms of Inuyasha.
And — all together now — they all live happily ever after.
The End.
A mixture of the good, the bad, and the ugly, Inuyasha manages to close its curtain with its head held high. It ends in a predictable yet oh-so-satisfying fashion. Good triumphs over evil. Girl and boy falls in love. Everyone lives happily ever after. The journey to get there had bumps on the road. With bumps, I mean, huge pot holes capable of ruining truck tires. Yet still, Ms. Takahashi stayed true to her path, with the ray of light at the end of the tunnel.
As always, this manga fan will make an appointment with a rereading session. When will this be? I have no idea. I like Inuyasha and all, but thinking about those awful middle volumes makes my head spin. A full review won’t be happening anytime soon.
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Wednesday, June 18th 2008 at 3:18 am
Hell, it’s about time.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 at 5:49 am
Aww… That’s the end of “MIROKU LIVES… AGAIN!” trope.
Somehow, it does kinda nagging that while one series has closed the book on Inuyasha, there are still other “long-standing continuous single serial” franchises (read: Conan and One Piece — potentially —) in contention. Not that I hated long series: but to go deep into the series, the question of “must I start from Book 1?” must be answered in order to appreciate the series, in my opinion.
Wednesday, June 18th 2008 at 11:19 am
…and it finally ends… I’d rather watch the movies that will come out of this franchise, than sit through the anime or the manga =__=”
Thursday, June 19th 2008 at 8:50 am
LOOK FORWARD TO TAKAHASHI RUMIKO’S NEXT WORK.
Thursday, June 19th 2008 at 10:57 am
WHERE IS MY KIKYO!?
BAWWWWW
Friday, June 20th 2008 at 3:43 am
A big sigh of relief that this finally ends. I love me some long running series, but the premise fizzled out by the groups mid-adventure. Still, this will always have a special place in my blackened heart. I also liked the cliche ending. About the rereading thing, I think I won’t be able to do that for quite a while.
Anyhow, can’t wait to see Ms. Takahasi’s next project.
@TP: I love long running series. I never have problems with ‘starting with book one’. In fact, I relish on it. But more often than not, my problem lies with the series becoming stale or repetitive as it goes on.
Wednesday, August 13th 2008 at 6:27 pm
I kinda felt that kagome shouldn’t have been allowed to return to the pass and that In she should have meet an inuyasha reincarnation when she return home. I dont know…. I just think its kinda weird to be with someone who you were their number 2. I didn’t feel that he gave her tha=e same if not better love that he gave kikyo.
Sunday, October 19th 2008 at 8:01 pm
Wow, I can’t believe Inuyasha is over. I tried watching the anime, but after being so in love with the manga from late childhood, I was unable to get over the annoyingness of the anime/anime voice acting.
I hope Rumiko Takahashi doesn’t retire. She’s getting old, but obviously she still has talent. Inuyasha got boring though, it just kept going from Inuyasha kicking one guys ass to Inuyasha kicking another guys ass– “will Inuyasha win this impossible battle”?? Fuck yeah, he’s the main character!; …it just gets tiring. Also, the relationship between Inuyasha and Kagome took too long to advance, kinda like Ranma and Akane (Ranma 1/2). Takahashi loves to tease, and is the best at cliffhangers… she’s the highest paid female manga artist in Japan (you go girl).
Anyway, where is Kikyo’s ending, dammit??!
Friday, November 5th 2010 at 12:56 am
…and it finally ends… I’d rather watch the movies that will come out of this franchise, than sit through the anime or the manga =__=”
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