Inuyasha Vol. 1 (Library Edition) [Hardcover]

Rumiko Takahashi (Author)

Book Description

Series: Inuyasha

Transported back to Japan's feudal era, high school student Kagome accidentally releases the feral half-demon dog boy Inu-Yasha from his imprisonment for stealing the Jewel of Four Souls.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another--Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma 1/2 from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, and One-Pound Gospel. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; 2 edition (January 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 142151978X
• ISBN-13: 978-1421519784
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #907,090 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another--Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma 1/2 from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, and One-Pound Gospel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'VE FALLEN AND I CAN'T GET BACK TO MY TIME, July 13, 2005

By 

Sesho "www.sesho.libsyn.com" (Pasadena, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: InuYasha, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

In 1997, Kagome is a normal everyday Japanese high school student who has to constantly listen to her grandpa going on about old legends and folklore. She basically lives in a shrine with her grandpa, mother and little brother, next to a sacred tree and a mysterious well. When she is dragged into that well by a humongous centipede demon, she finds herself back in the time of the warring states. The demon wants the "Shikon Jewel" from Kagome. There's no way she will be able to stand alone against this demon so she will have to free an even more powerful half demon to fight it. That half-demon's name is Inuyasha!

Rumiko Takahashi has a certain magic in her manga. To me she is like the Steven Spielberg of Japanese comics. She has a lot of popular appeal but in the end it's not because she caters to her fans, but because there is just something unique about her character designs, or maybe it's the warmth and passion she brings to her work. I just love her stuff. Inuyasha is by no means targeted at small children. There's nudity, blood, and genuine frights in this volume. It seems Inuyasha and every other demon that comes along wants the Shikon Jewel because it amplifies their power considerably. Actually, that's why Inuyasha was ensorcelled, because Kikyo, who everybody seems to think has been reincarnated as Kagome, had to stop him from abusing his power. It will be interesting to see how this relationship will play out between the two main characters. While I have been aware of Inuyasha, this is the first time I have ever read one of the manga. It looks like it will be good, and there are many many volumes to follow.

I would also recommend the manga Mermaid Saga by the same author and also the anime version of Inuyasha. Two other anime that have the same theme are The Twelve Kingdoms and Escaflowne.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inuyasha love??? Way past that., November 24, 2005

By 

Mary S. Mundahl-new "iridescentraven" (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: InuYasha, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

The first thing you should know about me is that I am bery picky about my graphic novels. If the art isn't detailed enough, the storyline is lacking, or the novel is not translated well, I do not buy it. I recommend being the same way about every japanese comic book, because oftentimes they are over celebrated, and in my opinion, not worked on hard enough to be considered art.

The second thing I would like to say is GOD BLESS RUMIKO TAKAHASI! She is one of the most talented manga artists ever. Her style is a little leaning towards the Anime side, but she obviously cares enough about her art to make sure everything is perfect. Her full color prints, (like the covers) are beautiful, and envyed by me and all of my anime cronies. :P Anime is fairly simple enough to draw if you are good with preportions, but is very hard to make look GOOD, so this artist is a rare find!

Her storyline is definately not lacking. Kagome Higurashi is a hirhg-school girl who falls down a well and lands in feudel japan. She meets a half dog demon pinned to a tree (By the woman who he loved, Kikyo, who betrayed him), in a twist of fate, frees him. She later learns of the demon's love for the JEWEL OF THE FOUR SOULS, a jewel that can give the users near limitless powers. Inuyasha wants that jewel, so he trys to steal it. The priestess Keade binds him to Kagome with a single word, "Sit, boy!". In an act of heroics, she decides that she is going to shatter the jewel into a thousand little tiny peices. (It's a longer story than that, but, hey, I've got a lot to write and not much space) Thus making Inuyasha, (who still wants the jewel and to kill kagome) and Kagome, (who's like WTH? I'm stuck in a weird world AND i have to work!) forced to collect the jewel shards.

The books go as follows, until they meet the horrible demon Naraku. Naraku wants the jewel to become full demon as well, (another long story) thus he also is trying to kill Inuyasha and find the jewel. Along the story, they meet a few friends, and the story becomes romantic as well as funny.

If you want to get the full story of Inu-yasha without spending a whole lot of money, I would buy the manga which is beautifully layed out, and wonderfully drawn. If you really don't care, and like watching the show more, I would buy the DVD's in the PERFECT COLLECTION or the SEASON BOXED SET. It is cheaper that way, and you also get a bigger hunk of DVDS.
If you are just experimenting, I would recommend reading up on the story line from a fan site where they can be more elaborite, first. For some reason, a few people don't like it.

Otherwise, have fun watching an excellent Anime/ reading the manga! It's really worth it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You'll never live the same again..., December 27, 2006

By 

Manga Kitty (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: InuYasha, Vol. 1 (Paperback)

You will get hooked on this series like I did. You will not believe how beautiful the art is and how you could read it again and again and not get tired of it. It's a MUST. It is something like the show, but somehow not.