Inuyasha

Title: Inuyasha
Author: Rumiko Takahashi
Illustrated: Rumiko Takahashi
Published: VIZ Media LLC (First originated from Japan)
Date: 2001
Summary: 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.
Age Level: Young Adult (14 and up)
Strengths: This graphic novel is called a manga (which is Japanese cartoons, except in novel format). Inuyasha is a very interesting story. I liked how the author used the concept of traveling back in time by going through an old well, into the feudal era of Japan. This would definitely be interesting for people who do not live in Japan because not a lot of people know about Japan and its history, culture and traditions. This story will teach readers a little about what Japan was like during that time and how it's like during the present (because Kagome goes back an fourth between the present (her home) and the fuedal era (where Inuyasaha lives). I liked the dialogue of the story as well because it is the only text that the readers receive when reading this graphic novel. The dialogues are very interesting because besides from facial expressions, the character's words are the ones that show the reader who the characters really are. Inuyasaha at first is angry and tries to kill Kagome. Then when he and Kagome travel together in order to search for the sacred jewel shards, he begins to brag and boast about himself (but he really wants some actions and kill evil demons). Then he lightens up as the series continues because he falls in love with Kagome (but the problem is, he was in love with another person named Kikyou and hasn't forgotton her). He starts to talk soft, and the reader knows he really likes Kagome (which, by the way, is the reincarnation of Kikyou). The framing is also very interesting because it's the frames that represents the actions being carried out. If Inuyasha is fighting with a demon, the frames will slant and change from neat and orderly, to big a rigid.
Concerns: There are many things that may be a little inappropiate for younger children. There may be some cursing as well. Also, the demons in the book are weird looking and a little scary, not to mention a love triangle between Kagome, Inuyasha and Kikyou. There are a lot of deep emotions as well that make this not only fantasty like but powerful. What I didn't like about this story was that it went on for a very long time! The author started this in 2000 (or 1999) and it was completed in 2008. It's a very long series.
Comments: Once again, this is for young adults and may not be appropiate for children. Though it has a lot of sub plots witihn the story, it does have great action, romance and yes, comedy!