In the Inu-Yasha comics, you can totally tell Inu-Yasha and Kagome have a "thing" for each other. But neither of them are brave enough to admit it. In the 5th graphic novel, there are two main parts where you can perfectly tell Inu-Yasha is really sweet and is partially expressing his feelings for Kagome. In the beginning of the book, Inu-Yasha turns human for the first time in the series. When he's been bit by the spider head demon, he lies partially unconscious because of the poison. Their only hope is to wait till morning when he'll change back to a half demon. Inu-Yasha asks Kagome why she was crying for him and then he asks if he can lay on her lap. While lying on Kagome, Inu-Yasha says she smells good and Kagome gets mad because before Inu-Yasha said he hated her scent. Inu-Yasha says he lied about hating it. The second main part is when Kagome tells Inu-Yasha to forget about Kikyo (Inu-Yasha is back to half demon on this part). She screams something like, "Does it bother you so much that I look like Kikyo? Do you hate me for it?" Inu-Yasha grabs her hand and leans closer to her. He says, "You have it wrong" in the sweetest voice ever. Kagome's heart is pounding. Then, stupidly, Kagome pushes Inu-Yasha away screaming, "What is wrong with you?!" (In my opinion, they were SO close to kissing in that scene!) All in all, so far that's the best Inu-Yasha comic. But I'm sure there'll be better once I get more graphic novels. I rate this book 5 stars and reccommend it to anyone who's read volumes 1-4 of the Inu-Yasha series. I loved the romantic parts (above)and their adventures are spectacular.

Even though I've already written a review for Inu-Yasha, volume 5 was so great that I had to write another one! In this volume, we learn a lot more about Inu-Yasha personally. The first story arc deals with a little problem of Inu-Yasha's that occurs at every new moon ^_^;. I don't want to give it away, but I will say that his gentler, more sensitive nature is revealed. In the second story line we learn a lot more about Inu-Yasha's *real* relationship with Kikyo.

This book was fantastic. Takahashi really knows how to tug at your heart strings. She's been called the "Queen of Romantic Comedy," but my name for her is the "Jane Austen of manga." Like Jane Austen, she writes tender love stories that involve you to the very end. I can't reccommend this manga highly enough. The only problem is how long it take for the next volume to come out! Volume five ended in a cliffhanger, and I can't wait to find out what happens.

These books are really good. It can be enjoyed by both genders because of a female main character, some almost romance stuff (don't worry, it gets better!) then there's a male main character, lots of action and some gory stuff. There's also a lot of backround plots going on along that makes the whole story even more interesting. #5 is like this: Kagome and Inu-Yasha help Nazuna fight the Spider-Heads, and there is one kinda-romance scene with Kagome and Inu-Yasha. Then Kikyo's bones get stolen by an ogeress so Kaede, Inu-Yasha, and Kagome run off to get them back, resulting in lots of backround info on Kikyo and Inu-Yasha's relationship, that Kagome misses because her soul wasn't in her body. Confused? Then you'd better get the book! Just so you know, Kagome and Inu-Yasha's relationship doesn't improve much untill.....well, I don't know when the climax in the relationship is, because I'm up to #11 and Inu-Yasha's just seen Kagome naked like, 3 more times but he just pretends nothing happened. (How Frustrating!!!! NNNNNNNNNNHHHHH!)

You know, I'm sure everybody eventually gets to the point where the overdone robo-mecha and fantasy crap gets old and unrealistic. Enter Maison Ikkoku, a truly realistic novel in which there are no sex changes, time travel or anything like that; just a manga about life for a group of average people. In this final volume, everything is brought to a close; people get married, resentments are cast aside, and a child is born. By the way, don't read this volume if you haven't read the others. Go through the entire series; it's worth it. Welcome Home will take you on a wide range of emotions, and unless you're made of stone, you'll feel something, and perhaps even cry. I love this series, and you will not regret buying this book.

Well, it had to happen, Maison Ikkoku is at its heart a story about two people, and there's only one way it could end. That said it doesn't end without a fight, there's quite a bit of wrangling and in-fighting to be done before Kyoko Otonashi and Yusaku Godai get their happy ending. It's a real weepy this one, with Yusaku's honest description of his love for Kyoko, the resolution of Kyoko's love for Soichiro, a wedding and quite a few babies all coming before the end. Still it's a classic of manga and indeed of global literature. Takahashi-sensei has done it again. "...You see this is the place where mummy and daddy first met"

Buy this book.

Well, it had to happen someday. Unlike Lum, and Ranma 1/2, Maison Ikkoku has alway's been a story about Love and personal growth. Which meant that someday we'd have to see the end.

When We first met Godai and Kyoko, he was an immature, irresponsible, college flunkout, who had as much luck with women as he did on his first college entrance test. She was an uptight, somewhat introverted, yet gentle women recovering from the recent death of her husband. Here they are today, by the stories time, eight years later, finally where we all knew they were meant to go. In eachother's arms.

This issue tosses asside MOST of the series trademark wackiness to make room for all of the moments that we all know are coming. The confessions and consumations of love. The blessings of the parents. Godai finally finding his career. The end of an old ache for kyoko. The wedding. A reunion with old friends, and the the birth of Thier first child. As I said, Most of the wackiness has been tossed aside, yet thier are plenty of laugh's to be found and anyone who enjoy's a good laugh and a good cry will find themselves doing both at the same time while reading this story. I hope all of us who enjoy the story of Maison Ikkoku are lucky enough to find such fulfilling mate's one day.

Ranma is a hilarious series. In volume 2 I had tears in my eyes while I read! When you read, you can't help yourself from an occasional giggle. So if your in the mood for a funny book, I highly suggest Ranma 1/2 vollume 2. ^_^

Ranma 1/2 Vo. 2 is an awesome book! It is a very hard book to put down (I only did because I had to go to school :( ). This book gets deeper with developing the characters and their personalities. You should read Vol. 1 first, because then this book would make MUCH more sense. But anyway, this is a great book in the Ranma series. This series rocks! When reading this book, sometimes I'd totally laugh out loud. It's funny. IT IS SO GOOD!! I'm obsessed with these books right now, in case you couldn't tell ^_^. But, anyway, read this book and this series!! I HIGHLY reccomend them!! Oh yeah, Ranma and Ryoga ROCK!!

Ranma 1/2 is my favorite manga. It's hilarious, it's romatic comedy, and the characters are absolutely lovable. Not to mention the beautiful artwork of which I am extremely jealous.
A reviewer recommended it as a children's comic, but I don't think kids are the intended audience. This book is a romance, plus it isn't educational - it's pure, unbridled silliness. The storyline DOES NOT GET OLD. ^_^ Especially if the reader is in high school - everything rings true! That is probably what makes Ranma 1/2 so awesome - imagination and humor woven into the everyday world around us.

I was wary of this series at first because of its dark nature, but that's what so appealing. It does get violent, but the best part about the mermaid's series is its philosophical and psychological angle. For those who haven't read other Rumiko Takahashi works, she has a simple but intense drawing style that draws you in and is easier to follow than some other manga. What's also great is that since this deals with immortality, the stories can range from 500 years ago to present day. It's a very intriguing, deep series that you'll enjoy, no matter which graphic novel you buy.

I really loved this book. The art is wonderful and the story is well put together, once you start reading it's hard to put it down until you've finished. If you liked this book you would probably also like "Inu-Yasha" also by Rumiko Takahashi.

Well, what can I say? This book is GREAT! Recently I went to Japan Town in San Francisco, and bought this book. After I read it, I was like, omigosh this is so good! so I went back and bought Mermaids Forest too. ANyWAy, This book is about how this evil little boy goes around feeding Mermaids flesh to women, in hopes of making one immortal so he could have someone to take care of him. It's a bit gory, so I don't think this book is good for people who can't stand blood, and killing and such. It also has a tad of nudity thrown in, so younger readers, BEWARE! Personally I think that Mermaids Forest is the best of the two of them. I havn't read Mermaids Gaze yet, but when I get around to it, I'll be sure to review it too. I've recently noticed that there are only three books in the Mermaid series.. so, if Rumiko Takahashi is reading this, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE hurry up and write the fourth book! *-*

I was (and still am) searching for books, information and pictures of mexican architecture and color. This book was helpful for me, and also brought back great memories of my two trips to Mexico. This country is amazingly beautiful and rich in cultural heritage, and in my search for rustic/mexican ideas that I can adapt to the design of my new hacienda-type home, I found that the book satisfied me with all the beautiful pictures portraing the real Mexico. A must have for mexican citizens living outside the country, and Mexico freaks (like me) as well.

Having travelled through most of the states of Mexico, witnessing the enchanting colorful culture firsthand I can say this book captures the essence and beauty of Mexico lindo. It reminds the viewer of the places and people of Mexico in all their colorful splendor. What traveler through Mexico can forget the mercado (outdoor maketplace)experiece with the aromas and color blending for an intoxicating mixture that stays with you for a lifetime? It is all captured here in this brilliantly colored book. An inspirational book for the artist as well, the splashes of color jump from the pages into one's imagination for new ideas based on centuries old traditions. Although the fantastic color photographs are the highlight of this magnificnet book, the text is equally as good and highly informative. Little known tidbits abound. Take for example the centuies old technique of hanging cactus upside down to attract cochineal bugs. The bugs are then crushed to extract a wonderful red dye for wool rugs. Nothing is wasted, the bugs are sun dried or toasted on a griddle and mixed with lime after being crushed to a powder. The 21 chapters cover all aspects of Mexican life and each deserves the utmost attention since the detail given to each is exquisite. Nearly half of the chapters are dedicated to some aspect of the home, whether the garden, renovated haciendas or charming homes away from home for the traveler, the peeks into the places of rest are magnificent. The section featuring four artists homes is fabulous. There is one particular chapter that I love most, it is simply entitled wood. Here one will find marvelous wood creations, including masks and furniture as well as the famous wood carvers from Oaxaca, who create whimsical, colorful animals that defy conventional conceptions. There are other places to find wood creations as they are featured throughout the book in one form or another. This book demands to viewed over and over. This is one not to be shelved but to be kept handy for reference or inspiration. I would highly recommened this book to anyone who loves the old world culture that is Mexico. It is one of my favorite books that I cherish, a special gift that I view often, colorful memories rekindled and brought to life again and again.

I ADORE this book!!!! I have poured over it SO MUCH that the spine is cracked open on certain pages. Masako's love for Mexico, the people, the artesania, the "flavor" of Mexican life (well detailed in her husband's book "On Mexican Time") comes screaming through loud and clear on every page. I am an AVID collector/aficionado of all Mexican folk art, handicrafts and artesanias, and this book is virtually my decorating bible. Well worth every cent I spent on it and so much more!

The only flaws (for me)are the chapters on Modern Mexican Architecture and the artists' homes- WAY too modern, as far as I'm concerned, and they do NOT blend with the rest of the book!!!!! However, I have LONG ceased to let those chapter ruin my enjoyment of this simply INCREDIBLE book- I simply skip over them, refuse to look at them, and revel in everything else in the book. My only REAL regret is that she doesn't hurry and come out with MORE books, MORE often!!!!!

When I bought Vol. 1 of the Inu-Yasha series, it had me wanting more. This book is awsome! It has wonderful artwork, a great storyline, and the dog-demon we all know and love. Buy this book. You will NOT be disapointed. You'll read it again and again.

This is a great volume! We meet Sessho-maru. I didn't like him in the anime, but he is so cool in the manga! Sesshomaru is Inu-yasha's half brother, and he hates Inu-yasha since Inu is a hanyou, (half demon) and Sesshomaru is a full demon. Anyway, the first part of the book, we finish up the fight with Yura... then move on to Sesshoumaru.
When I ordered it, it got here SO FAST. After it shipped, it got here in 18 hours! I got it yesterday, the 5th, and it still says it shouldn't arrive till the 10th. I bought both it and volume three, and i already need volume 4!

i got this book while i was in the states and fell in love with it. it's better than the first book because you see inu-yasha warm up to kagome. you also see her try to be nice to him which really surprised me because inu-yasha was soo mean to her. Also this book gives info on inu-yasha family past and you meet less lovable family relations of inu-yahsa. and i don't wnat to say any more because then whats the point of reading the book.

If you've ever read the interviews of the author on her rare trips to the states, there are two things that stand out. One, she had trouble understanding why Americans would like something like Maison Ikkoku, based so much on the typical Japanese life style. Two, she (Rumiko Takahashi) created this to be a comedy, that about the life of a bunch of weird characters in a rooming house. Her normal actions (based on what she did with LUM: Urusei Yatsura) would be to continually introduce dozens of new characters and probably tenants to build the story around. This didn't happen, as the story developed an unexpected focal point, an unusual romance between two of the original characters.

As for the first observation, while it is true that the culture depicted here is Japanese, and some things may be confusing to an American audience, a part of that originality is what makes it interesting. Romance and comedy are universal concepts to nearly all cultures. We may eat differently, may have a different educational system, and do many other things in a different manner, but our actions and reactions are basically the same.

The second observation is what makes Takahshi such a great author. It would have been easy to ignore fan reactions, and just make another episodic, sitcom. She instead must have listened, and presented her audience with an epic romance, comedic, thriller, that encompasses possibly the most complete story ever presented in serialized manga. There are fourteen volumes of the Viz compilations of this work.

One more important point is worth considering. I'd advise buying the volumes soon as possible; Viz is going to the smaller size on almost all their series. Since these are already shrunken down art frames from the original manga. Shrinking them more is just wrong, but Viz has determined they can't sell most graphic novels at the higher price mark, and they are heavily discounted. I've gotten some of the new size, and they just are not as good.

Ah. . . classic manga, and that is what you are going to get in this series which was originally serialized back in the year 1980, but what a series it is!! Actually Maison Ikkoku is a very simpleseries with no action, no thrills, and no death, but what it does have is great characters and a great story, and that story is a love story between Yusaku Godai and Kyoko Otonashi. Kyoko is a young widow who trying to cope with her lost becomes the manager of Maison Ikkoku a infamous residence house. She meets Yusako Godai there, and he falls in love with her immediately, and so the story begins. Along the way they have to deal with the crazy residents of Maison Ikkoku: Mrs. Ichinose, Mr. Yotsuya, and Akemi, and love rivals Shun Mitaka, Kozue Nanao and Ibuki Yagami, but what a ride it is!! The art in this book is subpar to Takahashi Sensei's usual, but it does improve dramatically in following volumes.

"Maison Ikkoku" has been called a heartwarming romantic comedy, a brilliant soap opera, an emotional roller coaster, funny, thoughtful and moving, and screwball romantic comedy at its finest. It is all this and much more.

Covering 14 volumes, "Maison Ikkoku" is a masterpiece of international literature, showing off Japanese culture and societal conventions, by telling the comic yet romantic story of a young man in love for the first time, a young woman who is learning to love again after becoming a widow, their romantic rivals, and, especially, their interfering neighbors. Although set in Japan, the story is one of universal appeal.

Rumiko Takashi has had great success writing on all manner of outrageous subjects, ranging from the comically interfering aliens of "Lum*Urusei Yatsura", to the gender-bending martial arts hi-jinks of "Ranma 1/2."

But in "Maison Ikkoku", the focus is on real life. Like real life, there is comedy, sadness and romance. Ms. Takahashi blends these elements quite well, although the comic elements are more strongly in the forefront in Volume 1.

Maison Ikkoku is a run down boarding house in Tokyo. Student Yusaku Godai, Resident of Room 5, has had enough of the teasing he gets from his neighbors, and is threatening to move out, for the 3rd time that month.

His neighbors are quite a handful: There's Mrs. Ichinose, a hard drinking, hard partying, hard gossiping mother who lives downstairs in Room 1 with her young son Kentaro. Akemi Roppongi lives next to Godai in Room 6, works nights as a bar hostess at local hangout ChaChaMaru, and goes about wearing a see-through nightie. Last, but definitely NOT least, there's Yotsuya, a man of mystery who lives in Room 4, who likes to bash through Godai's wall so that he can peep on Akemi, and so that he blackmail, steal and/or mooch food from Godai. These 3 view Godai as their personal toy, and hold their drinking parties in his room, when Godai is trying to study.

Godai's thoughts of leaving slam to a stop when walks the new manager of the building, the beautiful and young Kyoko Otonashi. Godai falls head over heels for Kyoko, and our romantic comedy is off to the races.

Maison Ikkoku focuses on the kind-hearted, decent and struggling student Godai, who's wishy-washy and a bit irresponsible, and Kyoko, who is beautiful, kind, and sweet, but is most definitely the jealous type. You really feel for Godai, as his love for Kyoko matures, and for Kyoko, who's coming to terms with the loss of her beloved husband, and is learning to love again. One story will have you in hysterics, while the next story might tug at your heart.

Volume 1 spans the first year with Kyoko as manager of Maison Ikkoku. We meet Kyoko's dog, Mr. Soichiro. Godai discovers that Kyoko is a widow, and realizes that his quest to win the love of a woman who became a widow after only 6 months of marriage is not going to be an easy one.

We meet the two main rivals for Godai and Kyoko. There's the rich, suave, handsome, and assertive tennis coach, Shun Mitaka, so perfect even his teeth glint. Mitaka has just one problem, a major fear of dogs! He becomes Godai's rival for Kyoko. We also meet cute, sweet, innocent, and naive Kozue Nanao, who becomes Godai's girlfriend by accident, and has no clue that her platonic boyfriend really loves Kyoko.

Volume 1 introduces most of the the key locales, the local bar, ChaChaMaru, and the tennis court, which can also be thought of as gossip central.

We also meet supporting characters who will appear throughout the series: Sakamoto, Godai's college buddy; kindly Mr. Otonashi, Kyoko's father-in-law and the owner of Maison Ikkoku; mischevious Ikoku, Kyoko's niece, Mr. Otonashi's grandaughter, who Godai ends up tutoring; Ms. Kuroki, with the college puppet theatre Godai joins; and the manager of ChaChaMaru.

Although a few things are lost in translation, e.g., an inside joke with all the characters in the boarding house having their name correspond to their room number, even Kyoko, whose manager's room doesn't have a number, the humor and romantic aspects of this book are of immeasurable enjoyment. This is a great start to this series, which only improves with each volume.

It has been entirely to long since we last heard from the adventures os Inu Yasha and Kagome. This volume concludes the cliff-hanger at the end of the last volume. All is well but the tale of the scorned preistess is not done. It introduces a young monk with a curse who has sworn to love Kagome (and any other girl)! Most importantly Takahashi finally reveals Inu Yasha's true archfoe! Those who enjoy Inu Yasha are recommended to read other Takahashi titles, like Ranma 1/2 (but we all knew that) and Urusai Yatsura (aka LUM). Also recommended are Magic Knight Rayearth by CLAMP and the Patlabor graphic novels for those with a taste for Sci-fi. This title definitely deserves five stars.

And it just keeps getting more and more interesting as it goes on. The characters are more different than in her other series, Kagome is a school-girl who is spunky and yet sometimes helpless, but also will surprise you with her sudden ideas and fun spirit.(she apparently is the reincarnation of an ancient priestess who was Inu-Yasha love/enemy). Inu-Yasha is a selfish, prideful, half-demon who is power hungry for the Shikkon Jewel which Kagome and he are working together to retrieve.One word describes He seems interested in Kagome and rushes to protect her at just the right moment. One word describes Inu-Yasha: feh.Well, that's all. Read it. Love it. Find out what happens. You won't be dissappointed.

It is my belief that the word 'subtle' is not in Rumiko Takahashi's dictionary. 90% of the characters in Ranma 1/2 lack the trait, and several of the people in Maison Ikkoku need a lesson. We won't even get into Ataru and his crowd from Urusei Yatsura. Inu Yasha has provided us with some new examples of those who speak their mind and constantly make you hang your head and sigh.

While not as boisterous and arrogant as Inu Yasha, the Buddhist monk Miroku shares some traits with the dog-demon. Both tend to say what they think, regardless of the consequences. Both are stubborn as mules and as dense as rocks. But that's what we love about them.

Miroku has a tendency to ask something quite...personal from the women that he meets. As for what this is--you'll just have to read the books won't you?

Of the many mangas (that's anime in book form for those of you who are new) I have read, I'd have to say this one tops them all. Rumiko Takahasi, the "Queen of Romantic Comedy," is none other than a Japanese artistic marvel. She also came up with Inuyasha, which I have to say is good, but none beat Ranma 1/2.

This first volume introduces Ranma, a boy whos father is perhaps too eager for martial arts training. Unable to read Chinese, he took his son to the legendary training grouds, the Accursed Springs in China. Ranma knocked his father into one spring and he came up...a panda? More than a little weirded out Ranma fell into another spring, and when he was once a [HOT!] guy, came up a well-figured girl! This curse is lifted with warm water, but when doused with cold water they turn back into their other strange forms! An old friend of the Saotomes (Ranma and his pop) has three daughters, and they were going to have Ranma marry one of the girls to join the families and keep up the martial arts schools. Well, that was before they came, and when the girls find out, the youngest, Akane Tendo, becomes engaged to him (by their fathers' choice, of course). Their personalities clash, but they'll just have to get used to it. What follows is a series of odd but very funny mishaps that'll have you eagerly awaiting the next page...and the next volume. That's how it is, it's a real page turner and always leaves you wanting to read the next book.

I would reccommend this to anyone who loves anime, mangas, anyone who's into martial arts, and/or appreciates a good comedy. But don't think that's all, there's a really good storyline that's pretty easy to follow, and wonderful characters with many personalities. This is a must for any anime lover, boy, girl, or half and half!

Who dosen't know Rumiko Takihashi? Well, many people don't, but those with even little exposure to the world of anime and manga will definitly know her name. Before I even could prenouce anime right, I already knew about her most popular series, "Ranma 1/2". I dislike the anime version due to the dubbing, which I dislike for personal reasons. However, the manga is not dubbed (duhh) so apparently I would like it much more.

The story stars Ranma and his father Genma. One normal day they go to the cursed springs for training. During the training, Ranma knocks Genma into the lake of "drowned Panda", and when Genma emerges, He is a huge, fat Panda! Genma whacks Ranma into a spring, and he suffers a similar fate. Ranma falls into the "spring of drowed girl".

While Ranma and Genma are not always a panda or girl, things are far from okay. Whenever they touch cold water, they turn into the cursed form. Touching them with hot water transforms them back into their normal form. Thing get worse when Ranma gets engaged to the moody Akane.

The artwork is quite good. Character designs are adorable, almost whymsical is appearance.The backgrounds are pretty detailed. The artwork is overall pretty nice. It's no CLAMP or Yukito Kishiro, but its good.

The plot starts off pretty well and go's at a brisk pace. From drama to humor, the plot is a real page turner. The story is very unique. Their are tons of characters's, each different and charming in their own way. Character development is exceptional, and at times the characters become the driving point for the entire series. And despite the art style, the character's behave is very "real" ways, and are believeable. Teenagers will undoubtfully love this series. Things like the uncomfortable first kiss, to the embaressing excitment of a certain crush; its all very charming and handled in a easy to read way that teenagers are bound to love, boy or girl. Yes, this manga has several sesitive moments.

Besides the genuinely touching moments, "Ranma 1/2" has ton's and ton's of funny moments, guarenteed to put one in belly laughs. What's so great is that is that the humor has variety. Slapstick, one-liners, etc. The humor also ties in with the battles. Battles are not only unique and fun, but over the top as well. In one battle Ranma and Akane must fight a lethal couple on a ice ring. The opponent is a womanizer who's in love with Ranma's female side (yikes), and a young girl who, when she sees something she things is "cute", she'll name it (steal and rename it if it already has an owner), and won't let anyone else have it. Anyway, Ranma has every bone in his body so far in the fight, but someone acidently drops some water on him......cold water. Anyway, the battles becomes reduced to Ranma and his rival throwing ice chunks at each-other. Over the top, isn't it? It's "Ranma 1/2"

All in all, I can't think of anyone who would not enjoy "Ranma 1/2". Action,Comedy,Romance Drama with fatasy elements are seamlessly blended in a very entertaining package. It's one of the most popular manga and anime series available, and for a good reason. Sure, there are better, more deeper manga's than "Ranma 1/2". But "Ranma 1/2" is, while not particulary enriching, will wipe away one's depression and put a smile on their face. "Ranma 1/2" has magic, and I highly recommended it.

Who doesn't know Rumiko Takihashi? Well, many people don't, but those with even little exposure to the world of anime and manga will definitely know her name. Before I even could prenouce anime right, I already knew about her most popular series, "Ranma 1/2". I dislike the anime version due to the dubbing, which I dislike for personal reasons. However, the manga is not dubbed (duhh) so apparently I would like it much more.

The story stars Ranma and his father Genma. One normal day they go to the cursed springs for training. During the training, Ranma knocks Genma into the lake of "drowned Panda", and when Genma emerges, He is a huge, fat Panda! Genma whacks Ranma into a spring, and he suffers a similar fate. Ranma falls into the "spring of drowned girl".

While Ranma and Genma are not always a panda or girl, things are far from okay. Whenever they touch cold water, they turn into the cursed form. Touching them with hot water transforms them back into their normal form. Thing get worse when Ranma gets engaged to the moody Akane.

The artwork is quite good. Character designs are adorable, almost whimsical is appearance.The backgrounds are pretty detailed. The artwork is overall pretty nice. It's no CLAMP or Yukito Kishiro, but its good.

The plot starts off pretty well and moves forward at a brisk pace. From drama to humor, the plot is a real page turner. The story is very unique. Their are tons of character's, each different and charming in their own way. Character development is exceptional, and at times the characters become the driving point for the entire series. And despite the art style, the character's behave is very "real" ways, and are believable. Teenagers will un-doubtfully love this series. Things like the uncomfortable first kiss, to the embearessing excitement of a certain crush; its all very charming and handled in a easy to read way that teenagers are bound to love, boy or girl. Yes, this manga has several sensitive moments.

Besides the genuinely touching moments, "Ranma 1/2" has ton's and ton's of funny moments, guaranteed to put one in belly laughs. What's so great is that is that the humor has variety. Slapstick, one-liners, etc. The humor also ties in with the battles. Battles are not only unique and fun, but over the top as well. In one battle Ranma and Akane must fight a lethal couple on a ice ring. The opponent is a womanizer who's in love with Ranma's female side (yikes!), and a young girl who, when she sees something she things is "cute", she'll name it (steal and rename it if it already has an owner), and won't let anyone else have it. Anyway, Ranma has every bone in his body so far in the fight, but someone accidently drops some water on him......cold water. Anyway, the battles becomes reduced to Ranma and his rival throwing Ice chunks at each-other. Over the top, isn't it? It's "Ranma 1/2"

All in all, I can't think of anyone who would not enjoy "Ranma 1/2". Action, Comedy, Romance ,Drama with fantasy elements are seamlessly blended in a very entertaining package. It's one of the most popular manga and anime series available, and for a good reason. sure, their are better, more deeper manga's than "Ranma 1/2". But "Ranma 1/2" is, while not particularly enriching, will wipe one's depression and put a smile on their face. "Ranma 1/2" has magic, and I highly recommended it.

Packed with gothic creepiness, action-filled adventure, and witty humor, this new Japanese fable takes place where a pubescent young schoolgirl named Kagome goes tumbling just like Alice in Wonderland into the otherworldly land of the feudal times to meet an arrogant dog-eared demon called Inu-Yasha. With his help, Kagome wards off the very repulsive Centipede Lady, who is after the magical jewel that she had been unknowingly carrying ever since ... she had been laid to burn on the pate in the olden days. Could she be the very recarnation of the courageous young priestess who had bravely sacrificed herself to put the destructive Inu-Yasha under the spell in the first place? The long tapestry will unroll as Kagome and Inu-Yasha who had reluctantly befriended her encounter even more bloodthirsty foes and vemonous monsters, including a very sexy and busty young mistress of razor-sharp hair strands. A very chilling but interesting read for all the fans of manga and Rumiko Takahashi.

Inu Yasha a Feudal Fairy Tale, writen by the talented Rumiko Takahashi is one of the best graphic novels i've ever read! If ur a big Mermaid Saga fan I can asure u that you'll like this. Its about a Young girl name Kagome who's pulled back in time and finds out she's the reancarnation of a village preistess who gards the shikon no tama, the jewel of four souls. With the help of the mystical creature Inu Yasha, half demon half human, she most gather the shikon shards before everyone's worst nightmares become reality! Romantic comedy and gothic horror mixed into one (which i find amazing that someone could mix those two together) Inu Yasha is a wonderful graphic novel.

Ok. First, let me got this straight. This is the absolute BEST Japanese comic I've ever read! And let me tell you, I don't often hand out praise like that lightly. I mean it. I was first introduced to this story last year, while sitting on the bus with my friend, when she pulled out a manga (from lack of anything better to do) and started reading. Well, I read over her shoulder, and got so totally engrossed in the story that I didn't even notice when the bus finally stopped! The characters in this book are portrayed so realistically that I was continually laughing, crying, and sympathizing with them as I read. Volume 1, volume 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and god knows how many other volumes sped by my eyes so quickly that I'm amazed I didn't go blind at the speed that I was reading. I even went on the Internet to hunt for the translations from the Japanese version of Inu-Yasha so that I could hurry up and find out what happened next. I'm totally obsessed and in love with this story! Inuyasha is a wonderfully complex yet simple character that makes people totally relate to him, while everything Kagome does brings a warm-hearted, cheerful smile to your face. I am definitely supportive of the two's up and down relationship and I seriously love the action, romance, humour, and adventure that's all crammed into this one book. I recommend it to anybody, everybody, and especially those people who like a little bit of everything. Please take some time to read this comic! It certainly won't be a waste of time, and worth your while. ^_^