Review by Terry Mulcahy for Inuyasha, Vol. 1 (VIZBIG Edition)
Rating:
Two pounds of fun. The B&W drawings do not detract in any way from the story, which has been faithfully reproduced in movies and TV shows, but it is still well worth reading. Rumiko Takahashi draws to move the story along, not to impress, but the art and story are delightfully well crafted to entertain.

Review by J. Gebhard for Inuyasha Manga Profiles
Rating:
First off, this profile book covers the plot line up until Kagome’s battle with baby Hakudoshi and his attempt to control her. I think that makes it volume 29 or 30? I can’t quite recall correctly.

The profile book itself is quite fun for the Inuyasha obsessed. Takashi has supply full explanations on the Shikon jewel, battle history, collection of jewel shards (down to the exact number!), and a guide to all of the lesser characters, both human and demon, as they appear in the book with full citation (page number and volume the character first appeared on).

All of the other main characters, from good guys to bad, are given full length profiles. The profiles include: a quick overview with items, such as age, occupation, sibilings, ect.; a diagram of their capabilities, such as intellect, demon power, strength; techinque list; and a diagram of their abilities in accordance with the Shikon Jewel, labeled ara (courage), nigi (friendship), hushi (wisdom), and saki (love).

This is what really makes the book. It fun to discover the ages of the various characters especially the demons! Also, the capability diagrams are interesting since it allows for character comparison. For instance, Sesshomaru is almost completely maxed out in all areas except intellect (later comparison shows that both Naraku and Miroku are technically more intellectual than him!). Using the same characteristic, comparison also shows how “dumb” Koga and Inuyasha are. The Shikon Jewel diagram is also fun since it ties so strongly with the plot. I like how Takahashi has Kikyo and Naraku competely maxed out in these areas making them complete opposites; Kikyo the good “jewel” and Naraku the bad “jewel” representation.

Also, throughout the book there are “creator comments” which provide some insight into the individual characters. The only downside to this is that not all characters have comments and Kagome, Kikyo, Shippo, and Inuyasha are greatly favored. There is also an interview with Takahashi at the back of the book which is rather interesting.

There are a few small mistakes to note, but they are very minor. The summary capation for Sango is wrong due to poor editing and lists Mushin as her kin. Something left over from Miroku’s profile. Also, Kikyo’s battle technique summary is actually Naraku’s, but the full explanations in the book are correct. The other mistake I noted was that in the guidebook at the back Ayumi is missing from Kagome’s friends and Hojo and Yuma are mislabeled. A fact that is actually funny since Hojo is labeled as Yuma and vise versa.

Overall, for any fan this is well worth the money. The book also serves as an excellent overview for new comers to the series, but may be less interesting.

Review by Chris Tyminski for Inuyasha Manga Profiles
Rating:
LOts of info. Everything you ever wanted to know about the series and the characters. JUst wish there were some color ilustrations.

Review by Joyce L. Lindgren for Inuyasha Manga Profiles
Rating:
i have enjoyed reading the book it gives you an interesting look at the charters and the story and it’s creator.