Yes, there is a sequel coming soon, no, that's not the reason why I'm reviewing this.
Kagome looks relatively normal until she gets dragged into the past by a centipede demon. An elderly woman named Kaede reveals to Kagome that she is the reincarnation of priestess Kikyo and inside Kagome is the Shikon Jewel, an artifact said to grant the desires of those who possess it. Kagome in trying to defend herself from the Centipede demon frees the half demon Inuyasha after removing the arrow that sealed him, within the ensuring chaos, Kagome destroys the Shikon Jewel shattering it into thousands of pieces spreading across the land. Fearing that the world will return to chaos, Kagome and a reluctant Inuyasha set out to retrieve the pieces of the jewel with Inuyasha kept on a leash which Kagome can use to stop Inuyasha with the simple command "sit". Joined by a huntress with a ride on demon cat, a perverted cursed monk and a mischievous fox demon, the group set out to retrieve the Shikon Jewel and stop Naraku with Inuyasha's brother Sesshoumaru acting as rival and anti hero.
This was a long adventure and very well regarded but I felt it dragged on far longer than it needed to, to the point that whenever Naraku appeared it's followed up by "not this guy again". I'm also not big on Kagome and Inuyasha's relationship as it feels a bit abusive as quite often it crosses the line as Kagome can often punish Inuyasha for nothing, granted Inuyasha is hardly a gentleman but quite often Inuyasha does nothing to warrant his punishments.
I'm not going to be too hard on it, because I see Inuyasha as the show that made the quality of anime so much better, it was a game changer that brought in the anime renaissance and should really be better appreciated in this current era, alot of anime wouldn't exist without it, looking at you Bleach, Demon Slayer and Naruto.
Dub is really good, no arguments.
Final Verdict: It's too long, there's rarely a change in antagonist and Inuyasha and Kagome's relationship can come across as abusive. But it's quality is spectacular and the action and mythos formed the type of anime that shaped a number of popular shows in the last 20 years, it's impact is important and should not be forgotten.
This entry was inspired by KyraChan's little debate over which is better, Pokemon or Death Note, and I argued that Death Note doesn't warrant talking about these days while Pokemon is still a talking point today but thinking over my comments, I realized that Death Note isn't the only anime like that and many anime that were popular during their initial run are barely mentioned anymore, so what happened to the anime that were once popular staples of the industry? Lets have a run down.
1. Akira & Ghost in the Shell
Akira used to be the one series other than Dragonballz that people used to say was the best but these days it's content has been done better by better shows. Equally Ghost in the Shell is highly rated but has fizzled out of form for the last five years, it doesn't help that it's a source of inspiration for The Matrix who for an icon of Sci-Fi film making hasn't budged since the Trilogy ended in 2003.
2. Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, 90s Anime in General
Cowboy Bebop is highly rated as the greatest anime of all time and it's hard to argue that case unless your Japanese because in reality it didn't do as well back home as it did in America mainly because the content is more understandable to a Western Audience, but it hasn't done much not even warranting a mention these days. Trigun has a similar problem, in fact a good portion of 90s anime that's not set in Japan are not mentioned anymore.
3. Inuyasha
Inuyasha was once the most popular anime in the world way before Shonen Jump clawed back their crown but these days a good portion of young fans won't know what Inuyasha is or have only received it's legacy which isn't a pleasant one, but there's room on another entry on why that is another time.
4. Haruhi Suzumiya & Lucky Star
Remember when Haruhiism was a trend? Not these days, the trend plummeted as quickly as it came in and poor old Lucky Star is starting to be dragged into the same pit of oblivion.
5. Full Metal Alchemist
Has been permanently disowned by the fanbase because of Brotherhood which is obnoxious and very unfair.
6. Death Note & Code Geass
With nothing left to run on the series, the actual Death Note is not as shocking these days since Madoka Magica & Attack on Titan have been argued to be better shows. Code Geass hasn't had much mention in a while either.
7. Yu-Gi-Oh
The Abridged Series has labeled the franchise an absolute joke and has practically died a sudden death.
8. Other notable mentions
Negima has stepped out of the spotlight along with Harem Shows in general.
Slice of Life shows are not popular right now.
And while Shonen Jump still runs strong, the enthusiasm for it's top four shows is dropping.
Ghibli Films are still popular but are losing momentum and might find it difficult post Miyazaki.
Endangered
Gurren Lagann: Might be outclassed by it's owner's new show Kill-La-Kill.
Gundam: Providing it avoids becoming a toy anime it should survive.
Evangelion: Running out of ideas to flog without destroying it's credibility.
Fairy Tail: Since the threat of it being cancelled it's starting to lose momentum.
Sailor Moon: It might struggle against it's new rivals seeing as Madoka Magica has changed the playing field.
Tiger & Bunny: Considering how it ended, it's hard to continue from where it is.
Soul Eater: Hanging on for dear life.
Escaped
Black Butler: Gothic fashion is still in and is still a cosplay favorite.
Ouran Host Club: Is still popular surprisingly.
Berserk: Why? It's rubbish.
Higurashi: Not as much as the others but still holding better than most.
Rurouni Kenshin: Successful thanks to a good Live Action adaption.
Anyway you get my point, a lot of shows which were so high ranking back in their day are hardly mentioned anymore. It'll take a lot of time and effort to pin point why this has happened especially to some of the best shows of all time, but seeing as I've grabbed your attention it might be time to start reviewing some heavy hitters of the industry, so expect some big name titles in my next few reviews.
To move on from unique art styles and considering I covered a Samurai in the Walk of Fame, lets move on to Sword Styles. Rules this time that I'm sticking with just swords not other kinds of blades or light sabers.
Of course Erza earns extra points for style
10. Kenshin Himura from Rurouni Kenshin
It seems weird to begin with such a common looking style but considering the fact that he began as a cold hearted killer and became a no killing badass with a reverse bladed sword does turn a few heads especially from the likes of his enemies.
9. Yoh Asakura from Shaman King
At it's strongest, Yoh's oversoul can turn into a giant Samurai Sword which seems to have rocket boosters. It's so big that you can threaten giants with it.
8. InuYasha from InuYasha
Although InuYasha is better at the whole bigger is better argument with Tessaiga, a sword that would make the Bleach cast jealous, this sword comes in many textures including Dragon Scales and Diamond.
7. Mifune from Soul Eater
One of my personal favorite styles is Mifune's, using several swords stuck in the ground and a deep understanding for spacial awareness, Mifune can attack with all the swords in any battle situation.
6. Kuchiki Byakuya from Bleach
Choosing just one of the hundreds of sword styles in Bleach was a job in itself but Senbonzakura wins due to it's execution, style and the fact that you're essentially being killed by cherry blossom petals.
5. Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail
One look at the above picture tells you that "you are going to die" in a very awesome way. But out of all of Erza's armory the Heaven's Wheel wins hands down. Just look at it!
4. Roronoa Zoro from One Piece
For a show that redefines the term "Pirate" it's unusual that the only pirate looking character Zoro is not even a pirate to begin with. Come on, he wields three swords one of which is between his teeth and he certainly makes the most of it.
3. Saber from Fate/Stay Night
For a while we don't actually see her sword until she goes full power and uncovers Excalibur, that's not to say it's bad, to be able to fight with an invisible sword is very useful until you stab yourself with it by accident.
2. Masamune Date from Sengoku Basara
Three swords are cool, six swords made to look like claws is epic and Masamune makes a point of going all out against any opponent, who says the Sengoku period has to be accurate, why can't he ride a horse with motorcycle handle bars and tail pipes.
1. Killer Bee from Naruto
But I have to say, I still can't work out how Killer Bee's sword style works but after using it in the games and seeing it in action, it's easily the most impressive sword style I've ever seen. Pity his rapping needs work.
