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Inuyasha Vol. 46: An Ethical Dilemma

Annette Roman — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 -0800

I love cute-looking demons, regardless of how violent or dangerous they are. Inuyasha volume 46, which was released Tuesday, has a herd of fearsome yet adorable demons who look like a cross between a porcupine, a peacock, and a dog. They're called Yama'arashi. They can throw their quills, which real porcupines can't. (That's just a rural legend.)

The rest of Inuyasha volume 46 is pretty intense and serious, though, and it raises a major ethical dilemma. Lady Kikyo, Kagome's reincarnated ancestor and rival for Inuyasha's affections, is near death. And Kagome is the only one who can save her.

Kagome is sorely tested. Does Kikyo hate Kagome, and is she sabotaging Kagome's relationship with Inuyasha? If Kagome saves Kikyo, will Inuyasha choose Kikyo and reject Kagome?

Complicating Kagome's moral dilemma, if she chooses not to save Kikyo, no one will ever know...

What do you think Kagome will do...?

And what would you do if you were really, really in love with someone and your rival hated you and you hated your rival...?

— Annette Roman, Inuyasha editor

RIN-NE Chapter 40 Live

Mike Montesa — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 9:53:00 -0800

Ageha, the shinigami, has lots of money, and she's got no problem spending it if it will help rescue her sister from Sabato's clutches. Rinne tries to help Ageha in the afterlife. But next to Damashigami, if there's anything Rinne can't stand, it's wasting money!

Read RIN-NE chapter 40 now.

Fiscal Responsibility

Mike Montesa — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 9:47:00 -0800

When I was younger, I used to be something of a spendthrift (kind of like Rinne when he was a little kid, I suppose). I’d blow all my money going out on Friday nights or on weekends. I gave little thought to it at all. I don’t do that anymore fortunately, though I do have the urge sometimes. I still like to splurge (very occasionally) on a night out at a nice restaurant and someplace swank for drinks.

But watching people spend like there’s no tomorrow, especially if they’re doing it on credit, really chaps my hide. I don’t often find myself identifying with manga characters, but I can certainly agree with Rinne on this particular outlook on spending!

Read RIN-NE chapter 40 to see what I mean. What have you splurged on recently? And was it worth it?

— Mike Montesa, RIN-NE editor

Get Inuyasha Manga Volume 46

Narasu Rebbapragada — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:23:00 -0800

Lost Love: Inuyasha dreams of the day half a century ago when Kikyo, the priestess he once loved and unknowingly betrayed, perished. Then, Kagome is forced to watch a vision of the moment the two parted ways. Now the living Kikyo is in desperate danger, and only Kagome can save her! Get Inuyasha volume 46 now.

New to Inuyasha? Read the free manga preview.

Inuyasha The Final Act Episode 23

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:47:00 -0800

Kagome’s spiritual powers are restored, and divine light is revived in Naraku’s Shikon Jewel. However, Naraku uses this as a decoy to lure Sango into his trap. Watch "Naraku: Trap of Light" on Hulu now.

Ageha's Bad Day

Narasu Rebbapragada — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:21:00 -0800

Wow. Poor Ageha has it rough in RIN-NE chapter 39. It's bad enough that she finds out that her sister and partner-in-crime-fighting has gone to the dark side. But even worse, the guy Ageha might have "a thing for" is related to her sister's bad-news boyfriend. And even worse, Ageha has fallen into a trap set by aforementioned bad-news boyfriend.

But the real question is this: how does Rinne feel? He says, "Ageha and I aren't even friends yet!" But what does that mean? That's so vague! So frustrating! I guess we'll have to keep reading to find out.

RIN-NE Chapter 39 Live Now

Mike Montesa — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:10:00 -0800

Ageha confronts Sabato's mysterious hot secretary, and the showdown reveals a few things that Ageha might not have wanted to know. Sabato saddles Rinne with yet another bill and escapes, but Rinne, Sakura and Ageha are in hot pursuit. Can they catch Sabato on his home turf?

Read chapter 39 now!

Election Hair

Mike Montesa — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:08:00 -0800

When it gets a little warmer, I’ll wear my Aloha shirt to work. Last summer, I wore it a few times, but after seeing Sabato sporting one on the postcard Ageha’s sister sent in RIN-NE chapter 37, I feel encouraged (though maybe my co-workers won’t be so thrilled).

The biggest chuckle that this week's RIN-NE chapter (39) got out of me was the casual use of the election poster that Ageha’s sister tears off the wall. The candidate’s bald head with the one single hair sticking up is what got the laugh. During Japanese elections, these posters are everywhere. The candidates themselves drive around in these little minivans with white-gloved assistants waving out the windows. The candidates repeat their names over and over on the loudspeaker asking you to vote for them. I’ll tell you, if I could have voted in these elections back when I was living in Japan, I sure wouldn’t have voted for some guy who blasted his name at me at 80 decibels ten times in ten seconds!

— Mike Montesa, RIN-NE editor

Complete Inuyasha Series on iTunes

Narasu Rebbapragada — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:36:00 -0800

Good news for Inuyasha fans who get their anime fix from iTunes. All seven seasons — that's 167 episodes — are available, dubbed in English, at the iTunes Store. While it's cool to watch the original subtitled episodes on VIZ Anime, it's great to get the dubbed versions too. I personally like watching Inuyasha and Shippo bicker in multiple languages. Just saying.

Dubbed episodes are also particularly useful for someone who likes to watch anime while doing other things (oh like, working) and has to occasionally open another window (oh like, when her boss is coming over) but doesn't want to pause the episode because it's too exciting. Hypothetically speaking, of course. In any case, they're up on iTunes. Watch 'em now.

Inuyasha The Final Act: Heart in Darkness

Narasu Rebbapragada — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 7:54:00 -0800

Nearly every minute of episode 22, "Naraku: Trap of Darkness," is packed with action, emotion, and story. To say anymore would trigger a spoiler alert, so watch the episode now.

On a more thematic level, this episode is one of several that seem to play with the question of what makes a person (or demon) strong: weapons, breeding, or heart. Already in Inuyasha The Final Act, the issue of weaponry gets complicated; weapons are closely tied to the characters wielding them. The beginning of the episode shows Inuyasha painfully wrestling with the drawbacks of being half-human. But in this episode, we also see the heart prevail. Of course, we'll need to see more of it if the gang is to survive being inside Naraku. Till next week…

RIN-NE Chapter 38 Live

Mike Montesa — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:08:00 -0800

Rinne tries to get to the bottom of who has been spying on Sakura. Meanwhile Sakura finds herself set upon by a bunch of ghosts who want more than just to pass on to the afterlife. The way Sakura deals with these annoying spirits will determine her suitability...for what?!

Read chapter 38 of RIN-NE now.

Hooked by Love

Mike Montesa — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:07:00 -0800

We’re back again with a new chapter! I know you’ve all been waiting to see what happens next, so if you’ve come here first, go read chapter 38 of RIN-NE now. I’ll wait…

OK now that you’re back, I think the way that Rinne looks at the end of this chapter is a prime example of the sort of frustrated relationships that Takahashi is so good at using to fuel her stories. There are always these little moments between characters (in this case Rinne and Sakura) where feelings could be acknowledged if one character were to simply say something, or if the situation weren’t so urgent.

And of course, you and I both know that you can’t get that kind of closure early on in a series. You just keep coming back for more to see how things develop (or get more confused), and before you know it, you’re hooked.

We know Takahashi creates her stories as she goes along, so my guess is that she simply lets the characters speak and act for themselves.

Anyway, this chapter ends what will be volume 4. I’m sure there’s more in store for Rinne, Sakura and their friends!

RIN-NE Editor on Fictional Frontiers

Narasu Rebbapragada — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:20:00 -0800

You've read RIN-NE editor Mike Montesa's blog posts, but have you heard his voice? Head over to Fictional Frontiers with Sohaib — a weekly one-hour radio show and podcast about comics, literature, film, television, and basically all things fictional — to hear Sohaib interview Mike about RIN-NE and Rumiko Takahashi. Hear Mike's take on how Takahashi-sensei's manga has evolved with RIN-NE and what it has in common with her other work. Mike talks about Shonen Sunday magazine and reminisces about meeting Rumiko Takahashi herself.

The Battle with Naraku Begins…

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:38:00 -0800

Wow, that was a tough episode to watch. In episode 21 of Inuyasha The Final Act "Inside Naraku," the battle with Naraku begins. Now that he's embodied the Shinkon Jewel, it looks like this ultimate bad guy has a decided advantage. Things are not looking good for Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, and Miroku. Not to mention Rin, who's floating around kidnapped in Naraku's body.

Not that anyone thought a fight against Naraku would be a walk in the park, but it's hard to watch the good guys struggle, and with a cliffhanger that will leave you biting your nails all week.

A Wintery Inuyasha Episode

Narasu Rebbapragada — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:13:00 -0800

As snow prepares to dump over the Rockies and the midwestern United States, we thought we'd leave you with a particularly snowy episode from Inuyasha. On Hulu and VIZ Anime, it's subtitled episode 101 "The Snow from Seven Years Past." You can also buy the dubbed version individually or as part of Inuyasha, Season 5, Vol. 1 on the iTunes Store. Consider it just one more reason that we're ready for winter to end. Bundle up!

Aww, Kirara

Ho Lin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:55:00 -0800

One of the best episodes in Inuyasha, Season 4 on the iTunes Store is "Kirara Come Home," an homage to underappreciated pets everywhere. When Inuyasha's crew finds Kirara missing, each member thinks back to how he or she might have taken advantage of this remarkable two-tailed companion in some small way. (Well in at least one case, the insensitivity wasn't so minor.) Of course Kirara is not your average pet, but like a trusty friend, she is always there.

Watch this episode when you need to feel some warm fuzzies. Buy this dubbed episode, or the complete dubbed season on the iTunes Store. Watch the subtitled episode, numbered 97, on vizanime.com.

Inuyasha Seasons 4 and 5 on iTunes

Ho Lin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:14:00 -0800

More dubbed episodes of Inuyasha hit the iTunes Store this week. Inuyasha, Season 4 contains 18 episodes, including comedic favorites like "The Three Sprites of the Monkey God." Inuyasha, Season 5 is broken up into two sets. Inuyasha, Season 5, Vol. 1 features 13 episodes, including action-packed gems like "The Big Clash: Banryu Versus the Wind Scar" and "The Band of Seven Resurrected!" Inuyasha, Season 5, Vol. 2, with 14 episodes,
brings Naraku back with a vengeance. Check it all out on iTunes.

Inuyasha The Final Act Episode 20

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:05:00 -0800

Sango and Kagome weren't the only ones crying when Naraku took Kohaku's shard in episode 20 "When the Jewel is Whole." (Can someone get me a tissue? Sniff.) Watch the episode to see how Kohaku fares. Kohaku is such a tragic figure, thinking he deserves to die because of something (albeit horrible) in his past that he just can't fix. When will he stop punishing himself? In other news, Naraku ends up with the whole Shinkon Jewel and quite possibly Rin, who is kidnapped by a hiding Magatsuhi! Yikes. Watch this episode of Inuyasha The Final Act for the rest.

In the Spirt of Valentine's Day...

Narasu Rebbapragada — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0800

Valentine's Day. Whether you love or hate the day — it's in the air, on the airwaves, and at the stores. The unfortunate thing about it is that the day tends to be a polarizing event. Either you spend the day in rose-colored delight, or you're hiding in bed hoping that the clock will tick faster. Even if you have a partner, chances are great that you both have different expectations surrounding the day. Perhaps one of you spent hours crafting the perfect card, and the other one (gulp) didn't think you had to.

So in the spirit of muddling up the whole affair, I invite you to watch episode 23 of Inuyasha, "Kagome's Voice and Kikyo's Kiss." I challenge you to decide whether this episode goes out to those who love Valentine's Day or those who protest it. Let us know what you think.

So Happy Valentine's Day. Maybe it's enough to spend the day just being thankful that you're not one of the relunctant undead wondering if your alive-and-kicking ex has feelings for someone else...ouch.

And don't forget to watch Inuyasha, Inuyasha The Final Act, and basically all the free anime you can handle on VIZ Anime.

RIN-NE Taking A Short Break

Mike Montesa — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Just wanted to remind you that RIN-NE is on break. The series will not appear in Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in Japan for two weeks until February 24, when it returns with chapter 38. Since we publish simultaneously with Japan, our RIN-NE publication schedule matches theirs and looks like this:

Date RIN-NE Chapter February 3
Chapter 37 February 10
No new chapter
February 17
No new chapter February 24
Chapter 38

I know you're all dying to know what happens next, but don't worry, RIN-NE will continue. Once we pick up again with chapter 38, we foresee no further interruptions (except for the usual holidays and such).

Mike Montesa, RIN-NE editor

What's Big about Inuyasha VIZBIG?

Mike Montesa — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Inuyasha VIZBIG Volume 2 is out! It compiles volumes 4 through 6 of Inuyasha in a larger 5 3/4-inch-by-8 5/8-inch size. And Inuyasha VIZBIG editions are printed in the original right-to-left format.

Seems like I finished working on Inuyasha VIZBIG Volume 2 just yesterday (wink wink)! The great thing about putting together VIZBIG editions is that I can work my way through the earlier volumes of Inuyasha, enjoying the story and characters as they develop. I haven’t read a Takahashi manga as closely as this since my first encounter with her work in university (let’s just say that was a long time ago), and it’s great to be able to look on it with more appreciative eyes.

I don’t know how Takahashi herself feels about it, but Inuyasha seems to me to be her magnum opus. Certainly, it’s her longest series. Fans will debate about its triumphs and flaws, but it’s clearly the work Takahashi-sensei will be remembered for and associated with the most.

Of course Takahashi has a large body of work, and looking at her longer running series — Urusei Yatsura, Ranma ½ and Inuyasha — is very interesting. You can see the development of her skills as both an artist and a storyteller.

Now this is just my opinion, but the Takahashi manga that stands out in my mind just for the sheer manic energy and craziness of the story and characters is Urusei Yatsura. Given that I got in on the anime and manga thing when it first kicked off in the United States, it should be no surprise that I was into this landmark series. It was the first of Takahashi-sensei's titles to be published in English (by VIZ Media no less).

Urusei Yatsura was wacky and maybe didn’t make sense at times, but it didn’t need to because it was just so much fun. I recall getting somewhat annoyed with the relationship between Lum and Ataru —when were they ever going to sort things out and get together? Of course, this sort of relationship later became par for the course for Takahashi’s characters, but at the time I didn’t quite get it. I do now, though.

— Mike Montesa, editor of RIN-NE and Inuyasha VIZBIG

Trees, Spirits, and Inuyasha Vol. 45

Annette Roman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:53:00 -0800

Inuyasha volume 45, out today, introduces Yemeiju, a demon tree who sucks the life force out of humans and demons (it's an equal opportunity attacker!) instead of manufacturing its energy from water, sunlight, and minerals in the soil. Naraku tries to revive Yemeiju for his usual nefarious purposes, but fortunately doesn't exactly get the results he sought...or does he? That Naraku sure is tricky!

I can see why people across cultures and time have attributed personalities to trees...

I edited a great manga at VIZ Media once called Ogre Slayer in which ogres were believed to be born from the roots of trees. In Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, great ancient sentient trees called the Ents come to the rescue when their forest is attacked. And in Avatar, the Na'vi communicate with their deity Eywa through a network of trees, using one Hometree as the spiritual and architectural center for their community.

On Earth, human settlements often have a huge gnarled tree at their center. I read somewhere that this might be because the bent and gnarled trees weren't good for cutting into lumber, so they remained after all the straight ones were cut down. Their irregular branches and twists and turns add to their personality. Some even have names, like Wonderboom (a giant fig tree in South Africa), Drago Milenario (the Ancient Dragon Tree in Tenerife Island, Canary Islands), the Guilty Chinese Scholartree (a type of Pagoda tree in Beijing’s Jingshan Park, China), Major Oak (the fabled hangout of Robin Hood in the real Sherwood Forest, England), and The Chestnut Tree of 100 Horses (on Mt. Etna in Sicily, Italy).

Myself, I find it easy to imagine that trees harbor a spirit or consciousness. I had the privilege of growing up under old-growth oak trees over 100 years old in Massachusetts. Either the houses were built around the trees, or saplings flourished and grew up between them.

Each tree in our yard had a distinct personality to me. They were over three stories high, arching high above our peaked attic roof. Every branch and knot and crook and twig was familiar to me — as were the squirrels who populated them, like little "familiars" to the spirits of the oak trees. (In German, the word for squirrel is eichhörnchen (little acorn) or eichkätzchen (acorn kitty). As anyone who grew up near Salem, Massachusetts knows — cats and other small animals are a witch's "familiars," or magical companions.

I imagine the spirit of trees as more benign and nurturing, than evil and demonic like Yemeiju in Inuyasha, since they shelter you from the sun and rain and draw the fire of lightning away from you. (That's why you should avoid standing under trees in a storm!)

On the right is a picture of the tree friends who surrounded the home where I grew up. Maybe I should name them... Any ideas?

— Annette Roman, Inuyasha manga editor

(tree photo © Annette Roman)

Inuyasha The Final Act Episode 19

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:21:00 -0800

Facing your demons takes on a whole new meaning in "Kohaku's Shard," episode 19 of Inuyasha The Final Act. Wow, what a cliffhanger! Thank goodness for the scenes from next week, or else I'd be a nervous Nellie waiting to find out how Kohaku fares.

The episode starts off lightly, with another one of Inuyasha's hilarious efforts to participate in Kagome's modern-day life. (Talk about tasting the rainbow…) But quickly we're knee deep in danger on the other side of the well, as Magatsuhi rears his deviously ugly head, Sesshomaru handles a trickster, and Rin and Miroku suffer the consequences. There are a couple more things that I'm not even going to dare to give away, or else I'd suffer the consequences.

Watch the episode. Things are really heating up on Inuyasha The Final Act.

Sisters

Narasu Rebbapragada — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:41:00 -0800

Chapter 37 of RIN-NE really set some wheels in motion. Will Ageha figure out who her sister's boyfriend is? Will Ageha save her from him? Will she figure out Rinne's relationship to said boyfriend?

You'll have a couple of weeks to think about how the story will play out, since RIN-NE is taking a short break. Chapter 38 will be posted on February 24.

The bond that Ageha has to her sister is touching, so even though she's a little high-strung, we can understand where she's coming from. We can also admire the lengths to which she'll go to help her sister. Hopefully, Rinne won't get caught in the middle. The expression "Don't shoot the messenger" comes to mind. We'll just have to wait and see.

Do any of you have siblings who you'd save from the Damashigami bossman? And who are your favorite manga siblings? Let us know.

RIN-NE Chapter 37 Live Now!

Narasu Rebbapragada — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:46:00 -0800

Ageha, the shinigami, tells Rinne about what happened to her sister and why she holds such a grudge against one damashigami in particular. Ageha's nemesis unfortunately is someone Rinne knows quite well, but he'd better not let that slip. And what will Sakura make of Ageha's appearance?

Read RIN-NE chapter 37 now!

He's the Cheesiest!

Mike Montesa — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:45:00 -0800

I gotta say that I like the direction of this current plot with Ageha in chapter 37. It looks like it’s already shaping up to be a huge misunderstanding followed by an explosion of zaniness. And even though Sabato is the antagonist in RIN-NE, I really like him — he’s got this sleazy used car salesman sort of smarminess and cheesiness that appeals to me on some level (I love the postcard image of him and Ageha’s sister). I wonder what that says about me?

— Mike Montesa, RIN-NE editor

Inuyasha Volume 44 and Wolves

Annette Roman — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:27:00 -0800

Volume 44 of Inuyasha is full of surprising twists and turns as Inuyasha and company continue their quest to help the demon sage recover his stolen liver (ewwww, gross!). I won't say much more to avoid any spoilers, but suffice to say you will be surprised!

The rest of this volume is quite tragic. A wolf demon tribe is attacked, and many clan members are slaughtered. A tribe member fights to save his brother's life, and fellow wolf demon Koga joins the battle. These wolf demons are humanoid, but the story got me thinking about wolf hunting in the real world. It makes me so sad to see these magnificent, intelligent, social animals hunted down.

Like the clan of imaginary wolf demons in Inuyasha, real wolves have a complex social structure. The adults mate for life, and packs live, hunt and raise their young cooperatively. Shooting the adults for trophies disrupts these social groupings and breaks pair bonds, thereby jeopardizing all the pack members' chances for survival.

Now it's true that ranchers suffer financial loss when wolves kill livestock. But ironically, hunting wolves can just make the problem worse. Killing adult wolves, who are experienced hunters, pushes the younger wolves to attack livestock because they are easier prey.

And no, I'm not totally opposed to hunting. Many hunters are great conservators of our wild natural land. Deer live a better life wild in the woods than a steer does in a stockyard or a chicken does in a cage. Deer can quickly overpopulate so the whole herd suffers starvation. In that way, shooting and eating deer makes sense to me.

I think the public and our government should support ranchers by helping them with costs to erect "fladry," non-lethal strings of cloth and plastic used in Europe to repel wolves.

And shooting an animal just to stuff its head and stick it on your wall...not so sensible. Furthermore, I don't understand how you can get a rush from shooting fierce wolves...with high-powered rifles from a great distance or after running them to the point of exhaustion with a helicopter! Can't you get the same thrill of the hunt by photographing wild animals or doing target practice in a video game?

If you're interested in learning more about wolves and wolf hunting, check out the short documentary Return to the Wild: A Modern Tale of Wolf and Man as well as the Defenders of Wildlife website and the Center for Biological Diversity website, which has some cool free animal ring-tones too! At least I thought they were cool…until my fellow VIZ Media editors objected to the howling, hooting, and growling emanating from my cell phone...

— Annette Roman, Inuyasha manga editor

Inuyasha The Final Act Episode 18

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:42:00 -0800

Today's episode "The Day of Days" (episode 18) was a highly enjoyable surprise. I admit that I assumed that this episode, where Kagome goes home to take her entrance exam, would just be a mild respite before more plot advancement. And it sort of was, but it also had some great one liners like Inuyasha's " I heard she has to fight some kind of weak demon called Entrance Exam."

Classic.

And Kagome, who lacks a cell phone, rationalizes, "I can't get a signal in the feudal era anyway."

More importantly, we see the deepened relationship between Inuyasha and Kagome and some slight foreshadowing of difficult decisions to come.

And we end with a new closing theme song. Feels like winter's over.

More Inuyasha on iTunes

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:55:00 -0800

More dubbed goodness hits iTunes this morning. Inuyasha Season 3, Vol. 1 and Inuyasha Season 3, Vol. 2 are available now. That's 27 episodes, including old favorites like "Shippo Gets an Angry Challenge," "The Red Tetsusaiga Breaks the Barrier," and that "Fateful Night in Togenkyo." Check 'em out.

Takahashi Haiku Jam

Narasu Rebbapragada — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:40:00 -0800

It's the weekend. Time to kick back, relax, and write some inspired haiku about your favorite manga creator…Rumiko Takahashi. Think up at least three lines about her Rumic World and write it in the comments field below.

Unfortunately, our comments field doesn't support paragraph returns, so type in the HTML code < br> after each line of your haiku. (Close the space after the first bracket when you include the code in your comment, however.) Or just include an indication where the line breaks, and I'll edit the paragraph returns for you before I post your comment. And yes, if you haven't already noticed, we approve comments before posting them.

Here's my haiku:

Takahashi rocks!
Her characters are awesome.
Can't wait to see more.

Surely, you can do better.
Ready, set, go...

RIN-NE Taking A Short Break

Narasu Rebbapragada — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:30:00 -0800

Just wanted to let you all know that after chapter 37 of RIN-NE goes up next Wednesday (February 3), RIN-NE will not appear in Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine in Japan for two weeks until February 24, when it returns with chapter 38. Since we publish simultaneously with Japan, our RIN-NE publication schedule matches theirs and looks like this:

Date RIN-NE Chapter February 3
Chapter 37February 10
No new chapter
February 17
No new chapterFebruary 24
Chapter 38

I know you're all dying to know what happens next, but don't worry, RIN-NE will continue. Once we pick up again with chapter 38, we foresee no further interruptions (except for the usual holidays and such).

Mike Montesa, RIN-NE editor

RIN-NE Chapter 36

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:00:32 -0800

A strange piece of supernatural stationery has students at Sakura's school going missing. Rinne and Jumonji both get a bad vibe off it, and when Rinne follows up on the mystery, he finds himself face to face with an unexpected opponent!

Confessions of Stationery Freak

Mike Montesa — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 9:30:00 -0800

Ever been in a store that sells Japanese stationery? I was browsing through one in San Francisco last weekend. I love Japanese stationery stores. They are all so neat and orderly, and the gadgets are so clever. Have you seen those “all corners” erasers? Amazing. And all the different types of pens, mechanical pencils and other doodads are just nuts. My favorite, I have to say, are the notebooks. I’ve been using these Japanese notebooks ever since university. Some look like fancy journals, so whenever I get a new one, I feel like I’m about to start writing something important.

Well, no, but anyway, mechanical pencils have a part to play in this week’s chapter (36) of RIN-NE. In Japan, they’re called 「シャーペン」(shaapen, or sharp pencil — yeah, a little odd maybe but mechanical pencils are always sharp so I can see where that came from).

By the way, if you’re a stationery freak and if you’re ever in Tokyo, you have to go to Itoya in Ginza: Ten floors of nothing but stationery.

Crimson Red Monkey Butts in Inuyasha

Narasu Rebbapragada — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:33:00 -0800

It's been raining nearly nonstop for more than a week now in San Francisco, and while that's not nearly close to the worst weather in the land, I have to say I'm starting to get a little glum. What's the best way to chase the blues away?

Inuyasha on VIZ Anime!

True, the overall story involves a myriad of dramatic action-packed battles between good and evil, but some seriously funny gems are nested in those 167 episodes.

My favorite episode for a good chuckle is episode 88, "The Three Sprites of the Monkey God," recommended to me by my colleague Yo Frank. In this episode, Inuyasha and crew encounter a village, which is being plundered. The locals look to Inuyasha for help. Turns out the plunderers are three little sprites. They are looking for their missing Monkey God. As you might imagine, Shippo takes a shine to the little mini-demons with cute sideburns. Inuyasha does not.

Check it out, and let us know what episodes of Inuyasha you find most funny.

"Moon, moon."
"Monkey butts are crimson red."

Watch the episode below to see what I mean. And don't forget to check out VIZ Anime for more episodes of Inuyasha as well as Inuyasha The Final Act.

Inuyasha Season 2, Volume 2 on iTunes

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:39:00 -0800

Yes! The iTunes Store just got more dubbed Inuyasha episodes. Season 2, Volume 2 is out and ready for download onto your Mac, PC, iPod, or iPhone. This set contains 14 action-packed episodes:

Kagura's Dance and Kanna's Mirror
The Wind Scar Fails
Tetsusaiga Breaks
Kaijinbo's Evil Sword
Sesshomaru Wields Tokijin
Juromaru and Kageromaru
Onigumo's Heart Still Beats Within Naraku
Return to the Place Where We First Met
Kohaku's Lost Memory
That Unforgettable Face!
Inuyasha's Soul, Devoured
The Demon's True Nature
Father's Old Enemy: Ryukotsusei
The Backlash Wave: Tetsusaiga's Ultimate Technique

Inuyasha The Final Act Episode 17

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:14:00 -0800

Jet-propelling the story forward, Inuyasha The Final Act episode 17 "Magatsuhi's Evil Will" pits Sesshomaru against Magatsuhi, the dark side of the Shinkon Jewel. We find out that the Shinkon Jewel has two opposing spirits, the good Naohi and the evil Magatsuhi. The latter appears to be blocking the true power of Kagome, who unfortunately spends a large part of the episode unconscious. Poor girl.

Also in this episode, Sesshomaru comes into his own. He was starting to seem a wee bit sad with neither arm nor sword. I won't spoil that awesome plot point. The only hint I'll give you is that Totosai shows up, which is generally a sign that things are happening.

A Few of Your Favorite Things...

Narasu Rebbapragada — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:34:00 -0800

It goes without saying that we love Rumiko Takahashi, or else we wouldn't be here on The Rumic World, but what exactly is it about Takahashi-sensei's work that pulls you in? Is there a particular series, scene or character that reaches out to you? Do you have a specific memory about enjoying Takahashi anime and manga? (See Danielle Forward's "It All Started When...")

For me, it's Mermaid Saga, with poignantly points out human vulnerability. The most horrific of human acts are often driven by emotions that we can all relate to -- fear of death, desire for immortality, refusal to accept the passing of a loved one. Something about those mermaids helps me understand why people do some of the hurtful things they do.

What about you? What about Rumiko Takahashi's work is meaningful to you?

Granny to the Rescue

Narasu Rebbapragada — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:44:00 -0800

Spoiler alert! Read RIN-NE chapter 35 first.

Ahhh, I was wondering about that seal. Glad to see Granny step in and save the situation. Even though Rinne's dad would have deserved it, I wouldn't have liked to see Rinne punch him. Seems very un-Rinne like. I am getting more and more interested in Rinne's family dynamic and who's up to what. It's very intriguing.

But did Granny sow the seeds of romance? Guess we'll have to wait and see. What do you think?

RIN-NE Chapter 35 Live!

Mike Montesa — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:23:00 -0800

Rinne's battle with his debt-ridden dad Sabato comes to a surprising conclusion as Rinne gets some unexpected help. But winning this round may require Rinne to make an admission he's not even sure of himself!

Read chapter 35 now.

Death, Melancholy and RIN-NE

Mike Montesa — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:22:00 -0800

I was out of the office last week to attend a funeral for a family member, and when I sat down today to write this blog entry, I thought of what I’d experienced. I’m not a religious person, but the funeral was quite moving and emotional. I’d like to think that if there is a heaven, then my grandmother is certainly there.

What does this have to do with RIN-NE? Nothing really, but it does get me thinking. Although the stories in RIN-NE take place in Japan and the departed souls that Rinne helps go on to the afterlife and rebirth, death is something that everyone has to face. Different cultures and religions have different beliefs about the spiritual aspect of death, but in the end, it’s all part of how human beings deal with it. There is sadness and loss, yes. But there can also be comfort at the thought of a life well lived.

Sorry if I’m being melancholy. But if I am, I can just read chapter 35 of RIN-NE to cheer myself up!

--Mike Montesa, RIN-NE editor

RIN-NE Chapter 35

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 9:30:48 -0800

RIN-NE Volume 2 Available Today!

Narasu Rebbapragada — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:37:00 -0800

The latest book in Rumiko Takahashi's great new series is available now! In volume 2, Rinne's ghost-busting business takes off as he and Sakura team up to send more wayward spirits on to the afterlife!

Sakura's school seems to have its share of hauntings, but dealing with the ghost of an ancient warrior and a girl who drowned in the school swimming pool are just a warm-up! The strange case of the wandering spirit of a boy who's not yet dead leads to a surprising confrontation with a rival from Rinne's past, and a chase that may leave Rinne trapped in Hell!
Read a free preview of chapter 1 at TheRumicWorld.com, your official Rumiko Takahashi headquarters. Buy the manga online or at your local bookstore.

Inuyasha The Final Act: Episode 16

Ho Lin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:11:00 -0800

We always knew that there was more to Kagome than meets the eye, but episode 16 "Hitomiko’s Barrier" starts to reveal Kagome's true power. Lady Hitomiko makes a connection between Kikyo and Kagome, but we're not sure what that's about. The mystery is still unfolding.

In other news, Naraku yet again underestimates the strength of Inuyasha and the gang. If I were him, I'd be worried. This episode is definitely setting us up for something big soon in Inuyasha The Final Act, so stay tuned.

Read It Now or Weep!

Narasu Rebbapragada — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0800

Repeat after me: Manga volume out; online chapters down. When RIN-NE volume 2 hits store shelves on January 19, we'll be removing the corresponding online chapters (10 to 18) from The Rumic World. Chapter 9, the opening chapter of volume 2, will remain on the site.

So read these chapters now if you haven't already. Don't say we didn't warn you. :-)

Inuyasha Fight Club on VIZ Anime

Narasu Rebbapragada — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:00:00 -0800

Remember when I asked you to vote for your favorite Inuyasha fight scene a couple of months ago? It wasn't just because I was looking for some flashy action sequences to watch (though I did watch all your nominations). It was to put together a collection of Inuyasha episodes with the best fight scenes. We call it "Inuyasha Fight Club," and you can watch it on vizanime.com. Check out part I. Stay tuned for part II.

RIN-NE Volume 2 Available Next Tuesday

Narasu Rebbapragada — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:27:00 -0800

Five days and counting…RIN-NE vol. 2 will be available in stores. Make room on your manga shelf for this action-packed graphic novel. In it, Rinne’s ghost-busting business takes off as he and Sakura team up to send more wayward spirits on to the afterlife!

RIN-NE'S BACK FOR 2010

Mike Montesa — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 9:53:00 -0800

Akemashite omedeto gozaimasu!

Let’s hear it for chapter 34, the first chapter of RIN-NE in 2010! And seeing as how RIN-NE volume 2 will soon be released on January 19, you have two reasons to celebrate!

We have published 34 chapters so far, but there’s still a lot more to learn about Rinne and Sakura, and you'll share many more adventures with them. 2010 should be a good year for RIN-NE!

Now it's time for another Japanese language note. On page 4, Sakura says, “Sa...Ba…To…three…eight…ten.” In Japanese, you can use the words for numbers to form parts of words, in this case “Sa” (san = 3), “Ba” (from hachi = 8), and “To” (which is another way to say “10”. So we get “3, 8, 10” (or 1 and 0). I won’t say why she says this — just go read the chapter!

To name some other examples, there is “4649” (yoroshiku). There is also a department store in Tokyo named “109,” but this number is also a pun on Tokyu (To = 10, kyu = 9), which is the company that owns the store.

Whew, is your head spinning yet?

— Mike Montesa, RIN-NE editor

Inuyasha The Final Act: Episode 15

Narasu Rebbapragada — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0800

So much for brotherly love. In the episode "True Heir," Inuyasha and Sesshomaru fight each other for control of their father's heirloom sword Tetsusaiga. A little sibling rivalry wouldn't be so bad if it weren't for Naraku pulling the strings, with the help of his weasly (yet witty) lackey Byakuya. Sesshomaru knows he's being played but is so intent on finding out who Tetsusaiga belongs to that he doesn't care.

In this way Sesshomaru seems a bit human, though his words suggest he'd cringe at that description. He's trying so hard to obtain Tetsusaiga that perhaps he's missing the bigger picture.

Watch episode 15 to see how their fight shakes down, with a plot-advancing ending that you won't want to miss. On a lighter note, Master Totosai's three-eyed ride doubling as a movie projector is a nice touch.

What's Your Favorite Manga Store?

Narasu Rebbapragada — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:44:00 -0800

We often get asked for recommendations on cool places to browse manga and comics in general. Me, I'm lucky. I can browse the stacks at VIZ Media while I'm at work, but on the weekends, I'll also head down to Comix Experience in San Francisco. And of course, there's Kinokuniya in Japantown. (By the way, this is personally where I go. It's not an endorsement by VIZ Media.)

What about you? What's near where you live, where you can go to touch, read, and breathe real manga and comics? Where can you go to get inspired? Let us know. Who knows? One of our other readers might be in your neck of the woods and can check out your recommendation. Oh and if you don't have anywhere you can go, let us know that too.

No RIN-NE Chapter Today. See You Next Week!

Narasu Rebbapragada — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0800

Our regular Wednesday schedule resumes for RIN-NE on January 13, 2010 with chapter 34!

Don't forget that you can catch up on back chapters and the characters of RIN-NE while you wait.

Just one more week to wait. Thanks for your patience and thanks for reading RIN-NE.