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I have never been a real fan of the animes adapted from Rumiko Takahashi's manga. The dislikes are nothing large, just petty annoyances from storyline deviations to character portrayals. 
So when I got my hands on the first four episodes of the much anticipated Inu Yasha anime series, I watched with no great expectations. However, I admit in the end I was proven wrong; this anime series was GREAT!
For those not familiar with one of Takahashi's best works, Inu Yasha is the story of a girl named Kagome. She is the reincarnation of a feudal Shinto Priestess who traps a half demon/half human, named Inu Yasha, to a tree. In her present incarnation she is the granddaughter of a Shinto priest and lives in a temple. One day she is pulled into a well by a Mononoke, or vengeful spirit, who seeks the sacred Shikon Jewel (which gives anyone who even posses a shard nigh invincible powers). However, the jewel was cremated with Kagome in her past life and now resides in her body. Once pulled into the well, she returns to feudal Japan, in fact the village where she lived as priestess. It is there where the jewel is released and so is Inu Yasha. In a series of misfortunate events, brought on by Kagome's presence and Inu Yasha's action, the Shikon Jewel is broken into thousands of pieces and scattered throughout Feudal Japan. Now, together, Inu Yasha and Kagome must search for the scattered pieces before they fall into the wrong hands. To add a punch to the story, Kagome must do this while traveling back and forth in time so that she can go to school.
The producers pretty much followed the story of the manga. I feel that justice was done to this fantastic story, however, the animation was a little flat. Still, it was decent and did not take away from the story at all. Also, it is noticeable that much of the violence was scaled down in the series to accommodate Japanese Government censors, but there is plenty of gory bad guy action to keep the palate wet.
I was particularly impressed with the choice seiyuu or voice actors for Inu Yasha. Many have appeared in series like The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, Ranma 1/2, Sailor Moon, and Trigun. Each perfectly fit their character and truly brought the story to life. I particularly liked Inu Yasha's seiyuu, Kudo Shinichi, who for fans of the Ranma 1/2 anime, know as the voice of Ranma. Another trivia fact, Kagome's seiyuu is Yukino Satsuki, voice of Milly Derringer, from Trigun.
For those, like myself, that love the untimely humor Takahashi is noted for, be ready, it is present in full force. On such moment was in episode three I'm Back from the Bone Gobbling Well. There is a scene where Inu Yasha comes to bring Kagome back to Feudal Japan, and Kagome's mother, instead of getting upset that a dog- boy has just interrupted dinner, goes over to Inu Yasha and begins to play with his ears.
OK, so I really liked the series. As a matter of fact I am on the look out for more episodes (wink, wink). But do not be jealous that you did not see the anime yet. Ok, be very jealous! But fear not, the anime is coming here to Canada and the States via Viz Communications. The word on the street is the series will hit the streets in late 2002. So be sure to check back with YBFREE.com for updates.
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