Inuyasha (1999)

[犬夜叉]

Volume 12

Author/Artist: Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher: Shounen Sunday Comics

Synopsis:
Sango delivers Tessaiga to Naraku to save her brother.

Story/Characters:
You wouldn't think something like betrayal would serve to cement a team's bond, but that's how Team Inu rolls. While it's admirable that Inuyasha shows more understanding of Sango's situation than he would've been known for just a few volumes earlier, it's Kagome who really steps it up here. Not only does she impressively stand up to Naraku but also shows a very maternal sympathy for Sango afterward (which is ironic given that Sango is actually older than her). Next is the Jinenji story, which is a nice side adventure that just has Inuyasha and Kagome together. Stories that deal with hanyou always serve to give additional insight into Inuyasha's situation, which is nice. Next, we bring Kikyou back into the story and introduce her to Naraku amid his plot to get a new body. The nature of the kodoku gives an interesting challenge and bringing in Kikyou further complicates matters.

Art:
There are some really good scenes for the showdown with Naraku. Jinenji's design is an interesting "ugly cute" thing. Lastly, Kikyou's scenes in the kodoku story have some particularly nice panels.

Conclusion:
We get a satisfying conclusion to the current round of battling Naraku, the Jinenji story is nice, and there are some good things going on with the reintroduction of Kikyou in the kodoku story. All told, things are proceeding nicely, which should ensure fans will want to add this to their collection.

Rating:
Own It