Saiyuki

Rating:
Summary: Impressive
Review: If you like Yu Yu Hakusho, Fake, or Gravitation, then I really recommend you check this out. It starts off a little slow, but once it speeds up, I'm sure you'll really like it. Saiyuki is based on the old chinese legend, "The Four Constables". The main goal here is to find out what's making all the local demons act strangely and stop the ressurection of this demon lord, Gyumayoh, who was imprisoned years ago by a prince. The first time I saw Saiyuki was when I watched the demo DVD that came with one of the issues of Anime Newtype USA magazine. One other thing is that there's a great deal of comedy sprinkled here and there (which is great, if you don't like really serious plotlines). As I said, I really recommend you check this out.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, not spectacular...
Review: Saiyuki is a modern update on an old tale. "Journey to the West" is referenced in many works, from Dragonball (the character of Son Goku primarily) to Love Hina (the gang puts on a stage version for the kids at the beach.) Let me first say that having some familiarity with the tale is probably a good thing; it would be otherwise easy to lose one's way with the many characters introduced in the first volume. That said, the book is still worth a read. The reinvention of Sanzo Genjo as a roguish, rough-hewn priest prevents the story from being bogged down, and really lets the central protagonist shine. Son Goku is rather fun as a hyperactive, gluttonous youth. Rather much like the monkey demon he is, I suppose.... The kappa, Sha Gojyo, is the typical gambler/drifter/womanizer/con man archetype; he's not a bad character, just not very interesting yet. Last of the central four is Cho Hakkai. This will probably prove to be the most interesting. The character guides describe him as hiding a sad past; this hasn't quite been revealed yet, but this quiet master of magic has loads of potential.

The first volume deals with encounters of assassins in a village and a Buddhist temple; very little plot advancement occurs. So consider it a character-based volume, and get to know our heroes. It should be useful come May, when Volume 2 hits U.S. shores.

Rating:
Summary: A hilarious book!
Review: Saiyuki takes place at the end of a peaceful time known as Shangri-La ( when demons and humans lived together in peace). The peace is broken when someone ( I won't give away who) attempts to ressurect the evil demon known as Gyumaoh, who had been sealed within Houtou Castle 500 years ago. A strange mist spreads across the land, causing the once-calm demons to become violent and destructive, killing many humans.

Enter Genjyo Sanzo, "holy" Priest, selected by the Gods to seek out the one responsible for the chaos that is spreading. Accompanying him are Son Goku (the "Monkey God"), Sha Gojyo ( half water sprite), and Cho Hakkai (demon).
Son Goku: 500 years old (looks 18), acts child-like, loves food, is always arguing with Gojyo, looks up to Sanzo, and may prove to be the most powerful of the group.
Gojyo: 22 years old, smokes like a chimney, hates water(ironically), loves the ladies, enjoys gambling.
While Gojyo is only half demon, Hakkai and Goku are full demon, and must wear power-limiters(Hakkai's is the cuffs on his left ear, and Goku wears a headband).

What keeps Gojyo, Goku, and Hakkai from going crazy like the other demons? Their humanity. Each has a tragic past that keeps them "human". I won't reveal their pasts now, as that would spoil it, but if you can't wait to buy the next manga, just buy the DVDs. They're almost exactly like the manga, and just as funny.

Pros:
Hilarious
Wonderful art
Great Characters
Great Story line

Cons:

I wouldn't recommend this book for those under the age of 15, because of: blood, violence, gore, sexual references, and "crude" jokes. I love it, but some people may be offended.