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: mixed bag
Review: One thing i hate about borders.com is that all of the reviews for a manga series is consildated into a giant block. How do you know which review applies to which number book? So,this might be helpful for those who actaully like to collect manga series and would like to know something about each installment...Saiyuki is up to number 7, right now, out of a total of 9. IN general, Saiyuki is absolutely wonderful, so if you want to buy the whole thing, you have a precious thing to treasure. You'll love the touching stories, charming (and quite hot) drawings, running but always funny gags, etc...But regardless, it's nice to know something about each one, so here's a series of mini reviews.

Saiyuki 1: The first book drags slightly, which might put off some people considering looking into it, but it's simply a clever introduction for the entire thing. You learn what to expect from the four anti-heros, and thier personalities. It's mostly jokes and a few random quests, plus background on the ominous approaching evil. That sorta thing. I found it slightly boring,but that was because a lot of things that were in there were used to define the main four, and then just tossed out.

Saiyuki 2:This is where things start happening, and you see development instead of general bios. the story is about Gojyo, and what happens when the group encounters a woman whose missing lover might have a strong link to Gojyo's bloody past. I personally loved this one because he's my favorite character- It's hard to not be touched that behind the peverted kappa, there's a brutal honesty, and how that can't be deferred even with coarse brutality. You also get to know and like the main bad guys, and get a look into Sanzo's suspicious origins.

Saiyuki 3:Sanzo's been hurt by a man gone insane, partly due to him-and you get a look at Goku's close relationship with him, after his superpowers come into the picture. Sanzo handles it, eventually,and they all move on to meeting up with a stranger who's bent on avenging himself on Hakkai-but for what reason? You get to understand the antagonists (kougaiji's guys) and how they might just be nicer than the good guys, not to mention uncover a few family secrets between them all. Things are really moving along.

Saiyuki 4:It's all about Hakkai this time, and holy, the guy that seemed the most normal is the most messed up of all. Chin Yisou is pursuing him, and he doesn't know why.He remembers bloody bit by bloody bit, all while the suspense builds up as they're picked off one by one. Quite a thriller-and it lets you know loud and clear the guy that seemed to be just quietly existing has a big stake in this whole Youkai madness. I was happily surprised- there's a lot of excitement, and plenty of disturbing(-yet endearing?) details.

Saiyuki 5:A real treat for those who like reading about angsty pasts. It kinda follows up on the hakkai story arc,and how the four all came together for the first time a few years ago. The obvious connection between hakkai and gojyo as best friends becomes even more obvious when you hear the circumstances in which they came together- and how hakkai really was the root of it all. It's amazing, because time is spent showing how the four regarded each as strangers, and found comradery out of hostility, and even murderous intentions. It makes you warm and fuzzy, and it sickens you: friendship can spring from even the most twisted and ugly beginnings.oh yea, and near the end sanzo comes to near death again.

Saiyuki 6:Just like last time, Goku snaps and unsheathes his destructive monkey powers because of Sanzo's injuries. To barter for his like, he fights with kougaiji,but in the end he's more of a danger in his uncontrollable form to his own team. They work on that while Kougaiji is taken back to his stepmom's henchmen (the real evil guys)to be patched up, but they might just destroy the good in him. One of his team, Lirin, is also in danger. There's more build-up on how close sanzo and goku are, but this one's more about solid plot. You hear about the conspiracy, the networking in the evil side, and what might be going on with Goku's wild side. Near the end, Gojyo meets a seemingly nice kid and helps him out- but it also results a horrible attack against Sanzo, Goku, and Hakkai.

Saiyuki 7:Gojyo and Sanzo are on thier own after Goku and Hakkai are dispatched. The kid, kinkaku, has a crusade against evil, and so took care of group with the dubious virtues-using a monster he calls his brother and a soul-sucking vase. His true motives, however, are in shadow-which is why gojyo holds back, remember his troubled childhood. The point is to revive hakkai and goku, though, so what choice does he have? It's more on him now- and how he's starting to question to the point to anything, if a kid can be a killing machine, and have no one bat an eye. Things are getting dark, and grave-most likely because the more optimistic goku and Hakkai don't get much screentime. You'll feel bad this time- and see the fight to do what's right, when no one cares to care. Also has an extra in the back that confirms how bad they all had it as kids, which is kinda just painful to read, in a good way- probably one of the best books yet.

I adore the premise of this series. It takes everything flowery and chivalrous and morally solemn out of normal manga and quickly squashes it the most brutal way possible. They might just care about you, but don't count on it. And if you bug them, they'll blow out your brains and laugh about it. The intermittant illustrations say it all- read them and think-"that's f'in cynical- so why do I believe it?" Seriously, that just screams cool- mostly likely because as horrible as it sounds, it's true. just because you try to kill someone every chance you get, doesn't mean you don't love him. and so hilarity ensues. Oh yea, there's lots of swearing and gore, but it fits.


Rating:
Summary: Wonderful
Review: Saiyuki has almost everything that a manga needs to be a good read. Extremely stylized, the pictures take some getting used to, but are detailed and full of expression. The plot moves quickly, but not fast enough to leave you completely confused. Each character is original, has his [there are very few female characters] own story, and is *never* perfect.

While full of angst, especially in the later volumes, the manga contains lots of funny, witty and sarcastic moments that will have you grinning.

However, if you are prone to to being squeemish about breaking society's standards, I suggest you do not buy it. First, there are not-so-subtle hints at shounen-ai; however these could be taken to be father/son/brother relationships. Also, while never shown, there is hinted incest that IS actually there, as well as an electra complex that is inavoidable later in the series.

If, on the other hand, you are fine with these non-graphic references, then Saiyuki is a wonderful read. Full of action, suspense, bishounen, and [for the fangirl] a plethora of well-written fanfics, this is a super addition to anyone's collection.

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: 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: 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.