Saiyuki, Volume 1

From Saiyuki, Vol. 1 to Saiyuki Reload 4, the amazing detail on this amazing writing on this amazing author and illustrator is... well... amazing. Their adventures throughout the Yukai Demon world is tough, and their adventure through trying to get Goku some food is... very tough, but they make it through with the understandable, unnaceptable written works, that I believe should someday become a legend.

I was introduced to this manga by one of my friends who knew what appealed to me and said I would love Saiyuki. She didn't tell me anything about it, didn't say how I would soon fall in love. This is a story loosely (very, very loosely) based on the Chinese tale The Journey to the West, and in Japanese, this tale is called Saiyuki. In Shangri-La, demons and humans have been living peacefully. One day, the demons suddenly start ripping the humans apart. This is what leads to Sanzo, a gun toting, chain-smoking "priest", Goku, a 500 year old gluttonous monkey demon, Gojyo, a drinking, gambling, half demon ladies man, and Hakkaku, a kind hearted, soft-spoken demon to become the saviors of their homeland by finding out just what's going down inm their journey to the west. This one hell of a good shojo/shonen manga read, but I think that the art stlye will appear mostly to girls. I know it did to me.

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.

Edit: For 8+9 One thing i hate about borders.com is that all of the reviews for a manga series is consilidated 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...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

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:HilariousWonderful artGreat CharactersGreat Story lineCons: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.