When Inuyasha debuted on Toonami in the early 2000s, I was engrossed in other anime, which prevented me from giving it a chance. As the years passed, I thought I’d never consider watching the show until I decided to explore some classics from that era, beginning with Cardcaptor Sakura. Now that I’ve seen the first four episodes, I can confidently say I missed out on a gem back in the day.
My prior knowledge of Inuyasha primarily stemmed from a humorous commercial on Toonami, where Inuyasha and Kagome repeatedly called each other’s names in various entertaining contexts. I vaguely recall a quip from the Toonami host commenting on the hilarity of stating the obvious.
I also remember catching an episode at my cousin’s house, who was a huge fan of the series, but my lasting impression was of them simply searching for something—a narrative element I’m not particularly fond of at this point in the story.
What If Inuyasha Was a True Isekai?
Traveling in Unconventional Ways
Recently, Inuyasha has popped up in discussions about retro isekai content, long before the genre surged in popularity. Though I initially avoided researching the series, I now comprehend the connections others were making after diving into the first few episodes.
While some discussions mistakenly conflate reincarnation with isekai, Inuyasha’s blend of reincarnation and time travel would seem innovative were it released today. Kagome’s transportation method—a physical portal—stands in stark contrast to the often clichéd summoning spells seen in contemporary works. Furthermore, the character duo’s ability to traverse between their time periods represents a fascinating blend of isekai and reverse isekai.
Although modern anime like I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too features similar dual-world scenarios—complete with a physical gateway—the key difference in Inuyasha stems from Kagome being the reincarnation of the warrior Kikyo. In a new-age reincarnation narrative, one might expect the storyline to unfold from Kikyo’s perspective, focusing on her rebirth as Kagome. Instead, the audience follows the resilient high schooler that is Kagome.
Addressing Common Anime Trends
Solving the Mystery Dilemma in Anime
A significant positive aspect of Inuyasha is its upfront revelation about Kagome being Kikyo’s reincarnation, which counters the frustrating trend of unnecessary mystery prevalent in many anime. To illustrate, the opening scene depicts Kikyo defeating Inuyasha before sacrificing herself to protect the Sacred Jewel. This setup adds weight to the interactions between the half-demon and the priestess, hinting that Inuyasha’s feelings towards Kikyo were complex rather than straightforward.
These emotions complicate Inuyasha’s relationship with Kagome, intensifying the dynamics of their encounters. The implied respect and emotional backstory inject significant depth into their evolving relationship, strongly foreshadowing potential romantic developments.
Recognizing Inuyasha’s Flaws
Potential Pitfalls: The Dragon Ball Effect
Despite its merits, there are several aspects of Inuyasha that give me pause, particularly the narrative shift following the shattering of the Sacred Jewel. The initial premise of protecting or retrieving the Sacred Jewel felt straightforward, but now the characters face the daunting task of locating countless shards.
This structure draws comparisons to the infamous “Dragon Ball effect,”where the quest for the seven Dragon Balls became tedious and convoluted. In the original series, Goku and his friends often skipped instances of the search to maintain pacing, which is indicative of the challenge posed by having multiple fragments to secure.
It’s disheartening that Inuyasha and Kagome quickly return to Feudal Japan after a brief excursion to the present, as I was more interested in seeing how Inuyasha might disrupt Kagome’s life rather than the mechanics of gathering countless shards, even if it meant facing formidable foes like Yura and Mistress Centipede.
The Chemistry Between Inuyasha and Kagome
Appreciating Kagome’s Boldness
Despite my concerns, there are numerous aspects of Inuyasha that I find captivating. I surprisingly admire Kagome’s courage and adaptability in the face of daunting challenges, which runs counter to my usual preference for more realistic character reactions. Her charming quirkiness—exemplified by her comedic desire to play with Inuyasha’s ears upon first meeting him—adds to her appeal.
Moreover, Inuyasha diverges from the archetypical half-demon protagonists yearning for complete humanity; instead, he’s fiercely motivated to achieve full demonhood.
While the daunting task of collecting numerous shards overwhelms me, the exciting interactions between Inuyasha and Kagome alleviate some apprehension. After all, character dynamics should drive narratives, and thankfully, their chemistry flourishes due to the absence of unnecessary secrets, keeping the plot engaging.