Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden

STORY

I must admit, this caught my attention because Fushigi Yuugi has always been my favorite anime. When I started reading the manga, Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden, I initially thought it would follow a similar plot to the Suzaku Group's story. However, mangaka Yuu Watase proved her exceptional talent once again with a distinct and more dramatic storyline. Rest assured, you will thoroughly enjoy this one too! The narrative keeps you intrigued, constantly wondering what will happen next and why things unfold as they do. By the time the story reached its climax, especially in the final chapter, I found myself tearing up.

ART

The art is simply outstanding! There's no arguing about that. From interviews with the mangaka, I learned she aimed to differentiate this work from her previous one, which was an excellent idea in my opinion. It gives a "whole new experience" kind of feel.

CHARACTER

The character development is truly remarkable. At first, the characters seem childish and selfish, but over time, they evolve into mature and rational individuals. This transformation is evident for each character.

ENJOYMENT

As I mentioned earlier, I enjoyed it so much that I couldn't stop reading until I finished the final chapter. :)

OVERALL

Once again, Yuu Watase has created a masterpiece in the manga world. You can tell that this isn't just a hobby for her; she has dedicated herself to it wholeheartedly. So, do I need to say more? Nothing but OUTSTANDING!

I truly enjoyed this manga! Initially, the artwork was just okay for me, but it significantly improved as the story progressed. This manga evoked a wide range of emotions and deeply touched my heart. The storyline was incredibly cool and inventive. While the art wasn't exceptional at first, it vastly improved over time, and I particularly appreciated how the mangaka portrayed the male characters.

The characters started off as merely decent, but their development throughout the story made them incredibly endearing (some were instantly lovable). For instance, the heroine initially seemed to wallow in self-pity, but after the first five chapters, she became so captivating that by the end, I absolutely adored her. I had a fantastic time reading this manga, and I'm confident that if you enjoy historical, romance, action/adventure, or even a touch of fantasy, you'll likely appreciate this manga too.

After a decade-long, arduous wait, Yuu Watase has finally concluded the Genbu arc of Fushigi Yugi, her magnum opus. While I adore the classic original Fushigi Yugi, this prequel stands as an independent series that surpasses its predecessor in storytelling, art, and overall theme. Comparing both series is unfair, as each holds its own charm. Familiarity with the original is not necessary to appreciate Genbu Kaiden, though some references evoke nostalgia, adding a sense of familiarity. The predetermined fate of the Priestess of Genbu was already known from the original.

Genbu Kaiden reads like poetry, poignantly illustrating the preciousness of life. The characters' relationships span happiness, romance, forgiveness, sacrifices, even death, and how they continue living after tragedy strikes. Watase effortlessly delivers these themes with grace. Unlike the melodramatic and lighthearted original, Genbu Kaiden's sophisticated plot offers a refreshing change. Watase's usual whiny or weak heroines are nearly absent here. Instead, we have Takiko, who is not only striking but also intelligent, brave, and determined. She isn't a typical damsel in distress; her existence and fate also serve as her flaw. The romance between Takiko and Uruki is more appealing, progressing subtly without becoming trite.

The strength of Genbu Kaiden lies in its messages about death, sacrifice, and forgiveness. Most celestial warriors face hardships as protectors symbolizing destruction. Watase gives each warrior a tragic story with heartwarming resolutions, exploring various bonds: brotherhood, master-servant loyalty, and even connections with inanimate objects.

The bittersweet fate of Takiko elevates this series despite its predetermined ending. Each character who dies during Takiko's quest leaves a meaningful impact. Despite numerous deaths and Takiko's tragic destiny, Watase creates a brilliant elegy celebrating life. More than once, I shed tears, especially towards the end—not because it ended tragically, but due to its powerful, moving, and meaningful nature. Takiko singing while embraced by Uruki at the end is profoundly poignant.

Overall, Genbu Kaiden excels as a prequel. I love its epilogue-like ending. The Priestess of Genbu's final wish is brilliant and heartwarming. Doubting Watase's ability to craft a good ending, she won me over with another masterpiece. This reminds me why she's my favorite mangaka—amazing and gifted. Over ten years, Watase has become a more adept writer and artist. Memorable, intense, and tragic scenes are vividly brought to life through her improved art style, though minor issues persist. Yet, these are negligible.

Fushigi Genbu Kaiden is undoubtedly one of her best, if not the best series. By the end, it feels like a legend passed down through generations. Truly magnificent. Thank you, Watase-sensei. Takiko, Uruki, the Celestial Warriors, and Soren will be remembered just as the Suzaku/Seiryu arc. Byakko's arc should follow to complete the Universe of the Four Gods.

The prequel to the popular shojo manga series "Fushigi Yugi" narrates the story of the first priestess of The Universe of The Four Gods. You don't need to have read the original series to follow along. Fans might find the Genbu arc more engaging, as it is darker and more mature, brimming with dramatic tension. Especially for those who are familiar with spoilers from the original series, this tale falls into the tragedy genre but doesn't quite necessitate a box of tissues just yet. "Fushigi Yugi: Genbu Kaiden" is a serious adventure manga that straddles the line between shojo and josei.

Since it's a book, there's no sound rating; animation refers to the artwork here. Takiko, our heroine, possesses a stronger personality and emotional depth compared to Miaka from "Fushigi Yugi." While Miaka brought comic relief, Takiko's character avoids frustrating readers to the point of throwing their shoes at her. She stands up for herself and has a heart of gold—a perfect heroine. Limdo, the "good, bad guy," embodies the typical rebellious teenager, yet his backstory enriches the narrative significantly. Some characters seem less relevant after their initial introduction, but Limdo remains integral to the plot. Watase provides sufficient backstory for her characters, though some appear briefly and then disappear, which is a minor flaw. Overall, the characters enhance the story and are likable.

The art style is distinctly Yu Watase but leans towards realism. Her artistic approach hasn't changed much but has improved since the original "Fushigi Yugi." Fans of her work will appreciate this series, and newcomers will enjoy the detailed illustrations. Occasionally, Limdo and Shigi look alike, and Limdo might remind fans of Night from "Absolute Boyfriend," but character identification isn't an issue. Despite being a shojo manga, the battle scenes carry a shonen vibe with a feminine touch.

The storyline occasionally introduces humor in what should be serious moments, such as when Inami fights Takiko using a massive opium pipe or when Limdo transforms into a woman. These moments feel out of place in a drama. Nonetheless, the overall plot is excellent, especially the romance between Limdo and Takiko, marked by their "forbidden love." The suspense surrounding whether the warriors will be captured by their country, the enemy country, or both adds intrigue. Unlike the original series, the warriors and priestess aren't welcome in their homeland, making for a sorrowful yet unique spin on the story.

This series appeals to fans of angsty romance stories, though it primarily centers on fantasy and adventure. Aimed at women aged fifteen and above, it's mature without extreme violence or explicit content. The story caters to an older audience, but the imagery is appropriate for younger teens. Younger teenagers may enjoy it but perhaps not as much as their older counterparts. The main drawback is the slow release of volumes. It's an exceptional manga series deserving of greater recognition.

I'm incredibly selective when it comes to reading fantasy manga. I had initially planned to dive into this one as soon as the first 11 chapters were out, but I held off so that I could binge-read without dealing with cliffhangers or waiting for new releases. And wow, am I glad I waited! This is Watase-sama's magnum opus. I can't emphasize enough how gripping this story is; it keeps you on the edge of your seat as events unfold.

STORY:
I'll do my best not to compare it to the original series despite some criticisms. The first Fushigi Yugi (FY) did have its strengths that made both the manga and anime unforgettable experiences, especially for shojo fans. What's remarkable about Genbu Kaiden is that although it's a prequel to FY, it stands entirely on its own. You don't need to know the original FY story to enjoy it fully. Those who are familiar with FY will find themselves falling in love with Genbu Kaiden all over again. The plot has more depth, more details, and is far from predictable. Be ready for some mind-blowing twists!

ART:
One reason I adore Watase-sama's work is her beautiful illustrations. Every detail, even down to the characters' clothing, is crystal clear. There's a slight change in her art style compared to the original FY or Ceres (like some character's eyes and face shapes), but it's nothing to complain about. The characters remain stunningly gorgeous.

CHARACTERS:
Where do I begin? While I cherish the Suzaku Seishi, the Genbu Celestial Warriors are the real deal. I'm not exaggerating. I fell in love with each one of them. Each character has a strong backstory that integrates seamlessly into the narrative. Takiko Okuda, the main character (Priestess of Genbu), is by far the most compelling figure in the series. She embodies the strength and wisdom expected of a priestess, without being a Mary Sue. She's tough, capable of fighting battles independently, and her thinking is realistic, selfless, and mature. Yuu Watase has masterfully crafted the Genbu Seven as fierce, likable heroes, setting a high standard for future warriors and priestesses. Their loyalty is unwavering, and the challenges they face are monumental. It's fascinating how the story unfolds based on their individual motivations. My favorite parts are the last five chapters where we see the Genbu Seven battling 100,000 soldiers. They are undoubtedly the best and possibly the strongest seishis in the Universe of the Four Gods.

OVERALL:
Reading this manga was an intense experience. I had to take breaks just to catch my breath (laughs). It's thoroughly enjoyable, making you deeply attached to the characters, sharing their pain, crying and laughing with them, and ultimately falling in love. This is definitely a 100/10 read. I highly recommend it to all shojo readers out there—it's a must-read!

Hehe, here comes my review and I see I'm second.

Story 9/10

Very creative, I must say, very. Especially compared to other manga that usually take place in high school and such. This is indeed a romantic anime, but I like how it starts, how things progress, and how the characters meet each other. I'm also a big fan of manga/anime related to history and mythology, combined with romance. The idea of a girl being sucked inside a book is pretty impressive, and I like the two worlds and the fact that she has to return to both. It makes things complicated as they already weren't. It also incorporates drama to the point where it's not just fake cries, but you actually feel the drama and the agony. But I believe that's the mangaka's best ability: to make the viewer feel the story.

Art 9/10

Although a bit old-fashioned and reminiscent of the 90s, I am quite pleased. Being a fangirl, I find the guys pretty handsome, like Uruki (hoho, sorry, seems like my inner fangirl took over). The surroundings are pretty good as well. What really bothers me is that, having read most of the mangaka's other works, I felt like the heroine looks the same based on appearance. That's the feeling I got, but I doubt you will if you haven't read her other manga.

Character 10/10

Nothing wrong to point out here. I'm quite satisfied with the characters. They're pretty realistic, their motives and reasons for acting that way are believable. Also, the characters make mistakes too, sometimes even show a side we haven't seen of them, but of course, you come to understand why they did that. This is something I could really praise this manga for.

Enjoyment 9/10

To have given such a high rating means I definitely enjoyed it. The only problem is the slow scanlations and translations. Why I didn't give this a 10? Because despite how good a manga/anime is or how bad it is, if you start analyzing it, you can't just have the time of your life and not be that much of a masterpiece or even if it is, you might not have been in the mood and didn't enjoy it as much. So yeah, just a bit more and I'd have given it a ten. I think it lacks good battles. I have high expectations when it comes to battles, so this is just my case.

Overall 9/10

I'd highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of adventure, romance, and drama. I think it's a pretty good manga, and you wouldn't feel sorry for the time you spent reading it. Of course, it depends on tastes, but anyway. Pretty sad though that I haven't encountered any fans of it so far.

Genbu Kaiden was a breathtaking journey.

Fushigi Yuugi: Genbu Kaiden is the prequel to Fushigi Yuugi and narrates the tale of the first Priestess of Genbu and the celestial warriors. Having read the original, I anticipated a similar plot, atmosphere, and recurring themes. However, what I encountered exceeded my expectations significantly.

Story: 10

The story earns an easy 10. While it's tempting to compare it with the original, it stands firmly on its own merits. The manga introduces us to our protagonist Takiko Okuda, whose mother has recently passed away and whose father despises her. She is transported to the universe of the four gods where she immediately meets Uruki, our male lead, who is brilliantly crafted (more on him later). As she seeks out the seven seishi, numerous challenges arise. Initially, it seems like a slightly altered version of the original, but soon reveals unexpected twists. The narrative delves into mature themes, explores intriguing world politics, and develops meaningful character relationships that seamlessly integrate into the plot. These twists feel intentional rather than forced, creating a coherent flow. Even knowing the ending from the original, the journey remains captivating until the very end. When you reach the conclusion and anticipate the heart-wrenching finale, it's both beautiful and heartbreaking.

Characters: 10

I'd give characters twenty million out of ten if possible. My affection for them runs deep. Let's discuss them individually. First, Takiko Okuda, our Priestess, who without hesitation, I can say is the best priestess. She becomes the Priestess because someone finally needs her, not for selfish desires. She excels in combat with a naginata and possesses immense willpower. Then there's Uruki or Rimudo, whose character development is remarkable. Without revealing too much, he undergoes significant changes through his encounters with Takiko and traumatic experiences. He's an exceptionally well-written character, kudos to Watase. The other seishi—Tomite, Hatsui, Inami, Hikitsu, Naname, Haagasu, and Temdan—are all uniquely developed and contribute meaningfully to the story. Their backstories matter and aren't just filler. They have motivations beyond blind obedience and face their own trials and relationships, making us care deeply about them. This level of character writing is outstanding.

Art: 9

Watase evidently refined her drawing style to better suit this series' atmosphere, showing improvement in various aspects, though I'm no expert. It's amusing how Tomite and Hikitsu look different when revisiting their cameos in the original. They appear more polished here, with better-defined faces and hair placement. The artwork never feels dull and always captures the required mood. No complaints here; I thoroughly enjoyed it. Hence, a 9.

Enjoyment: 10

An obvious 10 based on everything mentioned above. Despite knowing the outcome from the start, the emotional attachment was so strong that I momentarily forgot the impending finale. Revealing the ending upfront adds a unique preciousness to the experience, prompting you to cherish every moment. If it wasn't clear, I LOVED IT. Anyone interested in historical fantasy, romance, or adventure should definitely read this.

Overall: 10

Because it truly deserves it.