Oh, Saiyuki, my dear old friend, we've shared a passionate journey over the years, and I still consider you one of the best.
What can I say? Saiyuki by Minekura Kazuya was among the first manga series I ever read. It has been my companion, inspiration, and friend for a long time. Now it's time to share the love.
*This is a spoiler-free review*
This is the first part of the long-running Saiyuki series and the ideal starting point for your reading adventure. Originally published in a magazine aimed at boys, it's an intriguing mix of content seemingly targeted toward female audiences combined with the escalating action structure typical of shounen stories. If you're familiar with the classic Chinese legend "Journey to the West"... this isn't like it at all. The characters are based on it, but their personalities, origins, and motives are heavily altered to fit this particular narrative. To cut to the chase, we have a bunch of anti-heroes, villains, megalomaniacs, psychopaths, and knight templars—and... wait, did I just describe our protagonists too? Good doesn't always mean nice, and vice versa. And who's to judge what's good or evil anyway, huh?
At this stage of the story, the plot mostly revolves around introducing the world and characters, and its primary function is to move our main guys to new places to kick some ass—and give them more reasons to be snarky with each other. When we get to the sequels, Saiyuki Reload and Saiyuki Reload Blast, the story starts to unfold further. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. What we have here is a straightforward road trip adventure mixing witty dialogue with action and mythology, with past events heavily influencing the background. The episodic story arcs throw us into monster-of-the-week situations which usually trigger our main characters to confront their inner demons as well. The setting can only be described as "schizo tech gone wild," with its weird and intriguing combination of magic and science.
I've always loved the characterization and character dynamics in Saiyuki. There are many kinds of relationships to discover, from loving to lethal to unconventional. The bickering and passive-aggressive attitudes are hilarious, and there are also some of the best-executed tense moments I've ever read in any manga. Both the strength and weakness of the characters lie in the fact that they stay true to themselves with their own moral codes and ideas of how to live. Saiyuki is also infamous for its angst: almost every single boy, girl, granny, and their dog is somehow traumatized by their tragic past, and we get a full set of psychological problems and other less pleasant topics to deal with. Hardships affect us, whether easily overcome or brutally challenging. The past shapes you and can always linger in your mind, but it doesn't have to chain or define who you are right now—and I love Saiyuki for showing that.
Minekura's art is distinct and easily recognizable. And I adore it! Admittedly, the proportions are a bit off, especially at the start of the series, and everyone is so beautiful it makes you sweat uncomfortably, but I still look up to it because of its uniqueness. Her art evolves along the way, and the later parts of this first series are where I've always considered it to be at its peak. Another thing I appreciate is the composition. Everything is in its optimal place, the panels run smoothly, and the story flows as intended; dramatic and emotional moments pack a punch.
The greatest thing about Saiyuki is that it doesn't pretend to be anything else than it is: an action romp with badass bishounens at the wheel. You don't need to search for deep meaning because the action and comedy are great, but there are also some interesting questions about self, identity, and the purpose of life to ponder. In this fascinating world, there are great ambiguous characters to love, pretty art to enjoy, and up-to-date, the best dialogue translation Tokyopop ever came up with.
This series can never get too much love. I've grown up with it and even learned some life lessons along the way, and it still feels fresh every time I start the journey again. I'd dare people to give it a chance and maybe be surprised. The story continues.
TL;DR
Saiyuki is an entertaining, over-the-top adventure oozing with blood, hot guys, and angst. If you're up for some action and mad one-liners, I'd tell you to pack your Smith & Wesson and give it a shot.
I'm typically drawn to any retelling or adaptation of the Journey to the West saga, and this is what initially attracted me to Saiyuki. However, if the art and story weren't consistently enjoyable, I wouldn't have continued reading (and moved on to Saiyuki Reloaded). My disappointments were few: I wish the main characters were a bit less abusive towards each other—even though it's manga, not real life—and I was disappointed that the storyline was left hanging and incomplete at the end of Saiyuki. Saiyuki Reloaded might more accurately be called Saiyuki Continued, or even kept the same title. But those are my chief complaints, and aside from those, I genuinely enjoyed the drawing and plot in this series.
The plot of Saiyuki unfolds gradually, with occasional revelations about the main characters adding to the reader's understanding of their interactions with each other and others they encounter. The overarching sense that the group is being manipulated by the gods, perhaps even toyed with, underpins the entire story. Since this is a feeling many people experience in life, or at least a question we all grapple with, it creates thoughtful moments that complement the explosive violence in the narrative. This theme of being playthings of the gods becomes visually dominant as well as through plot developments in some of the latter chapters of Saiyuki.
I finished Saiyuki and proceeded to Saiyuki Reloaded particularly curious about how Son Goku's character would continue to evolve. The glimpses into his past, along with his unleashed power in Saiyuki, align well enough with the Monkey King legend that I was most intrigued by what would happen to him as the group approached (and possibly arrived in?) India. But whether the unholy priest Genjyo Sanzo would find any resolution in his life, and what would become of Gojyo and Hakkai, also piqued my interest. This added to my curiosity about whether we'd learn more about some of the intriguing secondary characters met along the way.
To me, Minekura-sama is a deity. Her work features stunning illustrations, deeply realistic characters, gripping storylines, and hilarious one-liners. It's the epitome of perfection if ever there was one. And Saiyuki might just be her finest manga to date.
Story: Intense, fast-paced, and emotionally moving. The high-tension battle scenes are perfectly balanced with serene character interaction moments, occasionally punctuated by flashbacks. While Minekura-sama can't take full credit for the story since it's based on the Chinese "Journey to the West" legend, she deserves accolades for crafting my favorite arc, the "Be There" arc, which is entirely her creation. High marks here ^^
Art: Ah, the art. Just glance at the cover of volume one to realize you're dealing with an exceptional artist. I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 because it takes Minekura-sama some time to hit her stride. The first volume's artwork is—well—kind of rough. But DO NOT BE PUT OFF BY IT!!! By volume four, all the "Oh gods, what's with his bendy neck?" moments are gone, and by the end of volume nine, it feels like a different manga. Each frame could be a front cover. Magnificent ^^ Just stick with it!
Character: The cast in Saiyuki includes some of the most lovable characters I've encountered. A priest with a gun, a food-obsessed monkey, a lecherous half-demon, and a kind human-turned-youkai. Each has a dark past that shapes who they are, giving them multiple layers of personality, making them incredibly believable and real. Thankfully, Minekura-sama didn't make Hakkai a pig as in the original legend xD He's far improved as a gorgeous bishonen ^^
[Sorry, I keep using ^^, it's a bit of a habit xD Moving on!]
Enjoyment: The most enjoyable series I've had the pleasure to read. As mentioned, the art becomes wonderful after the initial volumes, the story is thrilling, and the characters are lovable. You couldn't find a better bunch of bishonen anywhere. The brilliant one-liners will make you laugh out loud (maybe that's just me xD). Also, kudos to the translators, the Nibley sisters (?), for doing the best job I've ever seen! And there's the shonen-ai. For those uncomfortable with it, don't worry—it's subtle, just phrases and glances that *can* be interpreted that way. You can enjoy the series thinking they're just good friends. I love shonen-ai, and the subtext makes the series unforgettable and keeps me coming back for more re-reads.
Overall: Fantastic! Amazing! Superb! Unrivaled! I can't recommend this series highly enough. Whether you're into comedy, drama, character analysis, beautiful art, shonen-ai, camaraderie, or action—it's all here! Saiyuki is the complete and ultimate manga package, and everyone should give it a try. Go read it now!! Right now!!
Quite possibly not just the best manga I have ever read, but the finest story I've ever encountered.
Saiyuki stands out remarkably in terms of character development. The manga offers regular insights into each character's (profoundly sorrowful) pasts, illustrating how they all came together. By the conclusion of the series, you feel as though you're observing a group of friends because you know the characters so intimately.
The narrative is exceptionally engaging. Although the synopsis suggests the group is heading west, Saiyuki places significant emphasis on the journey itself. Currently, this series is already eight volumes into its second arc and shows no indication of nearing its destination. But guess what? That's fantastic because it means this remarkable work will continue for an extended period.
READ IT. You will absolutely have no regrets. Among the few mangas that genuinely warrant a perfect score.
Saiyuki is a series that takes its time to get going. Initially, I found myself confused about what was happening, wondering if I had missed something crucial. Too many events were unfolding without proper character introductions or a clear storyline.
However, the story does improve as you progress. By the beginning of the second volume, I felt more grounded. I understood who the characters were and what they were up to.
Unfortunately, Saiyuki's narrative isn't particularly compelling. It's not a terrible story, but it doesn't really go anywhere. Upon reaching the end, only to realize that the series wasn't complete and there was an entire follow-up called Saiyuki Reload, I was left uninterested in continuing. I was somewhat frustrated thinking I was nearing the conclusion of the series, only to find minimal plot development, with the characters essentially ending up where they started.
The characters are intriguing but highly clichéd. The moment I saw them, I could predict almost everything about them, and my guesses were usually right. They come off as transparent and unrealistic. The saving graces are Hakkai and Gojyo, whose backstories are deep and fascinating.
While the story and characters aren't outstanding, the artwork is exceptionally well-executed. The art style may take some getting used to, but once you do, it becomes the highlight of the series.
In summary, the series is interesting but not necessarily worth your time. If you truly have nothing better to read, give it a try. It's not bad, but there are far superior series out there.
Firstly - I understand if one might be skeptical about a perfect 10 review, but this manga genuinely merits it (you'll likely sense my enthusiasm through my excessive punctuation!!!). Let's dive into the review:
Story:
There are only so many ways to say "AMAZING!!!" or "AWESOME!!!" but I'll try my best XD. Saiyuki, as the synopsis probably indicated, is based on an ancient legend, though Minekura-sama added some unique twists not in the original - like Hakuryuu transforming into a jeep. Despite the potentially dull and colorless core storyline of simply 'going west,' Saiyuki brightens it up with brilliant backstories and detours.
At this point, I should warn some: if you dislike mangas that never seem to reach their ultimate goal, or constantly dive into flashbacks, or continually travel sideways, this may not be the best manga for you, as most story arcs are either flashbacks or detours. That said, the story always manages to progress and feels completely satisfying, even if nothing changes at the end of each arc.
Ultimately, the storyline is very character-driven, which might explain its awesomeness due to the well-developed and realistic characters (though this belongs in the 'character' section, argh!!! =_="). It still contains significant revelations and 'gasp' moments. It's a constant page-turner - if you can tear your eyes away from her amazing artwork long enough to turn the page XD.
Art:
Oh my goodness.
There's not much more to say here than that.
OH MY GOODNESS.
How can one person draw that well?!? It's unfair for the rest of us... *despairs*. Anyway, moment of self-pity over, let's move past the 'Oh my goodness' point.
Firstly, if you've only read the first few volumes, you might think: 'What is she on about? The art style isn't that good!' But - like all manga artists - it takes Minekura-sama time to settle into drawing the characters. Give it nine volumes and by the end, you'll be in complete awe.
Minekura-sama has a distinctive style, characterized by high detail especially in facial features, clothes, and hair. Initially, adapting to her style might be challenging as it isn't clean-cut like others; it's anatomically correct and sometimes slightly grotesque: none of her characters have symmetrical faces, unlike in other mangas, and she meticulously draws hands. This slight grotesqueness might give her art its real beauty.
And oh my goodness, it is beautiful! ^_^ Not only are the main characters jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but side characters receive equal care and attention to detail. Even background characters get the same treatment - though she sometimes 'forgets' to give them eyes, replacing them with handy shadows that are easier to draw XD. She also draws inanimate objects amazingly well - I could never draw a gun that well! AND her backgrounds are beautiful too. Gah!!! Is there nothing she cannot do?!?
So forgive her for being inconsistent - please! She makes up for it with everything else. Truly capturing how beautiful Minekura-sama's work is with mere words is difficult, and I don't think I'm doing a great job, but if you're still unsure, look at the picture at the top left hand side of the page. Then you'll start to get it. ^_^ As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Character:
Again, another 'OH MY GOODNESS!' moment.
Let's clarify: this isn't your 'normal' Sanzo-ikkou. It's supposed to contain a priest, a monkey, a kappa, and a pig, right?
WRONG!!!
Minekura-sama, conveniently forgetting the fundamental details of the legend, rewrites a whole new party. Sure, Sanzo is a priest, but he smokes, drinks, carries a gun, kills youkai mercilessly, and takes potshots at Gojyo (he uses the less fatal paper fan to punish Goku XD)! And yes, Goku is referred to as a monkey, though he lacks a tail XD. Instead, he has a huge stomach, a loud whine, and a child-like demeanor. Although Gojyo is called a kappa, he can't swim - making him a bad water sprite at best. Minekura-sama’s Gojyo is a pervert, playboy, and womanizer who excels in witty one-liners and smokes heavily. Finally, Hakkai has undergone the most change. A pig? No. Rather: a tragic, remorseful sinner hiding behind a benign smile and laugh, constantly apologizing for the group's behavior.
Slightly different, huh?
But all the characters - no matter how unexpected and crude their behavior might seem - are so lovable that choosing a favorite is nearly impossible. Delving deep into their pasts and emotions, Minekura-sama reveals the real people behind the pictures. It's hard for any manga to beat Saiyuki for character depth and development - and it continues in Reload!
Enjoyment:
What more is there to say? The enjoyment level of Saiyuki is enormous. And I mean HUGE in the largest font possible!
Firstly, there's the reading - which is AWESOME!!!
Secondly, there's the re-reading - Saiyuki has extremely high re-read value: once I finished the series, I just picked up volume 1 again and read through it all once more! ^_^
Thirdly, there's all the subtext - yes, fans of shounen ai won't be disappointed, though Minekura-sama never makes it blatantly obvious, and some might read it thinking: 'Where's the subtext in this?'
Finally, there's this great sense that you're friends with the Saiyuki gang (though maybe this is just me... T_T).
Overall:
There's nothing more to say than: READ IT!!! PLEASE!!! ^_^
Just a lousy yaoi manga with a weak storyline. It includes incest, which seems to attract quite a crowd, heh. Shallow yaoi fans who enjoy the usual pretty boys, drama, scandal, and incest will lap this up. The action scenes are terrible. I couldn't even follow what was happening. And the "powers" and "abilities" are so mediocre, yet the characters act like they're incredibly amazing. If you're looking for a quality series, this isn't it. Turn around and steer clear of this pitiful excuse for a manga. I wish I could give it zero stars overall. Do I really need to say more?
Popular Reviews
Oh, Saiyuki, my dear old friend, we've shared a passionate journey over the years, and I still consider you one of the best.
What can I say? Saiyuki by Minekura Kazuya was among the first manga series I ever read. It has been my companion, inspiration, and friend for a long time. Now it's time to share the love.
*This is a spoiler-free review*
This is the first part of the long-running Saiyuki series and the ideal starting point for your reading adventure. Originally published in a magazine aimed at boys, it's an intriguing mix of content seemingly targeted toward female audiences combined with the escalating action structure typical of shounen stories. If you're familiar with the classic Chinese legend "Journey to the West"... this isn't like it at all. The characters are based on it, but their personalities, origins, and motives are heavily altered to fit this particular narrative. To cut to the chase, we have a bunch of anti-heroes, villains, megalomaniacs, psychopaths, and knight templars—and... wait, did I just describe our protagonists too? Good doesn't always mean nice, and vice versa. And who's to judge what's good or evil anyway, huh?
At this stage of the story, the plot mostly revolves around introducing the world and characters, and its primary function is to move our main guys to new places to kick some ass—and give them more reasons to be snarky with each other. When we get to the sequels, Saiyuki Reload and Saiyuki Reload Blast, the story starts to unfold further. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. What we have here is a straightforward road trip adventure mixing witty dialogue with action and mythology, with past events heavily influencing the background. The episodic story arcs throw us into monster-of-the-week situations which usually trigger our main characters to confront their inner demons as well. The setting can only be described as "schizo tech gone wild," with its weird and intriguing combination of magic and science.
I've always loved the characterization and character dynamics in Saiyuki. There are many kinds of relationships to discover, from loving to lethal to unconventional. The bickering and passive-aggressive attitudes are hilarious, and there are also some of the best-executed tense moments I've ever read in any manga. Both the strength and weakness of the characters lie in the fact that they stay true to themselves with their own moral codes and ideas of how to live. Saiyuki is also infamous for its angst: almost every single boy, girl, granny, and their dog is somehow traumatized by their tragic past, and we get a full set of psychological problems and other less pleasant topics to deal with. Hardships affect us, whether easily overcome or brutally challenging. The past shapes you and can always linger in your mind, but it doesn't have to chain or define who you are right now—and I love Saiyuki for showing that.
Minekura's art is distinct and easily recognizable. And I adore it! Admittedly, the proportions are a bit off, especially at the start of the series, and everyone is so beautiful it makes you sweat uncomfortably, but I still look up to it because of its uniqueness. Her art evolves along the way, and the later parts of this first series are where I've always considered it to be at its peak. Another thing I appreciate is the composition. Everything is in its optimal place, the panels run smoothly, and the story flows as intended; dramatic and emotional moments pack a punch.
The greatest thing about Saiyuki is that it doesn't pretend to be anything else than it is: an action romp with badass bishounens at the wheel. You don't need to search for deep meaning because the action and comedy are great, but there are also some interesting questions about self, identity, and the purpose of life to ponder. In this fascinating world, there are great ambiguous characters to love, pretty art to enjoy, and up-to-date, the best dialogue translation Tokyopop ever came up with.
This series can never get too much love. I've grown up with it and even learned some life lessons along the way, and it still feels fresh every time I start the journey again. I'd dare people to give it a chance and maybe be surprised. The story continues.
TL;DR
Saiyuki is an entertaining, over-the-top adventure oozing with blood, hot guys, and angst. If you're up for some action and mad one-liners, I'd tell you to pack your Smith & Wesson and give it a shot.
I'm typically drawn to any retelling or adaptation of the Journey to the West saga, and this is what initially attracted me to Saiyuki. However, if the art and story weren't consistently enjoyable, I wouldn't have continued reading (and moved on to Saiyuki Reloaded). My disappointments were few: I wish the main characters were a bit less abusive towards each other—even though it's manga, not real life—and I was disappointed that the storyline was left hanging and incomplete at the end of Saiyuki. Saiyuki Reloaded might more accurately be called Saiyuki Continued, or even kept the same title. But those are my chief complaints, and aside from those, I genuinely enjoyed the drawing and plot in this series.
The plot of Saiyuki unfolds gradually, with occasional revelations about the main characters adding to the reader's understanding of their interactions with each other and others they encounter. The overarching sense that the group is being manipulated by the gods, perhaps even toyed with, underpins the entire story. Since this is a feeling many people experience in life, or at least a question we all grapple with, it creates thoughtful moments that complement the explosive violence in the narrative. This theme of being playthings of the gods becomes visually dominant as well as through plot developments in some of the latter chapters of Saiyuki.
I finished Saiyuki and proceeded to Saiyuki Reloaded particularly curious about how Son Goku's character would continue to evolve. The glimpses into his past, along with his unleashed power in Saiyuki, align well enough with the Monkey King legend that I was most intrigued by what would happen to him as the group approached (and possibly arrived in?) India. But whether the unholy priest Genjyo Sanzo would find any resolution in his life, and what would become of Gojyo and Hakkai, also piqued my interest. This added to my curiosity about whether we'd learn more about some of the intriguing secondary characters met along the way.
To me, Minekura-sama is a deity. Her work features stunning illustrations, deeply realistic characters, gripping storylines, and hilarious one-liners. It's the epitome of perfection if ever there was one. And Saiyuki might just be her finest manga to date.
Story: Intense, fast-paced, and emotionally moving. The high-tension battle scenes are perfectly balanced with serene character interaction moments, occasionally punctuated by flashbacks. While Minekura-sama can't take full credit for the story since it's based on the Chinese "Journey to the West" legend, she deserves accolades for crafting my favorite arc, the "Be There" arc, which is entirely her creation. High marks here ^^
Art: Ah, the art. Just glance at the cover of volume one to realize you're dealing with an exceptional artist. I gave it a 9 instead of a 10 because it takes Minekura-sama some time to hit her stride. The first volume's artwork is—well—kind of rough. But DO NOT BE PUT OFF BY IT!!! By volume four, all the "Oh gods, what's with his bendy neck?" moments are gone, and by the end of volume nine, it feels like a different manga. Each frame could be a front cover. Magnificent ^^ Just stick with it!
Character: The cast in Saiyuki includes some of the most lovable characters I've encountered. A priest with a gun, a food-obsessed monkey, a lecherous half-demon, and a kind human-turned-youkai. Each has a dark past that shapes who they are, giving them multiple layers of personality, making them incredibly believable and real. Thankfully, Minekura-sama didn't make Hakkai a pig as in the original legend xD He's far improved as a gorgeous bishonen ^^
[Sorry, I keep using ^^, it's a bit of a habit xD Moving on!]
Enjoyment: The most enjoyable series I've had the pleasure to read. As mentioned, the art becomes wonderful after the initial volumes, the story is thrilling, and the characters are lovable. You couldn't find a better bunch of bishonen anywhere. The brilliant one-liners will make you laugh out loud (maybe that's just me xD). Also, kudos to the translators, the Nibley sisters (?), for doing the best job I've ever seen! And there's the shonen-ai. For those uncomfortable with it, don't worry—it's subtle, just phrases and glances that *can* be interpreted that way. You can enjoy the series thinking they're just good friends. I love shonen-ai, and the subtext makes the series unforgettable and keeps me coming back for more re-reads.
Overall: Fantastic! Amazing! Superb! Unrivaled! I can't recommend this series highly enough. Whether you're into comedy, drama, character analysis, beautiful art, shonen-ai, camaraderie, or action—it's all here! Saiyuki is the complete and ultimate manga package, and everyone should give it a try. Go read it now!! Right now!!
Quite possibly not just the best manga I have ever read, but the finest story I've ever encountered.
Saiyuki stands out remarkably in terms of character development. The manga offers regular insights into each character's (profoundly sorrowful) pasts, illustrating how they all came together. By the conclusion of the series, you feel as though you're observing a group of friends because you know the characters so intimately.
The narrative is exceptionally engaging. Although the synopsis suggests the group is heading west, Saiyuki places significant emphasis on the journey itself. Currently, this series is already eight volumes into its second arc and shows no indication of nearing its destination. But guess what? That's fantastic because it means this remarkable work will continue for an extended period.
READ IT. You will absolutely have no regrets. Among the few mangas that genuinely warrant a perfect score.
Saiyuki is a series that takes its time to get going. Initially, I found myself confused about what was happening, wondering if I had missed something crucial. Too many events were unfolding without proper character introductions or a clear storyline.
However, the story does improve as you progress. By the beginning of the second volume, I felt more grounded. I understood who the characters were and what they were up to.
Unfortunately, Saiyuki's narrative isn't particularly compelling. It's not a terrible story, but it doesn't really go anywhere. Upon reaching the end, only to realize that the series wasn't complete and there was an entire follow-up called Saiyuki Reload, I was left uninterested in continuing. I was somewhat frustrated thinking I was nearing the conclusion of the series, only to find minimal plot development, with the characters essentially ending up where they started.
The characters are intriguing but highly clichéd. The moment I saw them, I could predict almost everything about them, and my guesses were usually right. They come off as transparent and unrealistic. The saving graces are Hakkai and Gojyo, whose backstories are deep and fascinating.
While the story and characters aren't outstanding, the artwork is exceptionally well-executed. The art style may take some getting used to, but once you do, it becomes the highlight of the series.
In summary, the series is interesting but not necessarily worth your time. If you truly have nothing better to read, give it a try. It's not bad, but there are far superior series out there.
Firstly - I understand if one might be skeptical about a perfect 10 review, but this manga genuinely merits it (you'll likely sense my enthusiasm through my excessive punctuation!!!). Let's dive into the review:
Story:
There are only so many ways to say "AMAZING!!!" or "AWESOME!!!" but I'll try my best XD. Saiyuki, as the synopsis probably indicated, is based on an ancient legend, though Minekura-sama added some unique twists not in the original - like Hakuryuu transforming into a jeep. Despite the potentially dull and colorless core storyline of simply 'going west,' Saiyuki brightens it up with brilliant backstories and detours.
At this point, I should warn some: if you dislike mangas that never seem to reach their ultimate goal, or constantly dive into flashbacks, or continually travel sideways, this may not be the best manga for you, as most story arcs are either flashbacks or detours. That said, the story always manages to progress and feels completely satisfying, even if nothing changes at the end of each arc.
Ultimately, the storyline is very character-driven, which might explain its awesomeness due to the well-developed and realistic characters (though this belongs in the 'character' section, argh!!! =_="). It still contains significant revelations and 'gasp' moments. It's a constant page-turner - if you can tear your eyes away from her amazing artwork long enough to turn the page XD.
Art:
Oh my goodness.
There's not much more to say here than that.
OH MY GOODNESS.
How can one person draw that well?!? It's unfair for the rest of us... *despairs*. Anyway, moment of self-pity over, let's move past the 'Oh my goodness' point.
Firstly, if you've only read the first few volumes, you might think: 'What is she on about? The art style isn't that good!' But - like all manga artists - it takes Minekura-sama time to settle into drawing the characters. Give it nine volumes and by the end, you'll be in complete awe.
Minekura-sama has a distinctive style, characterized by high detail especially in facial features, clothes, and hair. Initially, adapting to her style might be challenging as it isn't clean-cut like others; it's anatomically correct and sometimes slightly grotesque: none of her characters have symmetrical faces, unlike in other mangas, and she meticulously draws hands. This slight grotesqueness might give her art its real beauty.
And oh my goodness, it is beautiful! ^_^ Not only are the main characters jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but side characters receive equal care and attention to detail. Even background characters get the same treatment - though she sometimes 'forgets' to give them eyes, replacing them with handy shadows that are easier to draw XD. She also draws inanimate objects amazingly well - I could never draw a gun that well! AND her backgrounds are beautiful too. Gah!!! Is there nothing she cannot do?!?
So forgive her for being inconsistent - please! She makes up for it with everything else. Truly capturing how beautiful Minekura-sama's work is with mere words is difficult, and I don't think I'm doing a great job, but if you're still unsure, look at the picture at the top left hand side of the page. Then you'll start to get it. ^_^ As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Character:
Again, another 'OH MY GOODNESS!' moment.
Let's clarify: this isn't your 'normal' Sanzo-ikkou. It's supposed to contain a priest, a monkey, a kappa, and a pig, right?
WRONG!!!
Minekura-sama, conveniently forgetting the fundamental details of the legend, rewrites a whole new party. Sure, Sanzo is a priest, but he smokes, drinks, carries a gun, kills youkai mercilessly, and takes potshots at Gojyo (he uses the less fatal paper fan to punish Goku XD)! And yes, Goku is referred to as a monkey, though he lacks a tail XD. Instead, he has a huge stomach, a loud whine, and a child-like demeanor. Although Gojyo is called a kappa, he can't swim - making him a bad water sprite at best. Minekura-sama’s Gojyo is a pervert, playboy, and womanizer who excels in witty one-liners and smokes heavily. Finally, Hakkai has undergone the most change. A pig? No. Rather: a tragic, remorseful sinner hiding behind a benign smile and laugh, constantly apologizing for the group's behavior.
Slightly different, huh?
But all the characters - no matter how unexpected and crude their behavior might seem - are so lovable that choosing a favorite is nearly impossible. Delving deep into their pasts and emotions, Minekura-sama reveals the real people behind the pictures. It's hard for any manga to beat Saiyuki for character depth and development - and it continues in Reload!
Enjoyment:
What more is there to say? The enjoyment level of Saiyuki is enormous. And I mean HUGE in the largest font possible!
Firstly, there's the reading - which is AWESOME!!!
Secondly, there's the re-reading - Saiyuki has extremely high re-read value: once I finished the series, I just picked up volume 1 again and read through it all once more! ^_^
Thirdly, there's all the subtext - yes, fans of shounen ai won't be disappointed, though Minekura-sama never makes it blatantly obvious, and some might read it thinking: 'Where's the subtext in this?'
Finally, there's this great sense that you're friends with the Saiyuki gang (though maybe this is just me... T_T).
Overall:
There's nothing more to say than: READ IT!!! PLEASE!!! ^_^
And that's all for now folks!
Just a lousy yaoi manga with a weak storyline. It includes incest, which seems to attract quite a crowd, heh. Shallow yaoi fans who enjoy the usual pretty boys, drama, scandal, and incest will lap this up. The action scenes are terrible. I couldn't even follow what was happening. And the "powers" and "abilities" are so mediocre, yet the characters act like they're incredibly amazing. If you're looking for a quality series, this isn't it. Turn around and steer clear of this pitiful excuse for a manga. I wish I could give it zero stars overall. Do I really need to say more?