Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, vol. 1 | Review

Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, vol. 1
Story and Art by Takashi Shiina, Main Character Design by Rumiko Takahashi, Script Cooperation by Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Viz Media, published 6/21/22
Age rating: Teen

The manga counterpart of the hit anime, Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon is here, and like the anime, it’s definitely a new experience for Inuyasha fans. 

Please note that while Yashahime is a continuation of Inuyasha, it is not a new work from the creator of Inuyasha, the legendary Rumiko Takahashi. Like the anime, the manga is inspired by Inuyasha, with new characters and stories for fans old and new, and follows the story of the daughters of Inuyasha and his brother, Sesshomaru. The main characters are Towa Higurashi, her sister Setsuna, and their friend (and Inuyasha’s daughter), Moroha. In the new story, Towa goes on a quest to learn more about her past, as well as reunite with her twin sister, Setsuna. Towa and Setsuna, the daughters of anti-hero Sesshomaru, were separated by a strange entity when they were young children, sending Towa from the feudal era to modern day Japan, where she is raised by Kagome’s brother, Sowa. At this point, Kagome has long decided to stay in the past with Inuyasha, where they become parents to Moroha, who has become Setsuna’s best friend and partner in bounty hunting and acts just like her goofball father, Inuyasha. 

What sets this story apart from the original is that Rumiko Takahashi is not associated with this piece. Takahashi has a distinct style to her artwork, and the reader can clearly see that this is someone else’s work. The inspiration is there, but to fully appreciate Yashahime, the reader must try to separate themselves from what they experienced with Inuyasha. There is plenty of action and comedy, especially when the Higurashi family find themselves having to deal with another family member going back in time and wondering if Towa will stay or leave like Kagome did. The story is good, even if you have seen the anime. However, it is easy to lose yourself if you’re trying to make comparisons, not only between how the storytelling is played out, but if it is faithful to the anime. This can discourage those who are fans of the original. 

Overall, I recommend giving Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon (the anime and manga) a chance. It has a nice build-up, even though it does tend to drag a bit. However, once the action picks up, the reader will forget all about that flaw.

Filed under: Manga, Reviews, Young Adult