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When prominent author Rumiko Takahashi transitioned from lighthearted comedies likeUrusei YatsuraandRanma ½to the dark, emotionally rich world ofInuYasha, she was making a huge gamble. The trademark style of Takahashi had disappeared and a sort of morose tone replaced it.
Takahashi noted in an interview that she was worried whether readers would become tired of the heavier tone ofInuYasha, especially as the story delved into intense themes like betrayal and redemption.
This shift of styles became one ofInuYasha’smost defining strengths. The world-building and the depth of characters inInuYashaare different from Takahashi’s other works, as they come from the circumstances and scenes in a subtler form as compared to the development from character interactions in series likeRanma ½.
Rumiko Takahashi Revealed the “Biggest Change” Inuyasha Forced Her to Do Compared to Her Earlier Works
Whether it was Kagome’s resilience, Inuyasha’s struggle with his human-demon heritage, or Sesshomaru’s transformation from disdainful villain to noble antihero, Takahashi’s ability to balance and breathe life into moments of levity is stunning. The unique portrayal is what cementedInuYashaas a cornerstone of 2000s anime culture.
InuYashahasflaws that need revisiting
Despite its massive success,InuYashaisn’t without flaws. The popular anime has a few glaring issues, one of which is a major problem for the modern audiences. The massive age gap between key characters, especially the implied romance between Rin, a child, and Sesshomaru, an ancient demon.
Such relationships might be nuanced in the original context, but in today’s world, they raise concerns through the woke perspective. The anime also suffered from alack of pacing intermittently, with the filler episodes straying from the main story. Takahashi stated that she always wondered about the morosetone of the story.
When it first started, I think the readers were a bit perplexed by “Why isn’t this funny?” And when it got into more intense scenes and the characters weren’t smiling as much anymore, I was worried that the readers were growing tired of it.
The humor aspect of the story is non-existent; it feels like it maintains the dark premise of the demon world and the burden on the shoulders of Inuyasha and Kagome. But with the modern trend of anime likeDandadanandJujutsu Kaisenmelding the funny with the bizarre, it seems like an opportunity.
Iconic arcslike the Shichinintai saga could benefit from tighter storytelling, and the animation, though great in the 2000s, could be significantly improved with multiple other works of Takahashi, likeRanma ½;it does not seem far-fetched to wish for the return of the beloved classic.
Opportunities for a revivalofInuYasha
A revival offers a chance to address these flaws while introducingInuYashato a new generation. A modern adaptation of Inuyasha is possible when anime likeTrigun StampedeandRurouni Kenshinhave demonstrated the potential for revival.InuYashacould deliver visually stunning battles and emotional scenes that surpass the original.
Moreover, the anime’s mythology and certain plots have the potential for exploration. Stories about the origins of the Shikon no Tama or Naraku’s rise to power could be explored. Takahashi could add humor and deeper emotions to her experience.
“So I can feel good about the story”: Everyone Who Hated the Inuyasha Ending Need to Know Why Creator Rumiko Takahashi Went That Route
The success ofYashahime: Princess Half-Demonhas reignited interest in theInuYashauniverse. The animation styles mesh well with the idea of a newer Inuyasha. WhileYashahimeexpanded the lore, fans would prefer it if there was a revival of the original cast and storylines.
You can streamInuYashaon Netflix.
Chandra Shekhar
Anime Writer
Articles Published :856
Chandra Shekhar is an Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 800 published articles under his belt. A law student by training but a storyteller at heart, he blends his sharp analysis with a deep love for all things anime. From the old-school Yu Yu Hakusho to the eldritch horrors of Lord of the Mysteries, his knowledge spans decades and genres. When he’s not writing, he’s likely buried in webnovels, silently hoping his favorite ones get the anime adaptation they deserve.
