Inu-Yasha:
Fathers and Sons
Reviewed by:
Alex Barry (May 3, 2003)
Cover: The 3rd volume for Inu-Yasha follows the example set
by the first two as far as the style of the cover goes, showcasing
bright artwork and dynamic character poses behind the English version
of the series' logo. Kagome and Inu-Yasha take center stage while
Sessho-maru looms over the pair with his claws flexed, looking ready
to strike. The pale pinkish color of the background seems to draw
more attention to the colors in the foreground, and really emphasizes
the deep tones in Inu-Yasha's cloak and Kagome's skirt. It's certainly
one of the more colorful covers, at any rate. The back cover lists
the titles of the three episodes on the disk as well as their corresponding
numbers, along with the usual collection of screenshots and a paragraph
worth of text explaining the basic story behind the episodes.
Audio: : Gotta love that stereo sound! There's a wide variety
of both music and sound effects to be heard that will really reward
those with higher end sound systems. The sound effects especially
make use of the quality of DVD, with all the clanging metal and explosions
during the fighting scenes sounding clear as could be. Ambient effects
continue to come across as believable and do a good job of enhancing
the atmosphere, particularly in the outdoor scenes. The voice acting
hasn't changed much from the previous volume, which can be either
good or bad, depending on how you look at. Although I personally enjoy
the English dub for the most part, I have to admit that I just can't
stand the voice of the toad demon in the second episode. It goes beyond
a minor miscast and sounds downright laughable at times. After hearing
the Japanese track, however, it became obvious that his original voice
wasn't much better. I guess toads must be a hard role to cast or something.
Video: Another clear transfer is present this time around,
with all the colors and artwork looking both crisp and clean with
no bleeding or cross-coloration in sight. The animation also continues
to come off without a hitch. Even with the action sequences becoming
more daring in their presentation, each frame blends seamlessly into
the next, giving even the most gritty battles a certain degree of
elegance. There was still a bit of aliasing to be seen during the
panning shots, but I really can't say too much about something so
minor when it's stacked up against an otherwise perfect visual feast.
Extras: Once you're done with the main feature, be sure to
check out the bonus materials. Among the extras found of this DVD
are an extensive cast list and a line art gallery, along with three
Japanese mini-trailers for each of the three episodes. The line art
gallery is probably the most impressive of these extras, featuring
some nice black-and-white reference drawings for various characters
and items from the episodes on the disk. The Japanese promos are also
fun, but I wish they were a bit longer. All in all the extras are
pleasant enough to warrant taking a look at, although they certainly
aren't the strongest aspect of this volume.
Content: Dying to see how the battle between Inu-Yasha and
Sessho-maru ends? Here's your chance! Besides the conclusion to one
of the better fights in the early part of the series, "Fathers and
Sons" also features two more episodes that are, while not quite as
thrilling, enjoyable enough to earn the disk a recommendation among
Inu-Yasha fans.
First things first: Inu-Yasha and Sessho-maru continue their conflict
when Kagome unexpectedly pulls the Tetsusaiga out of the stone it
was embedded in, stopping both brothers in their tracks. Sessho-maru
quickly turns his attention to the young girl, and using a technique
to spray a powerful poison from his claws, melts Kagome and part of
his father's tomb. Now livid with anger, Inu-Yasha launches an impressive
attack against Sessho-maru (and actually gets a few good hits in),
until Kagome reveals she is unharmed thanks to the Tetsusaiga. Sessho-maru
then reveals his true form for the first time, and appears to have
the upper hand until Inu-Yasha makes a promise to protect Kagome.
Sensing his intentions, the Tetsusaiga transforms into a much larger
and more deadly weapon, allowing Inu-Yasha to defeat his brother by
severing his left arm. Later, back in the village, Kagome learns that
the Tetsusaiga's true power can only be unleashed when its wielder
is using it to protect a human (most likely a plot element that will
prove to be foreshadowing for later episodes).
Next on the roster is an episode that I personally consider to be
the first mediocre installment of the series. Kagome and Inu-Yasha
meet a wandering swordsman named Nobunaga, who is on his way to save
a princess from a corrupt lord who resides in a nearby castle. They
follow along and learn that the once kind and gentle lord has been
possessed by a toad demon. The princess is easily rescued but the
demon won't allow anyone to leave his castle without a fight, and
with Nobunaga insisting that Inu-Yasha not harm the demon while it
is still inside the lord's body, it's up to Kagome to find a way to
drive it out. There's some good character interaction here, and the
conclusion is relatively interesting, but it's definitely not one
of my favorite episodes. The demon comes off as comical rather than
menacing, and since it's a stand-alone episode, it lacks some of the
depth I've become used to in Inu-Yasha.
Volume 3 finishes with the introductory episode for a new companion
for our heroes, a young fox demon named Shippo. Little Shippo is soooooo
kawaii!!!!!! ...... *ahem* Inu-Yasha and Kagome first meet Shippo
when he tries to steal some of their Shikon Jewel shards, in an attempt
to become strong enough to avenge his father's death. It turns out
that his father was killed by a pair of ruthless siblings who specialize
in lighting attacks, the suitably named "Thunder Brothers." Temporarily
tricking Inu-Yasha and Kagome, Shippo manages to steal their Shikon
shards just before coming face to face with Manten, the brother who
dealt the deathblow to his father. Kagome attempts to save the young
fox, but is eventually taken prisoner by Manten. Through some quick-thinking
and good acting, she is able to convince the brothers that Inu-Yasha
would be willing to trade her for the Shikon shards, so their spare
her life. It isn't long, however, before Inu-Yasha confronts the twosome
and an all-out battle erupts between them.
Unfortunately, this is the third time in a row that the conclusion
to a major battle is postponed until the next volume. The battle with
the Thunder Brothers is fairly intense, and it would have been nice
to be able to watch it straight through in one shot. On the other
hand, at least it gives us something to look forward to in Volume
#4.
Overall, I'd have to give this disk and a hearty recommendation to
fans of the series. Since none of the individual episode's storylines
went together, it tended to feel a little disjointed, but they were
required viewing if you want to see the ending to one critical battle
and the beginning of another. As I said, the episode in the middle
wasn't my favorite, but I've certainly seen worse. And who knows,
you might even enjoy the toad demon's raspy, New York accent. Lord
knows it put a smile on my face.
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