Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 08

ふしぎ遊戯 玄武開伝 [Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden] #8

by Yuu Watase

R to L (Japanese Style)

This exciting prequel to VIZ Media's best-selling fantasy series, Fushigi Yûgi, tells the story of the very first priestess of the Four Gods--the Priestess of Genbu! When schoolgirl Takiko Okuda attempts to destroy her father's translation of The Universe of the Four Gods, she is instead literally sucked into the story, becoming the Priestess of Genbu in an epic journey to find the seven Celestial Warriors!

Takiko helps Uruki grieve for the loss of a loved one--a loss she knows only too well. But now that the Qudong army knows how to fight Celestial power, Takiko and the Celestial Warriors have no time to lose. As they prepare to rescue Teg, Uruki learns the truth about the prophecy: to summon Genbu, the Priestess will have to sacrifice her life. Refusing to let another death happen, Uruki vows to send Takiko back to the safety of her own world…by any means necessary.

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels, Shojo, Comics, Young Adult

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 25, 2005

About the author

Yuu Watase (渡瀬悠宇) is a Japanese shoujo manga-ka. She is known for her works Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, Ceres: The Celestial Legend, Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend. She likes all music, except heavy metal and old traditional music.

She received the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Ceres, Celestial Legend in 1997. Since writing her debut short story "Pajama de Ojama" ("An Intrusion in Pajamas"), Watase has created more than 80 compiled volumes of short stories and continuing series. Because of her frequent use of beautiful male characters in her works, she is widely regarded in circles[which?] as a bishōnen manga artist.[citation needed] In October 2008, Watase began her first shōnen serialization, Arata: The Legend in Weekly Shōnen Sunday.
Her name is romanized as "Yû Watase" in earlier printings of Viz Media's publications of Fushigi Yūgi, Alice 19th, and Ceres, The Celestial Legend, while in Viz Media's Fushigi Yūgi Genbu Kaiden and Absolute Boyfriend her name is romanized as "Yuu Watase". In Chuang Yi's English-language versions of Fushigi Yugi (spelled without a macron or circumflex), her name is romanized as "Yu Watase".

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume reminded me of Final Fantasy X in a few ways. The village in the trees, the "sending" of Soren, and what I suppose must have not been much of a surprise for fans of FY, but was a mild surprise for me: the priestess' journey will end with her sacrifice. Or so I assume. There seems to be no other reason for the celestial warriors, including Uruki, to be behaving as they are. Undo the prophecy, and it'll be all good. Well, probably not. If the priestess really isn't necessary, the prophecy, and everyone's sacrifices so far, would be pointless.

Takiko is ill for the third of fourth time this series. Is that a hint that she's contracted tuberculosis from her mother, or is it just a recurring thing with no real meaning?

I'm rather enjoying this series as more mature overlay over Watase's earlier work. That I've made it this far was a mild surprise to me, considering my multiple DNFs of the first FY (I really tried with that one, but it was just too much).

I'm not sure what I want from the ending. Salvation of the country, and the sacrifice of the maiden (and her retinue, perhaps?)? Some kind of reverse where the country's saved and everybody's okay? I very much doubt the latter, since it would be too cheesy and Disney-esque. Or maybe there's something else in store. This one's creeping toward four stars--I honestly think that Watase's break from a year or two ago (in the author's notes from v. 5 or 6) was good for both her and this manga. But Watase had a hernia this time? What the hell? Every single volume it's been something else. I'm worried for her.

[Elliot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bonus points for not doing the Mean Girl thing when it looked like that was where it was going. And also for the excellent funeral and depictions of grief.
Minus points for doing the We're Going to Lie and Push You Away to Protect You thing. I get it, but I didn't enjoy this trope in the first series and I like it even less in this one.

[Maile Sarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. I need Tamahome to talk to Miaka about his concerns because what is she going to do when he asks the question? I guess it's him admitting the fact that he isn't real 🫤
2. Why did they do Nuriko like that? This is why I need Yui to actually get her facts and beliefs straight, so she doesn't think that she HAS to be the enemy just because she was automatically placed as an opposing position.

[Kendall • thegeekyyogi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaaagghhhhhhhh. MY HEART. *sobs* I’m so flipping stressed about how things are going to turn out in this series.

[Ana Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75
Qué mal lo he pasado con el final dios mio... No estoy nada preparada para lo que venga en los siguientes tomos.
Es que es súper triste y no puedo.

[Neus Gutiérrez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yuu es maravillosa. Qué dura es esta historia.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of grief being delt with. Interesting cliff hanger that is for sure. I like the Odo people, maybe this is the tide that changes things and helps them reach the end

[Bibliothecat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for complete series



Despite Fushigi Yuugi being a classic fantasy shoujo manga, I only got around to it long after its original publication. Sadly, I was rather disappointed by it, especially given that it is a popular work. Genbu Kaiden is a newer work of Watase's and serves as a prequel to the original series and this series is everything I hoped the original would have been.

All the things wrong with the original were made right here: our main character Takiko largely makes sensible decisions - sure, they are sometimes also emotionally loaded and not always strategic, but she never left me shaking my head in frustration over stupid decisions. Takiko and her love interest don't fall in love from the start allowing for a much more natural flow which in turn led me to genuinely care about them. The pacing was just right for this kind of plot with only a few chapters seeming a little rushed. The characters we meet along the way are more fleshed out and contribute to the story beyond being yet another follower of the main character - they've got agendas and dreams of their own. The fact that they still chose to follow Takiko just makes their bonds seem a lot stronger than in the original series. While I love a bit of comedy here and there, it was far more subtle than in the original which at times came across as silly.

Having fixed all that, this is a wholesome fantasy series with lovely friendships, interesting family dynamics and bittersweet turn of events. Takiko is a strong main character both in her determination but also in her willingness to lift a weapon despite being physically weaker than her companions. The world is interesting and the art is simply beautiful. Although I doubt it will ever happen, if Watase were ever to redraw the original series at this standard, I have no doubt I would love it. Instead, I will hope that her other prequel series, Byakko Senki, will soon no longer be on hiatus and be drawn to the end.

Only one little beef I had with this series: it's common for many manga, especially in the shoujo area, to have a style in which the characters look very much alike. It's usually hair and clothing more than anything else that makes characters look different from each other. This has never been an issue for me but I don't mind when artists add some more diversity. What I don't like is when authors add diversity purely for diversities sake. I am not sure if this is what Watase's intention was but the Genbu Kaiden cast was a lot more diverse than the original series' was (e.g. I was very pleased to have some more important female characters besides the main character). But, as I have already found with some of Watase's other works, she tends to add some goofy or stereo typical cartoonish characters. Hatsui is an overweight character and everything from design to behaviour and personality feels like a joke rather than a proper member of the group. Why not add a competent overweight character rather than, apologies, a bumbling idiot who is treated more like an overgrown child?

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's manga post is on Fushigi Yûgi: Genbu Kaiden, Vol. 8 by Yuu Watase. It is 192 pages long and is published by Shojo Beat. As it is eighth volume in the series, you need to have read the first seven volumes to understand the story. The cover has Takiko, Uruki, and Soren on it. There is no foul language, no sex, and action violence in this manga. The story is told from third person close of the main characters. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the manga- Takiko helps Uruki grieve for the loss of a loved one--a loss she knows only too well. But now that the Qudong army knows how to fight Celestial power, Takiko and the Celestial Warriors have no time to lose. As they prepare to rescue Teg, Uruki learns the truth about the prophecy: to summon Genbu, the Priestess will have to sacrifice her life. Refusing to let another death happen, Uruki vows to send Takiko back to the safety of her own world…by any means necessary.

Review- So much happens in this volume. From Uruki mourning Soren to the Celestial Warriors learn what will happen when Takiko fulfills her duty as the Priestess. So the Warriors want Takiko to go back home and live. Of course they don't talk to her about it. So Takiko is feeling very rejected and alone, then she gets sent back home. So much drama and of course sending Takiko back will not stop anything. Fate is in motion now and nothing can stop it. I look forward to the next volume and seeing how Takiko is going to get back.

I give this manga a Five out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I bought this manga with my own money.

[Mika · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

The handling of grief was amazing. That was beautiful.
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The themes in this series are so strong! I love how grief, is reflected in Takiko and Limdo's stories. How her relationship with her father extends to others, this making it into a well crafted story.

I'm really loving this series.

On a small note, I appreciate Flika so much. I was so concerned when she was introduced that she was gonna be THE Mean Girl but I'm so glad she wasn't. Thanks Watase.

(I don't like plot points where someone lies to another person to protect them. It's essentially a miscommunication trope BUT I will say, they do think she's gonna DIE so...I give them a pass, sorta.)

[Leila Anani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one mostly deals with the aftermath of Soren's death and the Celestial warriors grief. It also really ramps up the melodrama in the second half- Hagus still won't join them and Limdo learns the eventual fate of the Priestess of Genbu and tells her they don't need her any more. How much more trauma can my heart take??? Emotional rollercoaster with stunning art and fantastic characters. Love this series.

[Cress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dun dun dun.

[Kala · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending?! BREAK MY HEART WHY DONTCHA!!!!

😭😭😭

[maraia · Rating 5 out of 5]

man. this made me CRYYYY

[ⓘⓣⓐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 goal 140/150

[Nina Sakura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5

[Kogiopsis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This manga just keeps shocking me. First, I thought it would be the same old standard Fushigi Yugi romance drama and weak heroine constantly saved by her love interest. And I was proven wrong. Then, I thought it would be entertaining and positive but nothing exciting. I was proven wrong. Then I thought nothing in it would really affect me. I teared up a few volumes ago at a certain heroic death. Then I thought that I would never find myself craving the next volume. Well... you know where this is going, don't you? Wondering how I can get my hands on it distracts me in class.

So yeah. Even though Genbu Kaiden wouldn't rate the same as FMA if I was straight-up comparing them, it's still five stars. I'm really, really enjoying it. I like the love interest, I cheer for the heroine, I love every last member of the supporting cast; the villains are interesting and one almost reminds me of a character of Greek myth. The romance is toned down a lot here, which I guess is product of two things: this wasn't published in the same sort of format as the first, so there isn't a need for as many cliffhangers, and Watase says in her author's notes that she'd rather write action, so by this point I'm guessing she has the fame and fanbase to do that and still be successful.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the things I love about Genbu Kaiden is that it's character & story focused. It doesn't do things for the sake of adding more to the story. It's well thought out and these characters are the driving force behind it. Takiko is strong but still very caring about the Warriors & all the people she meets. Uruki or Rimundo or Limdo is changing (not just genders). I think they all changed because of Takiko & what she stands for. I did read the series online so I'm not exactly sure where the series break off and start, but I love this series.
--M

•Cherish -- Ai Otsuka

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am trying really hard to fight the inevitable...more death and separation. I downgraded the last volume to protest the sorrow which continued to resonante in this volume :(. I'm happiest when the "gang" is together and they are very much NOT in this volume. The illustrations are absolutely amazing, character and relationship development is amazing. I love this series. I need to stop wishing it was a HEA!

[Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwww, I'm so touched by this one :') I feel like I would know exactly how Limdo feels if put in this situation in real life with MY best friend(s) (I have two of them :3 One of them knows who they are ;3 ), whom I love to much. Nonetheless, there were some good AND bad Feels in this. I still love this arc to a fault. (Even though I've never read the original, or the arcs...yet...).

[Desa · Rating 5 out of 5]

:_________( i knew it was coming but that ending kills me every time.

[E.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

God damn, Watase! This was a heart-wrenching volume. I teared up a little bit for Takiko when nobody wanted her. I understand why they did it, but it was harsh because all Takiko wants is to be needed. Also Filka, you better not be stealing Uruki from Takiko!