K: Missing Kings

K: Missing Kings (2014)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Don't start with this one out of this series; you'll end up rather confused if you do. It does show first hand when a "king" wakes up and how the clansmen recognize that awakening, but the rest is a rather odd jumble of confusion. Sector 4 is portrayed as a type of police force at first, but then apparently serves the blue king who killed another king? They're trying to find the silver king, but get the new red king instead? Why is the silver king missing? Why was the other king killed and who was he? Why does it seem like there's a lot of history between some of these swordsmen, and yet also feels like they're talking in riddles? Definitely a series I think you need to start from the beginning to have any hope of unraveling. Otherwise it's interesting in an observing something different with decent art sort of way, but difficult to appreciate any real storyline.

Inuyasha the Movie 4: Fire on the Mystic Island

Inuyasha the Movie 4: Fire on the Mystic Island (2004)

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


The last of the Inuyasha movies, this one takes them to a hidden island and the four demons who rule there. The source of the demon's continued existence and power is none other than the lives of the hanyou they trap there. Very sad as the story of the islands origin and it's happy times before the power-hungry four appear. Now it's up to Inuyasha and his group of friends to save the remaining children and stop the demons before they destroy what little good is left on the island.

Inuyasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler

Inuyasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler (2003)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This film largely focuses on the two inu-brothers and especially on their pasts. We get  further glimpses of both Inutaisho and Izayoi as a result and see how the two brothers can still manage to work together while making it look like they truly do hate each other. Rin is as adorable as ever, collecting the enchanted beads for Kagome and doggedly keeping hold of Tenseiga, the sword of heaven, until she can return it to him. All the trouble is thanks to Sou'unga, the sword the underworld, and it's possession of an ancient samurai tied to Izayoi. Add in Inuyasha's Tessaiga, the sword of earth, to complete the circle and seal away their own father's ultimate power.

Inuyasha the Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass

Inuyasha the Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass (2002)

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


One of the favorites of the Inuyasha movies, this one features Kaguya as the main opponent after faking Naraku's demise. Kagome barely escapes death and Inuyasha is saved from going crazy as a full demon thanks to Kagome's kiss; an ever popular scene among the fandom. Perhaps even more amusing is the introduction of Hojo in the past events, who is almost an exactly carbon copy of his descendant from Kagome's time. There are some nice glimpses into each of the different main characters thanks to this films brief stall in the Naraku battle before returning to their main task.

Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time

Inuyasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time (2001)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As animanga movies go, it's definitely an interesting tale. The art is slightly different than the original series, though that's also to be expected. The name of the movie fits the scene best recalled by fans near the end of the movie when Inuyasha and Kagome are separated in their separate times yet still manage to see and speak with each other through the Goshinboku. They'll have to face their own friends possession and a increasingly strong enemy of Inuyasha's father if they're to continue on their jewel hunt.