Arata: The Legend, Vol. 1

Known for her heroines and fantastical worlds, I expected something similar from Arata. However, it is refreshing to see her take on this story with the male perspectives of Arata Hinohara, a boy from the modern-day Japan, just trying to fit in, and Arata the legend, a boy from an ancient, fantastical Japan. The legendary Arata fails to fulfill family duty by birthright, and must keep his true identity hidden, or risk death to himself and his grandmother.They trade places. I love these kinds of stories, walking in other people's shoes. It's an element of "the Parent Trap" in manga form, with gods, magic, fights, mad the core human elements of needing to find one's place and importance in their world. Another "personal journey" type, from two characters' perspectives. Watase's art has become crisp, clean, consistent, but remains well-detailed in such aspects like costume and facial expression. Readers of all ages cam easily relate with her blended storyline of action, romance, and humor. Can't wait to read the next volume!

Saw the anime on Crunchyroll and had to read the books.

not what i exspected

Yu Watase's Fushigi Yuugi was my very first anime, so it has always held a special place in my heart. The downside: her character designs are so similar that I have never been able to get into any of her other works (Absolute Boyfriend, Alice 19th, Ceres: Celestial Legend) because I'd see one character and think, "There's her Miaka design" and another would remind me of Tamahome, etc.So it was with some surprise that I picked up the first volume of Arata: The Legend and didn't immediately have that reaction, and I was pleasantly surprised to see who the mangaka was, having not recognized the art. As with Fushigi, Watase has created a very full, colorful world, and plays with the idea of a character moving between two worlds: one a modern-day Japan, the other a fairly standard fantasy world. Her main character struggles with problems in his real life and at first, uses his life in the magical world to escape, but soon finds himself sincerely caring about how he can affect things in the fantasy world. Not unlike Fushigi Yuugi, but done very differently. Where Fushigi has a heavy romantic twist, there's little of that to be seen thus far in Arata. The story leans more towards shonen than shojo. I'm really enjoying all of the characters, and while a fair bit of their traits might be a little cliche, there is also some very raw depth to them. Watase captures some of the less-celebrated human emotions, like how it feels when a friend betrays you and yet you still can't hate them, or that uncertainty of wondering where you stand in a relationship. Despite the fantasy level of this story, the characters themselves (even the ones who pull swords out of their bodies, or change their age constantly, or have wings) are all so harshly real. I've read the first nine volumes so far and can't wait for more!Watase's art in this series comes off as simpler than in her others - the line work is plain but very crisp. It's amazing to see someone whose work is normally instantly recognizable manage to pull off such a different style, and so fluidly. It's a hard choice whether I like her Fushigi-esque art or the Arata style more.This manga stays very clean and innocent, and aside from a rather hefty number of characters, it's relatively easy to follow. I would recommend this as a starter manga for a younger reader, male or female, or for a manga reader of any level who enjoys a good story with simple but beautiful art.

Arata was very different than what I was expecting... in a good way. If you have ever read anything by Yuu Watase, such as Fushigi Yugi, then you know that her writing involves adventure, action, and romance with the first two coming behind the romance aspect. This made lead some readers to believe that her novels are geared toward the female reader. This is not the case with Arata. This novel is high in action and adventure with a microscopic hint of romance. While I can't say that the novel is not targeted mainly at males, I can say that males may enjoy this series more than her previous work. However, this is based on the first volume, so my opinion may change.But what will not change is the Watase sparkle. Every manga I have ever read of Watase's has this sparkle that I find so rarely in other mangas. So what is the sparkle? It is a manga filled with memorable characters that you will think of long after you have read the last page, amazing premises that keep you on the edge of your seat, and outstanding drawings that can take your breath away. For me, there is nothing like a work by Watase. They are a joy to read, and I have yet to find one that I have not devoured.I am happy to report that Arata follows in this great tradition. This is an action packed novel that involves world travel, action, intrigue, and quite a few twists. Arata will pull you in and not let go till the last page. There is a lot here for both male and female readers to enjoy. And I will be waiting excitedly to see what happens next.