After nearly two years of reading this series I have finally finished! Starting when I bought the first volume at my library to reading half of it online, scrambling to find later chapters, and ultimately just buying the vizbig versions. Through this series I have concluded that Yuu Watase is one of my favorite manga authors. Her works are stunning in terms of art and the stories are always so interesting, well planned out, and dramatic. Fushigi Yuugi is considered “The Mysterious Play” and from the start, all the way to the end, Watase does not let up once on the adventures and angst of this story. It is cheesy and fun and romantic and I love everything about it. Besides.... a couple of major things. I’m taking off some points in that attempted sexual assault is a repeated “plot point.” Not saying she should shy away from topics like this but it is overused throughout the series. Having one is already upsetting to read but multiple? Plus the characters tend to constantly misgender (spoiler? not really) Nuriko. Once again, I consider these major blemishes on this series. I have read a few people being bothered by Miaka since she’s usually being protected in battle instead of fighting but I think!! You’re wrong!! Miaka isn’t the “strongest” female lead but that doesn’t take away the fact she still has important roles and responsibilities as priestess she has to maintain at 15!!! She stays true to her character throughout and is lovable, bubbly, and brings the warriors together. I love Miaka >:( even though she can be a jerk. But overall, Fushigi Yuugi as a whole is so exciting and the characters come together to form well built relationships which in turn help strengthen the action scenes and any problems they face. It so exciting and there are surprises at every turn. I loved every second!!! Celestial warriors, I will return to reread you one day :( </3
(copied from my Goodreads review)