Mermaid Saga Collector's Edition, Vol. 1 (1) Paperback – November 17, 2020

I've been a fan of Rumiko Takahashi's Mermaid Saga since Geneon released the Mermaid Forest DVDs back in the mid 2000s. I started off as an InuYasha fan and immediately began noticing the similarities between it and Mermaid Saga. If you like InuYasha, I can almost guarantee you'll enjoy this series. It's a little bit darker/more mature than InuYasha but that's what makes it interesting and worth checking out. Mermaid Saga is a horror series and not as light-hearted as the likes of Ranma 1/2 or Maison Ikkoku, which is why I recommend it for InuYasha fans. It's a nice balance of horror, action/adventure and some very slight romance between the two main characters.Mermaid Saga starts off with our main character, Yuta, on a quest to find a mermaid in an effort to become an ordinary human again. He comes across Mana in his travels and the two journey together to find a mermaid. Mana and Yuta have both eaten the flesh of a mermaid and are therefore immortal. The series captures what it means to live an endless life. To watch your loved ones grow old and pass on while unable to follow the natural progression of time and life. It'll make you think twice about the idea of living forever.This latest Viz Signature collector's edition release is fantastic. If you've purchased the Maison Ikkoku Signature volumes then you have an idea of what to expect. The paper quality is higher than that of a regular manga volume, the front and back covers are smooth and textured. There are multiple pages of beautifully illustrated full color pages. One thing to take note of is that this new edition is the exact same translation as the individual volumes which Viz released in the 2000s. This isn't a bad thing, the translation was solid back then and still is, there was no need to touch it up for this release. If you own the older single volumes, you'll wanna pick the collector's editions up for the color pages alone.Overall, a very high quality release, as to be expected from Viz's Signature line. I cannot recommend Mermaid Saga enough if you are an InuYasha or Rumiko Takahashi fan. A must have for any classic manga lover.

When Viz announced a collector’s edition of Rumiko Takahashi’s “Mermaid Saga” in English I was stunned and excited. Takahashi’s “little” horror side project steeped in Japanese mermaid folklore isn’t exactly her most popular work compared to Ranma 1/2 or Inu-Yasha. Viz promised a deluxe version so I was excited but also skeptical about what a collector’s edition might mean.The first of the two volume project has finally arrived and I am happy to report it has surpassed my expectations. While not an exact reproduction of the Japanese release, Viz has worked to create a release that closely replicates its Japanese Japanese counterpart. Included are many of the gorgeous color pages and several color promotional images not included in previous English editions. The pages are crisp and easy to look out. The cover itself is a stunning matte stock paper with French flaps and reflective ink for sea spray for impact.If I had to nit pick I only have two gripes. Viz did not include the monochrome pages from the Mermaid Forest arc which are black and white with crimson accents. This is only a minor detail and only of concern to die hard fans. Second, this book ends with the “promise” arc which makes the volume longer that the Japanese version. Why Viz made these decisions is unknown.Mermaid Saga is both wonderful storytelling and beautiful art presented in a gorgeous package. This is the best presentation of Mermaid Saga outside Japan and comes with my highest recommendation. I hope Viz will gift fans new versions (and maybe new collections) of her Rumik World short stories. Until then, Mermaid Saga is welcome on my shelf.

Eeriness builds in the best way. Love this storyline. Art is great. Def worth the read. Horror, subtle romance, mysterious twists.

I remember when this first came out as an OVA behind a Ranma 1/2 video tape, I always wondered what it was about and why it was so crazy spooky looking. When I got older, I found out it was made by the same creator but was originally titled "Mermaid's Scar". I read the first two of the series and was instantly hooked. Such a great but haunting tale of what it costs to have immortality. The interactions between the characters is alot more serious than Inuyasha and Ranma 1/2, but the emotions conveyed is amazing. It really makes you think about is it really worth it to gain immortality at such a high risk. Also, super lol at the many ways they show you how characters are "immortal".

I initially read this saga (at least part of it) in this anime book I got years ago. I couldn’t remember the name of it but finally found it! Love this saga. Can’t wait on volume 2!

A wonderful collection of the masterful classics by Rumiko Takahashi. I could not be happier for these reprints and am thrilled to finally have my favorite manga in digital format. For Takahashi fans I cannot recommend Mermaid Saga enough and I look forward to seeing more classics in the future.