Is Yashahime a Good Sequel to Inuyasha? A Critical Analysis

One might wonder whether Yashahime serves as a true sequel to Inuyasha. The sequel genre traditionally seeks to expand or continue a previous narrative, providing a pathway for viewers familiar with the original story to delve deeper into the universe. However, when examining Yashahime, this connection seems tenuous at best.

Definition and Criteria for a Sequel

For a work to be considered a sequel, it should at least have one clear objective: continue the original story in some meaningful way. This is often achieved through the use of the same cast, characters, and sometimes even the same setting. A proper sequel should offer compelling ongoing narratives, such as unresolved questions or incomplete journeys.

The Case Against Yashahime as a Sequel

Let's delve into why Yashahime fails to meet these criteria:

Continuity and Sojourning Characters: Unlike titles like Boruto, which continues the story of Naruto Shippuden, Yashahime does not follow the main plot and characters of Inuyasha. It lacks connections to the previous works in a seamless way, especially since it doesn't stem from the same author. Rather, it introduces a new narrative that, while involving the daughters of beloved characters, feels disconnected. Lambiguous Connection: The attempt to link Yashahime to Inuyasha is executed in a manner that feels hastily designed. Phrases like "these are their daughters" and the focus on revealing what happens if the daughters never knew their parents do little more than construct a superficial narrative bridge. The interest is superficial, lacking depth or substance.

What a Good Sequel Should Do

A good sequel should ideally serve a few key objectives:

Expand the Universe: It should offer new stories, new settings, and new experiences that enrich the core universe. For example, Naruto Shippuden expanded the story beyond the initial Village Hidden in the Leaves, introducing new characters and landscapes. Continuity and Compelling Storytelling: True sequels should continue the story in a compelling way, providing new avenues for exploration and development. The original Inuyasha had a definitive closure, and Yashahime fails to offer a satisfying continuation. Introducing New Themes: While the original may have some recurring themes, a sequel should bring in new and thought-provoking themes to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. Yashahime doesn't introduce new themes or dimensions, instead relying on the reuse of established elements. Impact on the Franchise: The best sequels leave a lasting impact on the overall franchise, influencing ongoing stories and characters. Yashahime doesn't accomplish this and instead feels like a missed opportunity to add value to the Inuyasha universe.

Why Yashahime Falls Short

Moreover, Yashahime attempts to draw in viewers through surfaces and superficialities. The premise of the show is to leverage nostalgia and familiarity—to show long-forgotten characters and explore their lives post-Inuyasha. However, this approach often results in shallow storytelling. Instead of introducing new and compelling themes, the show opts for reluctance to delve deeply into a more intricate narrative.

The Broader Context

While the show might not be a sequel in the traditional sense, its approach is telling of a broader trend in storytelling today. There seems to be a growing trend towards using beloved franchises to attract viewers by showcasing recognizable elements. However, the success of a series often lies not in familiarity alone but in the ability to deliver fresh and engaging content. Yashahime falls short in this regard, prioritizing a regurgitation of past elements over actual creative storytelling.

Conclusion

Yashahime may have some familiar elements, but it fails to offer the substance and depth that make a title a success. It's a missed opportunity to expand and enrich the Inuyasha universe, instead presenting a disjointed and underwhelming narrative. As viewers and critics, it's important to recognize when a show fails to deliver and encourage creators to strive for more engaging and innovative storytelling.