InuYasha, Volume 18: The Demon Within
As the second season of this popular fantasy adventure nears its conclusion, Inu-Yasha develops doubts about his long-sought goal of becoming a full-blooded demon, one of the driving elements of the story. To destroy a venomous moth-demon, he transforms into his purely demonic form--and becomes an ungovernable killing machine. If he transforms again, he will become a force of pure destruction, slaying everything in his path. To control his powers, Inu-Yasha must learn to control the enchanted sword Tetsusaiga. The nutty sword smith Totosai tells Inu-Yasha that he must destroy Ryukotsugei, the dragon-like demon his father imprisoned long ago. Inu-Yasha wins the deadly battle, but neither the victory nor his increased power over the Tetsusaiga brings any wisdom: he remains the impulsive hot-head viewers love. His new powers will undoubtedly be tested in the ongoing struggle against Naraku. (Unrated, suitable for ages 13 and older: violence, grotesque imagery)--Charles Solomon