I must say....very intriguing.....It's kind of like DBZ plus some weird dream. Totally different style from normal Manga. Good to see some manga that stays on one main theme. I believe most characters in the manga are actually from some Chinese Mythology. However, the manga is a little different from the original myth. In the original myth, the character was a Demi-God whose an old man. I would definitely recommend this. I must say, The story and character development far surpass most manga. PM me if the info I provided is incorrect.
[Note: There were no aliens in the Chinese Mythology. ]

You MUST read it. It's a MUST.

... Last updated on February 12th, 2007, 3:02pm

this was an awesome manga series, with lots of action and loveable characters. Being someone who read the actual book (literature), this manga was still enjoyable and followed it pretty well (for the first few chapters...) i started getting annoyed because of the stupidity in trying to incorporate "robots" and high tech stuff... the usage of "Paopei" literal translation, precious thing... really gets on my nerves. What i was truly disappointed though, was the lack of a true heroine, [edit by mod, possible spoiler alert] although the last friggen page suggests something goin on between dakki and taikoubou, this needs some real romance... since it really bugs me if its just about a guy who battles, and battles, and battles...

First off, I'm going to announce that, yes, I am indeed Asian. However, that is not the reason giving this manga such a high rating. It deserves the rating because, it is indeed an incredible manga. This manga has everything expected of a shounen manga: action, suspense, etc. It includes comedic situations and characters. Although this is a shounen/action/fantasy manga, it also has an admirable amount of tragedies. Times where you can't help but to feel sad for the characters that were involved. As for the lack of romance, I mean come on... this is a shounen/action/fantasy/comedy manga, what you'd expect? (Not that shounen manga's don't have any romance, but seriously...)

A 'great + unique' manga. At first I thought of neglecting this one (glad I didn't), but due to boredom at that time, I decided to re-read this. After 2 volumes, got attached to this and read it till the end.

The problem why some people have hard time in starting this manga I think is because of the sudden world introduction. Though, the world setting was explained bits by bits (and nicely), it was pretty much forced at the beginning. The result is that, it feels like being introduced to non-sense alien world. I believe many readers lose interest in first few chapters for this reason. (Second is due to art-style)

The plot base is heavy, but the author way of plot development make it easy to understand. Plot twist is interesting (though not the best) and can be deep at times. Lack of romance, though I feels that this element is not really necessary in this manga, as the rest is covered with good plot development and battles. This manga can be heart-warming for some readers (I cried once). Most characters are likable. Character development are carried well for most characters, as story goes, I'll find myself attached to more and more character. Author logistical error (mistakes unexpected by author) are very few, not to mentioned they are hardly noticeable (except if you pay very-very great details here and there). In addition, wild elements (elements not exist in the original literature) injected to the original literature are well planned and adapted. If you can accept the first 2 volume well, then you will have not much complaints regarding the wild elements.

For overall, the author did a great job in this manga. The manga is at overall neat, humorous, and interesting. One of the very few manga I would give score 10/10. To read or not, depends highly from the reader preference. But those that seek plot with mild entertainment would like this manga.

I have been reading the original story which Houshin Engi is based on. And I can't help but admit that Houshin Engi is the one which has closest plot to the original (compare to other versions). I loved Houshin Engi because of this.

Moreover, the story in Houshin Engi is simply the best. Each and every people have their fate, and have their choice. They can choose to protect the old feudal system, or to rebel. Antagonist or protagonist, in the end, they fight for what they believe in.

I also love the idea that "supernatural power" come from outside the Earth. I also love the idea that people who have so much power should share their power, for everyone to be able to grow. Too much power in one hand can easily lead to dictatorship.

This manga is probably one of the best I have ever read.  The story is (loosely?) based on the famous Chinese novel "Feng Shen Yan Yi".  It's greatest asset is definitely it's main character and hero Taikoubou.  Not only is he smart and crafty, but he knows when to be funny and easy-going and when to be serious.  The antagonists are also extremely well developed, especially Bunchuu who is a masterly character and great foil to the protagonists.  His showdown with Buseiou is one of the most heart-wrenching scenes I have ever read.  I would recommend this manga to anyone.

I don't think I can write a review to make this manga justice. So here's my short version:

My favorite shonen manga is neither the classic like Dragonball nor Bleach/Naruto/One Piece (not saying they're bad). It's Houshin Engi. Taikoubou is smart, funny, playful but mature, and strategist-mind protagonist. The story is well laid-out and connected, with unique art style. I mean, that's the only manga I read that protagonist led an army and overwhelmed enemies with tactics, not super power. To this day I'm still looking for another shonen manga that would do that. Every time I think one is getting close, it seems like the authors always decided to "upgrade" his character instead (trainning, "friendship" power, etc.). Taikoubou did get some powerup, but usually he kept his power and use (I mean it. Yes, he "use") his comrade instead. The author even made fun of that, saying he is the laziest hero ever. Still, even those action actually have a point.

I can't recommend this manga enough.

... Last updated on April 1st, 2012, 11:22am

Art wasn't that good. but plotwise... really awesome.
i remembered trying to skip ( i read the first book and jumped to the ninth) and i dont understand any single thing that going on.
but then, i retry to read from the start and yeah... It's awesome.
many characters (initially i dont know who is who, especially for 'bishounen' and 'bishoujo' characters since they all looked the same, but for ugly characters, they are simply great... I love Venus by the way. she is simply adorable.) and as the story progress, i couldnt help but loving Dakki (the female antagonist turned protagonist).
i dont really understand the ending, but it was really sad when it's finished. and the humor were really good; you can just laugh and laugh and laugh at Taikoubou's stupidity and cockroach-like habits.

Last 5 volumes were masterpiece (in its own way). Previous volumes were pain though. It's a half joke, a half serious story that sometimes annoys you when it goes really off, and, of course, it's outdated.

... Last updated on December 22nd, 2010, 3:12am

I absolutly love this manga, I first knew about it when I watched it's anime, I thought it was pretty cool with really good music. After I got a decent internet connection, I started looking for mp3 of the animes I liked and found without noticing it's op&ed. But they weren't named Soul Hunter(first I name I knew about this series), so I decided to take a peek at the manga and I just got hooked to it and became my favorite. It's got comedy and action if not more, so I really recomend it. This is based on the chinise tale of the same name.