The adv translation stinks-Tokyopop's version is better(-they also got the sex of the characters correct!). Kantarou is a college graduate, the winged Haruka & Sugino are tengu, Youko is a foxspirit, Muu is ???. The manga is much more complex than the anime & characters are better developed & much more interesting. Kantarou is a devious tough little guy- you're never sure what he'll do next (other than try to avoid real work). Haruka is very complex- emotionally damaged, prone to temper tatrums (he's hard on things like cars, buildings, etc) but rather shy & uncertain of himself. It's interesting to watch himslowly rediscover himself & try to figure out how to fit in his new world (hey, the guy was sealed 1,000 years, most everything is new & confusing). The villains are properly villainous (& one seems only marginally acquainted with sanity), secrets & general sneakyness abound, lots of hidden depths. To me the best part is the constant evolution of the various relationships between characters -everybody has hidden depths & complexities -sometimes they really surprise you. Plenty of action, lots of plot twists, supernatural doings, bishies, some interesting japanese culture, mythology, and history enjoyably served on the side. A fun read- keeps you wanting more!