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Ok, this conversation might not get anywhere if no one has read any of her other works but I'll post my thoughts anyways.

I just finished reading Watase's Alice 19th and I must say that there are some definate similarities/reused ideas that Watase used in Fushigi Yugi. Not that I mind because I am a bit of a sucker for her romance and fantasy cliches, but it is something I couldn't help but noticing while reasoning.

For example:
~I think Kyo and Tamahome look essentially the same. I think if I didn't know where the pictures were from I would think some shots of Kyo were Tama
~the main action is sparked by a girl the heroine is a little jealous of being manipulated by the dark side
~one of the superficial reasons the two girls become enemies is because they both want the same guy, but there is a deeper reason underneath
~there is a scene where the main boy is sleeping and reaches out and pulls the main girl into a seductive position (I really noticed this, it seemed almost a repeat of the FY scene)

So has anyone else noticed such similarities in this work or others? (I have never read Ceres but from pictures of the main guy, the drawings look to be the same as Tama and Kyo)

What do you think of this? (some people may say Watase's work is unoriginal/cliche, but I still like both of the series I have read. Even with similiar situations, her characters are engaging and their personalities are mostly different)

How does FY compare to her other works?

I think Kyo looks more like Touya (Ceres) and Trowel-Boy (Imadoki), and Taka from Eikouden, but not the tv series. *nod*

Now that you mention is, notice how the main guy and main girl always have huge problem that keeps them from being together, giving them a unstable, mostly unsuccessful relationship until the very end? How they must stay apart if they ever want to be together. But it would be boring if things were easy *nods again*

But to tell the truth, of Watase-sensei's work, I like each of them for different reasons. Fushigi Yuugi has great characters, and greater conflict. Alice 19th has a more down-to-earth feeling to it. The characters have special powers of course, but the conflict isn't as grand as warring nations. In this one, I also reeeeeally like Kyo's insecurities, it makes him less annoying than Tamahome. Ceres is a very cool way of looking at an over-used fairytail, and I think the idea of this family conflict can be more likened to Fruits Basket than other Watase works. ^_^; Now, Imadoki on the other hand, is totally different. It looks exactly like Alice 19th, but the story is completely different, despite the characters being the same age as her other stories. Tanpopo is a cheerful, naive girl determined to make friends, even if everyone hates her. Trowel-boy has a split personality problem and a love of flowers ^_^ And Aoi, hoo-boy, he's a computer hacker, safe cracker, butt-smacker and he's got just the equipment to trim your hedge ^_~ Did I mention he licks his knives before getting into a fight? And Trowel-boy... he throws trowels at his senpai. True, there is a conflict of two girls liking the same guy, but it isn't dramatic, and overly depressing; it's funny and charming. This one's the most down to earth, and probably easiet to relate to. Imadoki is a refreshing change to Watase's other stories.

Though I have to admit, I never really thought that any of the main character girls look alike. Miaka's hair was too distinctive, and the style changed from FY to the other works. I first saw color picture of Aya, and the cover or Alice. Zip. But now that I think about it, I can't even remember what Tanpopo looks like in Imadoki O.o

Exactly!

But I still think anyone who wants something different should read Imadoki. It has the beginnings of a romance, but more of the focus is forming new friendships and developing interesting characters. Fushigi Yuugi kinda did that, but they sort of hit you with one character after the other boom boom boom. It was... predictable. I think Ceres moved a little too fast with character introduction, and not too many characters have changed a whole lot despite the situations they get in (and it was also quite predictable). Alice was predictable, but the developement of each character was really quite good. Imadoki (though I've only read 2 volumes) seems to bring in characters that are original, and sometimes a little hard to follow (which I think is awesome >.>), and the story is moving at a resonable pace; it's subtle and charming.

Back to that other topic. Liking each series for a different reason goes the same for characters. Even though the main male lead in each series may look exactly alike, they're all quite different. Their strengths and weaknesses make them unique, and each one has his own personality and dream. Each of the main female leads are probably more diverse in personality. Miaka is clumsy but confident, Aya is strong willed buy a little insecure, Alice is really insecure with a lot of hidden strength, and Tanpopo is naive and free spirited. Very cool.

I haven't read too much of Watase's other works, but I did notice that Yuki from Ceres bore a strange resemblance to Amiboshi and Suboshi...

I have not read/seen/infused into my being (XD) anything other than Fushigi Yuugi (Of Watase's works). So in reality..I don't have anything to compare...Im just making my prescence known everywhere int he guild!

For me...if ovberall the plot and characters were TOO similar..I Probably wouldnt like it as much. I don't know though. Still the only one of Watase's works I have is FY.

Look at the memberlist under number of posts...and then get back to me when you have matched or beaten my own. *smirk*

Maybe....You're only perpetuating the continuation of my supremacy...