Slayers is an incredible sword and sorcery fantasy series chronicling the adventures of a young, super powerful female sorceress named Lina Inverse. It was originally published in novel format by Hajime Kanzaka with illustrations done by Rui Araizumi. Later, an anime TV series Slayers was made based on these novels. The second TV series Slayers Next aired the following year. As of April 4, 1997, the third TV series Slayers Try has begun!

Slayers is basically divided into two storylines: Slayers and Slayers Special. In the Slayers series Lina's main companion is Gourry while in the Slayers Special series Lina travels with Naga. The Special (SP.) series describe the events which take place before those in the Slayers series, so there's no Gourry, Zel, Ameria, etc. For some reason, Naga disappears by the beginning of Slayers; I'm not sure why, but maybe we'll find out when Slayers SP. ends.

SP. is serialized in the monthly Dragon Magazine; these are short stories by Hajime Kanzaka and Rui Araizumi which are later collected into the Slayers Special novels. However, the Slayers series consist of all full-length novels. There are currently 12 Slayers novels and 10 Slayers Special novels, as well as 4 MAGIUS Slayers RPG books. There is also one manga collection by Rui Araizumi and an ongoing Slayers manga series Chou-baku Madouden Slayers, currently 4 volumes long done by Shoko Yoshinaka.

In just three years, Slayers has become one of Japans most successful anime series ever. Slapstick comedy, fun characters and a well-written, cohesive story make this light comedy adventure a fantasy tale everyone can enjoy.

Slayers

Volume 1

It is a world of fantasy, where magic rules and monsters lurk around every corner. A world of dragons, knights, and wizards. Good versus Evil; light versus dark; A world populated with heroes and villains.

There's cute little Lina, a fireball throwing sorceress who steals from the rich and gives to herself. Gourry, a handsome mercenary swordsman who is as loyal as a man's best friend, but not quite as smart. The mysterious Zelgadis, who is after Lina in an attempt to recover a magical item that can bring about the end of the world. And the great humanitarian sage Rezo, who appears to help Lina fight Zelgadis' plans for world destruction.

The fate of the world rests in Lina's hands, and she'll face every thing from easily spooked dragons to maniacal berserkers in her quest for treasure. Grab your sword and shield and join Lina as she saves the world while increasing her loot in one wild adventure!

Volume 2

Just when you think you've got things figured out everything completely changes. Take Zelgadis, for example. When last we saw him, he was defeating a weakened Lina and capturing her for some nefarious purpose. But now he's helping her to escape and trying to keep her alive at every turn, fighting his own henchmen, Zolf, Dilgear, and Rodimus. And then there's Rezo, the Red Priest. Why is this legendary humanitarian now trying to kill Lina and her newfound bodyguard?

Things definitely aren't what they seem, as Lina is drawn deeper and deeper into the battle for world domination. And to make matters worse, she still can't use her magic powers to defend herself! Now she's running for her life, fighting monsters at every turn, and (worst of all in her opinion) she can't even find time to have a decent meal! What's the real story behind the mysterious statue she possesses? Why does everyone want it? Can she trust Zelgadis, or is this just another one of his cunning plans? But most importantly, can she survive being kissed by a fish?

Volume 3

When last we left our reluctant heroes, Lina and Gourry found that they are in possession of the most powerful magic amplifier in the world -- the Orihalcon. Now, the guys who have been trying to kill them are on their side and join the fight against the rebirth of Shabranigdo, Dark Lord of the Monster Race.

While trying to figure out what to do, Lina and her new companions are summoned to Rezo's tower by an offer they can't refuse. There, they discover why Rezo has been literally tearing up half the countryside looking for them. Now only do they have the sole object that is needed to resurrect Shabranigdo, but now, they also have front-row seats to the event that may bring about their own death!

He's big. He's mean. He has the powers of a god. And it'll take more than a fireball or even Lina's powerful Dragon Slave spell to save the world from him. Our heroes might be valiant, but are they good enough to defeat Shabranigdo?

Volume 4

Now that Shabranigdo has been defeated and Zelgadis has left for parts unknown, Lina is back to her old treasure-seeking self. When Prince Philionel of Seiruun travels the land, Lina sees an opportunity to be the perfect candidate for joining the royal family, which means...more treasure! But Prince Phil isn't quite the sort of handsome, refined gentleman Lina imagined and Amelia, his daughter, an ever-so-cute sorceress in training doesn't help matters much.

It's bad enough for Lina that her Prince Charming turns out to have all the charisma of a troll, but when Amelia decides that the great sorceress Lina Inverse would be a perfect crime-fighting role model, well...Let's just see if Lina and Gourry can come out of this nightmare with at least a few gold coins in hand.

Volume 5

Sometimes it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. You'd think that Lina Inverse, sorceress genius and recent savior of the entire world, would be able to get a little credit for killing the Dark Lord, Shabranigdo. But things never seem to work out well for our young heroine.

Waiting in Phil's kingdom, along with every half-baked bounty hunter in the area, is a bounty on Lina and Gourry's heads! Now they are on the run, pursued by the deadly swordsman Zangulus and the ultra-creepy sorcerer Vrumugun. Worst of all, an uninvited guest has decided to come along for the trip!

Between fighting conniving sorceresses, appearing in a play, and possible wedding bells, the three make their way to the city of Sairaag to find who's responsible for all this. Can they survive? Can Gourry avoid getting married to a man?! Most importantly, can Lima and Gourry ever find enough to eat?!

Volume 6

After a long and dangerous trip, Lina and her friends finally make it to the holy city of Sairaag. With a little luck, maybe they'll find out who's been causing them all this trouble. With a lot of luck, they may even be able to live to tell about it. Sairaag contains new friends and at least one old and very dangerous enemy -- somehow, someway, Rezo the Red Priest has returned from the dead.

Of course, Lina isn't one to lose her head in a crisis, as she and company aren't alone this time; one new friend and an old, familiar one are ready to stand with them against Rezo's new scheme.

But how could it still be alive? More mysteries are revealed in this latest in this latest adventure. Oh, and Lina has to fight another fish man, although this one isn't quite as lovable (or as tasty) as Noonsa was!

Volume 7

Upon entrance into Rezo's ancient laboratory, Lina and company are ready for almost anything. While Lina and Sylphiel battle monsters and Zelgadis and Amelia get to know each other even better, Gourry is stuck by himself in one last battle with Zangulus!

Even after those problems have been squared away, our heroes still have to find their way through the complex. What they need is a guide: the biggest, surliest chicken any of them have ever seen! Of course, when you put your trust in a five foot tall chicken, you can be sure trouble's not far behind.

And then, when they finally reach the object of their search, who should appear but Eris and Rezo, ready to turn Lina's hard work to their advantage! But there's more going on here than even Eris knows about, and a threat to the world greater than even Shabranigdo's rebirth. The Slayers adventure continues with more laughs and surprises in this action-packed volume!

Volume 8

Things couldn't possibly get any worse. Now that Copy Rezo has turned against Eris and gained the power of the Demon Beast Zanaffar, he wants only one last thing: to prove that he is better than the original Rezo. There are two problems with obliging him: one is that Giga Slave could kill everything in the world if it's used again. The other is that Rezo will definitely kill Lina and her friends if she doesn't use it.

This is the final battle for everything, and Lina may not make it out alive. But the answer to this crisis may lie in Sairaag's gigantic holy tree and an ancient, holy sword. Can Lina and her friends cheat death and save the world one more time? More importantly, can they keep up such a level of seriousness without cracking at least a few corny jokes?! The answers to these and to other questions can be found in this final volume of the Slayers adventure!

Slayers Next

Volume 1: The Sudden Pinch

Meet Lina Inverse - the super-cute sorceress who steals from the rich and keeps it! Along with her sword-swinging (but dumber than dirt) sidekick, Gourry, her hyper-enthusiastic protege, Amelia, and the overly serious golem, Zelgadis, there's nothing Lina can't do! Lina and company have decided to reverse the spell that turned Zelgadis into a golem. Unfortunately, the counterspell is contained in a powerful spell book that Lina, Amelia and Zelgadis have to "acquire" from the less than charitable owners. But first, the gang's got to beat a really nasty monster, defeat a gang of flexing, bodybuilding bandits and most importantly -- decide on a place to eat!

Volume 2: I'll Get You

Lina, Gourry, Amelia and Zelgadis are flat broke -- they still haven't been paid for their short-lived jobs as bodyguards. On top of that, they seem to have made a new enemy. So what else is new? They've fought bandits, monsters and dragons -- but they've never actually fought something that couldn't be killed! Lina and the gang have to find a way to defeat the immortal sorcerer, Halcyform, before he drains away all their life energy as part of his nefarious plan! The only way to beat him -- without nuking half the city -- is to find the seal which binds the immortality spell to Halcyform. But first, Lina will have to face her greatest fear -- icky, slimy, disgusting...slugs!

Volume 3: The Shocking Confession

Lina and the gang get shafted in a restaurant which claims to serve a rare and delicious delicacy. Dragon! But what they're served isn't fit for prison food. After discussing the "mistake" with the chef, the gang sets out in search of their next meal: one fresh lake dragon.

Unfortunately, nobody has the slightest clue how to capture a lake dragon -- let alone how to cook one -- and nobody bothered bringing fishing gear. Besides, what type of bait do you use to catch a dragon? Zelgadis looks about right! Now if they can keep Lina from barbecuing their dinner with a Dragon Slave spell…

Later, the gang finally returns to Seiruun - only to discover that Amelia's father may have been murdered!

Volume 4: The Unexpected End?

Lina's in deep, deep trouble, The Monsters Kanzel and Mazenda have placed a magical ward on Lina - preventing her from using her powers and rendering her virtually helpless! Lina's only hope is to find legendary doctor who specializes in sorcery. Unfortunately, the doctor's granddaughter has taken over the practice -- and she's not exactly a medical school graduate!

On the positive side, Lina's found a copy of the legendary Claire Bible, and it contains a spell that makes her awesome Giga Slave spell look like a firecracker: The Ragna Blade. Unfortunately, a child scribbled all over the last page of the spell, so Lina isn't exactly sure how to control it…

Volume 5: The Forbidden Dance?

Still on the run from the Monster race, Lina's more desperate than ever to find the ultimate magical defense. After hearing rumors of an incredible spell book hidden away in some ancient ruins, Lina decides it's worth a shot to check it out. Then, Lina and friends meet up with Mimi and Nene, twin sisters who are after the exact same thing! After utterly failing to solve their differences through delicate negotiation, Lina and Amelia must face the sisters' greatest challenge… but do Mimi and Nene actually expect her to put on that idiotic costume and sing?

Volume 6: Secret of the Giga Slave

The kingdom of Femille is famous as the homeland of great shrine maidens. Can the secret be a hidden copy of the Claire Bible? Lina just has to find out! The only problem: Femille is an all-female kingdom, and any men found within its borders will be executed! Just how long can Gourry, Zelgadis and Xellos maintain their disguises as women without being discovered?

Volume 7: Death of the Devil Dragon

Xellos's true identity has finally been revealed, but his motives for seeking the Claire Bible remain a closely guarded secret. Lina must decide if she can trust the trickster priest as he draws her closer and closer to a cataclysmic showdown between the Demon Dragon King, Gaav, and the spiritual remnants of the Water Dragon King!

Volume 8: Phantom City

Gourry has been kidnapped by the Hellmaster himself! Lina must travel to the ruined city of Sairaag to rescue him...but to her shock, Sairaag has been mysteriously regenerated. With the aid of erstwhile companions Sylphiel and Zangulus, Lina desperately struggles to find Gourry in the phantom city!

Slayers Try

Volume 1: Majestic Journey

In search of fame, fortune, and foreign food, Lina Inverse sets sail for the new world! Just who told her idiot companion he could steer? After the ship capsizes magnificently, Lina and friends scarcely have time to enjoy a decent meal before they're faced with a horde of demons and beast men. Feels like home already...

Volume 2: The Dragon Shrine

Is Lina Inverse really the savior of prophecy? To fulfill her grand destiny (and grab a bite to eat along the way), the disgruntled sorceress finds herself on pilgrimage to the Dragon Shrine. Luckily, she's stumbled upon some wacky new automotive invention to get her there ... if only she knew how to work the brakes!

Volume 3: Love Eternal?

To defeat the coming darkness, Lina must gather talismans from two stubbornly squabbling kingdoms. Will a pair of star-crossed lovers help or hinder her search? And does Lina have the patience (or the stomach) to play matchmaker?

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