Inyuasha Father

Hey Lemon8 fam! So, you know how some characters just stick with you? For me, it's Inuyasha's father. I've always been fascinated by his presence, even though we don't see a ton of him in the series. That's why I decided to challenge myself with a new art project – a pencil sketch of the Great Dog Demon himself! For anyone who's ever wondered, "Who is Inuyasha's father?" or "What's the deal with Inuyasha's dad?", you're not alone! His name is Toga, though he's more famously known as the Inu no Taishō, or the Great Dog Demon. He's a legendary, powerful yokai who ruled the western lands and was revered across the demon world. He's not just Inuyasha’s father, but also the father of the mighty Sesshomaru, making him one of the most pivotal, yet often unseen, figures in the entire Inuyasha saga. What makes him so intriguing is his complex legacy. He was incredibly powerful, renowned for his strength, wisdom, and compassion – a rare combination for a demon lord. He wielded three immensely powerful swords: Tessaiga, Tenseiga, and Sō'unga. Tessaiga, which he passed down to Inuyasha, was forged to protect his human lover, Izayoi, and their half-demon son. Tenseiga, given to Sesshomaru, was a sword of healing, reflecting a different aspect of his character. Sō'unga, the sword of hell, had to be sealed away due to its immense destructive power. My sketch, which is still in its early stages on lined paper, really focuses on capturing those distinctive features that make the Great Dog Demon instantly recognizable: his majestic white hair, those sharp, pointed ears, and the hint of a powerful, regal face. It's a tricky balance to convey both his immense power and the underlying compassion he had, especially for his sons and Izayoi. Drawing him, I often think about how his choices shaped both Inuyasha's struggle to find his place in the world and Sesshomaru's journey to understand true strength and compassion beyond pure power. His role as a father, though mostly shown through flashbacks and the impact he had on his sons, is profound. He prepared each of them for their own unique paths, leaving them legacies that they had to grow into. For Inuyasha, it was learning to protect others and embracing both his human and demon sides. For Sesshomaru, it was learning empathy and the value of life. It’s an amazing testament to a character who is gone, but whose influence is felt in every major plot point. What are your thoughts on Inuyasha's father? Did you find his backstory compelling? And for any fellow artists out there, what anime characters do you love sketching? Let me know in the comments!