I've recently finished reading Kekkaishi and it's the first shounen manga I've read by a female mangaka, the mangaka being Tanabe Yellow. The most outstanding thing about Kekkaishi is the story. Like other shounen's such as Bleach and Naruto it starts with the basis of completeing missions, finding out small truths and the spoof chapters for humour. Though throughout the process small hints of a bigger plot start to come out, keeping the reader intrested. Tanabe Yellow unlike alot of other mangaka's doesn't go off track, although she keeps up the twists and turns, constantly making the reader question whos the real evil guy or what's going to happen next. She sticks to the main plot, always answering questions before raising too many. Kekkaishi ends at 345 chapters, and I put this to the fact that she stuck to her original story completely, she thought Kekkaishi out impeccably well. This is what makes Kekkashi so enjoyable, its not long winded and confusing, and it has a plot it sticks to.

The Character's are likeable, especially Toshimori the main character, he isnt an unreasonable powerhouse. Infact he's actually pretty hopeless throughout most of the manga. He's a believeable character who the reader can relate to. His brash behaviour, obsession with protecting Tokine and love of baking cakes are just a few of his loveable characteristics.
Tokine the female lead of the manga is older then Toshimori, and completely his opposite, where he is brash, she is thoughtful. Where he is clingy, she is distant. But their relationship between eachother is one of the main things that makes kekkaishi so pleasurable to read.

The only thing lacking in Kekkaishi in my opnion is art, it's good don't get me wrong. But not as detailed and in depth as I would have liked. Up against other mainstream shounen manga's the art is just as good. Yet for such a different and out on its own manga like this, with better art it could become even more special.

Overall, if you're looking for something different, that will keep you hooked and won't leave you thinking 'what the hell' because it went off the track. Then kekkaishi is what you are looking for!!