Although it didn't become a global phenomenon, YuYu Hakusho is rightfully considered an anime classic.
In the afterlife, the main character meets a mysterious girl who offers him resurrection in exchange for his service.
For viewers raised on modern shounen, many of the tropes and techniques may seem clichéd.
Yu Yu Hakusho (Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho), a new live-action adaptation of the anime, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on December 14th. The series is based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, who you may know from Hunter × Hunter. Manga was published in Japan from 1990 to 1994. Almost at the same time, an anime adaptation was airing on television. Although it didn't become a global phenomenon, Yu Yu Hakusho is rightfully considered an anime classic. Now fans are wondering whether they should check out the anime before watching the Netflix adaptation. Let's try to find out.
What's Yu Yu Hakusho about?
The story centers on street hooligan Yuusuke Urameshi. Yuusuke is still in school, but he constantly gets into fights. One day he tries to save a child from being hit by a car, but gets under the wheels himself and dies. In the afterlife, the main character meets a mysterious girl who offers him resurrection in exchange for his service. Without thinking twice, Yuusuke agrees and gains supernatural abilities to fight demons and becomes a detective in the spirit world. It's easy to guess that the genre is shounen. However, if Monkey D Luffy wants to become the king of the pirates, and Naruto wants to receive the hokage title, Yuusuke finds himself drawn into the story against his will.
Why should it be watched?
One can logically assume that if the original anime wasn't that good, Netflix would be unlikely to take on an adaptation. Although Netflix's live-action is often (and deservedly) criticized, the company's producers usually take on only those stories that can be exciting for viewers. Indeed, in the original anime the arcs successfully alternate, preventing you from getting bored while watching. There are practically no drawn-out battles or arcs in the anime.
The series also has a charming retro style that is pleasant to watch even today. The character designs are inventive, and the overall world of the series looks impressive. It's no coincidence that Yu Yu Hakusho was hailed as one of the best adventure anime when it was released. However, for viewers who grew up on modern shounen, many of the tropes and techniques may seem clichéd. It's not hard to explain: after all, it was Yu Yu Hakusho (especially the Dark Tournament arc) that gave rise to shounen as a genre.
So, we can hardly say that watching the original Yu Yu Hakusho series before the premiere of the live-action adaptation is necessary, but it's definitely a pleasant experience that can brighten up your daily routine. People who are interested in the history of anime will probably be interested in watching one of the pillars of the shounen genre. In addition, as fans note, the series has excellent English dubbing.
Let's dive into the spirit world!
Summary:
Although it didn't become a global phenomenon, YuYu Hakusho is rightfully considered an anime classic.
In the afterlife, the main character meets a mysterious girl who offers him resurrection in exchange for his service.
For viewers raised on modern shounen, many of the tropes and techniques may seem clichéd.
Yu Yu Hakusho (Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho), a new live-action adaptation of the anime, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on December 14th. The series is based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, who you may know from Hunter × Hunter. Manga was published in Japan from 1990 to 1994. Almost at the same time, an anime adaptation was airing on television. Although it didn't become a global phenomenon, Yu Yu Hakusho is rightfully considered an anime classic. Now fans are wondering whether they should check out the anime before watching the Netflix adaptation. Let's try to find out.
What's Yu Yu Hakusho about?
The story centers on street hooligan Yuusuke Urameshi. Yuusuke is still in school, but he constantly gets into fights. One day he tries to save a child from being hit by a car, but gets under the wheels himself and dies. In the afterlife, the main character meets a mysterious girl who offers him resurrection in exchange for his service. Without thinking twice, Yuusuke agrees and gains supernatural abilities to fight demons and becomes a detective in the spirit world. It's easy to guess that the genre is shounen. However, if Monkey D Luffy wants to become the king of the pirates, and Naruto wants to receive the hokage title, Yuusuke finds himself drawn into the story against his will.
Why should it be watched?
One can logically assume that if the original anime wasn't that good, Netflix would be unlikely to take on an adaptation. Although Netflix's live-action is often (and deservedly) criticized, the company's producers usually take on only those stories that can be exciting for viewers. Indeed, in the original anime the arcs successfully alternate, preventing you from getting bored while watching. There are practically no drawn-out battles or arcs in the anime.
The series also has a charming retro style that is pleasant to watch even today. The character designs are inventive, and the overall world of the series looks impressive. It's no coincidence that Yu Yu Hakusho was hailed as one of the best adventure anime when it was released. However, for viewers who grew up on modern shounen, many of the tropes and techniques may seem clichéd. It's not hard to explain: after all, it was Yu Yu Hakusho (especially the Dark Tournament arc) that gave rise to shounen as a genre.
So, we can hardly say that watching the original Yu Yu Hakusho series before the premiere of the live-action adaptation is necessary, but it's definitely a pleasant experience that can brighten up your daily routine. People who are interested in the history of anime will probably be interested in watching one of the pillars of the shounen genre. In addition, as fans note, the series has excellent English dubbing.
