Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the most influential shounen in anime history.
Netflix has announced a live action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho.
The show’s visuals are a bit jarring.
The jury’s still out for the writing quality.
Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho) is one of the most influential shounen series in anime history. Written by Yoshihiro Togashi (author of Hunter X Hunter), it tells a story of Yuusuke Urameshi — a delinquent who, in a split second decision, saves a kid from under a car — and dies in the process. As a result of this heroic action, he is given a second chance at life, in return for becoming a Spirit Detective, and solving a series of increasingly challenging paranormal incidents.
The original anime series ran from 1992 to 1995, and looking at last decade’s fantastic Hunter X Hunter (2011) adaptation, we might’ve been due for a reboot. What we did not expect, was for said reboot to be a Netflix Live Action:
Netflix Live Action is not a death sentence
The history of live action adaptations is not exactly bright. Indeed, adapting an animated medium into live action is a difficult task — anything from outlandish designs to expressions and mannerisms and including special effects can make or break the series. And given how some directors don’t know what should be adapted or reimagined either, it can make for an insurmountable task.
Netflix Live Action adaptations are not strangers to this either. Over the years, we’ve had plenty of absolutely horrible live actions in Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist and Cowboy Bebop. Though on the other hand, we’ve also seen a few better ones — like this year’s live action reimagining of One Piece. We’re also holding some hope for the recently announced live action Avatar: the Last Airbender, though whether it counts as anime is up to debate, of course.
Will Yu Yu Hakusho be a good adaptation?
Now, the main question is — whenever this particular adaptation will be good. And, as always, the answer is simple — it depends.
On the one hand, they’ve already dropped the ball with some of the designs: Koenma (the man with the pacifier) would’ve looked so much better as a tiny gremlin (be it through CGI, or props like baby Yoda), while younger Toguro (the guy in the funky shades) lacks the roided out presence he’s had in the original anime and manga. Hiei’s third eye also looks kinda cheap, and the demon designs in general are not that impressive.
On the other hand, all we’ve seen is designs and special effects. And while yes, they are not very inspiring, we can’t judge the series merely by its designs and special effects — what matters most is the quality of the screenplay, and the acting. As long as the rest of the production is on top, we can forgive the cheap-ish visuals.
The series will stream this December 14th — so we only have to wait for a month to find out.
Please, please, PLEASE let it be good!
Summary:
Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the most influential shounen in anime history.
Netflix has announced a live action adaptation of Yu Yu Hakusho.
The show’s visuals are a bit jarring.
The jury’s still out for the writing quality.
Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho) is one of the most influential shounen series in anime history. Written by Yoshihiro Togashi (author of Hunter X Hunter), it tells a story of Yuusuke Urameshi — a delinquent who, in a split second decision, saves a kid from under a car — and dies in the process. As a result of this heroic action, he is given a second chance at life, in return for becoming a Spirit Detective, and solving a series of increasingly challenging paranormal incidents.
The original anime series ran from 1992 to 1995, and looking at last decade’s fantastic Hunter X Hunter (2011) adaptation, we might’ve been due for a reboot. What we did not expect, was for said reboot to be a Netflix Live Action:
Netflix Live Action is not a death sentence
The history of live action adaptations is not exactly bright. Indeed, adapting an animated medium into live action is a difficult task — anything from outlandish designs to expressions and mannerisms and including special effects can make or break the series. And given how some directors don’t know what should be adapted or reimagined either, it can make for an insurmountable task.
Netflix Live Action adaptations are not strangers to this either. Over the years, we’ve had plenty of absolutely horrible live actions in Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist and Cowboy Bebop. Though on the other hand, we’ve also seen a few better ones — like this year’s live action reimagining of One Piece. We’re also holding some hope for the recently announced live action Avatar: the Last Airbender, though whether it counts as anime is up to debate, of course.
Will Yu Yu Hakusho be a good adaptation?
Now, the main question is — whenever this particular adaptation will be good. And, as always, the answer is simple — it depends.
On the one hand, they’ve already dropped the ball with some of the designs: Koenma (the man with the pacifier) would’ve looked so much better as a tiny gremlin (be it through CGI, or props like baby Yoda), while younger Toguro (the guy in the funky shades) lacks the roided out presence he’s had in the original anime and manga. Hiei’s third eye also looks kinda cheap, and the demon designs in general are not that impressive.
On the other hand, all we’ve seen is designs and special effects. And while yes, they are not very inspiring, we can’t judge the series merely by its designs and special effects — what matters most is the quality of the screenplay, and the acting. As long as the rest of the production is on top, we can forgive the cheap-ish visuals.
The series will stream this December 14th — so we only have to wait for a month to find out.
