Summary
An underrated live-action anime adaptation, Netflix’sYu Yu Hakushonailed the most important aspect of Shōnen anime. Based on Yoshihiro Togashi’s beloved manga-turned-anime series,Yu Yu Hakushocenters on Yusuke Urameshi (Takumi Kitamura), a teenager who’s killed while trying to save a child’s life. In the wake of the tragedy, Koenma, the son of the afterlife’s ruler, puts Yusuke through a number of tests before dubbing him an Underworld Detective. Tasked with investigating cases in the mortal world that involve demons and other entities,Yusuke uses his martial arts prowess and aura powers to defeat foes.
The Netflix series condenses the unruly Yusuke’s story — and the stories of the rest ofYu Yu Hakusho’s cast of characters— into just five episodes. Given that the manga and anime both ran for severalyearsduring the early ’90s,the live-action adaptation is very streamlined. Although mostly well-received by critics, Netflix’sYu Yu Hakushogarnered a mixed response from long-time fans. Based on one of the most beloved and bestselling series of all time, the show simply couldn’t please everyone — butYu Yu Hakushogets one crucial thing right.
Netflix’s Yu Yu Hakusho Got The Fights Right (& That’s Very Important)
Action Dominates All Else In Traditional Shōnen Anime & Manga
Considered one ofNetflix’s best live-action Japanese shows,Yu Yu Hakushoisn’t without its flaws. Still, what it does get right about the epic source material — and Shōnen anime at large — is the reliance on top-notch, inventive action sequences. A term most often associated with manga, Shōnen’s target demographic has historically been adolescent boys. Thecreators of Shōnen manga traditionally prize action and adventure over other plot elements, leading to combat-heavy series likeDragon Ball,Naruto, and, of course,Yu Yu Hakusho. Now, Shōnen includes more diverse sub-genres, but action still dominates it.
Yu Yu Hakusho’s best fights capture the anime’s essence by balancing martial arts and CGI elements.
Much like Netflix’s successful live-actionOne Pieceadaptation, the streamer had to nailYu Yu Hakusho’s action sequences in order for the series to work at all. There’s no denying thatmanga and anime, especiallyYu Yu Hakusho, have their own visual languageswhen it comes to combat. It’s impossible to replicate those stylistic flairs in a live-action format, butYu Yu Hakusho’s best fightscapture the anime’s essence by balancing martial arts and CGI elements. However, although the fights are a highlight,Yu Yu Hakusho’sNetflix adaptation provedOne Piecewas an exception— not a rule.
Netflix Could Have Solved Its Biggest Yu Yu Hakusho Problem With A Live-Action Movie Trilogy
Netflix’s live-action Yu Yu Hakusho adaptation skipped a lot of important arcs from the anime, suggesting a five-episode series was not the way to go.
Yu Yu Hakusho Live-Action Still Left A Lot To Be Desired
The Original Story Is Compressed Into A Handful Of Episodes In Netflix’s Yu Yu Hakusho Adaptation
DespiteNetflix’s live-action anime adaptation being a surprise hit,Yu Yu Hakushois still a flawed series. OnRotten Tomatoes, both critics and audiences have given the show an impressive 82%, praising its inventive supernatural visuals, engaging fight scenes, and solid cast. With plenty of energy and enthusiasm, the five-episode series can be a fun watch, butthere’s no denying that the super-compressed timeline doesn’t doYu Yu Hakusho’snarrative or characters any favors. Still, in traditional Shōnen anime and manga style, the action is the most compelling part ofYu Yu Hakusho’s equation.
Yu Yu Hakusho(2023)is streaming on Netflix.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is a live-action adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi manga series of the same name. The series focuses on a teenager who dies while trying to save a young boy only to be resurrected and become a supernatural investigator. The series stars Takumi Kitamura, Shuhei Uesugi, Jun Shison, and Kanata Hongō.
