Set after “Chapter Black Saga,” Yusuke Urameshi learns about his lineage linked in the Demon World. He looks for clues about his ancestor, Raizen. Yusuke returns to the aforementioned world so he can confront the demon for taking over his body. Meanwhile, Yusuke’s allies, Hiei & Kurama (minus Kuwabara) go to Demon World to confront two powerful demons like Raizen. Moments Later, Yusuke proposes a tournament. Whoever wins, takes full control of Demon World.
YuYu Hakusho’s final storyline, “The Three Kings Saga” officially aired in 2005 (same year V for Vendetta came out) on Cartoon Network’s block, Toonami. It received good reviews from critics and viewers alike. Funimation released an unedited version in 2006 on DVD. Later remastered in 2011 on Blu-Ray.
My Hero Academia’s final season will stream on Crunchyroll. Before I prep up for the highly anticipated series finale, I wanna share my thoughts on YuYu Hakusho’s final storyline.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Voice Actors reprise their roles and they all did a superb job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation brings a few elements to life such as character model, fluid movement and environmental locations.
Action Sequences are really good.
Humor has some good jokes. Especially, Yusuke trash talking his foes.
We learn more about Hiei & Kurama backstories. As well as details surrounding Raizen, Mukuro & Yomi. The latter three are the titular Three Kings.
When Hiei is in a healing chamber, it pays homage to Wolverine getting experimented in the Weapon X project. You know the one where he got the adamantium injected into his bones.
As I’ve mentioned on previous YuYu Hakusho reviews, I consider Yusuke Urameshi as my favorite Shonen Jump protagonist as well as one of my favorite anime characters.
“Daydream Generation” is the final song. It was first used in Episode 103’s end credits.
Yusuke’s motivation to take over Demon World isn’t his lust for fights. He’s doing it for the people he cares about. Most notably, his girlfriend, Keiko. To quote a line from Disney’s “Hercules.” “People do crazy things when they’re in love.”
- Fun Fact 1: Koenma attends the tournament dressed in a tuxedo. Reminds me of Tuxedo Mask from “Sailor Moon.” It’s funny because series creator, Yoshihiro Togaashi married Sailor Moon creator, Naoko Takeuchi.
- Fun Fact: There’s a YuYu Hakusho OVA, “All or Nothing.” It’s based on the seventh volume’s bonus chapter. Don’t forget to check it out.
Yusuke’s last line pays tribute to Spike Spiegel’s last line from “Cowboy Bebop.” Which is my all-time favorite anime.
Despite setbacks, the final episode ended on a satisfying conclusion to Yusuke’s journey. As they say, “All things must come to an end.”
Weak: Raizen’s defeat felt anticlimactic. After all that buildup, it was all for nothing. Talk about a gutterball.
The final storyline involves a tournament. A short and condensed version of “Dark Tournament Saga.” Its repeating Dragon Ball’s first “Tournament Saga.” The latter did the same storyline set in a tournament like the “Tien Shinhan Saga” & “Piccolo Jr. Saga.” One storyline set in a tournament is enough.
Kuwabara didn’t factor in as much. He’s studying hard. Doesn’t feel quite right without Team Urameshi. It’s like Led Zeppelin without John Bonham or The Texas Playboys without their leader, Bob Wills. For those who don’t know the latter and Mr. Wills, they’re a Western swing band from Texas.
Spirit Detective Saga: A-
Dark Tournament Saga: A, FOR APEX!
Chapter Black Saga: B-
The Three Kings Saga: B-
Series Overall: B, FOR BREATHTAKING!
Even though YuYu Hakusho’s final storyline felt mediocre, some parts were good. I’m not saying The Three Kings Saga’s bad. Just, plain average. Upon looking back at previous storylines, memorable moments, Yusuke’s character development, chemistry with his allies and the Dark Tournament Saga, I still like YuYu Hakusho. It’s a timeless anime classic. If you haven’t seen the entire series, it’s a must-watch. Stream all 112 episodes on Crunchyroll.
I haven’t got a chance to watch “HunterxHunter.” I heard it’s based on a manga the same guy who made YuYu Hakusho. Which anime should I review next? Please leave a comment. I’m skeptical to watch Netflix’s live action adaptation of YuYu Hakusho. It’s one of my favorite anime shows. I fear it’ll be like “Dragon Ball Evolution” butchering DBZ.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 