Movies / Animé and Toons

Yu Yu Hakusho Season 3

By Chris Zimmerman
December 6, 2011 - 08:24

Amongst fans of shonen stories and supernatural escapades, one show reigns in both categories: Yu Yu Hakusho. The series about the teenaged ruffian turned underworld defender is as dynamic now as when it first aired, packing drama, comedy, and action, the series has something for everyone. It’s quirky characters and mythology helped to distinguish it from other more well known action series, making for a highly engaging series from beginning to end. Season three closes out the longest arc in the series run ith the Dark Tournament and begins a new chapter in Yusuke’s life.

The first handful of episodes deal mainly with wrapping up the conflict between Team Yusuke and Team Toguro. The action is first priority here, and it shows in the animation. The battle sequences are explosive and dynamic and are different from the beat-em-up repetition that can crowd other shonen shows. There is more in the way of emotion and tension in these fights than any other that those that have come before.

After a well written epilogue and some genuinely touching moments, the series moves into the Chapter Black Saga, in which Yusuke is faced with a much more personal challenge, in that he must not only fight humans, but he must also confront the legacy of the Spirit Detective. From a story perspective, it creates an interesting dynamic, pitting Yusuke and his friends against those he once sore to protect. The enemy this time around is a former Spirit Detective named Sensui. Unlike Toguro, Sensui’s motivations are not so clear cut. After fighting for what he believed was justice, he discovered that humans had the potential to be worse than demons, and subsequently stepped away from his position. Having taken possession of Sakyo’s technology to bridge the demon world with ours, Sensui returns to pass judgment on all of humanity.

The Chapter Black Saga also shares its focus with several of the side characters, developing them further. Kuwabara discovers that he has lost his powers and attempts to gain them back as the season progresses. Though Hiei is missing for a majority of the set, his arc is no less important, as he must finally decide what is most important to him: friendship or power.

The Blu-ray upgrade is a thing of beauty, boasting bright visuals and a remarkably sharp image given the series’ age. Sadly the same cannot be said about the extras which is limited to clean opening and closing animations. Would it kill Funimation to give us a retrospective or commentary?

Yu Yu Hakusho Season 3 is perhaps the strongest entry in the series’ run. There is nary a weak episode to be found, and the renewed focus on character development adds depth beyond the paranormal beat downs that cluttered the Dark Tournament. Funimation has put together an exceptional package that belongs in every fan’s library.

A+        

Last Updated: November 29, 2025 - 16:51