Animé and Toons
Yu Yu Hakusho the Complete Second Season
By Chris Zimmerman
September 9, 2011 - 12:19

ISBN: 1-421--2345-8
$44.98 US
Starring: Chuck Huber, Christopher R. Sabat, John Burgmeier, Justin Cook, Dameon Clarke
Directed by: Justin Cook
Produced by: Studio Pierrot
Running Time: 620 minutes
Release Date: August 9, 2011
Distributors: Funimation Entertainment



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Fighting anime have been represented well over the years. Classics such as Dragon Ball and sentimental favorites like Ultimate Muscle have seen much success globally, but if there’s one series that has defined the genre, it’s Yu Yu Hakusho. Splicing likeable characters with Japanese Folklore and sprinkling comedy into the mix might seem like the basic ingredients for any popular shonen series, but the methods in which Yu Yu Hakusho employs them set the standard by which all other series should follow.

Crafted by Yoshihiro Togashi, the series was always meant to be outside of the norm; killing off the main character within the opening moments of the series is a bold move. But transitioning from a humor based series to a fighting anime risks alienating the audience. Fortunately the move paid off and the series garnered enough popularity to warrant an anime. It went on to become one of the most acclaimed anime in recent history and has been consistently ranked amongst the best series of all time.

Yu Yu Hakusho follows the story of Yusuke Urameshi. After dying to save a young child from a speeding car, he is given a second lease on life and charged with being the underworld’s spirit detective. Over the course of the first season he was joined in this endeavor by former rivals Kuwabara, Hiei, and Kurama. The four work together on multiple assignments, with their experiences eventually earning them an invitation to the Dark Tournament.

Whereas the first season was comprised of smaller story arcs, the Dark Tournament dominates the entirety of the second season and shifts toward the common shonen cliché of a tournament driven plot. The basic premise is Yusuke’s team fighting through throngs of powerful demon teams toward an eventual confrontation with the return of season one foe Toguro. If they fail, the human world risks a greater infestation of demons, many of which are beyond the level allowed between realms.

The change in series structure allows for more action, tightening the story and eliminating the dull points that brought down the first season. The introduction of several new faces coupled with the creative use of the character’s powers give each episode a fresh feeling, putting this season head and shoulders over the first.

As one would expect, the fights aren’t straight up brawls, but filled with twists and turns that always put Team Yusuke’s victory in peril. There are quite a few surprises and twists that will keep audiences on the edge of their seat. Ultimately the arc is much more involving than the majority of what came before, though the cliffhanger ending of the set will damper the level of enjoyment.

Funimation’s Blu-ray transfer is once again top-notch. The colors are vibrant and the animation pops of the screen. The company’s foray into high definition has come a long way since the washed colors of the Dragon Ball Z season sets. Unfortunately, these releases lack any sort of extras to compliment them. All that’s here are textless songs and trailers.

Yu Yu Hakusho is one of the better fighting anime and one of the best animated series to ever grace the medium. The action sequences represent a level of quality that stands above all else. The slower parts of the first season are eliminated in the second season, focusing on darker aspects and the expansion of the supporting cast. While the open-ended ending hurts the overall set, the series is essential viewing, making it worthy of your shelf space.

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