14-year-old Yusuke Urameshi (Nozomu Sasaki/Justin Cook) is known as a loner with a violent streak. Hated by many of his classmates and the administration at his school, he often cuts class to roam around town. No one is more surprised than he is when he gives his own life to save a young boy playing near the road. Yusuke watches as medics load his lifeless body into an ambulance, astounded that he can see anything.
A kimono-clad woman riding an oar named Botan (Sanae Miyuki/Cynthia Cranz) approaches him and reveals that she is the grim reaper. They travel to the afterlife where the son of King Yama, Koenma (Mayumi Tanaka/Sean Teague), explains their predicament: There’s no place for Yusuke in heaven or hell. Koenma gives Yusuke a chance to regain his life, but he must first pass a test to complete the ritual. That and he must keep his body from being cremated or buried!
Yu Yu Hakusho is a classic Shonen with heavy paranormal elements. Using elements of Buddhist, Christian, and Shino beliefs, this story crafts an interesting afterlife filled with accountant demons and a King Yama on perpetual vacation. Yusuke’s adventure through the spirit world is filled with comedy, action, and a gaggle of fun characters. He is quickly joined by the demon outlaws he is ordered to pursue and his rival from another school who, it turns out, has psychic abilities and is able to perceive the spirit world.
Season one does start a little slow, but this show has a major draw for teens. Yusuke is a relatable character who acts out because of his neglectful mother and the misplaced hatred of his teachers and school administrators. We see that he is a boy who values justice, loyalty, and defending the weak and not just a high school punk with a violent streak. Library patrons who are fans of anime seeking paranormal action should be directed to Yu Yu Hakusho. Highly Recommended.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files belongs on anime shelves beside paranormal or fighting anime.
What patrons would want this title?
Teens seeking action and adventure with a paranormal twist, fans of Shonen, and adults seeking 90s nostalgia will want to see Yu Yu Hakusho in a public library's film collection.