Yu Yu Hakusho

Let’s be honest, it was pretty ridiculous. But, surprisingly, I found it incredibly entertaining despite not expecting much from a Japanese comic adaptation. As I mentioned in an episode review, I enjoyed the world of Japanese yokai much more than the overdone realm of Christian demons. It was playful, funny, and very action-packed. On the downside, it was also predictable and filled with typical Asian cinematic clichés. Still, I had a good time watching it. / Lesson learned: Sometimes, death is just the beginning. (06/15/2024)

Recently, I watched a film based on a Japanese comic, and it didn't go so well. Still, I decided to take a similar risk with this series, and so far, it seems like I might not end up disappointed. I'm not expecting a masterpiece from a comic-based show, but I'm hoping for some easy entertainment and this creation from the sons and daughters of Nippon might provide just that. / Lesson learned: If a demonic insect approaches and you don't have spiritual energy, quickly seal all bodily openings. (06/13/2024)

This episode felt more like a traditional comic book adaptation, which might be why it didn't resonate with me as much. That's the problem with my schizophrenic self, though — complaining that a show based on a comic looks too much like a comic. Regardless, I'm enjoying the playful world of Japanese yokai more than the overplayed European demons with Lucifer at the helm. / Lesson learned: An adult man ogling children at a playground with a pulsating ball in hand isn't just a threat to Japanese kids. (06/14/2024)

Overall, the series is almost exactly meeting my expectations. Almost. Unlike the first episode, the following two lacked that certain something. That said, the Japanese creators have nailed the fight choreography, the CGI doesn't bother me, the visuals are quite stunning, and I find the Japanese characters much easier to distinguish compared to their Korean counterparts. If the creators can step up their game in the remaining episodes, I'll gladly bump up my rating. / Lesson learned: Some yokai behave surprisingly human, and some humans are too much like yokai. Just like in real life. (06/14/2024)

This episode was pure, delightful madness. I had a great time watching it. The main difference between Japanese and American comics is that in Japanese ones, characters actually die — and they do so in quite unexpected ways. So, yeah, I enjoyed the battles and even felt some tension. But then came the gardener's transformation, and I nearly died laughing. I have to count that as a positive because anime and Pokémon are just quintessentially Japanese. / Lesson learned: I wonder what that yokai was compensating for with that enormous axe? :-D (06/14/2024)

You know, I actually enjoyed the finale. It did surprise me because the Japanese creators played their usual emotional card, but I resisted with all my spiritual strength and savored the arena battle. By the way, I noticed that Japan seems to have weaker concrete. No wonder Fukushima didn’t hold up. (06/15/2024)