Reviews

Yu Yu Hakusho, Volume 1: Goodbye, Material World! by Yoshihiro Togashi

infinitelibrary's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

rereader33's review

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3.0

This series is a reread for me, but oddly enough it'll be the first time reading the whole series at once as I grew up with the anime. While it's tempting to compare the manga to the anime, this volume alone proves that such a task would reduce me to tears with all the changes made, so I'm going to hold off any judgment until I finish the series. Now, with that out of the way, they're two questions that I want to answer while rereading this series: how does it stand up to newer Shounen Jump titles, and has it withstood the test of time?

Obviously, the former can be discussed as the series goes on, but the later will have to wait until I finish the series. What I can say from reading this first volume, though, is that the series gets off to a pretty subdued start. Not that I'm saying dying in the first volume isn't extreme or intense, but it happens so quickly and there's so little time to really dwell on it that it doesn't pack an emotional punch. That being said, the proceeding chapters were interesting, especially learning about the underworld, and seeing Yusuke help out the various ghosts and spirits was fun. And now, we get to what I probably won't shut up about as I review these volumes, and that is the characters.

As many Shounen Jump fans know, the punk with the heart of gold protagonist is a staple in Shounen Jump and while I have no proof to suggest that Yusuke began this trend, I can safely say that he is the best example of it. Yusuke is a foul-mouthed thug who uses his fists to solve his problems and yet is always welcome to help someone else in need. What strikes me most about Yusuke is that while Botan has to push him to do any work regarding his revival, Yusuke decides to help people entirely on his own and usually without being prompted. His methods aren't always healthy, but he genuinely cares about others however way he can. And most importantly, his actions are natural, as if this is just who he is as a person.

I'm going to hold off talking about Keiko and Botan until I get to a specific arc in the series where I plan to talk about all of the female characters in the series, but suffice it to say I adore both of them for not putting up with any of Yusuke's shit.

Finally, don't take my relatively low rating to mean I disliked this volume. As much as I adore how much of Yusuke's character is shown in this volume, the stories got a little repetitive and kind of lost their charm. I did enjoy this series and am pumped to continue, this first volume just isn't as strong as others.

hawlaye's review

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A high-school delinquent dies while saving a young boys life. While his death was completely pointless and unexpected, this troubled and problematic teen gets the opportunity to try and come back to the living world. Readers tag along on this wild and often times sad journey of chaos and adventure.

I would have never found or read this manga if it weren't for my sister gifting it to me, and I am beyond grateful she did!

I will admit, it took me a couple of chapters to get into, but once I did, I was hooked! The story so far in volume one is adventurous, wholesome, devastating, and hilarious, and I could not put it down! 

The character development is already unbelievably good, and I can not wait to follow our protagonist on this journey as he fights to get out of limbo, all while going on a journey of self-discovery.

I can't wait to dive into the next few volumes!

spaceman5000's review against another edition

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5.0

Fantastic manga about a punky kid who accidentally dies saving a young child. His unexpected death causes him to become a ghost and he has a chance to complete tasks to potentially bring himself back to life.

I was surprised at the emotion behind some of the stories since at first glance, the art looks silly, but it works great! Recommended!

kain83's review

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4.0

rating is for the entire series

Spirit Detective Saga Ch#1-51
Dark Tournament Saga ch#52-112
Chapter Black Saga Ch#113-153
Three Kings Saga Ch#154-175

danidoll91's review

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

ratking69's review

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adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

4.0

oboemeister's review

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adventurous

3.5

irobarte's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

kurezan's review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0