Yu Yu Hakusho vol 2: Artifacts of Darkness

Review Date: 2006 May 19 14:00

Reviewed by: Azure

Released by: MVM Films

Age Rating: PG

Region: 2 - UK

Volume 2 of 28

Length: 82 minutes

Subtitles: English

Audio: English Dolby Digital Stereo
Japanese 2.0 Stereo

Summary

Yusuke suddenly dies saving a little boy’s life, this act of kindness is unexpected and Yusuke is promised he can return to life if he can prove his worth. When Yusuke has finally earned his chance for life he discovers things aren’t at all simple. To complete the process of his revival someone must kiss his body in order to transfer enough spiritual energy to bring him back. Unfortunately for Yusuke none of the women in his life seem to be listening his only hope might be tough guy Kuwabara!

Review

This volume of Yu Yu Hakusho is really a transition, bridging the gap between Yusuke’s death and a wider story arc. The first episode on the disk also focuses strongly on Kuwabara as we learn he might not be as tough as we initially suspected.

It’s pretty evident where things are going when Yusuke, is told he’s now a spirit detective and given special powers by Koenma, which includes the ‘spirit gun’ a burst of Chi he can fire out of his hands when he makes a gun like gesture. Sadly for Yusuke he can only use this attack once a day, which means he must make strategic use of it. Especially when Koenma asks him to retrieve three stolen treasures from a group of demons. Yusuke having not trained is weak so has to use brains to outwit his enemies, this works to some extent though I can already sense that a reliance on the spirit gun might ruin the fun, I’m also waiting the day when Yusuke manages two.

Two new characters get introduced, Kurama and Hiei , and since they are featured openly in the intro it would be silly to pretend that these two won’t form a major part of the series in the future so it spoils the effect somewhat when one of them quickly becomes an ally. Enemies becoming friends may be a traditional plot point but it would have been nice to have a little mystery.

Immediately after the DVD ended I wanted to see more, which has to be a good sign. Yu Yu Hukusho is extremely generic but that could be argued for many anime in this genre, which makes it so much fun to watch is the likeable cast and the sense of humour with which it’s put together. As with the last DVD the dub remains pretty solid, as are the subtitles. Though it’s a little sad extras remain so light. It’s a solid release of a consistent standard, and a hugely enjoyable viewing experience.

Rating: 8/10