Yu Yu Hakusho, Vol. 3

幽遊白書 [Yū Yū Hakusho] #3

by Yoshihiro Togashi

生き返ってからの新たな試練として霊界探偵となった幽助。最初の任務は三人組の妖怪盗賊が盗んだ三つの秘宝を取り戻すこと。なんとか二つまでは取り戻したが、盗賊の一人、飛影に螢子が…!?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Comics, Graphic Novels, Supernatural, Shonen, Fiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published September 10, 1991

About the author

Yoshihiro Togashi (冨樫義博) is a manga artist. Credited in Chinese translations as Fu Jian Yi Bo.

He began drawing manga at an early age; while he attended college, the publisher Shueisha recognized his talent. Togashi has authored numerous manga series in different genres during the past three decades. He is perhaps best known for writing and illustrating the YuYu Hakusho and Hunter × Hunter series, both of which have been published in the popular Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. Togashi is married to Naoko Takeuchi, the author of Sailor Moon.

Reviews

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun volume!

Yusuke becomes an underworld detective and well has to track down demons and its an interesting change of pace and well hs first 3 enemies are Goki the soul stealer which was an alright story and then the thing with Kurama was so well done and he is a redeeming character and you feel for him and finally the guy Hiei, and he is a challenge and when Keiko is in trouble, Yusuke steps up and I love the way it happens and its awesomely done! Loved the whole thing with this and it just continues Yusuke's growth into this awesome next phase!

And finally challenges to become an apprentice of Master Genkai and things are turning to be interesting there and it kinda reminds me of Naruto and really you can see the inspiration for that book from here too.

Just great stuff and I am loving the evolution of Yusuke's character, he is meeting with new challenges and its interesting to see him evolve into this. Plus the art is getting better with every volume for sure! So yeah a must recommend volume.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yu Yu Hakusho remains a solid read though this volume begins to veer more into the battle action shonen it was known as.

With three artifacts stolen emerge 3 demons. The ones you probably know the most Hiei and Kurama (My personal favorite character of the series). Yusuke is given the mission by Koenma to stop the 3 demons and get back each artifact. The first demon is a easy dispatched loser who gets his despite being a soul sucking piece of shit. Then we get to the two better stories, Kurama and Hiei. Kurama story is actually pretty touching and builds the character up right away. Hiei's story is more vicious but fun and shows what and who he is. Then we finally get to meet the great Genkai who will soon become a key figure is Yusuke's life.

Overall, it's a solid volume. Kurama and Genkai being the highlights. The rest is standard world building and while fun I was a bit bored. I know we're getting to the good stuff real soon but this volume didn't blow me away despite still being a solid read. A 3 out of 5.

[Radwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The final two chapters here felt like I was back in Hunter X Hunter world. It's disorienting seeing so many themes and events and characters recurring between his two works. But I like the whole "spirits detective" plotline.

[Henrique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yu Yu Hakusho Volume 3


Esse volume vai dos cap 18 ao 26 e finalmente apresenta dois dos melhores personagens da obra Hiei e Kurama cara é muito bom ver essa primeira interação do Yusuke com eles e aqui temos o clássico começo vilão mas tomo umas porradas viro um dos mocinhos kkkkk e é impressionante como toda treta queno Yusuke tem que resolver não tem nada a ver com ele até a crush dele acha que ele tá envolvido com outra garota e o coitado tem que se explicar como diria Botan essa é a verdadeira missão do Yusuke kkkkk enfim um ótimo volume e no próximo começa o arco do torneiro da genkai pra ver quem vai herdar as técnicas dela espero me divertir tanto quanto me diverti no anime.

[Kanishka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume ended abruptly but that Hag is hilarious, it's such a joy to read a good classic shounen manga.

[Honeypie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vincent (Hiei) in the house! Woohoo - ang paborito kong ghostfighter, and bida sa maraming teks ko nung kabataan ko. Hahaha!

I actually remembered the anime from this volume, in fairness. And I remembered it was more intense than this one. Vincent was awesome, as always.

Pero malakas talaga si Eugene no? Kaya siguro siya yung bida. Hahahaha!

But anyway, looking forward to the next volumes!

Master Jeremiah (Genkai) is here too!

[Dan P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kurama and Hiei are finally here, and we get some different combat-focused stories, both of which make this feel a lot more like the Yu Yu Hakusho we've been waiting for. Still growing, but getting there

[Fugo Feedback · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este tomo no está tan bueno como los dos anteriores pero sigue siendo muy, muy bueno. De hecho, recién acá empieza a encaminarse más a la serie de peleas sobrenaturales que se vuelve con el correr de los tomos. Además, acá aparece la capa de Genkai.

[Kat Galvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s getting more and more entertaining as I keep reading

[LelandraTheLazyReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can we talk about the cover?! the DRIP is immaculate. 🤌✨

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I do love the episodic chapters in the first two volumes, it is here where I think most everyone will agree Yuu Yuu Hakusho begins in earnest. Yusuke has been enlisted as a Reikai Tantei, and starts his first two major missions: the recovery of the three sacred treasures from Enma's vault, and the investigation into the demon Randou who seeks to usurp reikohadou master Genkai.

We open with about one-and-a-half "lighter" chapters of Yusuke getting back into the swing of life in his physical body. The first chapter here, #18, gives us another instance of Yusuke helping Kuwabara out, which will build toward an alliance that becomes more important in the last few chapters of the volume. Chapter 19 has Yusuke learn the Reigan technique, which will be his signature move going forward, functionally his Kamehameha. I already forgot, but I'm pretty sure it was still Chapter 19 that introduces the three treasures Yusuke needs to recover, as well as foes Gouki, Hiei, and Kurama, the latter two, if you know anything about this manga, will be like Yamcha/Tenshinhan/Piccolo/Vegeta by joining the heroes soon enough.

Yusuke's first major battle is against Gouki, a soul-eating ghoul, who can transform into a more muscular form (with larger horns on his forehead!). This is probably the least significant of Yusuke's foes in the entire manga, but his ability kind of sets the standard for a major antagonist, Younger Toguro, who basically does the same shit, and I'd say both act as something like a prototype of Uvogin and arguably even Gon in Togashi-sensei's later Hunter x Hunter. The next "enemy" is Kurama, who opts not to fight. His story may be seen as anticlimax, possibly, and which could potentially set readers up for how things work in HxH's Yorkshin Arc, if you reeeeeally stretch it. As he doesn't fight, we don't know anything about what he can do, nor do we necessarily know he'll return (which is kind of a spoiler, but if you Google "Yuu Yuu Hakusho" you'll pretty much immediately see that Kurama and Hiei both become good guys later). Hiei is an interesting case, as he's shown to transform into a more monstrous form covered in giant eyes, but... this has very little to do with how he'll fight when he becomes a good guy (oddly, if I'm not mistaken, the Tournament Tactics game gave him Jagan abilities in addition to his Darkness Flame stuff...). Hiei is supposed to be really strong, but he's essentially defeated in one blow, with minor assist by Kurama, which possibly suggests power-scaling is going to be fucked-up, but honestly not really in a way that matters too much, I guess....

I must have very faulty memory, because I felt sure there was more of a break between Hiei and Genkai, but that's not the case at all. After wrapping up his first mission, Yusuke is immediately sent to Genkai's place to try to pass her tests and uncover the demon Randou's secret identity (we get zero hints as to who it is, but the reveal is a little "unexpected," so I guess that's part of Togashi's intent). Yusuke runs into Kuwabara here, and that just about cements Kuwabara's place as a major hero. If I'm not mistaken, he'll learn a new ability next volume, and start becoming a viable fighter (he ends up being my favorite of the main four, by the way). The drawing lots charged by reiki, the reiki-powered arcade games, and the run through a demon-infested forest are all prototypes for things we'll see in Hunter x Hunter (well, I think I'm equating the lots to the ship test in the beginning of HxH? Maybe the arcade games could be Greed Island? I think I thought of it more like Netero with the ball, training Gon indirectly. The forest is definitely... the forest in HxH. Complete with Satotz emulating Genkai running...).

"He might, for all we know, possess a huge reservoir of energy!" Wait... now is this actual foreshadowing, or is it Togashi taking the piss like how Toriyama had Oolong ask if Son Goku was an alien very early in Dragon Ball?

Gouki is like the Raditz of YYH. He's introduced early, only to die not long after, and be completely forgotten. His associates, Hiei and Kurama, become major protagonists in due time. Well, I suppose this comparison makes it seem like Nappa got to last longer in his manga, but what I really mean is Nappa is more likely to be in video games and shit than Raditz. By the time of Chapter Black, would Hiei or Kurama even remember they hung out with this dude?

With some prototypical Hunter x Hunter elements popping up, I'd like to take a moment to be a major dumbass and pretend the YYH characters are Nen-users. Yusuke would be an Emitter because his Reigan is his primary mode of attack. We don't see Kurama fight yet, so I'll hold off (he's either a Conjurer or Manipulator; I can't remember if he magically summons his roses/vines, or if he has physical items). We do see Hiei fight, but what he does with his Jagan is too different from what he'll do later with his Darkness Flame (I'd say the latter is more like Transmutation, but perhaps the Jagan could be like a weaker version of Kurapika's Scarlet Eyes, making him a mere Enhancer rather than Specialist?). Kuwabara we don't see yet, though Genkai does hint toward his ability, which I might say is Transfiguration as well, turning his Aura into a blade, though I'm unsure about the Dimension Sword.... For enemies, Gouki is an Enhancer. I think that's it from this volume?

[naty · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally the action is picking up! and the art from the beginning was so gorgeous, i appreciate the watercolour aspect of those first pages, it was stunning.

[Michael Sorbello · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my big reading goals for the new year is to read a bunch of my childhood favorite manga for the first time in nearly 20 years to relive the nostalgia and see how they hold up. First up is Yu Yu Hakusho!

Yusuke Urameshi is a hardass teen delinquent that loves skipping classes, smoking cigarettes, disrespecting authority and throwing hands with the toughest gangs in the halls and on the streets. He’s hated by almost everyone around him and he knows it. When he’s killed after pushing a child out of the way of an oncoming car, he’s surprised to find from the afterlife that he has more people that love him than he ever realized after attending his own funeral as a ghost.

Against all odds, Yusuke makes a deal with the angel of death to turn his deviant behavior around in exchange for giving him another chance at life with his friends. He must prove himself that he’s worthy of being brought back to life by becoming a spirit detective, saving the lost souls of sorrowful ghosts one good deed at a time.

The spirit world is more complex than Yusuke realizes, however. He’s soon wrapped up in a world of cutthroat demons, evil spirits and other dark beings that have a bone to pick with him. While performing good deeds to save the living and the dead, Yusuke also finds the chance to put his supernaturally-enhanced martial arts abilities to use by fighting powerful paranormal foes from underworld societies.

---

Yu Yu Hakusho is extremely nostalgic and has a lot of appealing factors. The hilarious banter between Yusuke and his band of badass bros is the forefront of the series. Kuwabara is a lovable goofball who tries to mimic the tough guy antics of Yusuke while constantly revealing himself to be a huge softy with a heart bigger than his fake ego. Hiei is the classic edgy antihero that softens up and becomes gradually more sympathetic as you learn more about his tough upbringing. Kurama is pure class and elegance, his wits and tongue are as sharp as his looks. Then there’s the sassy, beautiful and hilarious Botan who acts as the grim reaper and leading lady. Quite the memorable crew.

Another great thing about the series that may seem odd to point out is the beautifully drawn 80’s inspired fashion. The characters change outfits almost every chapter and they always look clean and refined. It’s hard not to appreciate the style throughout the series. This coupled with the witty banter, crazy martial art demon fights, self-aware humor and fast paced story arcs with lots of action make it a pretty fun series.

While the series is simple and enjoyable, the story, world and villains aren’t that well made in my opinion. Everything seems made up on the fly with little logic or build up. The story and battle arcs get very repetitive and the second half of the series feels like a massive rehashing of everything we’ve already seen. The final arc and ending were unsatisfying and anticlimactic in my opinion. It introduced a bunch of new concepts out of nowhere and then did absolutely nothing with them. Then the series ends with a big cliffhanger with no real resolution.

Overall, I actually enjoyed the calm and relaxed chapters and subplots where it focuses on the main cast of characters bonding and hanging out with each other over the main plot, the battle arcs and the forgettable second half. I think the first arc of the story where it’s just Yusuke and Botan solving mysteries and saving the lives of lost souls was actually the best part of the entire series. The constant focus on battling mundane villains, training arcs and tournament arcs took away from the otherwise lovable group of protagonists.

Not as good as I remember from my childhood, but a fun and engaging series overall that’s easy to read and can lift your spirits when you’re feeling down.

***

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[寿理 宮本 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I should hang onto this, what with how much effort it took to find this since it was out of print before I started even watching the anime, but... it's just hard to REALLY like a main character who just gets kicks from fighting all the time, rather than under duress (though, fighting under duress all the time is also a bit hard to get into, without some other factor making it interesting). The trouble is a lot of fights in these stories end up being resolved by "whoever struck last and hardest, in a way that's nigh indistinguishable from all the prior attacks, wins."

I'll give this volume, at least most of the fights ARE won by some other factor that makes it clear, this was at least partially won with quick thinking (or lack thereof, in Urameshi's case, haha); things like the enemy's exterior is impenetrable, but his insides are soft and vulnerable make it clear that some thought went into it, that it isn't just "I win because plot armour."

Also, this is where the story really picks up, with Kurama and Hiei (and the forgettable third guy who doesn't matter after this) showing up.

So, I do like this, but... not enough to reserve my limited shelf space for it anymore. Also, sadly hard to recommend (particularly as a starting point) between it being hard to find and something that feels like a prototype Hunter x Hunter (which is also hard to find, but because Togashi has been even more inconsistent in releasing the series with his health issues). Great for fans of the existing series, though.

Fans of the Netflix series? ...do they exist? (Haven't seen it, but it feels like the story would have had the life sucked out of it to fit it all into FIVE EPISODES.)

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was kind of an annoying plan. So, I wanted to collect all of the volumes for this manga because it's one of my favorites, and some volumes have gone in and out of circulation with possible risk of going out of print. I had all volumes in my possession for a couple weeks now, intending to re-read the series soon-ish. I happened to wear a Uniqlo shirt I have of Hiei today, which prompted me to decide to read at least the first three volumes, to get to Hiei's introduction, just as a minor challenge for myself. Three volumes of manga in one day? No problem! But... I could have just NOT done this....

Anyway, we've mostly left the episodic nature of the first two volumes. The first chapter here, #18, is kinda-sorta disconnected from the following chapters, but it still takes place while Yusuke is back alive, and it sets up his role as an Underworld Detective, so... we're basically where we need to be. That is, we're becoming a battle manga!

The first several arcs (everything before the Dark Tournament) tend to be lumped together as a "Spirit Detective Arc," or "Spirit Detective Saga" for fans who use "saga" to describe a chain of related smaller "arcs." I consider the first two volumes to cover a "Ghost Files Arc," in reference to the translation of the manga's title. We then enter the "Three Dark Treasures Arc," with Hiei, Kurama, and Goki. Then the "Genkai/Rando Arc."

This is the third or fourth time reading this volume, and I always seem to forget the Three Dark Treasures are covered in less than a full volume. Kurama gets only one focal chapter, with Goki actually getting like a chapter and a half, and Hiei getting roughly two full chapters. Pretty short overall. It's insane to think the Dark Tournament starts in, like, Volume 6. But the manga is also only nineteen volumes long, so the math checks out.

[Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is where the action shonen jumps in. It's a little sad that the spirit detective is more like a spirit cop. The heartwarming stories, bar Kurama, are left behind. It is necessary character building so that you understand how a high school delinquent now cares the utmost about random strangers. That statement was made even before Yusuke's trials when he saved the little boy.

It's literally leaving high school behind. I know what's in store for the rest of the series so I have nostalgia goggles even when it's a blasting zone. I can see that this volume serves as a way to introduce Hiei and Kurama and while I'm pretty confident Kurama was made with the intention of staying in the series I wonder if that's the case for Hiei and Goki. Goki is a little too bestial so I can see why he got the boot. I truly wonder if the decision for these recurring characters was made before or after their introduction.

Either way it's back to being a detective as we vicariously undergo the tutelage of Genkai with Kuwabara and Yusuke as our vehicles. I love these characters so much and I often hear the english dub voices in my head, I'm looking at you Kuwabara.

And why the hell can't I ever remember which of these assholes is Rando? I've watched this part in the anime probably three times and I'm pretty confident I know who it is, but for some reason I always doubt myself! It says something about the manga and Yu Yu Hakusho as a whole that I'm hooked while I know what's coming (it helps that the whole series is at the library :3).

[Denis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Por fin logra revivir Yusuke justo a tiempo, pero si creia que regresaría a su vida de antes estaba equivocado. Ya que es nombrado como detective del mundo espiritual. Es decir que tendrá que resolver los problemas que haya en el mundo humano debido al mundo espiritual de los que estos no pueden encargarse (ya que al parecer demonios de bajo rango suelen venir al mundo humano a causar caos).

Por suerte Botan sigue con nosotros, esta vez no como parca sino como asistente de Yusuke, su conexión al mundo espiritual. Pero antes de que se pueda acostumbrar con casos simples, le toca uno complicado con 3 demonios involucrados. Y asi conocemos a Kurama (para que lo amemos con su historia), Hiei (para que lo odiemos por meterse con Keiko) y Gouki (él que no importa).

Uno pensaria que con lo que le gusta pelear a Yusuke todo seria mas de accion, pero en realidad es bien equilibrado, hay trama, personalidad y comedia ligera por igual.

Y terminamos con la introducción de la maestra Genkai, quien se lleva el premio de mejor personaje en este tomo. Aunque solo vemos una parte de su selección de futuro discípulo, me encanto lo creativas de sus pruebas y como cubrian otros aspectos y no solo lo tipico de fisico en shonens.

PR: porque me olvide de mencionarlo en reseñas anteriores, el profesor Takenaka es el maestro que todos necesitamos en las escuelas.

[Rereader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladies and gentlemen and nonbinary folks alike, this volume has bestowed upon us unworthy mortals three phenomenal characters; Kurama, Hiei, and Genkai, and the world is a better place because of them.

I don't really have a lot to say about this volume other than it was a good introduction to each previously mentioned character. Kurama's a compassionate badass, Hiei is a little shit but I love him, and Genkai is one of the FUCKING BEST female characters in shounen action series. The epitome of no fucks left and badassery, she's the whole package and I love her.

Not much else I want to talk about, having fun rereading this series and looking forward to more.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodbye ghost Urameshi, hello underworld spirit detective Urameshi! He gets sent to investigate demon crimes, stolen artifacts, and the like. Kurama is a nice twist, a 'demon' with lots of human empathy who is sort of a villain sort of a supporting character. And Hiei is cool, but I'm biased because I've read this series before and know that everyone has to love Hiei. He's great! We also get the start of a 'training arc', that feels very similar to the opening license exam arc from Hunter x Hunter. Unique challenges, and Kuwabara actually getting to do stuff! I love the Yusuke's big "rival" is actually showing competency here.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume of Yu Yu Hakusho starts telling longer stories than the episodic ones from the first two volumes. I loved all the classic manga tropes (of course, this is one of those "classic" manga): guys fighting, cute girls, melodramatic situations mixed with slapstick comedy. The humor landed a lot more with me this volume. I enjoyed how Yusuke overcomes each opponent in a different way. The story has more room to let characters form and evolve. I can see the series finding its true footing.

A great, fun read for any manga fan.

[Ephelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ci stiamo avvicinando alla parte del manga che coincide con quella che ricordo meglio dell'anime.
In questo volume conosciamo anche Hiei (che non ricordavo così insopportabile all'inizio delle sue apparizioni), Kurama e la vecchia Genkai, che adoravo.
Devo dire che questa serie è un bel tuffo nel passato, non solo per lo stile tipicamente anni '90, ma anche e soprattutto per i ricordi legati a questa storia. Amavo l'anime e poter leggere finalmente il manga (ogni volta che c'era una ristampa me lo perdevo) mi rende davvero felice.

[Beauty_Rudi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars


Spoilers Ahead:


We are getting the human side of our characters which is something I find really enjoyable. For instance, I find Keiko's annoyance/jealousy with Botan to be completely adorable. I also like that there are always consequences for the characters actions.

Basically, I'm loving the story so far. Urameshi and Kuwabara both competing not for a true chance at training under the master but just to beat one another is literally the icing on the cake. The story is fun and the ending always leaves just enough for me to want more.

[StrawberryShojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid volume in the series. It introduces a bit more world-building as Yusuke accepts his position as a spirit detective. We are also introduced to some fan-favorite characters: Kurama and Hiei. These are two very distinct characters, that I promise you just can't get enough of. Hiei is brash and dangerous, while Kurama is eloquent and fierce. Overall this volume is a great start to the next arc of the story.

[ChelseaFace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again super impressed with this series so far. Comparing it to the anime just comes naturally to me since I've seen it so many times. I love how much the art has improved from volume one. I definitely see the artist's work coming to focus. I appreciate the subtle differences in the anime/manga. I can't get over how stupid the bat demon was in this volume, compared to the anime! Hah! There are some fun things going on here and I am excited to continue!

[Ben Zimmerman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so strong. It's interesting how small of a role action plays in the story so far. The main focuses are humor and heart. It's funny how many imitators this has spawned over the last couple decades that fail to capture what makes this series good. Togashi uses the ghost detective structure to tell hopeful, heartfelt, and sincere stories about teen delinquents. It really is something special.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 3 was great! Finally Yusuke is back in his body! The story starts great with him capturing a demon all in his own and learning about becoming a spirt detective. Then he tracks down three stolen demonic relics and we get introduced to Kurama and Hiei. The story is flying by we have already started the Genkai’s tournament. The art continues to be amazing and the writing too notch. Loving this.

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Botan and Koenma are working Yusuke for all his ghost is worth, but he's about to get his hardest hunts, including the chase of a shape-shifter and deadly assassin! Togashi will have fans oohing and awing with this entertaining entry. There has to be more to these targets, and if Yusuke can get to the bottom of it, could his allies grow?

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the artwork changed in this slightly; the lines look cleaner anyway. But this is the next arc of the story. Yusuke is now an underworld detective and has to go on special missions and battling demons. It was all fun but still doesn't have a cohesive feel other than just a string of mini-adventures.

[Bee (BacchusVines) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume ends and begins another Arc. Yusuke is back, and ready to take down some delinquents. But boy, does Botan have a surprise for him!

I love the beginning of Yusuke's training as a spirit detective. Kurama, Hiei, and Genki also get introduced in this volume. Seeing Kuwabara get some more page time is very nice. I like how he's pretty much an unknown source of six sense.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Genkai, and since he meets her in this one, it's one of my favorites! A little tip, if you listen to the soundtrack while reading it, try and make sure your music doesn't play the sad song, or Genkai and Toguro's theme... It makes the reading a bit harder.