Yu Yu Hakusho - Nendoroid
Mangaka Yoshihiro Togashi has made a name for himself in the world of shonen manga since the 1990s. His breakthrough work was the smash-hit occult fighting manga Yu Yu Hakusho. The series proved to be a massive success in Japan that found its way overseas as part of the 2000s global anime boom. The series protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi, remains a popular cultural icon among manga and anime fans. The impact of both Yu Yu Hakusho and Yusuke himself earned him the series' first Nendoroid figure, "Nendoroid Yu Yu Hakusho Yusuke Urameshi."
Nendoroid Yu Yu Hakusho Yusuke Urameshi
Yusuke Urameshi comes to life once again, this time as a chibi figure in the Nendoroid line. He wears his standard fighting outfit with a loose sleeveless yellow top tucked into belted blue pants. His classic slicked-back hairstyle serves as the figure default. However, an additional hair piece allows fans to pose Yusuke with his hair down and fluffy. Faceplates include a smug expression, battle cry, and goofy, wide-mouth smile. Notably, the interchangeable hand parts include a pose for Yusuke's trademark Spirit Gun. The figure also includes effect pieces for the Spirit Gun's energy blast and Yusuke's Spirit Shotgun attack. Additionally, fans can also pose Yusuke with his spirit beast, Puu, resting atop his head.
Manufacturer: Good Smile Company
Sculptor: Shichibee
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"
About Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is a popular shonen series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The series first debuted as a manga in 1990 with an anime adaptation following shortly after. With a worldwide fanbase and over 50 million copies sold in Japan alone, the series is considered one of the most influential shonen series of all time.
About Yu Yu Hakusho: Story
Yu Yu Hakusho follows the adventures of 14-year-old Yusuke Urameshi after his unexpected death saving a child from a car accident. A foul-mouthed delinquent, Yusuke surprised the Spirit World with his act of selflessness and earned a second chance at life. After regaining his body, Yusuke worked as a Spirit Detective investigating demon activity in the human world. Throughout the story, Yusuke forges strong alliances with other human fighters as well as demons looking for a different way of life.
Though originating as an occult detective story, the plot shifts into a martial arts action focus. After fighting a handful of demons in investigations, Yusuke then participates in fighting tournaments as the story progresses. This focus on action and fighting reflected the trends of popular shonen manga in the 1990s.
About Yu Yu Hakusho: Characters
Yu Yu Hakusho focuses on the central protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi. The audience quickly learns about Yusuke's troubled past. He frequently skips class, he fights gangs on the streets, and his mother is mentally and often physically absent. However, through his time as a spirit detective, Yusuke learns the importance of his bonds with others and strengthens his own moral sense of right and wrong. Importantly, he never loses his attitude or sense of humor.
One of Yusuke's greatest allies is his classmate Kazuma Kuwabara. Kuwabara leads his own small gang and often challenges Yusuke to fight, despite losing every time. He possesses an innate sensitivity to the Spirit World, aiding him as he invites himself along on Yusuke's investigations. Kuwabara follows a strict honor code, loves kittens and romance, and will do anything for his friends.
Yu Yu Hakusho Series Development
The main series development for Yu Yu Hakusho occurred from 1990 through 1996. During this time, Togashi wrote 19 manga volumes which became the base for 112 television anime episodes and two OVAs.
Yu Yu Hakusho Series Development: Production
Togashi began writing Yu Yu Hakusho in November 1990. After moderate success with an occult and horror genre manga, he used those themes as a springboard for developing a new plot. Given the popularity of martial arts manga at the time, Togashi planned on incorporating those elements as the story progressed to remain competitive. The manga ran in Shonen Jump magazine from December 1990 until July 1994.
The anime adaptation aired on Fuji Television in Japan from October 1992 through January 1995. Production occurred through a collaboration between Fuji Television, Studio Pierrot, and Yomiko Advertising. Togashi claimed to have little involvement in the anime production but was impressed by the depiction of Kuwabara.
Yu Yu Hakusho Series Development: Reception
As of 2022, the Yu Yu Hakusho manga has sold over 50 million copies in the original Japanese. The manga had an English language release in the North American Shonen Jump from 2003 through 2010. After a year in circulation, Togashi received the Shogakukan Manga Award in the shonen category in 1993.
Due to the themes and plot structure, Yu Yu Hakusho earned several comparisons to fellow shonen manga powerhouse Dragon Ball Z. Critics split into positive and negative comparisons, with some critiques on the quality of Togashi's art and others highlighting his more developed characters. In TV Asahi's Manga Sosenkyo poll in 2021, voters ranked Yu Yu Hakusho at 17 of the 100 best manga of all time.
Links
Nendoroid Yu Yu Hakusho Yusuke Urameshi
Yoko Kurama Yu Yu Hakusho - Figures
Nendoroid Label
Yu Yu Hakusho Label
Good Smile Company Label