You know, dubs get such undue scorn some times. YU YU HAKUSHO’s got a reputation for having one of the better English dubs (a reputation that’s certainly warranted considering how the actors make a lot of the blander lines work better,) and I have to say that even the instances of “inappropriate” dubbing actually play well. I’m specifically referring to the casting of Suzaku. I’ll bet that the Japanese voice actor probably sounds a lot more menacing, but this one’s dainty voice creates such a fun dynamic, especially when he and Yusuke are having their prolonged exchange of grunts during the fight. The fact that this big bad demon sounds like he’s having a particularly frustrated bout of badminton while we see his epic brawl is just so amusing, I prefer it over any “correct” way of handling the scene.
I’m sure that’s all intentional on the dubbing team’s part. One thing that’s particularly fun about watching dubs is you quite often get the added “meta” layer of the actors delivering lines while being in on a lot of jokes about the material that came up during the recording session. To wit, I’m sure they took one look at Suzaku, figured he was too ridiculous to take seriously and promptly decided to run with it.
I didn’t realize that this particular arc had been going on as long as it had until the recap montage. Maybe that speaks well to me just being hooked into the swashbuckling instead of looking at the clock. We’re what - - eight episodes into this? It’s been fun to just enjoy a series for what it is, just like I would have before I ever got involved in this reviewing nonsense. There might not be a ton to analyze, here, plot wise, but damn if I’m not having a good time.
However, this particular party’s going to have to end eventually, so I’ll just give all you lunatics a proper head’s up. I’m going to be wrapping up this show after the 25 episode (the last part of this particular mega arc.)
Look up this episode, "Seven Ways To Die" and decide for yourself, then read my comments on the previous episode here.
Tom Pinchuk’s the writer of HYBRID BASTARDS! & UNIMAGINABLE. Order them on Amazon here & here. Follow him on Twitter: @tompinchuk
It's too bad your going to stop so soon when the best parts are about to start. All of the bigest and badest bad guys are in the dark tournoment. The next ark ware they introduce Yukina is pritty good to.
honestly if you are enjoying this, once ya get the the yukina arc. Your sort of stuck for the long haul.
That's a pity cause this first season is probably one of the weakest parts of the entire series, while the next season being one of the best.
Why would you stop if you're enjoying it?
That's really sad, I actually look forward to these...
@yoshimitz707 said:
because there is nothing to review or analyze and these columns are about reviewing and analyzing.
You're stopping so soon? :(
If you continue to watch this after 25, I'll be happy if you could chime in on the Dark Tournament and the plot with the psychics(which has to be one of the most ripped off plots in anime-dome) You'll know when you see it.
I thought you were going to watch all of the episodes because the Dark Tournament was fun besides its repetitive nature. I've recently finished rewatched this anime up to the Chapter Black stuff and then watched the last saga that I never saw before.
The Chapter Black saga was alright but I don't get why a lot of people dislike or just hate the last saga. I think it might be the strongest one just because of how short it is. Most of the sagas in this anime are drawn out to ridiculous lengths and it was nice to see each episode in the last saga not having large amounts of filler/overextended exposition narrative.