Chapter Black: Legacy of the Spirit Detective

[@gregperman]

My absolute favorite part about this whole arc is that Yusuke loses his right shoe at the beggining of the fight and just keeps fighting one shoed through death and rebirth

[@jordanjoestar-turniptruck]

Don't forget sticking it in the Spirit mallcop's face

[@IsaacClodfelter]

Yusuke with both shoes would had one shot Sensui. Spirit cuffs mark two /s

[@williammiller3052]

perhaps, during his transformation, the shoe was on the other foot.....

[@y2ksmoothie3]

And we learned Yusuke doesn't wear socks with his shoes

[@HovektheArtist]

@@IsaacClodfelter i mean one shoe let him completely nullify lightning whonknows what that other shoe do

[@toongamer2810]

People didn't like this arc? This shit was legendary

[@MattM0201]

They dumbed down Yusuke's and younger Toguro's strength in order to allow them to fight people.

[@impactovernumbers5157]

@@MattM0201not really yusukes only dilemma was fighting normal humans because he might kill them and younger Toguro was so broken Kurama had to put him in an eternal loop of suffering because he basically can’t die lol

[@nickcano3770]

It gave bleach bount arc vibes the first watch through Ngl

[@hououinkyouma3864]

It's literally better than DT even if DT is peak

[@mikekeyes78]

It better than dark tournament

[@philiphockenbury6563]

Possibly one of my favorite parts is the fact that after Kuabara awakens his new sword, Sensui only dodges, never deflecting. Implying that Kuabara could legitimately cut Sensui.

[@truedarkness4052]

If Yusuke stayed dead or didn't go back to Demon world, then that would probably be how the rest of the gang would have finished Sensui off. Like having Kurama and Hiei distract Sensui while Kazuma butchers Sensui

[@novawilliams873]

@@truedarkness4052 kkurabara*

[@seanwilliams7655]

@@novawilliams873 Kazuma is his first name. Kuabara is the family name.

[@Wyzarka]

@@seanwilliams7655 Kuwabara.

[@Just.Kidding]

@@seanwilliams7655 Kuwabara.

[@egeorgiades93]

I was never bothered by Yusuke being a Half Demon. If anything, it further symbolizes how he is The Definitive Bridge that connects Humans and Demons.

[@StareachValcin]

Yusuke is part demon, not half demon, but I do agree that his human/demon biology does make Yusuke the definitive bridge between humans and demons.

[@jamesadamsfl]

I think it works really well in this part of the story, as the narrative starts breaking down the characters' and the audience's ideas of what Demons are. With the Three Kings Arc and then the manga/OVA epilogue driving home how little difference there really is between the two species, and the revelation that Yusuke himself actually is part Demon is an important stepping stone. Also, the revelation doesn't really negate Yusuke's growth up to that point as 1) the demon genes were ostensibly dormant until that moment and 2) an important theme in the show is that spirit energy is tied to mental and emotional strength. As Genkai explains early in Yusuke's training, having an innate talent for fighting doesn't mean much; Yusuke had to learn to make the most of his gifts through training but most importantly by starting to care about things with all his heart and energy. He had to grow up, and becoming a demon doesn't take that from him. Heck, Yusuke himself states that he doesn't really feel any different or think of himself as a different person. Other people make a big deal of it.

[@tailsandyoshifan]

Also, it's literally hinted at starting from the first manga.

[@KuroReisho]

@@StareachValcin nah he’s not even part demon, he died as a human and resurrected as a full demon, you need to watch the sub my boy

[@joshshrum2764]

Yeah i love it, plus he’s only half demon when he goes into it unlike it being incorporated into his main power set like Ichigo’s, reliance on his hollow powers, plus Ichigo, being a big mix of races. Now something i don’t like is i wish we could have seen more material in the three kings, arc, and gotten one more Yu Yu Hakasuo, arc before HXH, started.

[@phillippatrick1295]

"Kurama...if I ever did something to piss you off, I'm sorry." One of the best lines ever 🤣

[@kamuithanatos6596]

I love that line, too. And if the situation was less serious, I could see Kurama saying something like, "Yusuke, when we first met, you tried to sacrifice your life to save both mine and my mother's. I don't think you could upset me if you tried."

[@SPB___]

​@@kamuithanatos6596... :|

[@SplitSniper7]

49:48 Kuwabara: What you couldn't find a little girls tricycle? Yusuke: What you couldn't go a day without getting kidnapped BY THE FORCES OF EVIL?! This scene never ceases to make me laugh.😂😂

[@thejanuarycountryfilms]

A lot of ppl sleep on how powerful that line was "There weren't any humans left. Not a single soul"

[@dboyedoe]

I liked Chapter Black the most because the fears of most of the characters are extremely deep-seated in trauma, and are being made much worse by others. The psychological terror employed is a much more formidable opponent than the physical threats in the season before.

[@y2ksmoothie3]

I'm really suprised this arc isn't more popular. it basically gives you it taste of what Nen would become and i find everyone in this arc is at their best

[@MidnightPhantom]

And it introduced one of the best villains in all of anime

[@MM-hf6om]

I think its because while sensui is a tier villian in any other anime we just got toguro who is one of the greatest villains of all time

[@impactovernumbers5157]

@@MM-hf6om I prefer Sensui but I understand this sentiment.

[@razkable]

Its the best version of the chimera ant arc writing with york town mixed in...it does end poorly

[@TheJinzoSpoon]

My favorite part is when Sensui says "Maybe the real yu yu hakusho was the friends you made along the way" before he dies

[@digitalcthulhu143]

When he said "it's demon time" and died. Very hard hitting moment.

[@HovektheArtist]

Mine was when he said "i didnt sensui this comin"

[@medievalmaxe]

@@HovektheArtist just know i didnt want to give you a like but i did.......

[@MultiDiceman]

my favorite was when Sensui said "people die if they are killed"

[@jacoblamberson2709]

Sensui was wise. He once said "We live in a society."

[@DsLink1306]

I lost my shit when Kuwabara got tickets to the Megallica concert. Like wow. And then when Yuske calls them some pop band. I legit matched Kuwabara's rage and yelled at my TV the same time Kuwabara yelled at Yuske. Megallica dosent even exist.

[@Crunchy_Troll]

This arc is underrated

[@Annmjpg]

It’s underrated because an amazing tournament arc came right before. Honestly, I think I prefer Chapter Black over Dark Tournament just a little bit just because of it’s setting and main antagonist. I still think both arcs are incredible though.

[@benjamincordova8086]

The whole anime is underrated af

[@smitty215able]

My only issue with it is that it's another fake out death. My only real criticism of the series is how many fake out deaths it has

[@secondnature87]

these videos are underrated

[@esekay3648]

I feel like every arc got better and better. The last arc may be the weakest....but the last episode... "I don't want you to wait either" ...still brings tears to my eyes. Yuyu Hakusho is possibly the most underrated anime ever... And it actually has an ending

[@jinchuriki7022]

Im an advent supporter of the Dark tournament being the best arc in the show, and the best Tournament setup in general. Though even with Sensui and his evil intentions, its a summary about how humans are biased in their good vs evil perspectives. Also Sensui's multiple personalities or Dissociative Identity Disorder is a real thing.

[@gokusondbz]

A Good Movie Called Split by M. Night Shyamalan Deals With Individual Played by James McAvoy With Multiple Personalities.

[@goodwillhumping7904]

don't you mean avid supporter? ardent is also possible

[@casteanpreswyn7528]

No Sensui's depiction of DiD isn't a real thing. It literally gives him superpowers(essentially bending time), and physically alters his body. And to the dude who said Split was good. No. Lol.

[@rwbyab7423]

Yeah the media portrayal of DID isn't really consistent with what the actual disorder looks like People who suffer from DID are not exclusively violent, in fact they're far more likely to be victims of crime than others. It isn't a romantic condition at all, and just because you have seen it in movies doesn't mean you understand it. There's nothing wrong with liking those stories that use DID as a plot point, just be aware that it isn't the same as understanding the condition or those who suffer from it.

[@Cas-ed9ob]

DID is still a hot topic of debate among psychiatrist. A lot don't believe it's an actual disorder, and that it is faked, etc.

[@Feesh322]

The Yusuke trolling moment following his resurrection is one of my favorite moments in any anime I've seen. He really got me. 🤣

[@hennyzhi2261]

What they did to my boy Kuwabara in the next arc makes me sad, but knowing how much he would curb stomp with his awakened gigachad powers it makes sense. /s

[@josephchristoffel]

I hate it when the series excluded him. The dynamic is lost, all that remain are just a bunch of OP characters.

[@TheEnigmaticBM39]

@@josephchristoffel he becomes an s class human at the end of the series...in the manga anyway.

[@josephchristoffel]

@@TheEnigmaticBM39 oh, i didn't know about that

[@maxacorn]

well there was literally nothing for him to do since the last arc was centered around makai. yusuke, kurama, and hiei had connections to makai and kuwabara wouldn't really have made much of a difference in the grander scheme of that arc.

[@hennyzhi2261]

@@maxacorn That is very true.

[@ashrannafkhiend9728]

My favorite part of the arc was something you touched on, but mostly just narrated what happened and what we're told in the episode(s), not some of the more in depth nuance of what was happening. It was the when Kurama was angry about being put in a situation where the team would be responsible for the death of an innocent child. To say Kurama was angry is an understatement to such a degree that to try to contextualize it through words is something I, as someone who has been writing fantasy for over 20 years now, don't believe would do his feelings justice. From a viewer's perspective, everything is explained and seen in such a way that it ties up what he's feeling with a nice little bow just enough to have the viewer understand without actually knowing the whole of the situation. Kurama is so livid that when he goes up against telepathic Toguro, he does something we've never seen him do before, and never see him do again. Kurama is the kind of character that you simply can't imagine shutting his brain off, but he basically does just that. He's so furious that he can't think, and likely doesn't want to, and in the moment where that state of mind is needed, he uses it to lash out at Toguro in a moment of impulsive, instinctual rage that ultimately defeats Toguro in a permanent way despite being nearly immortal. It's truly impressive writing, and no matter how you look at it, it works. (It probably doesn't help that Kurama is already my favorite character in the series lolz)

[@itsmefm]

Did I just watch an almost 2 hour video that was randomly recommended to me by KZbin by a creator I have never encountered before? Yes, yes I did. Yu Yu Hakusho was already my number 1 anime (tied with Gintama) but this video absolutely solidified it for me. Chapter Black was my favorite arc, and you definitely did it justice with how you went over the subtle details and tragedies of it all. Especially with Amenuma (if that's how you spell it), he was an annoying brat but didn't deserve to be manipulated by Sensui like that (TT^TT) Thank you for this incredible video.

[@frozensouren5504]

When people think of shonen subversion ala Togashi, they will think of Yorknew or Chimera Ant , but it is clear that Togashi started experimenting in this one. It's SOOOOOO atypical from what one could expect in an arc with a similar format, so so good. Also there's this black club "subplot" that appears straight out of the dark web...and I love it.

[@kodytiffany5686]

3 kings arc is the most underratted to me. Now Chapter black does not get enough love but as this vid proves it has plenty of merrit. 3 Kings... not so much. Its my 3rd fav arc just behind Dark tourney that is just behind Chapter Black. I know some might find it unsatisfying but all I need say to counter is "Forever Fornever". Not the ending I wanted but certainly one worth appreciating. Can't wait to see your vid on it whatever it is. Thank you for your sponsoring considerations.

[@benediktwinter3037]

I love this arc it, feels so different from the rest, in a goodway. it is much darker and grittier, in a good way. it is blatantly more philosophical and psychological in a good way. You can see the characters and the shows growth in such a great and believable way. In my mind the perfect way to move forward from the dark Turnament. Way way way. I am tired and these are my thoughts... Good night

[@sluggernott]

The chills I get from when Genkai and Koenma begin to explain the situation, the classification system, the staging of the tunnel to demon world and the potential threat of an absolute hellscape still exists within my soul. The music and the daunting, serious tone Koenma takes set the stage. The entire arc is shrouded in this mystery, as each episode unveils just a little more information. So many plot twists. So many difficult decisions and experiences requiring quick thinking, with the unpredictability of the psychics, the main antagonist and the revelation of his seemingly insurmountable strength and technique. This arc became my favorite because it wasn't a predictable formatting of a tournament. The Dark Tournament is phenomenal in every respect, but this arc's dark, dismal setting and unique flavor of mystery truly brought out the true tale of the Spirit Detective.

[@OfficialEmilyS]

I enjoyed the transition of him being a descendant of the mazoku, this arc really was about the bias in humans and demons but I took it as yusuke being the best of both worlds. It was great to see a human be powerful and overcome everything before, but man I just felt like it was another level and when I first watched this 15 years ago when I was 10, I really was like “that makes sense he crazy already”

[@ericripley4716]

Hiei telling Yusuke he's got his back still amps me up so much every time I reach that part, it just sums up the relationship between the two of them so perfectly and Hiei carries those feelings into the Three kings Saga as well. Its just so great and hearing you talk about it just makes me want to rewatch the whole series immediately.

[@lucidmind9676]

Back when Yu Yu Hakusho was airing on Toonami, I thought the show ended after the dark tournament arc, wasn’t until the dvds came out that I realized there were two extra seasons and I’m surprised Toonami didn’t air this arc because it was a good follow up to dark tournament and was a parallel to what Yuske could’ve been had he chose to be evil. Looking back, YYH was competing with DBZ on toonami so I guess they assumed people were more interested in DBZ considering it came on immediately after YYH at that time cuz I only found YYH while waiting for DBZ to come on and the ending theme is what caught my attention

[@shogeass]

I remember my dad watching this show when I was four. I was curious about it, so I also watched it. Ofc, me being four, I didn’t understand everything. But I still enjoyed it a lot and became my gateway to anime. It’s my dad’s all-time favourite anime that he’s been watching for years, and I could see why. It ended up being mine too. I made it a tradition of mine to watch YYH at *least* once a year. And every year I watched it, I learned something new (also because I got smarter as I grew up). There was always something new to love each rewatch. After watching so many different animes, YYH is still my number one favourite. I’m turning 19 in a couple of months now and I still rewatch YYH. I’m able to appreciate it to its fullest compared to when I was younger. And each year, I end up loving YYH more and more. It will always be my all time favourite. And I hope to also introduce this show to my future child, just as my dad did to me.

[@jackhalus6137]

Every year or so I go back and rewatch this show. It's great length, not too long, with arcs that are for the most part all very different. Even the final arc has more political intrigue that I have grown to appreciate more as I have gotten older. But I always look forwards to the dark tournament saga and enjoy it greatly. Then I of course push onward since I want to finish it of course but then am blindsided each time and keep forgetting just how good the chapter black saga is. And while some people are turned off by the deus ex machina that is yusuke being resurrected by his demon bloodline, something not even hinted at in the show, the morals and the plot itself is just so damn good and is def overlooked since it follows a top 5 anime arc of all time in the dark tournament arc. I am really glad to see people coming around and realising how good this arch is. Now if only I can get people to appreciate the final arch so Yu Yu can be looked at as an overall amazing anime just like hunter x hunter is today. Hunter x Hunter wasn't just a fluke, Togashi already made an all time great in Yu Yu hakusho.

[@michaelmarlow6610]

These reviews honestly just prove how well written this entire show was.

[@b3nt0t]

Except the last arc. It felt lacking and rushed.

[@thesurvivorssanctuary6561]

@@b3nt0t Not as good as the rest of the show, for sure, but better then most other shows, for sure.

[@jeremynelson5311]

@@b3nt0t yeah. The whole Raizen arc was kinda meh.

[@punkrocker4life9674]

Togashi knows how to write when he has the time

[@L0v3_Murd3r_0n3]

Chapter Black Saga is such an underrated arc in the series. Shinobu was such a tormented character. By far my favorite of the opponents Yusuke had fought.

[@Zalachai]

Imagine the three kings saga if togashi didn't have health issues

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

it's sad to think, but tbh, it wouldn't of been much better. by the time we get to the Three Kings arc, Togashi was sick of the same formula of fighting strong guys until Yusuke beats the strongest guy and gets stronger. his editors wouldn't let him deconstruct the characters, so he'd be stuck doing something he hates; repetition. so frankly, even if he didn't have health issues, i think it's best Yu Yu is how it is, as, unless we got rid of editor meddling, Togashi would be stuck writing Dragon Ball Super; a story thats gone beyond its own good and continues to roll through the same tropes again and again.

[@nickcano3770]

Couldn’t he have leaned harder in to character development for sake of resolution as opposed to deconstructing them? He could’ve capped it off with a beautiful plot instead of tournament arc 2 electric boogaloo

[@CherryFlavoredFox0180]

@@nickcano3770 The demon king tornament is what the editors demanded.

[@KaiKrimson56]

​@@Green-3c34y65vrbuSo we would've gotten the Chimera Ant arc but with demons? I'll pass.

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

@@KaiKrimson56 man, you don't get it at all, do you? we already KNOW that humans and youkai are the same. we learned this as early as the Saving Yukina Arc! the thing to unveil here is the *war*. Yusuke, Hiei, Kurama.. they're warriors to the core. they would fight eachother to the death, until they murder one another, if it's the only place they can reach their excitement. that's their true natures. this is the kind of story we would have ended up with. it would be completely unlike the Chimera Ant Arc. if you watch the anime or read the manga, it's clear to see that they're setting up these three going at eachother at the end of a long, long, Devilman (1972 manga)-inspired final war arc. (afterall the Devilman inspiration is blatantly clear from the moment Youkai are introduced to the story.) Kuwabara even sets it up perfectly by before they part ways, don't you recall? however, Togashi's editor stopped him. that wouldn't be a classic shounen story about friendship!! so, sadly, we miss out on this beautiful deconstruction of our amoral main cast, and instead got a tournement arc that this editor forced him into, as it's the closest thing. however, Togashi didn't WANT to make a tournement arc, so he ended it pretty quick, as he no longer had the spirit to fight back. it's a shame, because Mukuro is my fave character in the series, and Togashi has said she's his favorite too, so we would have gotten much more Mukuro content were Togashi free to write what he wants at the time.

[@mangacreator27brockdiesner84]

Honestly as much as love the dark tournament and I love it a lot, Chapter Black is honestly my favorite arc. I constantly find myself coming back and watching it again and again! Yu Yu Hakusho is undoubtedly one of my all time favorite anime!

[@Ethonra]

This was my favorite arc from the show. When I was a kid, watxhing it on OG Toonami, I missed some of the more subtle morality choices and Sensui playing 9th Dimensional Chess, but I still enjoyed it. Now a days, people go on and on and on about Aizen being an impossible genius (which is fair, he is), but kinda sad no one mentions Sensui's absolute puppeteering of his own damn team, but more impressively, Yusuke and his friends. I couldn't appreciate as much back then but I'm glad I was able to recognize there was some amazing writing here. And most interestingly, he won. Sensui brought down the barrier. Every plan he had, worked. Only thing he actually failed to do was kill Yusuke for good and pass Final Judgment on humanity, which come on, he had to fail in those two otherwise the series would just straight up end. Amazing villian.

[@vivilore677]

The Goblin city part was the most heart wrenching, soul shattering part of that episode, maybe of all of the challenges. As you said it really portrayed how Sensui has spiraled into his insanity not giving a damn who lives or dies. Putting Kurama in that challenge was such a calculated choice too. A character that has been battling his innner demon himself up to this point and even further on in the story, Kurama being forced to do exactly what he despised of becoming ever since he was reborn as a human while also having to hear the despair of his victim and knowing he can do nothing to stop it. Like a trainwreck waiting to happen and you're standing on the rails. Incredibly chilling

[@pikaboom6539]

Holy crap…this channel is CRIMINALLY slept on. This is one of the best video essays on an anime I’ve ever seen (and I’ve seen a lot).

[@Zerophyx]

I legit just sat here and watched your entire video and I have to say, I loved every second of it. Great recap on one of my favorite animes, you've definitely made me want to rewatch the entire series again! Extremely underrated, keep up the great work.

[@Joshuazx]

The Dark Tournament Arc is visceral. The Black Chapter Arc is intellectual. Both very good.

[@sakainess]

"fresh off the heels of THAT brand new trauma..." - I need to commend you for your brilliant writing

[@Cooliex1986]

One thing you forgot in Goblin City, the part that sends chills down my spine and further cements Kurama as one of the best characters. When Yusuke asks if he is okay after beating Game Master and he just deadtone says, "I have no regrets, Yusuke..." and walks off. That part broke me when I first saw it, seeing the nice Kurama just go straight cold after that. Such a great scene! Loved this video! Great job!

[@akebo92]

Chapter Black would be a blu-ray collecters edition with loads of special features instead of a tape now-a-days

[@ChiePet_]

I've been watching yyh once a year since 5th grade (I'm 30 lol) and gotta say Chapter Black is my favorite now. It combines the fights and the mystery the first arc had so well. Sensui is also a great character, villan aside. I did dislike the Demon Yusuke stuff because it did diminish his human achievements but I believe the final arc had so so so much potential and can't stress how much it did for Hiei and Kurama.

[@akeemsmith3096]

I feel you here and I love all the arcs i genuinely feel that the demon thing wasn't as bad as many ppl think it is. I like the set-up to the next arc. I'm kinda bias because Raizen is my favorite character in the show. I feel like the arc was honestly more content heavy for the kings, hiei and Kurama. I don't think that h having demon ancestry diminishes his previous accomplishments simply because for all intents and purposes, dude was human. He technically wasn't demon until he died the last time. At least that how I see it

[@ChiePet_]

@@akeemsmith3096 no I agree 100%, I thought of it yesterday too; he was human. And did the things he did as a human. So I get what I originally said, but I agree. I still wish Kuwabara was trained in speed because he w/Jigan-to would be scary.

[@akeemsmith3096]

@@ChiePet_ 💯 or if he actually learned how to swing that thing lol. Imagine hiei or Kurama with that. Hiei would be UNSTOPPABLE

[@ChiePet_]

@@akeemsmith3096 kuwabara is so bad at sword play lmao. All I can think about is Shishiwakamaru and Onji/Susuka/Suzuki. He sadly can't help but clown himself.

[@akeemsmith3096]

@@ChiePet_ first anime character I've ever seen brute strength a sword. Lol

[@geminiguy6032]

Yusuke having demon blood has got me conflicted. I've got some beef with it, but there's some things I really like from it as well. I think the thing that bothered me most was Kuwabara was hyped to be the savior of this arc and even though he got a major upgrade, it never really came in handy against Sensui. However, Demon Yusuke with red Aura looks really cool and I like the contrast of a Sensui using angel-like energy to cause destruction, whereas Yusuke uses demonic energy to protect the earth.

[@KaoticReach1999]

Finally someone giving the respect and love this arc deserves

[@daezondario]

Shinobu sensui is one of my favorite antagonists of the entire genre. The dichotomy of his character is interesting in a way that i havent found in any other character in anime.

[@levihamer8851]

Just got my lady watching YYH for the first time! Very excited to see her go through all the ups and downs of the show

[@SomewherePastNever]

How’s that going so far? 🤘🏾

[@jthecaffeinatedcrow6456]

It's really something that for all the brutality in the rest of the series, Goblin City is one of the hardest parts to get through

[@TriglavAudio]

Great Arc that gets overlooked by a lot of people. Awesome video bro.

[@gokusondbz]

'We humans can justify anything for that is how our corruption begins' Quote Sensui

[@bujilou]

Dude I keep coming back to this video not only for the love of the anime itself, but for this expertly crafted analysis/script you wrote that flows so nicely. Good stuff brotha

[@stevemclovin1566]

I 100 percent agree with kuwabara actually proving himself to the others by studying with Genkai and getting more respect. It would have been a lot better than what happens with him in the final season.

[@swift8021]

See!! Why is he the weakest with so much potential

[@nickjaxon1317]

@@swift8021It dosent matter if he is the weakest anyway because all of team urameshi are in S-Class which means no matter how much weaker kuwabara is to the rest of the team ,he's in a league with barely a handful of people. His power is truly a monster

[@swift8021]

@@nickjaxon1317 In the show he is only A - class. In the Manga he is a lower S-class during another demon tournament. The power scales suck... Plus its not like he showed superior strength and speed or even combat skills... He's like a level 1 character with a level 100 sword. My problem is that they treated him like Krillin or any other non-important character during the "Three Kings" arc. Left him by the wayside.

[@nickjaxon1317]

@@swift8021 bro have u lost ur mind dp u understand if an S-Class even releases a Pissant of their power they can almost destroy the earth. The sword is something only kuwabara can do that like taking away hiei's darkness flame which is s a skill no everyone can master. The man got to s class face it kuwabara may not be the strongest but he is an S-Class

[@swift8021]

@@nickjaxon1317 not understanding what you’re arguing? I said he is lower S - class in the manga. I’m saying it’s only his sword which makes him an lower S -class fighter. He has shown no other abilities physically other than his dimension sword, which he still swings around like a monkey with a stick. This Arc falls off greatly… Even though he is technically the strongest HUMAN on earth after Sensui dies, he is still not on the same level. That’s facts..

[@LaddRusso91]

I'm rewatching the series and am right at this point. I love this show the more I watch it.

[@jeffreywilliams8499]

Same here

[@Xiuhcoatl_]

Chapter Black was good, but for me personally, the whole Yusuke being a demon thing just kinda lowers its beauty for me. I get it, there's nothing wrong with Yusuke turning out to be a Demon and it opens up the Three Kings arc etc etc... but to me, up to this point, the entire series had been a triumph of what humanity CAN do. Yusuke was the beacon of humanity, he rose to defeat and be respected by the demons around him because he had the human spirit energy to go toe to toe with the best, and the resilience to overcome. That was the beauty of it. Not to mention the whole Toguro not wanting Yusuke to end up like him, only to, surprise, Yusuke's a demon!! Which really negates the impact of Toguro/Genkai/Yusuke dynamic for me. I can see why people love this arc, and it's incredible, but damn the whole Yusuke being a demon.. can't get over that.

[@AbStar_xx]

This video was so worth the wait. Along with the Dark Tournament, Chapter Black is one of my all-time favourite anime arcs. Your analytical style is brilliant and I can't wait to see what you do next!

[@KeadoKyle]

chapter black seems to pull on my emotions alot probably have a bucket of tears every time i watch it

[@SplitSniper7]

1:30:00 when Hiei called Sensui a bastard, the way he says it breaks my heart.

[@vampman87]

I personally loved this arc. The villains weren't as cool as the Toguro team in the Dark Tournament, but the concept that Yusuke, as strong as he became, was completely blindsided against unique abilities made for a very entertaining arc. His second fight with Sensui was particularly awesome, as Sensui admitted that, in brute strength and speed, Yusuke was had a clear edge, but in terms of spiritual power and control Yusuke couldn't begin to compare to Sensui.

[@deathomega6208]

As someone with a seizure disorder, while not photo sensitive, I greatly appreciate the flashing lights warning for those who are. Wish more creators did that.

[@NomisBbew]

many men playing in the background of the beginning of the end is a very nice touch

[@PathBeyondTheDark]

This arc solidified Kurama as my favorite character of the series and a top contender in any medium I've experienced. The nuance between the two halves of his identity and how in opposition they are with each other is so well constructed, subtle yet unmistakable, in how ruthless he could come across on several occasions. This was something heavily hinted at throughout the series and to see it payed off after the buildup is exceptional (a writer understanding his characters, what a concept). Sure you had Gourmet spell out how much in conflict he was with his emotions, but at least it felt completely natural due to the circumstances and used a pre-established concept (mind reading) to do it (again, *good* writing). However, despite some exceptional writing in this arc, one that happens to be my favorite as well... I can't in good conscience say that much of the final act was well constructed in concept and in execution. Beginning from the reveal of Sensui having DID, it felt like it was relentlessly throwing curve balls at the viewer and attempting to cover it up with equally convenient explanations for the events. It asks far too much in the way of suspense of disbelief compared to the rest of the arc. But the worst is Yusuke's heritage. I don't need to explain I'm sure, and yes I can get behind it being thematically relevant to *this arc,* but it comes at the expense of the themes of *the rest of the series* and at the cost of Yusuke's character. It is poorly executed at best and thrust upon a character whose arc was so tied to his humanity *it's basically shouted out by other characters on multiple occasions.* So yes, great arc. But one that stumbled through the finish line.

[@cesare4926]

This was the arc that made me realize how special this show was

[@joebeast15]

Chapter Black is my favorite arc in this show.

[@JELL0521]

Chapter Black in a lot of ways seems like the stepping stone and spiritual predecessor of HxH. You can see where a lot of the ideas in this arc got expanded on and deviated from . It also explains why I enjoy HxH considering Chapter Black is my fav arc in the series.

[@blacklite911]

*predecessor

[@JELL0521]

@@blacklite911 Spiritual Successor is what I meant. It describes the relationship a bit more accurately

[@blacklite911]

@@JELL0521 a successor comes after. So either hxh is the spiritual successor of yuyu or yuyu is the predecessor of hxh. Because he made yuyu first

[@JELL0521]

@@blacklite911 you’re correct lmao. Guess I was reversing HxH and YYH in my head

[@KaiKrimson56]

Chrollo is basically Sensui with amnesia.

[@kingMadnus]

THANK YOU THANK YOU finally someone has expressed coherently what I’ve been saying for years about the dark tournaments and the chapter black saga the dark tournament is great because it’s action packed but the chapter black arc is more mature more thought-provoking an all out better story with a much better Antagonist. The chapter black pushed everybody to their limit And it pushed Yusuke to his limits as a spirit detective because remember he’s not supposed to be a tournament fighter

[@RroGBatista]

Looking forward to watch the rest of your videos

[@ZeeBeeZB]

Im getting Yu-gi-oh season 0 vibes from that territory game

[@AshoreNevermore]

Kinda glad somebody is giving this arc its due. I love the Dark Tournament, of course, but this one will always stand out more to me. I am one of those people who don't like the demon revelation, but that's mostly because it felt extremely out of left field and came with an alternate form power-up. If there was more lead up to it and the fight was less one-sided, I would have genuinely enjoyed the twist.

[@shogoyamada945]

The thing is we only saw like 3-4 personalities of sensui. He has like 7 that’s why he was able to learn the divine power so fast. The arc and the one after it felt rushed

[@Chaosic]

Sensuiy says his 7 personalities helped train with tool only 5 or 10 years something like that.

[@XaroctheGodofKarma]

You gained me as a follower within the first 45 seconds. You're writing and comedy is tight.

[@morenafromthevineyard]

Amazing video! Chapter Black has always been one of my favorite arcs in anime. From what I heard before (don't know if true) but is that Togashi had a different plan for the ending of Chapter Black and wanted to go in another direction and got frustrated, so ended Yu Yu Hakusho abruptly at the Three Kings arc. I have a gut feeling Chapter Black was supposed to be very similar to how Chimera Ant arc turned out in H X H. Something else I noticed is the dynamic between Sensei and Itsuki parallels Gon and Killua's somewhat.

[@pp-vf8ls]

he always like that, he stuck himself hard and cant get out of it

[@jonathandoe2316]

I loved Sensui one of my favorite villains in any media. I was stunned to find out about his multiple personalities. Then he had at least 1 female personality that Itsuki thought was in love with him. Then that his main personality in the Japanese version was gay. At first I admit as a teenager that was almost too much. Now it's apart of his ridiculously cool character. He seemed beyond smart, beyond powerful, he had the entire team outclassed.

[@StareachValcin]

This was a very detailed and great video essay of the Chapter Black arc. It is such a shame that it won't follow up on the highly underrated Three Kings arc, which finishes the character development of all the main characters, and is a better arc than people give it credit for, despite its flaws. I honestly believe that the Chapter Black arc is the best arc Yu Yu Hakusho for a multitude of reasons: 1. It changes the battle status quo from fighting demons to fighting mainly humans. 2. It brings a larger threat than even the previous enemy, Toguro. The threat of an army of demons just as strong as Toguro coming to the human world through a tunnel to the demon world. 3. It brings up the demon class system that changes the level of strength that the main characters were used to. Before this arc, Yusuke considered himself to be the strongest overall after defeating Toguro. However, the demon class system placed Toguro as an upper B class demon, not even the second highest class of demon, with A class and especially S class demons being far above Toguro in strength. 4. Yusuke and company have to face their enemies with more than just their strength. They needed to use their heads. 5. I honestly believe that Sensui was not only a better villain than Toguro with a backstory just as interesting as Toguro's, but he is arguably the best villain in Yu Yu Hakusho even if Yomi was far stronger than any and all of the previous villains. Sensui was the first S class level opponent that Team Urameshi ever faced, he outsmarted Team Urameshi and Koenma at every turn, he successfully killed Yusuke, he succeeded in all of his plans, Yusuke was unable to defeat him even when his powers rose up to S class levels, and Sensui died accomplishing his goals even when he was defeated by Raizen who possessed Yusuke's body. Sensui also was a great narrative foil for Yusuke. 6. Kuwabara does go through some good character development and was of great importance in this arc. I honestly like Kuwabara's new dimension sword. As much as I would have liked Kuwabara being a replacement for Yusuke after he died, I am actually glad he didn't go that route. Kuwabara is simply not Yusuke, despite how much Yusuke has influenced his life and vice-versa. As shown in this arc and the next one, Kuwabara wants a life beyond just fighting demons all the time. 7. I like the battles against Sensui's team, especially with the Doctor and the Gamemaster. Battles of morality. 8. I am honestly okay with Yusuke being descendant from demons. Sure, it would have been better if Yusuke didn't come back to life after being killed by Sensui, but I am still glad it happened due to Yusuke being part demon. Yusuke having a demon lineage just explains his natural aptitude for fighting. It doesn't really take away from his victories because prior to his training with Genkai, Yusuke won many of his battles in his cases due to luck. Afterwards, his training under Genkai gave Yusuke legitimate victories in his cases, with the exception of his and Kuwabara's first battle with the Toguro Brothers. After training with Genkai for the second time, Yusuke did get legitimate victories in the dark tournament, and finishing his training with Genkai, coupled with Kuwabara's fake death pushed Yusuke to a level of strength where he was able to legitimately defeat Toguro. Plus, Yusuke's demon lineage brought Yusuke up to Sensui's level, but it wasn't enough for Yusuke to defeat Sensui. If it wasn't for Raizen's interference, Sensui would have eventually killed Yusuke again. Yusuke's demon lineage just adds to Yusuke's character, as shown through his character arc in the Three Kings arc. From start to finish, the chapter Black arc and this video essay was just great.

[@joshelderkin9592]

I love the insane payoff of the knife edge death match with the fight between yuske and sensui its honestly insane

[@AntiAnnihilator5000]

Great video about my favorite arc in my favorite Shonen, but I think you sold Yusuke's fight with Sniper a little bit short thematically. You did a good job quickly summarizing the action in those scenes, but Sniper is a particularly deadly threat because his power tracks opponents without bound that Yusuke could not rid himself of short of Sniper either having a change of heart or dying, which again forced Yusuke in a similar situation to when he dealt with the Doctor except it is his life that was imperiled rather than civilians. Sniper's statement that he has no quarrel with Hiei contrasted with his willingness to attack unarmed and unaware humans is not mental gymnastics, it is a demonstration of the morality at play with Sensui's group. As Hiei is a demon, he is not inherently an enemy to Sniper and he does not want to give Hiei a reason to align more closely to Team Urameshi by attacking him. Sniper only began shooting at Hiei in self-defense when it was clear that the demon was going to attack him. Hiei near-fatally (by design) stabbed Sniper, Yusuke scolded Hiei which indicated that he still considered killing the enemy to be off-limits, Sniper decided to use the last of his strength aligning the sights on his pistol with Yusuke (rather than the demon who stabbed him with a sword and was threatening his heart), Hiei finished Sniper off, and Yusuke thanked Hiei for saving him. Through this sequence we saw that Yusuke is willing to tolerate his allies killing evil humans when necessary to save his life and when he knows he will need their help in the future, which grays his character a little, as we had to this point not seen any of Yusuke's allies kill a human. We also saw that Hiei considers killing humans to be acceptable if they are evil, but that Hiei anticipated that Yusuke would object and that Hiei decided not to risk his friendship with Yusuke by starting with going for a kill. Edit: Admittedly, the moral dilemma in the scene is less interesting than the fight against the Doctor or the competition with the Game Master, so I could see why you'd trim it for time. Also, I think it's worth noting for context regarding the Game Master that Yusuke's journey started with risking his body to save a child so being put in a situation where he has to let his allies cause a child to die goes against his moral inclinations really hard. Of course, as a demon who lived a life as a human, the gravity of the role he played isn't lost on Kurama.

[@lokks2130]

Excellent analysis. It's refreshing to see people touch upon these arcs with more thematic emphasis, I mostly see the fan base talk about the fights in YYH which is fine but I also sense a bit of pretentiousness from it because the same people dismiss Hakusho whenever it's time to bring up writing lol

[@kilogreene8738]

I am very self aware of my biased fanboi-ing but Yu Yu IS PERFECT! Despite any flaws that you (anyone) point out. This story is perfect lol from beginning to end. I've already died on this hill plenty of times before and yet I remain to defend it still. Step tf up 🤣🤣🤣

[@AReaderOfHorror]

"What's Hiei up to while this is going on?" Cutaway to Hiei casually eating at different cafés and generally taking it easy.

[@thundahsenshi150]

Occasionally checking in on his sister

[@ForcesofRandomness]

hiei reads poetry at a cafe: what repulsive creature makes my ear drums bleed

[@RadarFinsR]

1:06:39 Sensui asks "what if all people are evil" I loved this when I first watched it, something so short and so simple yet philosophically devastating. Killing a child because you had no other choice to save the world, seems like a cut and dry situation until you open your perspective and realize the world is full of terrible people. Sensui questions what it means to justify the ends by the means in a world that is corrupt. I mean the same question could be pondered on us as well, like human self-preservation may very well be a negative thing as far as the objective truth of our world may go, and yet our minds will never be able to comprehend it without becoming self-destructive.

[@Mboone1994]

Yooooo let's go son! I've been meaning to rewatch everything after the Dark Tournament for the longest time honestly. The only things I remember are the final Sensui fight, vaguely, and Yusuke and Hiei round two so, glad to see you finished the video!

[@SomewherePastNever]

Haha I'm glad it's done, too! Always appreciate the support!

[@sergiomessias3691]

This series is amazing 🎉 great to see some love in KZbin. Thanks for the great content have been bingeing since yesterday. This is my favorite anime, and Kuwabara is the best🎉

[@bryce_garland]

Subbed in the first 60 seconds. You do an incredible job of crushing the dry humor! This is also my favorite anime by a country mile, so I love hearing your thoughts on it. Thank you so much for your time and energy and putting this video together! Hope to see more from you in the future 😊

[@SomewherePastNever]

I’ve definitely got things cooking! The hard part is finding time between my 9-5 and social obligations haha. But more is on the way! Welcome aboard, dude!

[@Green-3c34y65vrbu]

to be honest, i don't know why anyone would be mad about Yusuke actually being a Mazoku. lets be real, from the Dark Tournament, we all knew Yusuke's death wasn't going to be permanent. it was a question of "so, how will Togashi revive Yusuke? perhaps Puu can act as a part of his soul, and ground his soul into his body, allowing him to come back to life?" the audience may wonder or theorise, but then, it's revealed. somewhere far back in Yusuke's bloodline, a man named Raizen, a Yokai, spread his seed into a Urameshi ancestor, which skipped several generations, only awakening in Yusuke later. this is a super cool worldbuilding device, and gives the story somewhere to go after Chapter Black. furthermore, it gives Yusuke a new, powerful Yoki, no longer does he have access to his old Reiki, allowing our heroes to like, yaknow, not totally lose to Shinobu. now, maybe that above is a bit utilitarian for why i don't think Yusuke being a Yokai is bad, so here's like, my main feelings on the subject. thematically speaking, the Dark Tournament's antagonist, Toguro, was once human, but fearing age, mortality, and with the hatred for the Yokai who killed his students, he became a Yokai. Toguro blames himself for this, so he feels it's only write for him to become a Yokai himself, as someone who's pure evil in his own perspective. the Dark Tournament and Rescue Yukina show evilness in both humans and Yokai, which, before Rescue Yukina, we only saw evil in Yokai for the most part. so, in the end, the human Yusuke defeats the Yokai Toguro. this perfectly leads into the themes of Chapter Black, the idea of, "is humanity beyond saving? should we just be rid of it all?". our antagonist is a human, and no less, a prior Spirit Detective, which is an excellent thematic tie-in. the themes of the Dark Tournament involve "Yusuke's similar to Toguro, what if he turns out just like him?". here, we have another Yusuke parallel, but instead of being one to his first for battle, it's to the black and white perspective it'd be easy to slip into when you spend every day killing Yokai. luckily for Yusuke, he had good humans and good Yokai around him, unlike Sensui, who only had evil humans in his solitary life, with Yokai being a more pure ideal for him. if Yusuke's circumstances were different, he really could of turned into Sensui. so, in the final battle, Yusuke the human dies to Sensui, who wants to destroy all of humanity. he then revives as a Yokai himself. thematically, Toguro the Yokai was killed by Yusuke the human. Toguro threw away his humanity, but Yusuke kept his and still beat Toguro. now, Yusuke, a Yokai, kills Sensui, the human who wanted to kill all humans for Yokai's sake. this perfectly presents the narrative that "no, it's not black and white. life is nuanced. there can be good or bad in anyone." while i really dislike the plot development of Shinobu's Seikoki, as it results in a battle that is no longer skill based, but rather, "two action figures slam into eachother until one dies for the plot, with skill, martial arts and strategy not being involved", i don't think Yusuke being a Yokai does any damage to the end of the arc. Itsuki, a Yokai, caring deeply for Sensui and keeping him away from his soul passing over to the Spirit Realm, is really sweet, and also a great end-off for the arc, as it shows that some Yokai did agree with Shinobu in some fashion. so, yeah, that's my feelings on the developments at the end of Chapter Black. also, this is somewhat unrelated, but i love how in Chapter Black, Yusuke uses percentages of Reiki, flicks air pressure at his enemies, and becomes a Yokai for greater power. it shows that he really could turn into Toguro, a great logical throughline from the Dark Tournament.

[@wowhowbizarre8176]

I understand the chapter black tape isn’t meant to be seen without the other parts but honestly I can imagine anyone watching it in its entirety might go a bit insane. Like really think about everything on there serial killers alone.

[@iambeyonder7296]

Most of the time i always look for something to bash the content creator but ive finished your video and what impressed me a lot is your lootcrate tangent, you sir have my respect

[@silvertongue.242_99]

Hei grew up finally not acting all cool and emo but showing how he feels and respect without any condensation

[@unclebobboomergames]

The deathnof game master and kuramas reaction to it made me think only of hiei's line of "i teamed up with kurama cuz i didnt wanna fight him."

[@queeng2921]

Niche content for an incredible fandom, YYH has been my obsession for almost 10 years now. I appreciate this informative video essay!

[@R.I.P_clan]

Yu yu hakusho is the most underrated anime of all time imo. I can see how jjk domain expansion power is clearly inspired by territory powers.

[@mikedaprez]

I will always remember hiei rage after yusuke death while sensui ride the black dragon wave to demon world

[@aca9874]

I rewatch Yu Yu Hakusho once a year it's one of my favorite animes, and Chapter Black has become my absolute favorite arc because of the morality dilemma, the humans and not just demons were enemies, and a former spirit detective vs the new, plus the soundtracks were absolute bangers.

[@MeshTheSnake]

The 50 Cent “Many Men” instrumental, went crazy for this video. Amazing work on both yu yu hakusho videos brother!

[@ryanbaldauf4634]

First video of yours that's ever been suggested to me. You earned my sub with that AOL joke... And reacted my dial-up PTSD.

[@monasteryfounder]

Man has that strong spirit energy radiating from him. Appreciate the analysis, good sir. Very calm presentation and well articulated. To this day, I'm drawn to Itsuki and his perspective; in the manga, he is far more blunt about his purity fetish. In the anime, it's more poetic and flowery in it's presentation. Itsuki thinks of trauma and horrors of life changing someone to a cynic or a monster is a course of personal evolution- that gradual regression will enable oneself to become more than they ever were and thusly, they will become more capable/versatile. To become a monster, one can take on all parties on all sides equally without limitations or boundaries limiting what they'll do, to whom, and why. To become more powerful, logic dictates that boundaries must be broken or surpassed.

[@ChiePet_]

"Imagine a little girl who believes babies come from storks, growing to do porn. Things like that I Delight me." -Itsuki.

[@ClydeFog]

so happy to have a continuation of this wonderful series, looking forward to your future work!

[@n543576]

41:15 that entire conversation between Seaman and Yusuke IS the reason why to this day this is one of my favorite series of all time.

[@Shawnzy1]

They did sensui so well . I loved his character, how they explored his mental issues and much more . I was struggling mentally during Covid and his character helped me thru it

[@savage_Sloth90]

Chapter black is one of those arcs that probably deserves more credit than it gets.

[@mauriciobetimpaesleme8702]

1:11:10 One of the most underrated lines EVER in an anime.

[@dragonzerohero]

I would still like to see a three Kings Arc video from you just like how you did this video and had a different opinion about the chapter black arc there’s a chance that you might change your mind about that arc The way you framed and organize your video kept me entertained throughout the whole hour so I would tell you to try at least give it a try.

[@jesussaldana4558]

it feels incomplete but maybe a return may make it better

[@eric8841]

That “many men” beat in the background go hard Peace and wholeness fam

[@CBFan5000]

Great video on the subjectively best arc in the series. This is INCREDIBLE quality for someone with only about 1.4k subs. Praying that the algorithm rewards you well for this one.

[@SomewherePastNever]

This comment made my day when I saw it at work. Much appreciated!

[@thorinhannahs4614]

I like many others started my anime/manga journey as a teen (32 now) and after everything I saw my opinion once asked has always been that YYH is the best shonen out there. The strongest reason for me is that it concludes in a reasonable timeframe and dead-just-kidding is used sparingly. I feel that Aizen is the best when it comes to all knowing checkmate style villains even against Sensui, Mcgillis Fareed, Eko Hoshunin and Makashima Shogo. The video essay opened my eyes to how derivative other series are. Thank you for putting in the work required to make 2 hour long videos, I enjoyed it.

[@gokusondbz]

My Personal Favorite Arc Much More Deep & Thought-Provoking.

[@ryankelly7070]

I never finished Yu Yu Hakusho, I stopped watching watching after the Dark Tournament arc idk why, so this was a great video for me to watch and be able to finish the story without having to watch all the episodes. Thanks for the great summary.