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Sep 30, 2009 7:39 PM
#1

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Jun 2008
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THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE.
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honestly, this is just one of the most emotional first episodes I have ever seen
I know I am rewatching here and I am totally biased (cuz Yu Yu is my fav) but this series is just absolutely brillant. It's just amazing how much it pulls at your heart strings in the very first episode. Not to mention Kuwabara's immortal line, "I'm gonna beat ya up so bad that not even kittens will look at ya!" or something along those lines

RtheO
Sep 30, 2009 7:42 PM
#2

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Jun 2008
1776
I love lanipator's dub of it.
(づ°‿°.)づ
Nov 16, 2009 10:47 PM
#3

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Jun 2008
393
Just incredible that an anime is able to make me cry at the very first episode, I sense that I will enjoy this anime to the very end of it - 10 out of 5! :)
Sverige är ärorikt, såsom jag :-]
Nov 17, 2009 7:44 AM
#4

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Jun 2008
1004
HannesOfangels said:
Just incredible that an anime is able to make me cry at the very first episode, I sense that I will enjoy this anime to the very end of it - 10 out of 5! :)



you will my friend, you will

RtheO
Jan 28, 2010 5:54 PM
#5

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Aug 2009
121
Wow, that was an awesome first episode! This anime looks really promising.
"I know about people who talk about suffering for the common good. It's never bloody them! When you hear a man shouting "Forward, brave comrades!" you'll see he's the one behind the bloody big rock and the one wearing the only really arrow-proof helmet!"

-- Rincewind gives a speech on politics. (Terry Pratchett, Interesting Times)
Feb 24, 2010 8:53 PM
#6

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Jun 2009
3607
Reall emotional episode, rewatching it though and still had the same feeling as before
Live well - Laugh often - and Love much

Mar 15, 2010 12:00 PM
#7

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May 2009
1193
That was awesome =D
"The weak get washed away by the tides of fate...The strong drink it up."-Godot
Apr 1, 2010 12:30 PM
#8

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Jun 2008
393
Ok so I'm kinda late to post this, but oh well...

Truth: I liked it, just liked it - but what I really don't like about it, is that under all these episodes, 2 fighting tournament takes up most of the time, and it's just a obvious proof that they really were running out ideas under the rest of the time that they made this anime..

I give it a 7 out of 10
Sverige är ärorikt, såsom jag :-]
Apr 2, 2010 8:23 PM
#9

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Oct 2007
166
HannesOfangels said:
Ok so I'm kinda late to post this, but oh well...

Truth: I liked it, just liked it - but what I really don't like about it, is that under all these episodes, 2 fighting tournament takes up most of the time, and it's just a obvious proof that they really were running out ideas under the rest of the time that they made this anime..

I give it a 7 out of 10


You see, the thing is, YYH is a shounen, so of course it will use typical shounen staples in its plot, but IMO its how a writer uses those plot-points that counts. For one thing, the series did end with a 2nd tournament, but the fact of the matter is that it was very short, which is because Yoshihiro Togashi, for whatever reason, rushed the ending of the series. It was clear from the 1st half of the final arc that it was meant to turn into a war of sorts, but for whatever reason he obviously didn't want to continue writing for the series anymore (the proof is that he barely even showed any of the tournament in the manga), whereas the anime actually had to stretch it out quite a lot, and even then it does not take up most of the series like you said, since factually there are more non-tournament arc episodes in the series if you count them up.

Also, I think that you are focusing way too much on the outward appearance of the cliches than all of the good stuff it did. The first arc was done fairly well, and the Chapter Black arc felt really original in comparison to what most other shounen do. Also, the first half of the Three Kings arc had a nice set-up. Also, for what was there of the Dark Tournament, it was actually done really well (and this is coming from someone who usually can't stand long tournament arcs in shounen series, so its saying a lot that it actually impressed me). The reason it was good was because rather than focus just on the fighting, it actually chose to focus more on the characters and the motivations that drove them, even for some of the villains. Also, it does help that a lot of the fights had some actual strategy to them, rather than just each opponent resorting to more powerful attacks until one bested the other.

Anyways, you're entitled to your opinion, but the reason I actually like this show and don't get so critical on it is because its clearly there just for the enjoyment factor. Its self-aware of what it is, and doesn't try to pretend to be more than a shounen like other more modern series do and fail at, and instead just plays to the strengths of what Togashi was good at writing. If you're going to get all up and technical about things that you don't like in this series, then of course it will disappoint you. As for me, I have always been one to watch series like this with enjoyment in mind, with focus on the postive aspects that I like about it, and this show had a lot of positives to outweigh the negatives for me, personally.

At any rate, I like the writing of the show not for the plot, which would just be average on its own, but because it focuses more on the characters, and also has a lot of them that are actually likeable AND sensible (with the exception of Yusuke and Kuwabara, anyways).
Apr 7, 2010 1:51 PM

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Nov 2009
175
the first ep was beastly. it was a hook line and sinker
"The loser beating the gifted genius with sheer willpower. Now would that not make for an exciting match?"

May 11, 2011 3:49 AM

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Feb 2009
3444
Totally unexpected first episode, who would have guessed the main character would die right at the first minute! All that came after his death and his reflection towards the fact of wanting to live again or not were very convincing.

So great first ep!
Aug 10, 2011 11:34 AM

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Aug 2010
3111
I'm watching this show on the FUNimation channel now. I liked this episode, and since I read the manga, I know that even better things ae coming.

I can't wait to see Kurama and Hiei.
Bum Bum Dum Dum

Nov 6, 2011 9:04 AM

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Aug 2010
1286
A very interesting first episode that made me feel comfortable with the main character!
May 25, 2012 12:11 PM

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Sep 2009
133
The frist episode was funny and sad at the same time. He needed dying to see the people like him really.
"The second place is the first place of the losers"
"God is big, God is strong and when He wants there isn't who wants"
"Everybody has a limit. My limit is over the others"
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Sep 15, 2012 1:08 PM

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Sep 2011
200
Very emotional episode! I like the kid Yusuke saved so cute >3<!!
Jul 18, 2013 4:46 PM

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May 2011
3627
For some reason a lot of people told me to watch this in English Dub. So I tried both Dub and Sub. I prefer Sub honestly.

An interesting concept, and that was pretty emotional like many have mentioned. I'll have to give this series a proper watch in the future.
Aug 15, 2013 7:08 PM

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Jan 2013
340
I loved YYH ever since I was a kid. This was one of my my Saturday morning cartoons. Yusuke dieing in episode 1 was a huge thing to the story, I agree.

In regards to dieing on episode 1, I found this funny:

Jan 18, 2014 2:14 AM

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Jun 2009
15319
So....why the hell is there discussion of the series as a whole in the first episode thread? Good stuff, I am mainly watching this to see Togashi's work before HunterxHunter. Really liked the ending stuff.
"Yes, I have been deprived of emotion. But not completely. Whoever did it, botched the job."

- Geralt of Rivia
Jan 18, 2014 3:37 AM

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Jul 2007
6167
-Shuda- said:
For some reason a lot of people told me to watch this in English Dub. So I tried both Dub and Sub. I prefer Sub honestly.

An interesting concept, and that was pretty emotional like many have mentioned. I'll have to give this series a proper watch in the future.


They were right, the dub has an exceptional quality, funimation really went all out to gather up some of the most well known actors/acresses, and Justin cook ADR director and producer not only voices the MC but directs the series as well. They really put their heart and soul into this series.



Jan 18, 2014 4:26 AM

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Jun 2009
15319
Forgot to mention this, but Togashi seriously channeled It's a Wonderful Life" in the Wake scene. Which is all kinds of awesome.
"Yes, I have been deprived of emotion. But not completely. Whoever did it, botched the job."

- Geralt of Rivia
Feb 8, 2014 8:53 AM

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Jan 2013
321
Awesome Episode !!!!
'"Hearts, you say? You Humans are always so quick to speak of such things. As though you carry your hearts in the very palms of your hands. But this eye of mine perceives all. There is nothing that it overlooks. If this eye cannot see a thing, then it does not exist. That is the assumption under which I have always fought. What is this "heart"? If I tear open that chest of yours, will I see it there? If I smash open that skull of yours, will I see it there?4th Espada


Mar 25, 2014 3:10 AM

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Aug 2013
934
This was a really good episode... rarely do I feel so emotional on the first episode of a series... I watched the dub until 6 minutes in... then switched to sub, prefer the subbed version to be honest, I don't like Funi's old work... they got good nowadays though... it's one of the main reasons why I think DBZ Kai kicks DBZ's ass any day.
Apr 17, 2014 10:42 PM
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Apr 2011
291
Really good episode, I almost stopped watching due to the immense difference in animation quality..but I pushed through it, and was able to enjoy.
The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.
-Albert Camus

Jul 11, 2014 12:05 PM
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Jul 2014
606
Nice episode, still liked it even with the 90s animation style.
Jul 16, 2014 10:00 PM

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Dec 2012
16295
Wow, first episode brought me to tears.

I'm really surprised these episodes are in HD.. why?
Well, that's great. Look forward to more, I'm a little late seeing as how HxH is my fav anime and the one I watched first.
Aug 16, 2014 2:29 AM

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Dec 2012
16226
This is so nostalgic, I remember watching bits and pieces of this back when it was on Adult Swim 12+ years ago. I instantly recognized Botan and Kuwabara. I'm excited to finally give this a proper watch.

This first episode had a great blend of emotional moments and comedy, it did a great job setting the scene. The Wake was surprisingly touching considering it's only 1 episode in. Although that might be attributed to the fact that I've known this show for so long.
Feb 27, 2015 11:30 PM

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Aug 2013
1928
Wow. I was not able to stop my tears when Kuwabara stormed in.
Apr 4, 2015 3:45 PM

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Feb 2011
1762
I've been reading the manga, but saw that there's a rewatch going on on Tumblr right now and decided to go ahead and get in on the action. I've seen some of the episodes in dub form from Toonami and a couple of tapes but I'm watching it subbed this time.

I've seen this episode a few times but it was still very emotional, maybe because I sympathized with it. What would it be like to see your loved ones go to your funeral? Would it make you regret your life/death?
眠れないのは君のせい
Jul 17, 2015 12:06 PM

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Aug 2013
722
Although it's just the beginning of the series there were so many touching scenes, it looks like this one will be more emotional than HxH.
Sep 8, 2015 1:05 AM

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Dec 2014
819
I did it. I've started one of these longer shows that I've wanted to see for a while. Now I just need to watch LoTGH and Gintama and I'll have fulfilled my destiny! As for the episode itself the OP's pretty bleh but everything else was pretty cool. I'm looking forward to it.
May 14, 2016 6:19 AM

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Mar 2016
570
damn, i have a long way to go
Dec 15, 2016 11:41 AM

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Apr 2016
13
15/12/2016 WORLD OTAKU DAY !!!!!!!!!!
I just start the Yu Yu Hakusho and it reminds me so much the Hunter x Hunter ( you can tell it with just seeing the characters).The first episode is good but not perfect.It makes belive that the anime will be good.I am waiting good scenario and good fights.
Dec 31, 2016 5:32 PM

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Sep 2015
3269
Never got to finish my childhood and rn its getting gud.
Jan 5, 2017 1:31 AM

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Dec 2016
103
Watching this for the first time.. after HxH I knew I had to see to this anime. Togashi is just so damn talented. And what a surprising and interesting way to start it. An emotional roller coaster from start to finish. First surprised for his dead, then laughing at his story, suddenly sad at his funeral. Just so damn good!
Mar 15, 2017 9:24 PM

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Dec 2013
15333
A decent episode. It was sad seeing everyone mourning Yusuke. Even if was somewhat predictable.
May 30, 2017 4:11 AM

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Jul 2015
5125
Damn, that was a really strong first impression, I went from laughing hard to tearing up.

"With this you're 0 wins 156 loses against Yusuke", lmao Kuwabara.
May 31, 2017 12:13 AM

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Apr 2014
1267
Frenzyy said:
Wow, this episode felt a LOT longer than it was.


My exact thoughts. How can this episode feel so long when I'm having so much fun with it?
your waifu is shit
Jun 22, 2017 10:25 AM

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Jul 2016
393
Excellent first episode. Yusuke came off as a massive dick, but when we saw a bit of his home life, I could empathize.

I got pretty emotional too when the little boy Yusuke saved came to the wake. It was well done and when he stated "When can I play with Yusuke again?" to his mom, that hit me.

Bought this on Blu Ray and after watching a brutal Slam Dunk bootleg, it's so nice to see a crisp, clean screen :).
Jul 5, 2017 2:51 PM

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Jun 2013
1245
"You may be an abusive ass, but damn it, you were my friend!" - Keiko, probably.

So far I don't really like Yusuke but the premise sounds like fun. The wake was almost, but not quite, sweet, in a way. The visuals also seem to have aged quite well, the show's reputation is well earned in that regard.
Jul 11, 2017 12:44 AM

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Jan 2013
11047
Great first episode, didn't know what to expect. Wonder if the trial will take up the next 100+ episodes.
Jan 28, 2018 4:11 AM

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Nov 2016
32976
Solid first episode and pretty emotional on top.

One Piece episode 914 & 915 & 1027 were a mistake and 957 brought the salvation - FMmatron


Jan 31, 2018 3:47 AM

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Oct 2012
7195
That falling down from sky when he's shocked is so '90s
I love it xD
Somehow I didn't remember this scene that much

Poor Yusuke, looks like that some people are sad losing him, that's just sad :(

I guess it's a good thing that I come to watch this again
Because no new HxH :(
"Signature removed"
Mar 15, 2018 10:37 PM

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Feb 2015
153
Damn, this show had a more emotional and compelling first episode than some series do in their entirety's. Wasn't expecting to sob up. Expecting a lot more in the episodes to come.
Sep 10, 2018 6:33 AM

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Feb 2018
40
Probably one of the best first episodes I've ever seen, because it covers a lot of things, in this episode, we can see Yusuke's relationship with his life, the pacing isn't too fast, it's not too slow either, for the animation itself looks like an outdated compared to the current animation.
As bad as the bad things you've ever done, remember there are still people who love you
Nov 26, 2018 3:28 AM
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Jun 2017
49
I really liked the first episode and giving us an idea of where everything begins! The main character dies in the first episode? I honestly didn't expect it to be emotional but wow...there are some strong emotions here especially around the ending!
First time watching this series and I cannot wait where things go from here! I'm hoping this series will be amazing like Hunter x Hunter! :D
Mar 27, 2019 11:08 AM

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May 2017
1047
I guess I finally started Yu Yu Hakusho.

Can't believe I shed a tear in the first episode.

beautiful emotional first episode.

I have high hopes for this show since this is from the same author as Hunter x Hunter and that show has a spot in my top5. He knows how to write a compelling story with good characters.. Really liked the OST's and the overall art style. So glad that I can watch this in 1080p.
May 22, 2019 8:49 AM
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Apr 2016
13028
Well goddamn, not many anime start with the main character dying... His life before death was rather miserable though. Everyone crying because of his death opened his eyes, that's sweet. Good episode.
Jun 10, 2019 3:30 AM

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Jan 2018
841
Damnnnn this might be the best first episode I've ever seen. So emotional,I cried.
Jun 25, 2019 12:35 PM

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Nov 2010
689
This is such a good first episode. It perfectly introduces Yusuke's personality and life. He's a good-natured punk and it's easy to understand why from his interactions with his mother and his teachers.

The only thing I didn't like was when Yusuke lifted Keiko's skirt. Not cool.
Aug 30, 2019 7:41 PM

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Sep 2017
106
I loved that Yusuke's mother didn't wear black to the wake, but rather just the same loose house clothing she normally wears. Such a powerful detail.
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