[Yu Yu Hakusho] - 74
This may be where I have to part way with the series for a while, but ending on a Shinbo episode seems like the right decision. All the classic Shinbo-isms are present in this episode and I welcome their return. From the amazing colour and lighting work which give characters their distinct 'Shinbo' look:
to his ability to create scenes with a real depth and sense of space (sometimes resulting in really abstracted backgrounds):
to his unusual camera poisonings:
As always, the influences of Osamu Dezaki (in this case the classic 'postcard memory' stand out against Shinbo's other stylistic techniques:
and lets not forget his frequent use of background animation:
As with all his other work on the show Shinbo demonstrated how a talented and dedicated individual can create really stylish and beautiful work within the limitations of a genre as safe as 'shounen fighting'.
Of course, as we know from lots of other fighting shows, individual directors can really make their mark in really long form shows (e.g.
Naruto,
Bleach) but it really feels like for
Yu Yu Hakusho Shinbo's episodes are the only ones that truly stand out against what is otherwise a fairly average (visually speaking) series.
