Natsume Yuujinchou Review

Rating - A

Plot review

Unlike other supernatural themed shows such as XXXholic, Mononoke or Hell Teacher nube, Natsume Yuujinchou does not portray ghosts as hideous creatures that must be exterminated. In fact, the ghosts themselves are extensively developed in this series and are portrayed as human-like in the things they do, some of them are even recurring now and then. Each episode provides a back story for the numerous ghosts Natsume must release from the Book of friends.

However, unlike the heroes the of the aforementioned series', Natsume is not capable of exorcism. The only thing he has against threats is a straight right hand, which only stuns evil ghosts. The real power comes from Nyanko-sensei, a white dog spirit trapped inside a fortune cat. It is interesting to note that the symbiotic bond between man and ghost drives the series, and makes it retain sense despite not having a continuous plot.

Technical
Sharp display with decent character designs and fluid animation. Nothing much to comment upon.


Final Remarks

You gotta watch this. It's a ghost story that doesn't focus on the horror side, but more on the feel-good side of interacting with spirits.