The series starts out as a quirky urban supernatural mystery before evolving into one of the definitive martial arts tournament adventures in anime history. It follows a rebellious, cynical teen who suddenly finds himself working as an investigator for the afterlife, hunting down rogue spirits and supernatural threats.

The narrative structure moves through distinct phases: a street-level supernatural detective start, an iconic gladiatorial tournament, a darker psychological dive into human morality, and a final political struggle that wraps things up in a rush. While the back half stumbles with pacing and the ending feels compressed due to production fatigue, the journey stays compelling. What makes it endure is the core cast. The main group consists of wonderfully flawed individuals—a loud-mouthed punk with a heart of gold, a brilliant strategist with a hidden edge, and a brooding, sharp-edged fighter who actually backs up his attitude. They aren't generic do-gooders; they bicker, challenge each other, and grow naturally through their struggles. The villains aren't simple caricatures either, often bringing genuine ideological depth to the conflicts. The action relies on strategy, personality, and physical clashes rather than just endless power-level escalation. Fights reflect who the characters are, using clever tactics and distinct styles. Visually, it carries that classic early-nineties hand-drawn aesthetic. The animation has its cheap moments and static shots, but sharp framing, expressive character designs, and strong direction make it work. The soundtrack nails the vibe, shifting effortlessly from goofy comedy to intense drama with iconic tracks and standout voice work. It’s not entirely flawless—the animation shows its age, some early humor is dated, and the final stretch moves way too fast—but the heartfelt character writing and legendary action make it an absolute classic that still holds up.