This show is about a high school student named Yakumo who has the ability to see spirits with his left red eye and sometimes communicate with them(not a super original premise, but highly entertaining nontheless). He spends his spare time tricking kids out of their money with fake card tricks, or just sleeping about. But, once in a while, he'll take a spirit associated police case that has piqued his interest. But with his troubled family past and issues with humanity, will Yakumo ever be able to live a normal life?
Story: (9/10)
While not an entirely original premise, they definitely utilized it to it's full potential, much more effectively than many other similar shows. The story basically has everything a good anime needs: A complex main character with a troubled background, a helpful and insightful love interest, a devoted detective, and ghosts. Really, that's all they needed here, but they added even more into the mix to give it an added level of depth and enjoyability.
Yakumo's disturbed background piqued my interest in him, and also apparently the interest of those around him. But the best part isn't when they discuss Yakumo, but when Yakumo discusses with the accused how he knows that they are guilty. With pounds of accurate speculation, Yakumo presents his inner monologue better than even Yagami Light of Death Note.
He solves murders, abductions, and even poltergheist possesion, making for an interesting watch.
Animation: (9/10)
What can I say, it suits the series. It's dark and forboding when it's supposed to be, and bright and happy when it's supposed to be. Also, although not littered with fight scenes, when they pop up in Shinrei Tantei Yakumo, it looks damn realistic. The character designs aren't the most original I've ever seen, but I suppose that look best suits their personalities.
When it comes to animation, this show did it right.
Sound: (9/10)
To be honest, the opening theme represents the show so well I was actually considering making this review simply a link to it on YouTube or something. The opening theme is truly fitting, and the ending just as much so. The voice acting was just as it should be to match the theme of the show, and the background noise/music was never out of place.
Once again, a 2010 show did animation and sound well.
Characters: (9.5/10)
Although sometimes the main love interest (Haruka) can be absent minded occasionally, every other character plays their role perfectly.
Both of Yakumo's parents are dead, and he has always been shunned or even beaten up due to his red left eye(seriously, what's with the heavy discrimination against physical features in Japan?!).
Later you find out that Yakumo and Haruka's past goes back further then either of them thought, giving their relationship and added level of depth.
What I absolutely love about their relationship though is that there is no stupid blushing, and the girl is simply trying to help the guy, which is a refreshing change of pace seeing as most anime series these days have the protagonist being an emotionally immature nitwit who freaks out at the sight of anything related to women.
In this show, Yakumo doesn't express any feelings for her at all, and instead simply allows her to tag along, while she is trying to help him in dealing with his troubled past. It's obvious they are concerned about eachother and harbor feelings, but the best part is that it's successfully conveyed without either character being awkward or embarassed in any way.
The supporting characters also offer comic relief and intel on future missions, as well as being occasionally super adorable(I just wanna give his deaf little cousin a hug for being so cute <3).
Once again, job well done Yakumo.
Overall: (9/10)
This show, while it may get dull for 7 or 8 minutes at a time, will entertain you thorougly and will definitely be a show to look back on with a smile.