Japanese supernatural fiction often leans into eerie folklore and ghostly horror, but Phantom Busters brings a refreshing blend of comedy and suspense. Among its cast, Eugene Korekishi stands out—not as a powerful exorcist, but as a brilliant strategist who refuses to believe in ghosts.
With the anime adaptation on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore what makes Eugene such a compelling character. In this article, we’ll break down his background, abilities, key story moments, and why his logical approach makes Phantom Busters even more engaging.
Spoiler Alert! This article contains spoilers for Phantom Busters. Proceed with caution if you haven’t read it yet!
Who is Eugene Korekishi?
Eugene Korekishi (是岸遊人) is the co-protagonist of Phantom Busters, a highly intelligent and skeptical first-year high school student in Kamakura. Unlike his reckless counterpart, Mogari Shishikuno, Eugene refuses to believe in the existence of ghosts—until a series of supernatural events forces him to reconsider.
Despite his lack of spiritual abilities, Eugene becomes an essential member of the Phantom Busters team, using his intellect and leadership to guide the group through their paranormal investigations.
Eugene’s Backstory and Personality
Eugene grew up as a model student, excelling in academics and earning a reputation as a logical and level-headed individual. However, his skepticism towards the supernatural stems from a personal experience—his late grandmother promised to visit him as a ghost after her death, but she never appeared. This event cemented his disbelief in spirits, making him resistant to anything unscientific.
Key Traits:
- Highly Intelligent: Eugene is a top student with strong deductive reasoning skills.
- Skeptical and Rational: He constantly seeks logical explanations for supernatural phenomena.
- Responsible and Level-headed: He often acts as the voice of reason in chaotic situations.
Eugene’s rational mindset is challenged throughout the series, especially as he starts experiencing ghostly encounters firsthand.
Eugene’s Role in Phantom Busters
Although he lacks supernatural abilities, Eugene plays a vital role in the Phantom Busters team. His intelligence and skepticism provide balance, preventing the team from rushing into dangerous situations without a plan.
How Eugene Contributes:
- Strategic Thinking: He devises plans to counter dangerous spirits when brute force alone isn’t enough.
- Scientific Approach: He investigates hauntings with a logical mindset, analyzing data to find explanations.
- Team Mediator: He keeps the group focused and ensures conflicts don’t escalate.
Eugene’s presence ensures that Phantom Busters isn’t just about exorcisms—it’s about problem-solving and uncovering the truth behind ghostly occurrences.
Major Story Moments
1. First Encounter with Mogari (Volume 1, Chapter 1)
Eugene’s introduction to the supernatural world happens when he meets Mogari, who exorcises a spirit right in front of him. Despite witnessing this firsthand, Eugene still refuses to believe what he saw, leading to a humorous yet tense dynamic between the two.
2. The Library Haunting (Volume 2, Chapter 4-5)
One of the first missions Eugene participates in involves a haunted school library. His logical approach helps uncover the true nature of the spirit, proving that not all ghostly phenomena require exorcism.
3. The Spirit Pact Incident (Volume 3, Chapter 8-10)
In this pivotal arc, Eugene is forced into direct contact with a ghost. This marks a turning point in his character development, as he finally begins to acknowledge that the supernatural world exists beyond his understanding.
4. The Mogari Rescue Mission (Volume 4, Chapter 12-13)
When Mogari is possessed by a powerful spirit, Eugene takes charge, using his intelligence to outmaneuver the entity and save his friend. This moment highlights his growth as a leader and his willingness to embrace the unknown for the sake of his team.
Why Fans Love Eugene Korekishi
Eugene’s popularity among fans comes from his unique role in the story:
- His logical skepticism creates a strong contrast with the other characters, leading to engaging interactions.
- His intelligence and leadership make him an indispensable member of the team.
- His gradual acceptance of the supernatural adds depth to his character arc.
Rather than being a typical “chosen one” protagonist, Eugene’s development is grounded in realism, making his journey all the more satisfying.
FINAL THOUGHT
Eugene Korekishi brings a refreshing perspective to Phantom Busters. His skepticism and intelligence set him apart, making his character journey one of the most compelling aspects of the series. I’m excited to see how the anime adaptation will bring his personality to life and how his dynamic with Mogari will evolve.
Eugene Korekishi is the backbone of Phantom Busters. His logical mind, unwavering skepticism, and slow acceptance of the supernatural make him a fascinating protagonist. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the manga or a newcomer preparing for the anime, Eugene’s journey is one worth following.
Below are articles related to this topic. If you’re interested, feel free to explore!
