Hunter x Hunter

What an amazing series this was. Just as good as the newer version of Hunter x Hunter even though it has some similiar elements and subtle differences.

The sounds of this anime was amazing it had this dark and light hearted vibe to it if you get what I mean. The music really reminds of FMA and so if you liked the music in FMA then you will most certainly like it for this anime. The visuals weren't bad or good either. It didn't have that crisp sharp look to it and most of the fight scenes were not comparable to that of the 2011 version.

The story was really amazing I enjoyed it alot. It had the perfect pacing and good consistency mixed in with a great buildup of plot. Though the ending was kind of bittersweet for me since the series reached the manga it stopped producing any more eps. The characters were likable and were well written. They did an amazing job really taking their time and introducing us to the characters unlike the 2011 version and probably had better filler episdoes than the 2011 version.

Overall a very enjoyable series. "Poetic, Entertaining and Far Reaching".

Before you start reading I just want to say that I am only on episode 56.

I was recommended by some people to watch this anime. All the persons I spoke to said it was one of the best things they had ever seen. So I gave it a try of course. After the first 3 episode I thought like this: "What the hell is this!? Must be one of the most boring concepts for a show I have ever seen. Annoying protagonist taking a deadly hunter-exam to meet his famous father? This is on the edge to embarrassment." As you can see I really didn't like the first glimpse of the show. I decided it was not worth my time. But the people who told me about this show kept pushing me back telling me it's going to get better, and I love them for it! After Episode 11-13 the show started to get a little more interesting as I got to know the characters who seemed flat at first. Now I see them in full 3D (no I'm not referring the graphic). Episode 1-14 took maybe 2 weeks to watch through. 15-30 a few days and 30 to 56 (where I am now) in maybe 2 days. What I am trying to say is:

"Wait until episode 15 or so until you judge it. Like any marathon anime you have to give it some time before it gets going. And if you like it even just a tiny bit by then, just wait till episode 40+!"

With that said I can now sleep with ease.

Now for the story. Its about a 10 year old kid who wants to be a hunter (Hunter is a title that proves you have taken a really hard exam to be able to find his famous mythical father. That is the gist of how it starts anyway. I cant say any more without spoiling the fun. You will have to watch it yourselves to find out what happens.

If I where to compare this show with anything it would be Naruto, just not as main stream and over rated.

I give this show a clean 8 of 10 stars because it has superb character development (Hisoka anyone?), Nailbiting story and great visuals. What keeps it form a full pot is the weak beginning, and though it is exiting and gripping it has never (yet) pulled me all the way to the same bliss that FMA or Trigun did.

I have been watching anime for years now, and to this day Hunter x Hunter is still one of the greatest I have ever seen. The series initially seems mainstream, but this is one the series all other series are judged on. Hunter x Hunter represents 'old school' anime, when there was a lead up to fights and you really got to know the characters, their back stories and their personalities. The series has been re-released in 2011 to incorporate the new arc in the manga. In my opinion, its a lot more rushed and faster paced, but many people like that. I have to say that the original will always win for me. Its the only series I have ever watched twice. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Firstly, it gets a 9 from Togashi being more than a little lazy and stopping the manga which put a LOT of holds on the anime, which is why the series was cancelled and OVAs were put out instead. The only problem there is that if you watch the whole series and the 3 OVAs, Genei Ryodan saga and Greed Island and Greed Island Final, it will leave you wanting more which you can't get without reading the manga(which currently isn't that high in US releases). Essentially it is a story of four friends (a la Yu Yu Hakusho which is another Togashi creation). The central character, Gon, grows to ~12 without knowing his father. Meeting a man, a Hunter, who claims to have known his father sets Gon off on his journey. He meets the 3 others in the exams to become a Hunter and they remain close, despite physical distance at times.

The story covers all 4 and their reasons for becoming "Hunters". Gon wants to find his father; Leorio, slightly older, wants to become a doctor and help people; Curapika(spelling/pronunciation varies for his name) wants revenge; Killua, Gon's closest friend of the 3, was bored. They all have reasons from their past. It also follows them after the Hunter exams are over, which is when the story really picks up, as does the action. The world suddenly gets a lot larger and more characters are introduced, both helpful and as hindrances to their goals.

It is well-written but with filler, as most anime interpretations on manga do. If you enjoyed Yu Yu Hakusho and other 'fight-based' animes then this is something you'll want to see. Also, despite the ages of the central and main character (Gon and Killua, respectively), it gets pretty dark and sometimes outright violent. If it's an appreciation for 'supernatural' powers such as ki and other odd things, then this is also for you as it becomes an increasingly important issue as the series moves forward. At first it remains fairly realistic and gets odder and more alien as it progresses with the four learning how to use their "Nen" which is their worlds version of Ki. There are 6 types of powers which all effect the type of things people can do with their power. Reinforcement is enhancing physical abilities such as strength, speed, and even reinforcing objects to make them stronger; Transformation is changing the properties of one's aura, such as making it sticky like gum, bouncy like rubber, or carry properties such as electricity; Emission is the ability to shoot aura and control it from a distance; Manipulation allows the user to manipulate objects/people in different ways, depending on the user; Materialization lets the person create objects with their aura, being closely tied to transformation; Specialization is the final one. It is just that, special. It is very different depending upon the person, as on people can steal other abilities, another can mimic the other 5 types, etc.

Hunter X Hunter moves in a gradual process which leads you to the shift from more toned-down fighting and story into the powerful and expansive world that it becomes without throwing you in with no reason. That's another Togashi move, if you've ever seen Yu Yu Hakusho.

Hunter x Hunter Review pronounced Hunter Hunter (no X).

This Anime is so great on many levels. It has a little bit of everything but it never loses sight of what it's trying to say. Male themes are abound and many facets are explored especially the complex relationships between males. Friendship and the bittersweet relationship between a father and a son.

It also explores themes like revenge, achieving dreams, belief in oneself, competition, succeeding with integrity and many many more.

This is all done with absolutely no fillers. This Anime is 62 episodes long. 3 ova's (between 8-14 episodes each I believe) and it is still not finished.

Here is a breakdown of what I think are important factors in an Anime Series.

Animation

The animation for the first 62 episodes are well done. Of course some who compare it to the latest and greatest will be disappointed but I believe they are missing the point. The anime is done in a very fitting style according to the story with emphasis for realism. Sometimes the characters are light and sometimes they are quite serious and dark. This is not a cutesy Anime not all characters have big eyes and colourful hair. It knows when it should be what according to the story. I actually like the TV animation better than the G.I ep. It was more realistic to my eye.

Characters

This is where this Anime truly shines. The main characters are Gon, Killua, Kurapica and Leorio. They are all interesting and bring something important to the table. My personal favorites are Gon and Killua. They have a great friendship where each of them shine with their own qualities and help each other in all situations. (A very brief introduction to the characters)

Gon - He is a boy who is pure of heart, caring and sincere. But he is strong and determined to achieve what he wants. It is important to note that he never once does something underhanded even when faced with a person who means to harm him. A boy who knows who he is and what he stands for.

Killua - He is a boy with a very dark side. The most interesting character in this series IMO along with HISOKA.

Kurapica - A man with a very important mission worth dying for.

Leorio - A man who has inner demons. He is hard on himself but caring of others.

Hisoka - Ahh...Hisoka. What can I say, he is the most wicked anime character I've ever seen. Even when he is madcrazy he is cool. He's one of those guys that you hate to love but you do anyway.

Secondary characters are also well thought out and have a purpose.

Story - First arc. People all over the world try to compete in a life and death test for a Hunter License (kind of like a elite license to kill for money). This is just one of about 6 arcs. The test is far from easy. Aside from brute strength it tests mentality, psychology, etc. The story has more twists than you can imagine. More importantly the twists are imaginative and interesting. There are many arcs and each character has intercepting story lines as well as individual ones. There is never a dull moment.

Music and Sound Effects are Great. I think the Opening and Ending themes are very well chosen. It always seems to fit the arc. The sound effects are first rate ie when they are on the airship hear the trapped air of an aircraft in the background. Realism for sound is highlighted. Also there are many different background themes so it never gets repetitive. Second OP is alternitive rock, reminds me of early Our lady peace stuff.

Voice Actors I watched this Anime entirely in Japanese with English Subtitles. Amazing voice actors, every single one of them. If I had to say I would choose Hisoka as the best and Gon and Killua as tie for second place.

Entertainment Factor Is it fun to watch though?? Yes it is. It's even better the second time around, I kid you not! This is one of those Animes where you become invested in the characters because you get to see them happy, sad, defeated, vulnerable, scared, having fun and more. This anime is quite long but trust me you will not be complaining. Most likely you will be like the other Hunter x Hunter fans waiting anxiously for the new episodes. It is also important to note that people actually die in this anime and even main characters kill people. It's quite violent at times and the fighting system used in this anime is very interesting. There is no 2 moves per character that they use over and over again...Thank God! Better than Naruto IMO. Also this anime is very funny at times even if you don't speak Japanese like me. Thanks Fansubbers, keep up the good work =)

Anything Negative to say? Just one tiny thing. It starts off a little slow in the first 5 or so episodes for character development. I guess that's why this anime isn't as well known as some others. *sigh* definitely a loss for those people who stop watching because there is not enough action for them in the beginning. All in all this Anime is a must see. You will not be sorry. It is still available on AnimeSuki. Enjoy