Five men, all considered some of the most violent and dangerous criminals in the world await death row. Each one locked in high-security prisons across several continents unbeknownst to each other and, as if by sheer coincidence, break out from their penitentiaries and head for Tokyo Japan. Their goal: to challenge the fighting champion of the underground Baki Hanma in the hopes of finally tasting defeat.
Baki is somewhat of an anomaly when talking about the series in depth. On the surface Baki comes across as the stereotypical shounen following a teenage boy training to become the world’s strongest fighter, a label currently held by his
...
father Yujiro Hanma. However, when delving deeper into the story, Baki manages to encapsulate the concept of fighting and the themes that tie with such. The struggles, sacrifices and suffering felt when facing an almost unachievable goal, the unbridled enjoyment of experiencing your passion to the fullest and even the jaded, dreary perception that can set in when constantly at the pinnacle of one’s field of interest – all are just some of the core ideas the series is firmly rooted in and all remain prevalent in this adaptation of Baki.
This version is set shortly after the Maximum Tournament arc, acting as a direct continuation to the past TV adaptations of Baki almost 2 decades ago, but still serves a solid entry point for newcomers of the franchise. The first OP gives enough backstory on its own – Baki wins a fighting tournament and is crowned the world champion, but that title behaves more like a proverbial target on his back, attracting the group of convicts whose unmatched strength had led each to grow bored of life and now seek to challenge the young prodigy. This premise eventually leads to a showdown between the death row inmates and Baki alongside other underground martial artists prominent in past seasons; a 5-on-5 no holds barred match where fights are free to run amok between fighters anytime and anyplace, which would also include various other characters in this battle between discipline and technique against sheer brutality and ability. It’s an arc that easily creates excitement and anticipation as to how such a story will play out, but the execution of this turns out to be a mixed bag depending on your expectations for the anime.
The plot for this arc, while it may seem grand on paper is actually fairly simplistic; progression and development are both dependent on fights between martial artists with at least one character gaining something from each encounter, from a newfound strategy to beat an opponent if they ever fight again to realizing weaknesses that keep themselves from becoming stronger. One would think this approach would make each fight more meaningful and hold more weight, except that when reflecting back most fights in this show came off forgettable and even sporadic, the latter being the result of very poor structure and pacing. Baki has a habit of introducing new characters and flashbacks at random points in the story, with some flashbacks being as long as 10 minutes in the middle of a match. It’s a habit that seriously disengages the viewer from the tension and unpredictability that this arc is founded upon, to an unpardonable extent with how often this is bound to happen. This kind of storyboarding is what constantly brings down my engrossment of the narrative here as it continues onward, meanwhile the eventual outcome of this arc is seriously underwhelming given how each of the five criminals are written off so unevenly. The lack of a succinct structure results in some antagonists being beaten in quick fashion in order to build towards the next arc of Baki and thus required bringing past characters back into the mix to do just that. Narratively, it looked to be full of ideas and potential develop but lacked a clear direction and framework to present the arc in a carefully planned and orderly manner.
The character development for Baki is also lacklustre to an extent. Characters in Baki can often be considered embodiments of their chosen martial arts style, with the values and overarching philosophy of each forging the minds, bodies and souls of their practitioners. Through this understanding the show probably appears to be stacked with many distinct personalities to play with at the writer’s leisure, yet it remains difficult for many to leave a strong impression on the audience. Partly due to awkward plotting as stated earlier, but also apparent is a lack in clear focus and development to keep most characters important. The events are often made out as more vital than the characters taking part in them. This leads to not only a declining interest in the fights as the series continues, but also makes the majority of characters used here more likely to be lost in the shuffle and only used when convenient.
Baki as a whole has always been primarily about Baki Hanma, the protagonist, and his father Yujiro, the strongest creature on Earth both feared and respected by all. These two are constantly integral parts to the overall story as they should be, yet to witness so many side characters be treated so sparingly can be disheartening to say the least. However, my biggest problem with this adaptation when it comes to characters is with its handling of the main character Baki Hanma. This is a problem that I feel is more prominent to those who have followed the series from the beginning and have seen Baki grow from the hot-headed impulsive gifted brat to an exceptional fighter worthy of being called a champion. But in this arc, Baki appears…. different. Not only is his personality more laid-back but his train of thought and subsequent actions at times come off somewhat autistic. It’s a take on the character that I had never envisioned or pictured, not only acting as the cause for several awkward moments, but also frankly feeling like a betrayal of the character that I remembered watching and reading. Baki still receives his own development throughout this arc, moving from a reserved anxious style of fight to the spirited, confident attitude that made him such a force to be reckoned with. Except for when you find out this change and increase of strength is solely due to Baki losing his virginity.
I wish I was making that up.
If you were to read Baki in its manga counterpart, one of the first aspects that would catch your eye would be the artstyle. There is a keen eye for detail in not only making each technique such a crucial part of the series, but in making the character designs such exaggerated portraits of strength in the human anatomy. A clear expression of weight and power through this absurdist aesthetic creates a strangely beautiful sense of art that further pushes Baki from the standard shounen manga series. If you were to watch this version of Baki, the visuals would easily be the first part that grabs your attention. But unfortunately, the visuals here are kind of trash. It is certainly an improvement from previous installments, but comparing it to the quality of its contemporaries, this has so many glaring issues. Designs have a habit of appearing out of perspective on different angles, animation for the most part is cheap and the juxtaposition of 2D and 3D animation is so god awful it is near impossible for viewers to take most fights seriously. It also doesn’t help that the fight choreography makes the battles come across more turn-based than a Pokemon game. For one of the most jarring experiences I have ever had for watching an anime. I’m honestly surprised how I can say a show with so many technical issues can still be tolerable, but here’s the crazy thing: I actually enjoyed the show.
Earlier I called Baki an anomaly, and this entry in the franchise is no different. Baki (2018) is honestly an insane show that should not be so entertaining to watch, from both faults in production and writing. But here we are, with a series seemingly unbridled in taking action and martial arts to the irrational, all whilst taking itself absolutely seriously. This level of sincerity is almost palpable through every episode and makes it difficult not getting drawn into the bizarre logic of Baki, no matter how grating the lack of fluid animation and coherent writing may get. In this arc, Baki takes the leap of embracing its own ridiculousness to evolve into a genuine spectacle for the eyes that is hard to not take notice of, and with the finale acting as a teaser to a possible continuation of the story, I expect that the best of Baki is still yet to come.
Alternative Titles
Japanese: バキ
Information
Type:
ONA
Episodes:
26
Status:
Finished Airing
Aired:
Jun 25, 2018 to Dec 17, 2018
Producers:
None found, add some
Licensors:
Sentai Filmworks
Studios:
TMS Entertainment
Source:
Manga
Genre:
Sports
Demographic:
Shounen
Duration:
24 min. per ep.
Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
Statistics
Ranked:
#27382
2
based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity:
#541
Members:
424,172
Favorites:
2,647
Available AtResourcesStreaming Platforms | Reviews
Filtered Results: 77 / 80
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Your Feelings Categories Dec 16, 2018
Five men, all considered some of the most violent and dangerous criminals in the world await death row. Each one locked in high-security prisons across several continents unbeknownst to each other and, as if by sheer coincidence, break out from their penitentiaries and head for Tokyo Japan. Their goal: to challenge the fighting champion of the underground Baki Hanma in the hopes of finally tasting defeat.
Baki is somewhat of an anomaly when talking about the series in depth. On the surface Baki comes across as the stereotypical shounen following a teenage boy training to become the world’s strongest fighter, a label currently held by his ... Dec 19, 2018
[Minor Spoiler]
What triggered me the most, is that at the beginning, when they introduce the five criminals, it appears that they're as strong as Baki's father. And one of them fought Baki at the first few episodes, but Baki was nothing in comparison to him. However, after few episodes the five criminals started to look so weak (like very very weak), which didn't make any sense. Even two of them together couldn't defeat Baki. Also, during some of the fights, the animation effects looks so weird and childish. It seems like if it's a video game or something, and it was too awkward to watch. The ... Dec 16, 2018
There are few words that describe Baki (2018), the only one that comes to mind is “violent” which is both an extremely accurate and flawed description of the show. One one hand, the show is extremely violent, people are getting completely OBLITERATED in like three punches but sometimes it feels like it’s really going easy on us.
TL;DR I’d give this show an 8 (rounding down the 8.2) Let me preface this by saying I haven’t watched any of the previous Baki animes, so I’m not too caught up with the Baki lore or anything. That being said, the show feels really basic… there’s not much ... Jan 1, 2019
You have to answer only one simple question in order to know whether or not you would enjoy Baki, since what the series offers is really simple. The question is: Do you enjoy violence and nonsense? It is genuinely the only thing that this series has to offer and the only thing that can keep you consistently entertained here. There is nothing else this series can offer you. If you want an engaging story about martial arts and how to develop as a person through martial arts or how to overcome the odds, not what you are going to get. If you want various character
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Aug 9, 2023
This is the worst anime I've ever seen. It's about people fighting against each other except when their spine gets broken into pieces, they not only survive, but start walking the next day like nothing happened. Also, they all refuse to kill each other, which backfires every single time and it just pisses you off as a viewer. Overall, it's not entertaining at all...Let's be honest, It's trash. Just because I say that doesn't mean it isn't entertaining. It's trash but in a good way. If your looking for a action anime with good plot/story and animation, this is not it. Its worth watching because
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Jul 30, 2018
Netflix has come to reward us once again with some nu-anime. It starts with the most epic rock metal solo known to mankind, followed by muscle Jesuses and GAR Moseses posing while looking like the manly and badass they are. Then they start fighting each others and I don't know what the fuck, but this is the most godawesome thing I have seen since Netero and Zero invaded the palace in Hunter x Hunter.
There aren't great many things that I appreciate more than manly and bro. It rhymes so you know its legitimate. What Baki does is not simply bromaculous or over the top manliness: ... Jul 24, 2018
I really love the Baki franchise so I guess a score of 7 seems pretty harsh but I've got good reason for it.
To start with I guess I'll go into the Art. The animation started off really bad, being a mix of poor computer animation and CGI. It gets better right away when they lose the cheap CG fight scenes, but the animation quality doesn't look much better than the first seasons despite them being released seventeen years ago. As far as Sound is concerned, it's fine. I was maybe hoping for a slightly better soundtrack but it's not bad enough to warrant much criticism. Finally I ... Sep 24, 2018
I didn't know about the original anime until netflix started the 2018 adaptation. Being an otaku of anime I try to watch all originals before or after seeing the adaptation. After episode 4 of the 2018 version I binged all of Baki the Grappler. I fell in love with the original- a story of growing up, passing romantic and professional ambiguities, breaking the parental fallacy, the ties that allow us to accept new people in our lives based on a common interest or shared experiences, self development, and extended brotherhoods. I was finally happy to find another anime to call Epic.
This adaptation, which seems to ... Jul 18, 2018
I really wish I could give this 10/10. But the Plot is very simple and straightforward and the art style is not deserving of a 10.
But what it lacks in story it makes up for the most exciting fights with a lot of techniques from all martial art forms. This anime takes martial arts to its limits without involving any external powers like KI or Magic. It can get a bit crazy later on if they adapt later chapters of manga. Every episode I wish it didn't end. This series also has hilarious, What Just happened comedy. You are taken off guard, and that is personality one ... Jan 11, 2019
Baki is a wonderful brainchild. I haven't seen a series in so fucking long that tries to break the mold. In short, this anime is refreshing.
I normally don't take the time to write reviews. In fact, this is my first on this site, but I find this anime in particular is not getting the love it deserves. Others on this site write huge, massively informed reviews, but I'd just like to throw in my two cents rather than get too wordy: I have a huge soft spot for uniqueness; having consumes entertainment for so many years, things become predictable and boring when you do them by the ... Aug 8, 2018
I loved the original when I was a child, now after way too many years seeing this sequel was a blessing. And any one looking to watch this I highly recommend watching the first 2 seasons first and dive into Bakis lore. Almost everything about this sequel is amazing, the art style and the music fits Baki perfectly, there is only 1 big problem that I have with the show and that is some parts of some fights for whatever reason has some not very good CGI. I am know sometimes CGI can work but in this case whenever they splash it into a
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Nov 15, 2018
This new baki gets a 6/10 overall.
The story seems washed up. 5/10 Art is good in the NSFW scenes, until they start using CGI mid fight. 6/10 Sound is good, the music in the fight is over used but it always seems to pump me up. 6/10 New characters are introduced, but some have similar stories which makes them seem redundant. 6/10 Enjoyment is subjective, and despite all the reasons listed above, it somehow manages to get a 7/10. Suspense is built ( sometimes ) which makes it a bit enjoyable to watch in the afternoon. Overall 6/10, would recommend if you just want to see some pain olympics. Jan 18, 2021
[The worst season in all of Baki]
⪻- Review | Comment and Reflection -⪼ This season starts off pretty good, and at first glance it's a crazy start. They introduce you to the 5 antagonists of the arc who are interested in Baki, and at the same time introduce you to the concept of defeat. The start is crazy to be sure, but it's actually a cliffhanger trap. Let me explain myself, the concept of defeat is interesting and with a lot of potential, but when I thought about it, it didn't make any sense. If what the prisoners are looking for is defeat and not simply fight ... Aug 16, 2018
This anime adaptation is pretty cool apart from the 3D CGI fight in one episode this anime is pretty damn awesome I mean the fights are awesome when they aren't using 3D CGI the plot isn't something complex it's pretty simple guys who fight in street fights to the death so far, the character designs are kinda weird but it's the same as the manga the original content which I don't mind it's pretty creepy but cool at the same time especially when the characters show facial expressions, although I wish Baki the main character would stop acting like he is mentally retarded and only
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Aug 18, 2018
i believed in this anime from season 1&2 i really like how it was previously done. i dont like the direction or plot idk why the messed up a good anime they always do that.i cant watch any more even if in sub. season 1&2 inspired me but this its like there being lazy or its just a money thing.i dont like how there cutting corners. baki s2 intro sucked but the anime made up for it.this baki 2018 is to aggressive in a bad way. there missing the mark.
the way the plot is implemented far as how baki gets strong to beat his dad ... Aug 7, 2018
I really like the work they are doing in this series, it's pretty good they even add 3D scenes that are acceptable, to see the series I do not think it's necessary to see the previous season although I would recommend it, the story is common a boy with super strength is facing the strongest in the world, I like the approach I also like to be taken seriously the other characters and does not leave them painted as to see, sencundarios characters that shine in all exprendor and make that grace to the series, has an amazing animation and soundtrack and without a doubt
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Nov 13, 2022
Baki - 2018
Anyone who knows Baki or has read the manga knows what they are getting into. The story of Baki is not about martial arts, rationality, logic, explanations, or good fights. It's all about the silliest and most bizarre scenario possible that you can write while making a fight. That's about how Baki can be put into words. Is your face gone? Don't worry, band-aids will take care of it. Your hand is gone? Let's stitch it up! Did you lose 40 liters of blood? Don't worry, just a drop! Have you suffered a fatal injury or are you even dead? Your doctor is ... Dec 18, 2018
If you want your testosterone levels to be over 9000, then stop whatever you're doing and watch this anime. I guarantee that you'll come out looking like the man, Baki himself by the time you're done watching it. Figuratively of course...
The story was told from the viewpoint of several different characters throughout the series. Each character had to face their own challenges against worthy opponents, and each battle introduces something new and exciting to help keep the viewer interested in the sequence. As far as I can remember, the episodes, even if they were told from different perspectives, were all ordered chronologically, with the occasional ... Mar 9, 2020
Are you into masculine but probably very gay men? Then this is for you.
I decided to make this review now because season 2 trailer came out and I want people to watch it before that arrives since it is a tournament arc. I believe Bakis production was not the greatest thing imaginable. Baki is CG a lot. First half they used in few scenes but in the second half it was everywhere. But Baki has some funny moments and epic fights here and there. I recommend the dub since it was funnier. They had a lot of freedom since it had references to many things ... Jan 5, 2019
Gets a 3 from me.
I haven't seen any other season or read any baki. Going into this it looked really good, the animation looked sick, the idea and action scenes looked great. *Spoilers* 5 Episodes in it was going alright, there are escaped criminals that are portrayed as beasts and very dangerous and it's set up baki and his friends will be fighting these guys on the streets no rules whenever they see each other to the death. Alright, I'm excited, this has my attention. Then it all goes seriously downhill. The first of the criminals finally has his first real fight. The match is sort of back ... |