Baki

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 ... in terms of “story” from what I gathered. That being said, if you’re a fan of just fighting, nothing really tying the fights together beside a couple of words, this show is for you.

Story: 6 Story? What story?

In all honesty, I feel like I should give this a lower score, there’s honestly not much in terms of story AT ALL. But I also feel like it doesn’t really matter since the show doesn’t NEED a story either. That being said: one of the absolutely greatest parts of the show would be the surprise element: you have NO idea who’s going to win in a fight (save for a few individuals). This really stood out since most of the time, there really isn’t any sense of suspense when the main characters fight a secondary character or when a protagonist fights an antagonist. But in Baki, you genuinely have no idea WHAT’S going to happen, it really raises the stakes by making every character able to lose from the most hyped up guy to the thirdary character shoehorned in five minutes ago.

Art: 7 Baki is in this weird place where at some points the animation is GREAT! Someone gets kicked in the face and you can feel the impact… but then it flies back to a still image with camera movement to simulate action.

I’m in turmoil when trying to review its art because, on one hand, some of its animations seem lazy and half-assed but on the other hand you can really FEEL the impact of most of the hits. I can’t really give it an accurate review so I’ll just leave it with a 7

Sound 10: OOH The sound THROUGHOUT the anime was near PERFECT!

Going back to what I said in the “art” section, part of the reason why every hit felt genuine was the sound, from fracturing bone to explosions, everything had a certain weight behind it that I really can’t properly explain. The OST was also great, tracks were noticeably reused but still sounded epic no matter HOW many times they replayed it, and it also boasts one of the greatest endings of all time (in my opinion), the sound of Baki is almost as crazy as the show itself.

Character 8: I personally like it when an author writes a character with no intention of them being liked by anyone.

The characters in Baki seem relatively different from each other, but the major disparity between them would be their fighting styles. On one hand, you have the honorable martial artists, each with their own history and methods of fighting and on the other hand, you have the (mostly) despicable death row inmates who focus on more underhanded tactics to win (example, most of the inmates used explosives at least once).

Enjoyment: 8 Dumb fun

Baki is the true TOURNAMENT ARC anime and I LOVE it for that.

Overall: 8

There’s not much else to say except: “wow, this show is fun to watch”

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: ... it's the pinnacle of sakigake. Promoting Be A Man like the whole universe revolves around it, and based to the narrative: the world truly works this way. Not only that, this is also the most educational animanga after Holyland when it comes to martial arts.. or at least it would be if the real sports were around 17 times more manly.

This series is very straight forwards and simple. It can only be liked for one thing, and those who never appreciated GAR, will have very low chances of finding this to be anything special. But I, for one, could not be happier. Now I pray for the merciful bros at Netflix: Do Angel Densetsu next.

Oh, and watching this without seeing the first 2 seasons is a thing women and children would do. Real man would never do such a thing. (quote from S01, altered, obviously).

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 ... want to get into the Story.

I like the plot. Seeing a switch from a tournament to an unstructured conflict between martial artists who escaped death row and the characters we've already come to know is an interesting change of pace. But the narrative structure for this series is god awful. It's just so very, very bad.

I'll admit that the series has always been a little slow paced. There were always flashbacks for each character and other characters commentating on the fights, but there was a good balance. Baki (2018) doesn't have that balance. When characters do fight, there is much less time dedicated to them actually fighting than there is for flashbacks or explaining their weapons. If a fight scene lasts less than half the time it takes for one character to give a science lesson about how he uses wire as a weapon, something has gone wrong.

It's not just that the show spends more time cutting away from fights than it does showing characters duke it out, it's the way the fights are broken up and interrupted. In one episode there is about 4 minutes of screen time of two characters fighting, meanwhile it is broken up in several parts by ten minutes worth of flashbacks, some of which was completely unnecessary.

This kind of story boarding really brings down the overall enjoyment of a series. At this point I feel that because of the slow pacing of Baki, the only good way to watch it would be to wait until it's finished airing and watch each episode back to back.

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 ... of my favorite types of comedy, where you have no clue it was coming.

This is perfectly adapted from the manga which I highly suggest.

Dont get discouraged by the starting episodes which uses 3D models for parts of the fight. Its only gonna appear in like 6 episodes and then no more crappy 3D.

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 ... book. Sure, Baki is not super proficient in the typical rating criteria used, but I'll be damned if Baki is considered "mediocre" just because it's story is less compelling than others, or the animation is not as fluid as possible, etc.

Baki is amazing; I've never felt so compelled to watch every fight in an action anime before. The choreography is so unique and inspired. The story is so nonlinear and piece-wise. The fun in this show is not found in the grand story arc like, say, attack on titan or My Hero Academia, it is in the moments. Ever episode has tons of distinguishing bits and characteristics that make you remember that episode forever.

If you're sick of action anime following the same fucking rules, the same fucking tropes, the same story format, then give Baki a real try. If you do like traditional anime styles, I'd recommend you try and loosen up and try to enjoy Baki as something new, like listening to a new genre of music for the first time.



P.S. If cannabis is legal where you are, try watching a couple episodes high. The action is so heavy and intense it makes you cringe and jump!

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 ... fight scene it just looks off, nevertheless I know this is an amazing series and even past the questionable CGI, I feel as if the anime will a have a great 26 episode run and maybe they will make another season with the future arcs if they are not included in these episodes.

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 ... knows how to fight like seriously the guy acts and reacts like he is stupid asf when I say that he acts stupid asf I mean he kinda gives off a kinda listless expression I dunno he might just be laid back to the point of being listless 🤔.

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 ... the battles are a pleasure that falls in love, is for my taste perhaps one of the best of this year (well it is obvious that it is not better than violet evergarden but it is close), I recommend it if ,

Battles blood and action is the only thing that I say to you that assures but it is without a doubt that you will surprise a lot

Honestly, if you're looking for well flushed out characters, unpredictable or novel plot, or astounding art, you should probably look elsewhere. However, if you are a fan of watching extremely muscular men beat the shit out of each other, this is the show for you.
Baki (the show) is at its core a testosterone filled 624 minutes of violence, at times so gruesome and graphic that I (a horror movie connoisseur, Junji Ito lover, true crime fanatic) had to look away. Faces are blown off. Skin is gruesomely torn and then the freshly exposed muscle is beat to the high heavens. Second degree, third degree ... burns are inflicted all over the body. Limbs are sliced off, only to be reattached and re-abused. So many concussions are inflicted. Many, many crotches are kicked. The show is definitely not for the faint of heart.
At the same time, the enjoyment for this show, if you don't take it too seriously, is actually pretty high. The fighting is over the top, and can drag on and feel repetitive. At many times I found myself thinking, "Oh God, let it be over, put him out of his misery". Yet somehow I finished all 26 episodes within two days. If you like ridiculous fighting scenes, characters that just keep powering-up to achieve the humanly impossible, and abs so hard they can deflect bullets and break bones, give Baki a watch, even if only as a background show while you crochet or something.

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 ... and the voice cast was amazing. My personal favourite fight is Speck vs Hanayama. It was so epic. It had good animation, no cgi, and it got my testosterone pumping. It was just epic. Lots of blood was shed during that. It was very brutal.

Story: So this takes place after some tournament where Baki reigned supreme, so he won it. So he is a very famous fighter for his strength and due to that 5 very dangerous and strong criminals escaped from prisons all over the world like in a nuclear silo in Russia, submarine somewhere in the ocean, an island somewhere in USA, Scotland and Japan. Baki got news from the host of the tournament he won that 5 people are coming after him and talked about crystallized explosives. Baki then happens to meet one of the criminals and he gets beaten fairly easy. Somehow all the criminals gather to the arena where the tournament was held and also our main heroes. They decided that they can attack each other at random so basically when someone is taking a shit, eating, walking etc and someone can go attack him. Then we start to see epic fight between the masculine men and other random shit.

Characters: The character were mostly ok but nothing special. Most of them were just very stoic and masculine and not much of a personality. Baki and Speck both acted like clowns most of the time even though they are strong. Doyle and Dorian and Speck specialized in weaponry. Doyle went so far that he has blades in his body and even explosives. Dorian just uses random objects and Speck uses granades, guns and such. Yanagi, Shibukawa, Retsu, Hanayama, Doppo, Sikorsky and Baki are mainly martial artists or just pure strength users. They have some neat skills and lots of punching power. But if anything they sure know how to kick ass.

The first opening is amazing. The song is just great. The visuals are neat and show clips of the tournament. The clips were mostly scenes of the fights that happened. I kinda wished the anime was about the tournament. The fights looked cool and they were epic. We saw the "good guys" fight each other and it looked cool. The song is Beastful by Grand Rodeo. The second opening was kinda bad. The song wasn't great and the visuals were just shadow boxing.

I recommend this to people who like masculine men, epic fights and such other trivial things. I recommend the dub since it is way more funnier but I guess the sub is also a good way to go but I personally don't like it. But the dub got Troy Baker back into voicing anime. But this anime suffers from kinda personality lacking characters, their not so great interactions whit each other, heavy use of ps2 graphics looking CG especially in the second half. If you can get past that then it is a worth anime to watch.

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 ... backstory flashback. This wasn't confusing in any way, so you shouldn't have to worry about keeping track of what's going on at the moment and when. The story itself was quite simple, but I believe it works in the anime's favor, as this was never meant to be a story heavy series. Nevertheless, the story is still very enjoyable.

I haven't watched many series that are a part of this genre, but I would say that the story is unique. I don't need to provide a synopsis, since one is already provided, but basically, extremely dangerous people wish to taste defeat and they all swarm to Baki to find it. There's also many underlying subplots and motives which each character has. So it's definitely an interesting watch, story-wise. You also don't need to worry about pacing, as there aren't any fillers, surprisingly. It keeps good pacing, atleast in my opinion. The ending however, may or may not satisfy you. It's open-ended, which probably means that further adaptations will be announced in the future. I am however, looking forward to watching more Baki. By the way, this is the first time I've watched an entry in this series, so keep that in mind when reading this review.

Now, for the art style. I believe the art in Baki fits perfectly with the themes the show is going for. It gives off a polished and fluent feeling to it, with certain areas using CGI, if I'm not mistaken. The CGI isn't a big issue though, as the quality of it is fairly good. For a show about a bunch of really buff and ripped dudes beating the daylights out of each other, the art looks good. Just not amazing in my opinion.

The character design was certainly something. If you enjoy seeing overly ripped guys, then this might be your show. They all however, have very unique designs, so you should be able to recognize them all upon first glance.

I honestly don't have much to say up the sound quality of this anime. It's great, but when I try to think of any memorable OST's I can't seem to find one. I do however, remember the rock/metal music that would play during intense fights. It certainly fit with what was going on, and provided more hype. I can tell you that the 2nd OP I believe, was absolutely lit. If you're a metal fan, you can't go wrong with Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. For reference, this band also did the OP for Parasyte -the maxim-, so if you enjoyed that then you'll definitely enjoy this OP.

The one quality of this show that shines brightly are the individual characters within the series. It doesn't feel like any of the other characters are simply extras that are meant to make Baki look better. Instead, each and every one of them seems like an absolute monster with their own motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. Each character has their own unique way of fighting, and some of them are even parodies of real life fighters. The techniques they used are thoroughly explained within the anime, and nearly every character gets some background story, if not all. Baki might be the MC, but the other characters in this story might as well be the MC of their own stories as well. There was however, some narration, but it was only used when absolutely needed. For example, narration is mostly used to explain the techniques that the character is using, while at other times it's used to help increase the gravity of a situation. It's not the usual narration to explain the entire story type of deal, so I didn't mind. After all, when you think about it, characters aren't just going to stop and talk about what happened and how they ended up here, right before they get into a fight. Much less a surprise attack.

There is in fact character development within this show. Some characters learn from their mistakes and grow even stronger, while others become utterly defeated and slowly melt away. It's a fascinating experience watching these characters battle it out in the most creative of ways, and reach the stars, or fall into the depths of despair.

Now, for the final question. Will you enjoy this series?

I would say that, if you're a fan of action and over the top masculinity then you would most certainly enjoy this show, even if you have no idea who Baki is, or haven't read the manga. I myself had no idea what this series was, or what is was about, before watching it. Now, I want to know more, and I'm even looking forward to another season. I haven't watched many series like this, so it will definitely be a memorable experience for me, but it's not good enough for me to re-watch it. I'm not much of a fan of this genre, but if it can make me enjoy it this much, then I'm sure the majority of people would also enjoy this show. Please give it a try, and you won't be disappointed.

Thank you for reading this review, and I hope you have a wonderful day.

I wasn't a huge fan of the art style for this anime. It over exaggerates some features of the characters, some in a good way and bad for others. The lips were huge and the eyes weren't intensely expressive unless the character should anger or some malicious behavior.

You don't see the main character in action too much up until the last few episodes which really annoyed me because he is an interesting MC. He's strong but shy. And his dad is awesome. I wish there was more action from him in the very beginning.

The fight scenes are epic! I enjoyed them. They do get disgustingly ... gruesome sometimes. All in all, if you like action and don't mind the blood then you will probably enjoy this anime.

Do you like great Martial Arts anime?
Do you like exaggeration that seems to have no limits (or reasons most times) for moments?
Do you like a little bit of fanservice?

Welp!! this anime is for you, From the very first episode i loved Baki. 7/10 might not seem too good for you but i have my reasons.

Story 5
It is straightforward, not time to beat around, dudes just want to brawl lol, please understand that you get where it's headed from the very first episode. I am a little disappointed because this could have been done better.

Art 6
I have a hate/love relationship with the art, first i ... put it aside because personally this is not the art style i usually dig, still the CGI is messed up. But for some reason the bone crushing effects and blood spilling or gushing out everywhere including the punches and the facial expressions were great. For one i hate the art style but i love the violence, dunno if that makes any sense to you...lol

Sound 8
I love the sound, the OP and ED theme songs especially, i mean you've got to love Grandrodeo, knowing it's Netflix i didn't expect anything less, the background music was alright. For me the music is the next best thing after the fight scenes.

Character 6
So far the character development on Baki is slow paced with annoying flashbacks. Not much to say here, we're still waiting for Baki to fight, the other characters have even less development.

Enjoyment 7
Like i said you love martial arts and violence you will definitely enjoy this i guarantee it.

Overall 7
Hopefully this gets better with time. Chao!!!

Story: 10/10
"Baki" features a compelling and dynamic narrative, following Baki Hanma’s relentless quest to outshine his father, the ultimate fighter. The storyline, while straightforward, is enhanced by its unpredictable twists and high-stakes confrontations, keeping viewers deeply invested.

Characters: 10/10
The series is outstanding in its portrayal of a diverse and multifaceted cast. Each character, from Baki himself to rivals like Retsu Kaioh and Doppo Orochi, brings a unique fighting style and backstory, enriching the depth and complexity of the series. Their interactions and development add significant value to the story.

Art: 9/10
The artwork in "Baki" is striking, effectively showcasing the fighters’ powerful physiques and intense battles. The detailed ... and expressive character designs, especially during combat scenes, significantly enhance the visual experience and immersion.

Animation: 9/10
The animation is generally robust and well-executed, capturing the high-speed and powerful nature of the fights with impressive fluidity. Even though there are occasional moments of less smoothness, the overall quality effectively supports the intense action and dynamic visuals of the series.

My own synopsis:
Phenomenon, an exceptional, unusual, or abnormal person, thing, or occurrence. A phenomenon happened 100 years ago where nitroglycerin, which was supposed to be impossible to solidify, crystallized during a shipment overseas. This happened on a global scale ever since that day. Bringing it to the present day where once again another phenomenon has occurred.
Five guys (not the burger joint) break out of some maximum security prisons across the world all in synchronicity: two from USA, one from Russia, one from France, and one from Japan. These men head to Tokyo in order to know what defeat truly is.

My thoughts on Baki:
To sum ... this anime up in a single sentence, this is the manliest anime I've ever watched. There's plenty of fighting and a touch of drama throughout, and it's not boring like One Piece where they stand around in some battle stance and talk for a whole episode while a semi-intense soundtrack plays then finish after a few moves the next episode or two. The protagonist was a little disappointing because the anime missed the whole point of the hype for him, but they still made him a badass for the most part. The anime, Baki, gives a lot of air time to each character which felt great to watch so it wasn't just all protagonist this protagonist that. In my opinion, I think the art was amazing. It's so aesthetic and detailed with nice color gradients and crisp lines. At the end of the season they basically hype up of a second season so I look forward to that.

Don't let these other fuck heads deter you from watchin this show, it's a masterpiece when it comes to this particular genre. (and no, it's not an anime directed towards homos) that's like sayin boxing and mma are directed towards gays. (no malice towards the other side of the court, what you do in you're life is a-ok in my book, power to you my homo and lesbo readers) im just reassuring that this anime is badass no matter what other people think about it. if you want a show purely about the worlds strongest mothafucka, this is the show for you. 10/10 ... added bonus----if you like this show check out Kengan Ashure and records of Ragnarök.

Before I make a review I'm reviewing for both the netflix baki shows baki hanma and baki not the previous ones.

The story was cool it is very simplistic but I needed the break from complicated storyline from anime so it was good. I know many stuff doesn't make sense and it doesn't need to be. The manga is crazier but I won't touch on that. Even if you haven't watched the past animes you will still understand the plot and anyways I like the story.

The art is cool quite unique but I don't like some cgi parts but in the later seasons they haven't used ... it much, so they have improved and most stuff looks pretty natural so it's cool.

The sounds is one of my favorite parts even if they reuse it a lot I love the soundtracks they totally match the theme the VA's did a good job voicing the characters and it flows really well.

The characters are cool they make it pretty memorable enough to make me remember some side characters like unchained and hanayama mostly because of the fights. I don't think they made the inmates more memorable but they are coming back so maybe we'll get more lore out of them.

I enjoyed the whole show the fights has a lot of hype and they always go out with a bang anyways it was really good. Overall its a whacky show with its own logics and really simplistic but intriguing storyline and can't wait for new seasons for the anime. Also I really think they should readapt the first baki animes for better quality.

More similar to JoJo's than one might first expect

Do not expect the same level of artwork that the more recent JoJo's adaptation has, its does its job well and carries the story, which is where it shines most

Its story is just stupid silly, more so than JoJos, and if going into it for the absurdity of the story and characters then your doing it right, def would recommend to people who like shonen / combat heavy anime, but with a lighter spin (not to say it doesnt have dark or heavy moments from time to time, but come on.... look at the muscles for ... god sake!)

a solid pick for any boys night in!

Baki is, without question, one of my favourite anime of all time. It's a testosterone packed thrill ride of murder and muscles. The events my be unbelievable, even goofy, but the series takes itself seriously enough that they never feel out of the realm of possibility. If you just want a good old-fashioned story of buff guys beating the ever-loving shit out of each other, Baki is the perfect show.
This show deserves all the love in the world, and I absolutely cannot wait for Son of Ogre to come out next year, I'd mark that on my calendar if I actually had one to mark

As a casual I'll do my best to analyze this objectively since this series does have several redeeming qualities that save it from being a six.

The art style is really striking, ad there's a lot of people who are fans of the thick line work which isn't really as common in lower budget productions. Some of the fight scenes have some pretty obvious CGI use but it conveys the sheer force behind the fight scenes. Lots of fantastical techniques and blood and gore if you're into that,

I'm probably dropping this series because of the lack of character exploration. There's a lot of ... generic muscleheads in this series and there's very little time spent looking into Baki's background. The romantic side plot is well written-- but also pretty awkward. It's probably the only realistic aspect of this crazy martial arts series but there's nothing here for me to get invested in.