“Qualification isn't something we have to talk about. The ones who are not okay with their success can go through training until they are.” - Gon Freecss
To me, Hunter x Hunter (2011) is one of the most enjoying animes I've watched in quite a while. For an anime that essentially has it all, the lack of popularity surrounding it leaves me quite wistful. Though this may be the case, those who've had the opportunity to watch it, like me, have most certainly been able to enjoy it to its utmost extent. Hunter x Hunter (2011) is most definitely one of the greatest Shounens to ever
...
surface the Earth.
First off is the story. Since you've already read the synopsis, I'll tell you this. Hunter x Hunter is definitely not what you'd expect from its summary. This anime had far exceeded my expectations the first time I'd watched it. HxH is compromised of 7 total arcs, all in which are extremely well-written and is one of the greatest aspects of this anime. The start of the anime may seem mundane at first, but picks up very fast. Each of the arcs are highly impressive, and shift from one to the next like a chain reaction. This in turn gives HxH its great depth and flow, that which you don't see as much in most Shounens.
The story progression in HxH is practically non-stop. Aside from two recap episodes, there are no fillers in the anime. The series gives its viewers a wide opportunity to many different environments and appeals. From survival, fighting tournaments, mafia and crime, virtual reality, humanoids, to war and politics, HxH offers countless stories that surprisingly shift easily from one to another. As each arc is practically unpredictable, you'll never get bored from the show. I myself, who had just recently finished it, watched the whole series within less than a week.
The more you watch of Hunter x Hunter, the faster you start to realize that its concepts and writing are more than just child's play. In actuality, HxH is at times exceedingly dark, with heavy atmosphere and dreary developments. The emotions and deaths of characters at times like these will leave you quite literally bawling. But with the dark moods always comes the happy-go-lucky rays of sunshine. These times in the series honestly left me happy that I finished the anime because Hunter x Hunter just wouldn't be the same without them. There isn't a single moment in the anime you'd want to miss.
Moving aside, we have the anime's art. Its art and animation is completely outstanding. No once while I was watching it could I point out a single mishap. For a long running Shounen anime with 148 episodes, it holds highly for keeping its great animation throughout the whole series. The quality of Hunter x Hunter from episode to episode gives it its own unique charm, especially the quality animation of its fight scenes. Background, character animation, show of emotion, lighting, and everything else is quite simply flawless.
Next we have the sound. As for this, the HxH soundtrack is quite fitted for the series. Each scene is perfectly fitted with its corresponding ost. Besides a few minor characters, the voice acting of the anime is well befitting. You'd never think that the characters' voices weren't their original.
Finally, we have our characters. If there is one thing I would need to emphasize, its this. The number of characters in HxH is huge, but they all have their own personalities, quirks, opinions, and ambitions. And in all of it, the characters don't follow the universal character stereotypes. When it comes to character development, Hunter x Hunter is second to none. All characters are virtually unique, and its almost impossible to hate any of them.
The four main characters, Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, are at first pulled together in the beginning of the anime for one reason: to become Hunters. But they all do this for their own means, and are never all together for any long period of time. Although people argue that the two main characters are essentially Gon and Killua, there are almost whole arcs at times where they are not the center focus. And the dismemberment of the group can be agitating at times, not knowing when you'll get to see another again.
But the distinctiveness of characters in Hunter x Hunter not only come from the main characters, but also from the villains. Each villain in HxH is well-developed with interesting attributes unique only to them. Never will you see villains quite as good or even remotely like Hisoka, Chrollo, and Meruem. Their characterizations are impressive and original, and are compelling in their own unique ways. They are in no means non-threatening though, as the anime clearly shows how treacherous and merciless they can be.
Altogether, Hunter x Hunter (2011) is a masterpiece. There are potentially no downsides. Although there is a point later in the chimera ant arc that shifts heavily into narration. But this is meant to increase psychological suspense, and allows viewers to read more into certain characters' thoughts and actions. And this adds on to HxH's uniqueness, as it widely differs from typical Shounens who are mainly focused on "epic fight scenes" that will last for episodes at a time. HxH does a great job in its fighting aspect, and characters at most times must use strategy rather than brute force to defeat their opponents. While most fights will only last for minutes at a time, the story in HxH makes up for all of it. Hunter x Hunter (2011) is a fantastic anime that sets itself apart from all other anime in its genre. This series definitely deserves the rating it holds, as it will send you on an unpredictable, savoring adventure.
Overall Rating:
Story: 10/10 (Outstanding)
Art: 10/10 (Outstanding)
Sound: 9/10 (Great)
Character: 10/10 (Outstanding)
Enjoyment: 10/10 (Limitless)
Overall: 10/10 (Masterpiece)
Oct 29, 2015
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
(Anime)
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“Qualification isn't something we have to talk about. The ones who are not okay with their success can go through training until they are.” - Gon Freecss
To me, Hunter x Hunter (2011) is one of the most enjoying animes I've watched in quite a while. For an anime that essentially has it all, the lack of popularity surrounding it leaves me quite wistful. Though this may be the case, those who've had the opportunity to watch it, like me, have most certainly been able to enjoy it to its utmost extent. Hunter x Hunter (2011) is most definitely one of the greatest Shounens to ever ... |
