Story: 9
This is an interesting aspect of the show to rate. If this makes sense, HXH is not very original, but it is extremely unique. It has a way of taking very common storylines/themes (fighting tournaments, super-human battles, aura-based abilities/leveling up aspects) and while sticking to the typical guns with them in a lot of ways the show provides a unique spin on them. A big way it does this is with the characters, which definitely fit certain archetypes but have a depth and emotional connection strong enough to make any used plot line feel fresh and new. A lot of the "fighting aspects" are different from other shounen, in that they don't end up stretched out over several episodes and quite often evolve into more of a "strategic stand-off" than an all out physical fight to see who can kick more ass. At it's core, the show is simply about Gon trying to find his father. The story itself is nothing new (even if well executed), but the twist, turns, character development and eventual scale make this story a solid 9 for me.
Art: 8
I see a lot of praise for the art here, and while it is certainly not undeserved the art has never been my favorite part of this show. The character designs all work (with maybe some Chimera Ant exceptions) and it definitely doesn't have the feeling that they were cheap with the animation. However, although there are some really beautiful scenes that have some amazing imagery to accompany them, the animation didn't typically go above and beyond enough to put it on such a high pedestal. Definitely not a show where you'll typically hate the art though, so rest easy there.
Sound: 8
Again, I feel similarly on the sound as I do with the art. Really nothing bad here, either; in fact, the music accompanies the show extremely well and at times it adds a whole lot to a scene. The intro has grown on me quite a bit, although I feel like you either like it or you don't and it won't take you too long to decide. Honestly, I might have gone with a 9 here if the in-show music didn't get a LITTLE repetitive at times (particularly in earlier arcs). As with the art though,the sound is solid and will typically only add to your enjoyment of the show.
Character: 10
This is one of the major elements of the show that I feel bring it to a 10. If you are bothered by the trope of an over-powered character, you may find this show either really annoying or a huge breath of fresh air. The characters are constantly growing more and more powerful, and as the time goes by some ridiculously strong characters are introduced. However, at least with the main characters, they do not just start off awesome as in some shows. There is a huge learning curve for the main characters, and you are really able to see them grow in terms of ability and character. And especially as it progresses, the show is pretty good about keeping morality pretty gray, not forgetting that even the most interesting of protagonists must have flaws and vices to make them real. Even when it brings in a bunch of new characters with a lot of focus late in the game, by the end of their arc you will be able to see them in a whole new light. What can I say, the character development in HXH is TIGHT. If you're looking for a journey where you will really care about the characters and the changes they go through, this is definitely a show for you.
Enjoyment: 10
This. This is what makes the show a 10 for me. You can nit-pick over details and tiny flaws all day. At the end of the day, I seriously enjoyed all 148 episodes of this show, and I typically am more fond of shorter ones (usually don't go above 25). I'm not sure I've ever seen a show I could binge in such a hardcore way. Everything from laughs, to thrills, to the eventual change in tone. You know, where you have to stop and try to figure out when this stopped being a light-hearted (if violent) show about powerful 12 year-olds and when it became a dark thriller that has you on the edge of your seat. There are definitely some strong feels here too, particularly later on. All I can say in this category is that it's hard to think of may shows I've genuinely enjoyed this much, anime or otherwise.
Overall: 10
My opinion is obviously very high for this show, and I'm definitely not the only one. I'm writing this review for one reason alone: to recommend this show as fairly as I can. Though my vote is a 10/10, it is certainly not the only valid rating for this show. I think it all depends on what makes or breaks a show for you. My main goal is to break it down in a way that will give you an idea of it's the show for you or not.
PROS: Excellent character depth, thrilling plot, long journey with great payoff, a whole lot of heart, light-hearted enough to keep you invested in the characters and not weighed down by the intensity (sometimes) but dark enough at times to fully contrast this and remind you that this is NOT a show for children, and a LOT of interesting people, places, creatures, and powers.
CONS: There are so many characters that sometimes you may go a long time without seeing one of your favorites, the show is very long- while some people are addicted enough not to notice, it's still over100 (which isn't too bad for shounen like this but still), and in some of the longer arcs (looking at you, Chimera Ant) seem to stretch a bit at the middle.
End of the day, this is something special and it deserves the time to give it a shot.
