I typically am not someone who hands out 10's when reviewing much of anything, especially for a seemingly typical shonen, but this is an exception. I would only consider giving something a 10 if I felt left thinking there was nothing I would change, and that's exactly what HxH did.
The story does starts off a bit more like a typical shonen... but by god does the rest of the series make up for it... It's honestly everything I've ever wanted from an anime and more...
Never have I been:
• so attached to an anime.
• so satisfied by the fight scenes level of detail in strategy.
• so complimentary of the power systems level of balance and unique ideas such as vows and limitations and clear rules that are followed through the whole anime.
• so emotionally attached to characters relationships.
• so amazed by how much forethought, subtle foreshadowing, and extremely complex the plot was.
• so in love with a soundtracks and artwork (especially in the CA arc).
• so though provoked about controversial mindsets of characters, where even though they are antagonists to the main characters, I still understand their perspective and even like them, sometimes more than the main characters. Not just your typical 'evil' guy who is inherently bad, but just a different frame of mind that has real, good reasons for why they are doing what they do.
• so satisfied with one episode in particular that in my mind changed how I viewed anime altogether. It was so immensely satisfying and the build up to get there was so incredibly meticulous, yet entirely unpredictable.
Honestly, I've been watching anime since I was a little boy.... I'm 25 now and I feel more attached to this anime then I have been to any other anime. Period. That's something that I thought I wouldn't get out of an anime anymore now that I'm older... But HxH really did change that for me...
Perhaps it's not a show for everyone... but it's perfect for me... I loved everything about it... The art, sound, characters, story, everything! This is a masterpiece by Togashi and it's a shame that it doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Edit: I'm 29 now and I've rewatched the show several times and everything I said previously still holds true.
