Summary
- The original Hunter x Hunter anime aired in 1999 and features a unique filler narrative coupled with a distinctive dark art style characteristic of the 90s.
- Its adaptation of the manga was creative, as it had to navigate the challenges of incomplete source material.
- Many fans appreciate the old series for its extensive character development and a more intense atmosphere.
Quick Links
Hunter x Hunter has established itself as a pivotal series during the golden age of Shōnen Jump and continues to thrive, especially with the recent recovery of its creator, Yoshihiro Togashi. There’s an abundance of content for fans to dive into, including over 400 manga chapters and two anime adaptations. Longtime enthusiasts and even casual viewers may have encountered iconic moments from the original series that have circulated on social media.
The original Hunter x Hunter debuted in 1999, followed by a reboot in 2011. This significant gap has led many to dismiss the older version, assuming the newer adaptation offers a superior experience. However, the differences between the two series extend well beyond just animation quality, creating distinct viewing experiences that warrant exploration.
What Makes the Original Series So Different?
A Different Era for Hunter x Hunter
To appreciate Hunter x Hunter (1999), it’s essential to consider the cultural and industry context of its release. The manga was relatively new, premiering just a year before the anime arrived. As such, the animation team faced limitations due to insufficient material, preventing them from fully plotting out the story’s arcs. Ironically, this lack of foresight offered them the freedom to experiment creatively with the source material.
Similar to the contrast seen between Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and the original Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), the uncertainty surrounding the source allowed for a more imaginative approach to storytelling.
The Advantages of the Original Series
Maximizing Filler Potential
In anime discussions, the term “filler”often incites mixed reactions. For the purpose of this analysis, filler refers to entirely anime-original content, including episodes and storylines crafted without direct manga inspiration.
The original Hunter x Hunter is rich in filler material. With uncertainty surrounding the continuity and longevity of the series, the animation team took creative liberties, resulting in a wealth of character-driven content. This creative expansion appeals to viewers who savor detailed character interactions and a leisurely narrative pace. In contrast to the rapid pacing prevalent in many contemporary anime, the 1999 series allows events and relationships to develop more slowly and thoroughly.
While not every viewer may appreciate this approach, fans who cherish character depth are likely to find joy in the extended interactions showcased in the original series, even when not chronicled in the manga.
Nostalgic 90s Art Style
For enthusiasts of vintage anime, the 90s aesthetic inherent in the original Hunter x Hunter provides another compelling reason to watch. From the early 2000s onward, anime has adopted a much cleaner and brighter look, elevating the visual quality but often at the expense of the distinctive “vibe”that defined earlier works.
This shift is particularly evident when comparing both adaptations of Hunter x Hunter. The original series features darker and muddier color palettes, with deeper shadows that give scenes a more intense and atmospheric feel, reminiscent of a noir art style.
The Appeal of The New Series
The 2011 Series: A Closer Adaptation
It is important to recognize the necessity of the 2011 reboot, which aimed to address some shortcomings of the original adaptation. Although the first series included engaging filler moments, it also omitted significant portions of the source material. This prompted the decision to reimagine the series to ensure a faithful representation of the manga.
While many fans of the original appreciated the creative divergence from the story, these deviations sometimes hindered the portrayal of Hunter x Hunter‘s themes. The transition of protagonist Gon from a cheerful youngster to a more complex and violent character is jarring. The original series, by adopting a darker tone early on, creates a contrast that some viewers believe disrupts the intended character arc.
Should You Watch the Original Hunter x Hunter?
What Initially Attracted You to Hunter x Hunter?
Choosing to watch the original Hunter x Hunter hinges on your personal preferences regarding anime. If you are a passionate loyalist seeking an accurate adaptation of the manga, you may prefer to engage with the reboot series, as the original’s discrepancies could disappoint you.
Conversely, if you are drawn to darker narratives and the storytelling nuances prevalent in 90s anime, the original series may resonate more with you. While it occasionally strays from the source material, its gritty portrayal of characters and conflicts invites unique interpretations that are captivating in their own right.
Hunter x Hunter (2011) is currently available for streaming on platforms such as Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.
Leave a Reply