Is The Original Hunter x Hunter Anime Worth Watching?

Summary

The original Hunter x Hunter series from 1999 has unique filler content and a darker 90s art style.
The 1999 series adapted the manga with creative liberties due to incomplete source material.
Fans may prefer the original series for extended character interactions and a grittier atmosphere.

As a longtime anime enthusiast who grew up during the golden age of 90s anime, I must say that the original Hunter x Hunter is a real gem for me! The gritty, dark atmosphere and the unique storytelling of that era truly resonated with my youthful spirit. However, if you’re more interested in an adaptation that sticks closely to the source material, then the 2011 version might be more up your alley.

The timeless tale “Hunter x Hunter” originates from the Shōnen Jump’s golden era and continues to captivate audiences with Togashi’s recent comeback. With an abundance of material for enthusiasts, some may find themselves overwhelmed by the sheer volume. Not only do we have over 400 chapters, but there are not just one, but two anime adaptations as well. Long-time “Hunter x Hunter” followers may already be aware of this, while even more casual fans might recognize key scenes from the original due to their viral popularity online.

Initially released in 1999, the classic “Hunter x Hunter” anime series had a reboot approximately 10 years later. Given this significant time lapse, some viewers might dismiss the initial version as outdated, presuming that the updated one is merely an upgrade. However, it’s important to note that both versions exhibit more differences than just enhanced visuals, making each one a distinct and individual viewing experience.

What Makes the Original Series So Different?

Hunter x Hunter Was in a Much Different Place in 1999

To truly appreciate “Hunter x Hunter,” released in 1999, it’s important to understand its context. At that time, the manga was fresh and had just been published in Shōnen Jump the previous year. This meant the animation team lacked complete information about the storyline since it was still unfolding. Consequently, they couldn’t plan as meticulously as for other series due to the lack of future story details. However, this limitation could have also added an element of unpredictability and freshness to the original series.

Just as the variations between “Full Metal: Alchemist Brotherhood” and “Full Metal Alchemist 2003” arose due to differences in their source material, this discrepancy afforded the animators working on each show greater artistic liberty to interpret the content in unique ways.

The Advantages of the Original Series

The Original Series Makes the Most of Its Filler

In the realm of anime discussions, the term ‘filler’ isn’t always welcomed with open arms. The interpretation of what constitutes as filler and whether it’s inherently negative is often debated. However, for our current context, we will define filler as unique content exclusive to the anime series, not originating from the original source material. This can encompass entire episodes or storylines that deviate from the main narrative.

According to that explanation, the initial “Hunter x Hunter” is rich in supplementary scenes due to the uncertainty surrounding the narrative’s direction, duration, and production pace. The animation team had ample room to incorporate additional content into the series. For devoted fans of the original series, these extra scenes are where it truly excels, offering more opportunities for character development and a slower-paced storyline. In contrast to many contemporary anime that move at an incredibly fast pace, “Hunter x Hunter 1999” allows moments to unfold gradually, featuring expanded plot points, added character interactions, and a general emphasis on prolonged scenes.

For those viewers who aren’t particularly fond of it, this may not be an appealing feature. However, for ardent fans of Hunter x Hunter, particularly those who cherish the characters, having the opportunity to witness more in-depth interactions between them – even if the material is directly derived from the manga – could prove quite enjoyable.

The Art Style Has That Classic 90s Feel.

If you’re a fan of vintage anime with the unique charm from the 90s, then you might find the original Hunter x Hunter series particularly appealing due to its nostalgic feel. In contrast to more recent anime productions since the 2000s and especially the 2010s, which seem to have become cleaner and brighter, the classic anime series often carried an enigmatic atmosphere that has somewhat faded in modern productions.

I’ve been absolutely captivated by the stark contrast between the two iterations of Hunter x Hunter! It’s evident that the original series leans towards a darker, moodier palette with deeper shadows, creating a more intense atmosphere, especially when characters are presented in a near-noir style.

The Appeal of The New Series

The Faithful are Rewarded in Hunter x Hunter (2011)

To clarify, it’s important to acknowledge that certain factors led to the reboot of the series initially. Although there were numerous extra scenes and character exchanges included in the 1999 anime, many essential elements were omitted as well. The goal is to create a story that feels fulfilling, even when working with unfinished source material. Consequently, adjustments were made to enhance the original anime’s relevance within its context. However, for fans who prioritize faithfulness to the source material, the new series manages to maintain that closeness exceptionally well.

In the original Hunter x Hunter anime, although some enthusiasts appreciate the deviations and artistic freedoms it exhibits compared to the manga, these changes can sometimes obscure the narrative the show intended to convey. The transformation of Gon from a relatively cheerful character into his bloodthirsty alter ego later in the series comes as a startling shift for many viewers. However, this sudden change towards a darker tone may leave some feeling that the gradual development is compromised, which contradicts the original buildup.

So, Should You Watch the Original Hunter x Hunter Anime?

What Drew You to Hunter x Hunter in The First Place?

Whether to opt for the initial Hunter x Hunter anime or not largely depends on your personal preferences regarding the viewing experience. If you’re a dedicated fan of Hunter x Hunter who yearns for an adaptation that closely mirrors the source material, then you might find yourself drawn to the reboot series, and possibly feel let down by the original in certain aspects.

If you’re drawn to the raw, grittier 90s anime style and appreciate the narrative nuances of that era, then you’re likely to find the original quite appealing. While it may not always follow the original storyline closely, its darker portrayal of battles and characters often results in intriguing reinterpretations of classic fight scenes.

Hunter x Hunter (2011) is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Hulu and Netflix.