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naruball on 06 December 2015
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Super_Boom said:
naruball said:

Wathed the 1st season (2011) and was unimpressed. I found the fights absolutely terrible, the main character's weapon just bad and the episodes average. I liked the mind games but I thought the anime would be a better fit for one in his early teens. My question is, does it get better? Or if you love it so much, does it changed after the 1st season? For example, I heard that's the case with One Piece so I'll give that a chance.

Hope you don't find this offensive. Just not my cup of tea so far.

If you're only willing to watch HxH like a typical shonen action anime, you'll probably be unimpressed. It's a lot more unique than anything I've ever watched. There really isn't a base 'power level' and 1-on-1 fights are very rarely a big focus...though I still found myself constantly at the edge of my seat. The story would shift so fast, I found myself completely unable to predict what would happen next. It's something I really found a breath of fresh of air in the genre, when it feels like so many shows tend to be very predictable, or are simply trying to mimic other popular manga/anime.

The Chimera Ant arc of the 2011 anime is one of my favorite anime arcs ever for that same reason. There was one scene in particular that gave me chills. The entire arc was building up this group of monsters, but a certain event happens and you realize just how much worse humanity is. The narrator segues into this sad monologue, and shows all these victims of war, and these incredibly graphic images. I remember just being speechless...it was as if I wasn't even watching an anime any more.

Regarding the level of audience maturity you mentioned...let me just say that's something that definitely changes. There are some incredibly graphic scenes later on, one of which I had to stop watching it was so intense. And this is from someone who reads/watched Attack on Titan, for reference. I wouldn't say that was a plus for me; just a clarification for you. It definitely isn't something I'd recommend to younger anime fans.

I wouldn't say HxH is my favorite shonen anime, but it's easily one of the ones that stands out the most. My biggest gripe with it is how long it's taken for the author to update...and also all the freaking traps (that's just personal preference though).

Edit: Covering up some vague spoilers....just in case that's big deal to anyone reading it.

Just wanted to say, thanks a ton for this! It helps a lot. I wish I had never watched DBZ/Naruto/Bleach and Agame GaKill because I find myself being unimpressed with every fight scene in all the other anime I watch. But you're right. It's a completely different kind, so I definitely had the wrong mindset. Still a fishing rod as a weapon? Eh...