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.

Hunter x Hunter is a classic story from the golden age of Shōnen Jump that is still going strong today with the recent recovery of the writer, Togashi. For fans, there is so much Hunter x Hunter content to explore, maybe even too much for some. Not only are there over 400 chapters now, but there are also not only 1 but 2 anime series adaptations. Longtime Hunter x Hunter fans may know this, and even more casual fans may have seen some viral screenshots from pivotal moments of the original.

The original Hunter x Hunter anime came out in 1999, with the reboot arriving over a decade later. With this large time gap, many people may feel that it isn’t worth getting into the old version, assuming that the new version is simply an improvement over the original. However, there are actually a lot of differences between the two, that go further than just animation differences, that make them both their own unique experience.

What Makes the Original Series So Different?

Hunter x Hunter Was in a Much Different Place in 1999

To begin to understand Hunter x Hunter (1999), you should start by considering the context in which it was released. In 1999, Hunter x Hunter was still a relatively new manga, having only been released the year before in Shōnen Jump. Because of this, the animation team had to work around the fact that they were dealing with incomplete information. This meant that they did not have as much insight into the future of the story, and so they couldn’t plan as far ahead as they could with other series they might have worked on. But while this may have presented a challenge, it may also be one of the key advantages of the original series.

Much like the differences between Full Metal: Alchemist Brotherhood and Full Metal Alchemist 2003, the limitations of the source material allowed the animation teams working on these series the opportunity to approach the material with more creative freedom.

The Advantages of the Original Series

The Original Series Makes the Most of Its Filler

Filler: An often-dreaded word in anime circles. There is a lot of debate around whether filler is inherently bad, or even just what the term actually means, but for the sake of this article, filler is going to be considered anime-original content. More than just moments though, entire episodes and storylines of original content.

Going by that definition, the original Hunter x Hunter is full of filler. Because it was unclear where the story was going, how long it would last, how long they would work on it, the animation team took a lot of liberty at adding content to the show. For lovers of the original series, this is where it truly shines. If you like extended character interaction, and a slower paced story, then the original series will probably be for you. A lot of modern anime move at a breakneck speed, with less time to truly sit with characters. In Hunter x Hunter 1999, story moments are expanded, character interactions are added, and things in general just seem to sit for a lot longer.

For some watchers, this will not be a selling point. But if you’re a fan of Hunter x Hunter, and especially love the characters, then you’ll probably enjoy being able to see their extended interactions, even if the content is directly from the manga.

The Art Style Has That Classic 90s Feel.

If you love classic anime, and the vibe that the 90s gave to the medium, then you’ll probably love the Hunter x Hunter original series for that alone. After the 2000s, and especially 2010s, anime has seemingly gotten much “cleaner” and brighter. While this change has brought some incredible modern anime moments, it has also removed some of the “aura” that classic anime series had.

This can definitely be seen when looking at both Hunter x Hunter series side by side. The Original Series’ colors are darker and muddier, shadows are deeper, and scenes feel more intense when characters are presented in an almost noir-style setting.

The Appeal of The New Series

The Faithful are Rewarded in Hunter x Hunter (2011)

All that being said, it should be noted that there are some key things that necessitated a reboot for the series in the first place. While there are many filler moments and interactions that were added, there were also many things that were removed in the 1999 anime. Ideally, you want to make a story feel satisfying, even when dealing with incomplete source material. That meant some changes were made to make the original anime more appealing in its context. But, for story purists who want their adaptations to be as close as possible to the source material, the new series achieves just that.

While many fans of the original series love the departures and creative liberties it takes from the manga, it can distract from the story Hunter x Hunter was trying to tell. Seeing Gon go from a rather lighthearted character to his more bloodthirsty form later in the series is a rather alarming change. But the original series almost immediately provides that darker atmosphere, which some feel betrays this gradual buildup.

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

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

The decision to watch the original Hunter x Hunter anime ultimately comes down to what you want out of the anime-watching experience. If you are a diehard Hunter x Hunter fan, who desires an adaptation as close as possible to the source material, then you’ll probably love sticking with the reboot series, and the original may even disappoint you some.

However, if you are a fan of darker and grittier 90s anime, with a love of the style and storytelling of the time, then you will probably love watching the original. Even if it doesn’t stick as close to the story sometimes, this darker approach to the fights and characters leads to interesting interpretations of the classic fights.

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

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  In Hunter x Hunter, young Gon Freecss discovers his long-lost father is a legendary Hunter, an elite class of adventurer with the license to go anywhere or do almost anything. Determined to find him, Gon sets out to pass the Hunter Examination, a life-threatening challenge that draws hundreds of hopefuls seeking fortune, fame, and adventure. Along the way, Gon becomes friends with other candidates, including the vengeful Kurapika, the ambitious Leorio, and the enigmatic Killua. Together, they face a world filled with bizarre creatures, sinister criminals, and unpredictable adventures.

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