While both versions of Hunter x hunter anime inspired by the beloved shōnen manga, the 1999 adaptation is superior to the 2011 adaptation for many reasons.
Since there are two versions of the Hunter x Hunter line, it’s no wonder fans compare them. Obviously they have many similarities, coming from a common source, but there are also quite a few striking differences. These can even go beyond visual differences in style and animation, including the inclusion of additional “filler” content. The two of them even tackle the same plot points differently. Here are ten reasons why the previous anime version is better than the latest version.
10 Kurapika Vs. Uvogin War
The fight between Kurapika and Phantom Troupe member Uvogin is important regardless of which adaptation it takes place in. However, the 1999 version puts a lot of emphasis on how the war affected Kurapika afterward. Immediately after Uvogin was killed, Kurapika fell to the ground and held his head in his hands, shaking violently. It’s true that he probably exhausted a lot of his strength, but more than anything this battle and the killing that followed had a huge psychological impact on him. That’s not what he wanted to do.
This is even more evident in the next scene which shows Kurapika returning from battle and cleaning himself up. He did not speak to anyone in the room – he appeared exhausted, haggard and even vomited before returning – as he went into his room. Immediately after, viewers see him sitting on the edge of his bed, hunched over and reciting prayers for his clan. The more he read, the more exhausted and painful he felt before closing his eyes and ending with the words “On my scarlet eyes, I swear this”. Among many things, it is worth noting that in the middle of reciting the prayers, his expression became more pained. This happens right when he starts saying the words “and bear the burden of their sorrows,” which continues to give the viewer insight into how difficult all of this is for him.
The past of the 9 main characters
Although both anime versions discussed Leorio’s past in unique and touching scenes, the 1999 version went a step further and provided more context. During the Hunter exam, Leorio is tricked into a situation that exposes him to the hallucinogenic properties of a dangerous plant. Because of this, viewers watch him grapple with scenes that reveal past trauma, involving the illness-related death of a close friend from childhood for which he blames himself. Leorio is clearly grappling with a lot of guilt about the situation, and these scenes provide further context for the brutality and full complexity of his emotions.
After his friends help him out, these moments help create an organic segue into Leorio revealing the truth about Kurapika’s motivations for becoming a Hunter, which brings them closer together. . Kurapika also comes into contact with the same plant and ends up reliving the devastating events related to the Kurta clan massacre. Therefore, he essentially becomes paralyzed with fear. These difficult scenes simultaneously touch the viewer’s heart and convey the weight of these traumas in the lives of Kurapika and Leorio as they continue to move forward.
8 Overall animation style
Many may consider the style of the 2011 animated version of Hunter x Hunter to be better overall as time has allowed for advances in technology. However, it’s the unique ’90s aesthetic of the 1999 Hunter x Hunter series that really makes it stand out. Now, because of its different style, this adaptation also evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for many fans. The 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter displays many of the strong characteristics and certain appeal that viewers saw in many anime series at the time. The use of color, level of detail, and environmental shots alone contribute to the overall beauty of the series.
7 tone changes
Hunter x Hunter’s story will definitely have some major changes depending on the stage of the series. There are certain arcs, and even moments within arcs, where the overall mood becomes darker and darker. On the other hand, there are many uplifting, inspiring and emotional moments in the Hunter x Hunter series that brighten the mood distinctly. The 1999 version’s art style and animation allow those oscillating states to become seamless to the viewer. Brighter moments will feel brighter and darker moments will feel darker. The ability to balance those instances of tonal difference feels like an essential component of the emotional storytelling in a series like Hunter x Hunter.
6 Leorio’s Power
In the Zoldyck Family Arc, Gon, Kurapika and Leorio encounter many obstacles, including a series of increasingly heavy gates. In both anime versions, they are finally able to open the gate after a period of intensive training. However, the 1999 anime makes reference to the fact that some characters can open more gates than others. Both Gon and Kurapika can push open a gate weighing the equivalent of two tons or 4000 pounds. Leorio is revealed to be able to open two gates weighing up to four tons. This scene is brief but demonstrates the feats of strength that Leorio can accomplish on his own, which is important because for the rest of the series, he will fall behind his friends in terms of strength. strong.
5 Slower speed
Depending on the anime and the viewer, a slower-paced series isn’t for everyone. Some viewers appreciate being able to just focus on the main parts of the story, and some don’t mind the wait. The 1999 Hunter x Hunter version had 92 episodes and ended with the final part of the Greed Island Arc. The 2011 version has 148 episodes and includes more stories beyond the ending of the previous season. There are probably a lot of factors that contribute to why the old version is paced the way it is, but regardless, said pacing allows viewers to spend more time in the world with these characters and remind people that it’s okay to take your time. A big message of Hunter x Hunter is that the journey is as important as the goal, and the 1999 anime conveys this perfectly.
Interact with 4 supporting characters
Due to additional arcs throughout the Hunter exam in the 1999 version, viewers were able to learn more about some of the supporting characters. With such a large cast of characters in the Hunter exam, it is difficult for viewers to make any connections with characters beyond the main four. However, the inclusion of what some might consider side arcs allows the audience to spend more time with the surrounding characters and see interactions that are both humorous and meaningful. This may even help viewers discover that they appreciate characters they didn’t even think about at first.
3 Abandoned Warship Arc
There are several passages in the 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter that are referred to as spin-offs; however, many fans found that they actually added much more to the series and the characters with their presence. Take, for example, the arc between the Trick Tower and Zevil Island sections of Hunter Exam. Even though this season only lasts a few episodes, there’s a lot for viewers to enjoy. This season balances comedic moments and interactions between the current contestants as well as some more serious instances that talk about both the individual characters and the contestants working together as a whole. On top of that, the details of the 1999 version’s art style and the scenery involved in the arc make it visually compelling and impressive to witness.
2 Hours of kite flying on Whale Island
It’s clear that Kite and Gon are connected in both versions of the anime, but in the 1999 version, viewers get a chance to see more of Kite’s time on Whale Island. After their first meeting in the older version, when Kite saves Gon from the mother bear after Gon discovers he is in its territory, there are scenes of Gon and Kite spending time together. There are powerful scenes like Gon’s vow to raise the fox bear cub left behind after his mother’s unfortunate death and scenes that explore their conversations about Ging and Hunters in general. Thanks to Kite, Gon learns that Ging is still alive and even who the Hunter is.
1 Leorio and Kurapika’s bond
There’s no denying that the four main characters have all developed strong friendships throughout the series; after all, those connections are one of the main themes of Hunter x Hunter. In both anime versions, we see a lot of emotional and playful scenes between those characters and some of those scenes show the strength of the bonds forged between specific characters in particular. Gon and Killua are said to have a particularly meaningful connection, as are Leorio and Kurapika.
Again, those connections exist in both anime versions, and viewers get to see plenty of scenes in the 2011 version that showcase those relationships. However, the specific pacing of the 1999 version allows for additional meaningful scenes that strengthen the relationship between Leorio and Kurapika. For example, in the Abandoned Warship Arc, Kurapika and Leorio share a pivotal moment involving the burning of the Kurta clan’s ship in the sunset. At the end of the Yorknew City Arc, Leorio playfully calls Kurapika’s phone when they see each other and the two seem lost in that precious moment between them.
When comparing these two different adaptations, each fan has their own interpretation. For this reason, both the 1999 and 2011 versions of Hunter x Hunter have a lot of viewers talking about their success. It is interesting to note the differences and similarities that exist between the two versions about ten years apart, note the changes that have been made, possible differences, unique interpretations and everything in between. However, while most fans may be attracted to 2011 Hunter x hunter The anime is more recent and includes more stories from the manga, so there are plenty of reasons why the 1999 version is still worth watching.
