While both versions of the Hunter x Hunter anime are inspired takes on the beloved shōnen manga series, the 1999 adaptation reigns superior to the one from 2011 for a variety of reasons.
Since there are two versions of the Hunter x Hunter series available, it's not uncommon for fans to compare them. They obviously share a lot of similarities, coming from a common source, but also have a fair amount of differences that stand out. These can extend even beyond their visual differences in style and animation, up to and including the inclusion of additional "filler" content. The two of them even tackle similar plot points differently. Here are ten reasons why the earlier iteration of the anime is better than the latest one.
10 Kurapika Vs. Uvogin Fight
The fight between Kurapika and Phantom Troupe member Uvogin is significant regardless of which adaptation it takes place in. However, the 1999 version puts a huge emphasis on how the fight affects Kurapika in the aftermath. Immediately after Uvogin has been killed, Kurapika falls to the ground and holds his head in his hands, shaking violently. It's true that he's probably exhausted a lot of energy, but more than anything this battle and the subsequent killing has had a huge psychological impact on him. It's not something he wanted to do.
This is all the more evident in the ensuing scene that shows Kurapika returning from the fight and getting cleaned up. He doesn't address anyone in the room—he appears exhausted and gaunt and has even vomited on himself before returning—as he makes his way into his room. Shortly after, viewers see him sitting on the edge of a bed, hunched over and reciting a prayer for his clan. The further he recites, the more drained and agonized he looks before he closes his eyes and ends with the words "On the Scarlet eyes, I swear this." Among many things, it's worth noting that partway through his recitation, his expression becomes more pained. This happens right as he's starting to say the words "and carry the burden of their sorrows", which continues to give viewers insight into how difficult this all is for him.
9 Main Characters' Pasts
Although both versions of the anime discuss Leorio past in unique and moving scenes, the 1999 version takes it one step further and gives additional 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 struggle with scenes that manifest his past trauma, involving the illness-related death of a close friend from his childhood that he blames himself for. Leorio clearly grapples with a lot of guilt about the situation, and these scenes provide the additional devastating context and the full complexity of his feelings.
After his friends help him snap out of it, these moments help create an organic segue into Leorio revealing the truth about his motivations for becoming a Hunter to Kurapika, which brings them closer. Kurapika is also exposed to the same plant and ends up reliving the devastating events involving the massacre of the Kurta clan. Due to this, he essentially becomes paralyzed with fear. These difficult scenes simultaneously pull at viewers' heartstrings and convey the gravity of these traumas on the lives of Kurapika and Leorio as they continue forward.
8 Overall Animation Style
Many might consider the style of the 2011 version of Hunter x Hunter's animation to be better overall because time has allowed for advancements in technology. However, it's the unique 90s aesthetic of the 1999 Hunter x Hunter series that really makes it stand out. Presently, because of its distinct style, this adaptation also invokes a powerful feeling of nostalgia for many fans. The 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter shows off many of the strong characteristics and the definite charm viewers see in a variety of anime series at the time. The use of color, level of detail, and environmental shots alone contribute to the overall series' beauty.
7 Tonal Shifts
The narrative of Hunter x Hunter definitely takes on some big tonal shifts depending on the stage of the series. There are certain arcs, and even moments within arcs, where the overall mood becomes something darker and more somber. On the opposite side of the coin, there are many uplifting, inspiring, and emotional moments within the Hunter x Hunter series where the mood visibly brightens. The art and animation style of the 1999 version allows for those fluctuating states to be seamless to its viewers. Brighter moments feel brighter and darker moments 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 Strength
During the Zoldyck Family Arc, Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio are met with many obstacles, including a series of increasingly heavy gates. In both versions of the anime, they're eventually able to open the gate after some extensive training. However, the 1999 anime touches on the fact that certain characters were able to push open more of the gates than others. Both Gon and Kurapika were able to push open one gate, which is equivalent to two tons or 4000 pounds. Leorio is revealed to be able to open two gates, which equals out to four tons. This scene is brief but demonstrates the feats of strength that Leorio is capable of on his own, which is significant considering that, for the rest of the series, he will fall behind his friends in of power.
5 Slower Pace
Depending on the anime, and whoever is watching it, a slower-paced series is not for everyone. Some viewers appreciate being able to focus on only the main components of the narrative and some don't mind the wait. The 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter has 92 episodes and ends with the finale of the Greed Island Arc. The 2011 version has 148 episodes and covers more of the story beyond where the previous one ended. There are likely a lot of factors that contribute to why the older version has the pacing that it does, but, regardless, said pacing allows viewers to spend more time in the world with these characters and reminds 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.
4 Side Character Interactions
Due to the inclusion of additional arcs throughout the Hunter exam in the 1999 version, viewers get to learn more about some of the side characters. With such a large cast of characters in the Hunter exam, it can be difficult for viewers to make any kind of connection with characters outside of the main four. However, the inclusion of what some might consider filler arcs allows audiences to spend more time with the surrounding characters and see both humorous and meaningful interactions. This might even help viewers discover that they appreciate characters that they initially wouldn't have even thought about.
3 Abandoned Warship Arc
There are some arcs in the 1999 version of Hunter x Hunter that are referred to as filler; however, many fans find that they actually add much more to the series and characters with their presence. Take, for instance, the arc between the Trick Tower and Zevil Island sections of the Hunter Exam. Although this arc only lasts a couple of episodes, there is a lot for viewers to enjoy. This arc balances humorous moments and interactions among the current examinees as well as some more serious instances that speak to both individual characters and the examinees working together as a whole. On top of that, the detail of the 1999 version's art style and the arc's related scenery make it visually compelling and stunning to witness.
2 Kite's Time on Whale Island
It's evident that Kite and Gon have a connection in both versions of the anime, but in the 1999 version, viewers get the chance to see more of Kite's time on Whale Island. After their initial encounter in the older version, where Kite saves Gon from a mother foxbear after Gon finds himself in its territory, there are scenes of Gon and Kite spending time together. There are impactful scenes such as Gon's vowing to raise the foxbear cub left behind by the mother's unfortunate death and scenes that explore their conversations about Ging and Hunters in general. It's from Kite that Gon learns Ging is still alive and even what Hunters are in the first place.
1 Leorio and Kurapika's Bond
There's no denying that the main four characters have all developed strong friendships throughout the series; after all, those connections are one of the main themes central to Hunter x Hunter. In both versions of the anime, we see plenty of emotional and playful scenes between those characters and some of those scenes indicate the strength of the bonds forged between specific characters in particular. Gon and Killua are shown to have an especially meaningful connection, as are Leorio and Kurapika.
Again, those connections exist in both versions of the anime, and viewers can catch a great many scenes in the 2011 version showcasing those relationships. However, the particular pacing of the 1999 version allows for additional meaningful scenes that flesh out the relationship between Leorio and Kurapika. For instance, during the Abandoned Warship Arc, Kurapika and Leorio share a significant moment involving the burning of a Kurta clan ship in the setting sun. Toward the end of the Yorknew City Arc, Leorio playfully calls Kurapika's phone when they're in sight of each other and both seem lost in that cherished moment between them.
When it comes to comparing these two different adaptations, every fan has their own individual interpretation. For this reason, both the 1999 and 2011 versions of Hunter x Hunter have plenty of viewers to speak to their success. It's fascinating to note the differences and similarities that exist between two versions that are within roughly ten years of each other, to note what changes have been made, possible divergences, unique interpretations, and everything in between. Still, while most fans may be attracted to the 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime due to being more recent and covering more of the manga's story, there are plenty of reasons why the 1999 version is still worth watching.
