A FMA Fan’s Perspective on Hunter X Hunter

I have always been a fan of Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA), especially the Brotherhood series. From my perspective, FMA offered a unique and engaging narrative, one that provided a strong sense of journey and progress. However, when I delve into Hunter X Hunter (HxH), my feelings are quite different. From what I’ve seen and heard, HxH seems to be a shallow and disjointed experience.

My Opinion on Hunter X Hunter

Having not yet watched the entirety of HxH, my impression is based on a few snippets of information, character designs, and screenshots. While many enthusiasts praise the show for its characters’ unique power systems and its storytelling, I’m left with an unsettling feeling. It feels “off,” and I can’t quite articulate why. Perhaps as I dive deeper into the series, my perspective might change.

FMA as an Entry Point to the Anime Genre

My journey into anime began with FMA, particularly due to its serial nature. The show offered a compelling plot that advanced episode by episode, providing a sense of both continuity and progression. This was different from the weekly plot arcs seen in crime dramas or serialized US TV series. In contrast, a typical anime season of 12 episodes is a mere quarter of what a standard US TV season might be, and these episodes often cover significant ground.

Comparison: FMA vs Hunter X Hunter

When I watched the first eight episodes of HxH, it felt like a series that had barely moved. The characters were still within the testing phase of becoming Hunters, and there seemed to be no end in sight. According to my limited viewing, these 8 episodes only covered a small fraction of the 24-episode season, with the test ostensibly finishing near the end. Furthermore, the protagonists barely had any story hooks and made no progress toward their goals, making it difficult to follow the narrative.

For a series to captivate me, it needs to have a tangible goal in sight. That was certainly the case with FMA, where the main characters had well-defined objectives and a clear arc. In HxH, the narrative felt disjointed and aimless, focusing more on action set pieces rather than character development or a defined plot progression. It felt like a series that aimed for frequent action over meaningful storytelling, which is not what I seek from my anime viewing experience.

Past Impressions Beyond Initial Views

Looking back, I remember FMA: Brotherhood as a series that wrapped up its major plot threads in a satisfying manner. Even now, years later, the show holds up well, and I’m still following it through to the newer movies and sequels. It’s interesting to contrast this with my initial views of HxH; there’s a possibility that with further exploration, my perspective might change, much like my experience with Dragon Ball Z, which evolved over time.

Conclusion

While Fullmetal Alchemist captivated my interest and led me into the world of anime, Hunter X Hunter didn’t resonate with me initially. The show seems to lack the defined goals and plot progression that I find appealing in a story-driven narrative. It’s a reminder of the subjective nature of fiction, where what one person finds engaging, another may find lacking. For now, while I may revisit HxH, my current preference leans towards the more structured and engaging storytelling of FMA.