This somewhat obscure pilot predates the 1999 Hunter x Hunter adaptation by a year, and it was directed by Noriyuki Abe, who previously worked in the anime version of Yu Yu Hakusho, another creation of Yoshihiro Togashi.
Like in the 1999 series, while the beginning of this story is relatively light-hearted almost giving the impression this is going to be just another shonen adventure series similar to the original Dragon Ball, there are a couple of subtle hints of darker undertones, such as Mito's alcoholism, or the aggressive way the wildlife from this world is depicted.
Little details make a big difference, and while I think the 2011 is good, the early parts of the story feel a bit rushed and way too colorful for my taste (Personally I think removing Kite and Kon from the first episode was a big mistake)
Certain details from this short make me believe the Noriyuki Abe adaptation perhaps would have been even darker than the 1999 show. Or maybe not. We shall never know.
Like in the 1999 series, while the beginning of this story is relatively light-hearted almost giving the impression this is going to be just another shonen adventure series similar to the original Dragon Ball, there are a couple of subtle hints of darker undertones, such as Mito's alcoholism, or the aggressive way the wildlife from this world is depicted.
Little details make a big difference, and while I think the 2011 is good, the early parts of the story feel a bit rushed and way too colorful for my taste (Personally I think removing Kite and Kon from the first episode was a big mistake)
Certain details from this short make me believe the Noriyuki Abe adaptation perhaps would have been even darker than the 1999 show. Or maybe not. We shall never know.