Hunter x Hunter Pilot (Video 1998) Poster

(1998 Video)

User Reviews

Review this title
2 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
8/10
A Promising Glimpse into the World of "Hunter x Hunter"
daredevilx9031 May 2023
The 1998 "Hunter x Hunter" pilot OVA provides an exciting and intriguing introduction to the beloved series. With its unique storyline and compelling characters, it successfully captures the essence of the franchise.

One of the standout aspects of the OVA is its ability to immerse viewers in the captivating world of "Hunter x Hunter." From the outset, we are introduced to Gon Freecss, a determined and optimistic young boy. The pilot OVA effectively showcases the diversity of the Hunter Exam, which acts as a gateway to numerous thrilling adventures and perilous encounters.

Despite its brevity, the OVA manages to establish a sense of depth and complexity within its characters. Gon's unwavering determination to become a Hunter creates an engaging narrative that leaves viewers eager to discover more about his journey. The pilot OVA successfully piques our curiosity and sparks a desire to explore the rich development that awaits in the main series.

The animation quality, although slightly dated, still holds up remarkably well. Nippon Animation's work on the OVA demonstrates a commendable attention to detail, particularly during action sequences where the characters' abilities are showcased. The vivid animation effectively captures the intensity and excitement of the Hunter Exam, drawing viewers into the world and making them feel a part of the experience.

One minor drawback of the OVA is its condensed nature. Given the limited runtime, some aspects of the story and character development feel rushed. However, considering that this is a pilot episode designed to provide a taste of what's to come, it can be forgiven for sacrificing depth in favor of setting the stage for the main series.

In conclusion, the 1998 "Hunter x Hunter" pilot OVA presents a promising glimpse into the captivating world of the series. With its compelling characters, immersive world-building, and solid animation, it successfully captures the essence of what makes "Hunter x Hunter" so beloved among fans. While it may lack the depth and refinement of the later animated adaptation, the OVA serves as an excellent starting point for newcomers and a nostalgic gem for long-time fans.
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
8/10
The first Hunter x Hunter animation
Rectangular_businessman22 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
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.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed