‘Attack on Titan’ Vs. ‘Hunter x Hunter’: How These Anime Series Became Japan’s Gamechangers

 

“Attack on Titan” and “Hunter x Hunter” conquered the anime world in consecutive decades, and they redefined what an animated series should be in the most distinct ways.

 

The anime industry has been constantly blooming in the past decades. It already offered what live-action flicks could not and explored the untouched plotlines to avoid clichés. From drama to fantasy series, the industry already savored international success despite frequently facing production and dubbing difficulties.

 

Among the anime series it gave birth to are Hajime Isayama’s “Attack on Titan” and Yoshihiro Togashi’s “Hunter X Hunter.” From the comic books, the illustrators breathed life into them and soon, each got their well-deserved animated series. 

 

Fortunately, unlike other animations, “Attack on Titan” and “Hunter X Hunter” conquered the current generation despite arriving in different eras. This proved that they have timeless elements that could continuously pique public interest every time.

 

 

The Protagonists     

    

  

 

“AOT” and “Hunter x Hunter” introduced the main stars who expanded the plotline even more. 

 

Isayama’s Eren Yeager and Togashi’s Gon Freecss are both fearless individuals who set their own goals. Eren, for his part, was determined to help everyone escape from the Walls that he had been planning to join the Survey Corps since he was a kid.

 

Meanwhile, Gon had been wanting to take the Hunter examination to finally meet his father, Ging Freecss.

 

Though they have similarities when it comes to their personalities, Eren’s characteristics eventually changed as he continuously sought freedom. 

Gon, on the other hand, went back to being a jolly kid after exacting revenge on Chimera Ant Neferpitou. Hunter x Hunter still had no time skip and we couldn't really say whether Gon would end up like Eren or what.

From what we can see in the animation so far, Eren, the deity of the rebel faction "Yeagerists", currently resembles one of the HxH antagonists, Chrollo Lucilfer, the charismatic leader of the Phantom Troupe.

 

The Supporting Characters

 

Aside from Eren and Gon, the series’ supporting characters added more flavors to the story in the most different way.

 

In “AOT,” Armin Arlert and Mikasa Ackerman served as Eren’s childhood friends before the three decided to join the Survey Corps. From there, the story introduced more characters who only got a few spotlights compared to “Hunter x Hunter” supporting characters.

 

For instance, the production dedicated one OVA to tell the story of Levi’s early days as a criminal. The prequel also explored his life with Isabel Magnolia and Farlan Church. Aside from his character, the anime nor the comics version does not tell a glimpse of other characters’ stories before the events in the series happened.

 

“Hunter x Hunter” allowed Kurapika himself to constantly mention how he became the last survivor of the Kurta Clan. The backstory of Killua and the Zoldyck family was also highlighted.

A strength of Togashi’s creation includes how he immediately caught viewers’ attention by offering interesting antagonists, as well. In the first arc, Gon and his friends set their eyes on Hisoka before Kurapika found out the villain’s connection with the Phantom Troupe.

 

The Issues on the Series’ Technical Aspects

 

If there is one noticeable difference between the two series that a viewer can immediately see, it is definitely their art style.

 

“AOT” contained very close-up scenes that had a more detailed style compared to “Hunter x Hunter.” It unceasingly faced complaints when it changed its art style. Still, the fruit of these changes made the series version more realistic and far from what anime characters would usually look like.

 

The scenes’ color was usually near sepia, indicating that the story happened thousands of years back. Though it offered weaker animation compared to “Hunter x Hunter,” the “AOT” art style bloomed even more during action scenes. This, luckily, put itself on edge in terms of cinematography.

 

For anime fans who find light shades more visually engaging, Togashi played with it and gave his characters a burst of color combinations. In the absence of shading, “Hunter x Hunter” showed more life through hues.

 

Happy Ending?

 

In pursuit of a happy ending, one should sacrifice something or someone. But before the series reached that part, both flicks went on a rollercoaster ride while presenting different themes.

 

“Hunter x Hunter” usually changed depending on who is in the character spotlight. The drama was actually not a consistent part of the series, but the characters’ journey toward their goals offers more celebratory scenes.

 

The themes on “AOT,” however, were bloodier — mass murders, scenes which included cutting the napes of the titans, eating people as they try to regain humanity of the spinal fluid of a Titan Shifter.

 

The Verdict

 

“Attack On Titan” is not better than “Hunter X Hunter,” nor “Hunter x Hunter” is better than “Attack On Titan.” It would be a sin to compare two astonishing series as they both gave their fans the satisfying elements they deserve. 

 

Isayama and Togashi also did well in evading overused plot lines and styles. It is safe to say that both anime series did their jobs in becoming part of Japan’s game-changers in the industry. 

Liked our content? A cup of coffee would make our writers happy! Click the donate button if you want to give them a treat.