When it comes to epic adventure shows, One Piece and Hunter x Hunter are considered as two of the best anime and manga series ever created. Both shows feature epic adventures in stunning worlds filled with unique and interesting characters. Created by Eiichiro Oda and Yoshihiro Togashi respectively, which one of these two shows is better? In this article, we will compare and contrast their plot, character development, power system, and world-building.
Plot
In terms of plot, One Piece and Hunter x Hunter each have their own unique stories. One Piece tells the story of Monkey D Luffy, who forms the Straw Hat Pirate crew and sets sail on a journey to become the King of Pirates and find the One Piece treasure. On the other hand, Hunter x Hunter revolves around a young boy named Gon Freecss, who takes the Hunter Exam to follow his father’s footsteps and embarks on a dangerous adventure.
While the plot of One Piece is more diverse and branching, with each arc having its own unique story, it can also be too lengthy and convoluted at times. Hunter x Hunter, on the other hand, is more straightforward and action-packed from the beginning. However, the goal of the main character, Gon, is not as grand as Luffy’s dream of becoming the King of Pirates.
Character Development
When it comes to character development, the pace of the story plays a significant role. One Piece, being a slow-paced show, has slower character development, with Luffy getting stronger every arc but still requiring over 1000 episodes to reach his current state. However, creator Eiichiro Oda is a master of character creation, with well-written characters like Nico Robin and Donquixote Doflamingo, whose background and motivation are fully explained, making their stories impactful.
Hunter x Hunter, while having many intriguing characters, has some villains whose motivations are not clear. However, the character development of the main cast is significantly faster, with Gon reaching his peak in episode 131 in the 2011 anime version. Moreover, each character has their unique power system called Nen, which is complex and not easy to use freely, adding another layer to their individuality.
Power System
One Piece has a more diverse power system than Hunter x Hunter but focuses only on two main powers, Devil Fruit and Haki. Devil Fruits are fruits that grant superpowers to the consumer, while Haki is the manifestation of the energy within the body. On the other hand, Nen, the power system in Hunter x Hunter, is more complex than Haki, with various types and branches of Nen and unique conditions required to use it. It makes every character have their own Nen, adding another level of individuality to the show.
World-Building
While both shows have a fascinating world-building, Hunter x Hunter has a better and darker world-building, with a lot of mysteries and dangers surrounding the Dark Continent that is above the world. On the other hand, One Piece has unique islands that the Straw Hat Pirates visit, each with their own well-crafted backstory, making their journey exciting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both One Piece and Hunter x Hunter are great shows with unique qualities that make them enjoyable to watch. One Piece has an expansive world and well-written characters, while Hunter x Hunter has a more complex power system, faster character development, and better world-building. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference, but one thing is certain; they are both worth watching.
