Do I Watch Baki Or Baki Hanma First

So, you're thinking about diving headfirst into the world of hyper-muscled guys punching each other with the force of small earthquakes? Awesome choice! But a burning question lingers: Do you start with Baki or Baki Hanma?

Let's tackle this like a sparring match. Each series is a round, and we're figuring out which order packs the most punch (pun intended!).

The Case for Starting with Baki

Think of Baki as the training montage. It's where you get to know our ridiculously strong protagonist, Baki Hanma. You witness his intense training regimen and understand the driving force behind his insane dedication to becoming the strongest.

Imagine trying to follow a gourmet recipe without knowing the basics. Can you do it? Sure. Will it be as satisfying? Probably not. Baki is your culinary school for understanding the Hanma family recipe for "beatdowns."

You'll meet a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and personalities. They're like the wacky neighbors in a sitcom – you'll grow to love (or hate) them, and their presence adds depth to Baki's world.

Plus, the animation in Baki has a certain… charm. It's like watching a classic martial arts movie. It might not be the flashiest, but it's got that nostalgic, old-school vibe. Think of it like comfort food before the main course.

Why This Makes Sense

Starting with Baki gives you a gradual introduction to the power scaling. Things get progressively more outrageous, allowing you to adjust to the sheer absurdity of it all. No sudden immersion into interdimensional battles, promised!

Understanding the earlier arcs will make the later ones much more rewarding. You'll appreciate the development of Baki's skills and his relationships with other fighters. Think about it: would you understand the final season of your favorite show without watching the earlier episodes?

The Argument for Diving into Baki Hanma First

Okay, let's play devil's advocate. Maybe you're the kind of person who prefers to jump right into the deep end. You want the craziest, most over-the-top action right from the start. In that case, Baki Hanma might seem tempting.

Baki Hanma is like the final boss fight of the entire series...for now. The animation is arguably more polished. The stakes are even higher, and the opponents are even more ridiculously powerful. It's pure adrenaline.

But consider this: starting with the final boss means you might not fully understand why he's so important. You are missing the entire buildup and character development that makes the final confrontation so meaningful.

Imagine watching the last 15 minutes of a movie and trying to figure out what's going on. You see explosions and drama, but you're missing the context. That's kind of what watching Baki Hanma first feels like.

Furthermore, some plot points and character relationships that are established in Baki might be confusing or even meaningless if you jump straight into Baki Hanma. It's like trying to read a book starting from Chapter 10. It will not be pretty.

The Verdict?

While you *could* technically watch Baki Hanma first, I strongly recommend starting with Baki. It's the foundation. It builds the world, introduces the characters, and sets the stage for the even crazier events to come. And who would want to miss the training montage?

So, settle in, grab some snacks, and prepare to witness some truly mind-boggling feats of strength. Start with Baki, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a true aficionado of the hyper-violent martial arts world! You are in for an amazing ride!