Should I Watch Baki Or Baki Hanma First

So, You Wanna Dive into Baki? Good Choice!

Welcome, friend! You're about to enter a world of muscles, mayhem, and absolutely insane fighting. But wait! A crucial question looms: Baki or Baki Hanma first?

This question has plagued anime fans for years. The answer, while seemingly obvious, might surprise you. Get ready for my totally-not-controversial take.

The "Logical" Choice: Chronological Order

Most people will tell you to start with the original Baki. They'll say it's the proper introduction. It sets the stage for all the beefy goodness to come.

Sure, it makes sense. You get to see Baki grow up. You witness his early battles and meet key characters.

But let's be honest, the animation in the older series can be...questionable. Sometimes it looks like they forgot how anatomy works. You know, like super-deformed body, big heads.

My "Unpopular" Opinion: Baki Hanma All the Way!

Hear me out! I believe you should jump straight into Baki Hanma on Netflix. Prepare for maximum shock and awe!

The animation is slick. The fights are even more over-the-top. The pure, unadulterated craziness hits you like a freight train full of protein powder. And that's what we all want, right?

Think of it like this: it's like watching the Avengers movies without knowing Iron Man's origin story. You still get the gist, and you're immediately hooked! Then you're motivated to explore the back catalog.

Why This Works (Probably)

Baki Hanma throws you into the deep end. You see Baki at his peak (so far, anyway). You're instantly invested in his quest to surpass his father.

The show does a decent job of filling you in on the backstory. Flashbacks are your friend. Trust me, you'll figure it out.

If you start with the older series, you might get bogged down. The pacing can be slower. The art style might turn you off. You may even question your life choices. We don't want that!

But What About Spoilers?

Okay, yeah, you'll technically get some spoilers. You'll learn who some of the major players are. You might even see a character death or two.

But honestly, the joy of watching Baki isn't about the plot twists. It's about the sheer spectacle of the fights! The ridiculousness of the training montages! The unwavering dedication to pushing the human body to its absolute limit!

The Ultimate Test: The Convict Arc

If you're still on the fence, watch the "Convict Arc" from the Baki (2018) series. This will give you a taste of the modern animation style. This will allow you to meet some of the classic characters without diving into the ancient past.

Then, after you've binged all of Baki Hanma and are screaming for more, you can happily go back and explore the older seasons. You'll appreciate the character development and the history. You'll suddenly be able to tolerate the animation quirks.

Final Verdict: Embrace the Chaos!

Look, there's no right or wrong answer. But my completely biased and totally-not-up-for-debate opinion is: Start with Baki Hanma. Embrace the insanity. Then go back for seconds.

Now go forth and watch some dudes punch each other really, really hard! You will experience the true meaning of martial arts!

You are welcome, and don't forget to eat your protein!