If you are an anime or manga fan, you’ve probably seen the new Korean webtoon turned anime series “Viral Hit” trending lately. With such a cool concept and so much buzz, will Viral Hit be any good?
From fans who have read the original webtoon, Viral Hit sounds like it could be a surprise hit – even if it takes a while to really get going.
The Story Behind Viral Hit
Viral Hit (also known by its Korean title “How to Fight”) follows the story of Hobin Yoo, a poor, scrawny high school student who gets constantly bullied. However, Hobin’s life changes when he accidentally live streams a fight between him and a friend on “Newtube”.
To Hobin’s surprise, the video goes viral. Realizing he can make money, Hobin starts a “How to Fight” channel. It is where he learns martial arts by fighting bullies and sharing the footage online. What follows is Hobin’s journey of becoming stronger physically and mentally through his fight videos.
A Slow Burn That Gets Better 
One common criticism of Viral Hit in reviews is it has a slow start. One review stated that they initially considered dismissing the work, but found it increasingly engaging as they continued reading.
Some readers fail to grasp the humor in the initial chapters. At the beginning, the storyline may seem monotonous as Hobin finds himself in similar conflicts while honing his self-defense skills.
However, many reviews state that the story picks up the pace and becomes much more engaging after the introduction. One reviewer praised the high-quality fights in the series, crediting the impressive choreography by two skilled fighters and the exceptional artwork as standout features.
If you find the beginning a bit slow, don’t give up just yet. Many reviewers believe that Viral Hit improves significantly as Hobin’s character grows as well as the storylines become much more detailed.
An Interesting Take on Bullying 
Despite its flaws, one of the strengths of Viral Hit is its interesting and realistic take on bullying.
While Hobin’s methods are unconventional, the core concept of exploring how someone overcomes relentless bullying resonates with readers.
As one review states, “The story itself focuses on a good issue and takes a pretty interesting approach in trying to combat the issue.” Hobin’s extreme solution of fighting bullies and posting videos may be relatable as his mindset of wanting to get stronger to stop the cycle.
Stellar Character Development
One other positive aspect of Viral Hit is the character development, which is often mentioned in reviews. Reviewers admire the gradual development and evolution of Hobin’s character, despite the occasional sluggish pace.
One review provides a detailed analysis: “Is character development apparent? Yes. Yes, it is. The speed is very sluggish and at times feels like taking one step forward and two steps back, but I believe it adds to the authenticity as it reflects the typical behavior of people in society.
The fact that Hobin does not transform itself instantly was appreciated by reviewers. He actively works on self-improvement, but occasionally reverts back to his old habits, adding authenticity and depth to his personal growth journey.
The Verdict – Viral Hit Seems Worth A Look
Upon reviewing the mixed feedback on Viral Hit, it appears that this adaptation from a webcomic to an anime offers a fresh and distinctive approach to familiar themes such as bullying, martial arts, and the popular trend of YouTube influencers.
Is it flawless? The main criticisms seem to be its slow beginning and repetitive elements. Those who stuck with the show praised the well-developed characters, smartly crafted storylines that tackled relevant topics, exciting martial arts sequences, and an intriguing narrative.
The concept of tracking a bullied teen as he navigates his way to becoming a successful fight YouTuber, with a mix of humor and rawness, is captivating. With good reviews circulating, Viral Hit seems like a promising watch. Just be prepared for a gradual build-up before it picks up momentum.
