I wrote a review on this show when it first dropped; I said essentially that the show was unique, bold and a good adaptation of the Manhwa. People didn't like that, the review bombed and I felt like I had trash taste. But at this stage? I don't care.
Viral Hit is a great show. Coming from a unique "streamer" perspective, it is a good example of a Korean delinquency story. The plot is essentially that a poor high schooler, Hobin Yu (I don't know his Japanese name but this other name is used in audio) is badly bullied, desperate for money, and ends up running a Youtube channel called Viral Hit, devoted to calling out bullies. It's an interesting concept; Hobin doesn't sugarcoat it, he wants money and he's a bit scummy trying to get it. But at the same time he becomes an exactor of justice, and represents the victims of bullies who watch him. This all happens while the technicality of running a channel occurs, with some generic teen anime social dynamics and gag humour.
While I won't say the ideas here are all flawless, and the execution of the show relies almost on an investment in Hobin as a character you root for and want to see develop, the reasons why this show works are simple. It takes a formulaic delinquent plot and action sequence and applies it to this unique scenario of a Youtube channel. What's more, the fights in this show work even without the production quality. Definitely, this adaptation is cheaply done, basically like the panels of the Manhwa dubbed over and slightly animated, but it works because Viral Hit provides context on the world of martial arts, different moves, different fighting styles, and explains why Hobin is able to overcome stronger opponents. While undoubtedly there is some plot armour and a lot of lucky situations in the show, the story makes the fights more plausible by ensuring we see Hobin actually struggle to train to fight opponents. That's something you don't often see in delinquent anime. Hobin isn't ridiculously strong, he just strategises. That's why this show is interesting.
While not providing all the benefits of usual delinquent anime, it is better in many ways. As I have said, the nature of fights is more plausible, but also the characters are all very plausible. No character is shown to be totally perfect even in the main circle of characters - this is good for the show! You don't have to have perfect characters, and the show understands - character writing is executed in a way where a person can do stupid things without you losing interest or starting to dislike them. It is a sign of good writing: even if the show isn't perfect the characters are far more human because you expect them to make mistakes. I find this makes it easier to invest yourself in the show. Overall, the fighting itself takes a backseat when paired with the explanations of the fights in front of you, and the plot buildup and livestream style of the fights.
On that note I find it frustrating to see people hate on this show immediately for how it looks. It's by no means a visual spectacle, but you can't judge this show on how it looks. It is, fundamentally, a good show, and it is more watchable than Tokyo Revengers or Baki any day of the week. I just think people should give this show a chance. Don't shoot me for that.
