The long-awaited anime version of the well-loved webtoon Viral Hit debuted on April 11, 2024 at 12:55 am on Fuji TV in Japan. The production company behind the adaptation, Okuruto Noboru, has also worked on other hit anime series such as Hyperdimension Neptunia, How Not to Summon a Demon Lord, and The Girl in Twilight.
Viral Hit is a significant departure from the world of cyberspace and fantasy creatures. It explores the dangers of social media, specifically the challenges of managing unexpected fame and fortune that comes with going viral.
The Power of Social Media: A bullied kid’s story goes viral after standing up to his bully
NewTubu and Hobin’s struggle for survival
The first few minutes of Viral Hit Episode 1 provide the audience with all the necessary information. We are introduced to the main character, a high school student named Hobin Yu, whose mother is currently battling cancer in the hospital.
Despite struggling to make ends meet every month, he is constantly targeted by other popular Newtube streamers. His classmate Pakgo, a notorious troublemaker with 700k subscribers, and Rumi, a newly emerging beauty tips influencer with 5k subscribers, are among his regular bullies.
Newtube serves as a clear alternative to YouTube, highlighting the fact that streamers receive income (approximately 0.1 yen per view) and plays a crucial role in the anime.
Despite barely making enough to get by, Hobin can’t help but feel envious of the success his bullies, Rumi and Pakgo, have achieved. They even managed to earn 30,000 yen by humiliating Hobin, making him wear mime makeup.
Even though Hobin is highly proficient at his fast food job, he is challenged to create a burger in 30 seconds with 10 ingredients for a video that Pakgo dares his crush Bomi to attempt. However, despite his skills, his job does not pay enough to cover his sick mother’s monthly hospital expenses, which are 30,000 yen.
Hobin’s revenge
Jihyeok Woo, also known as Snapper, takes things to the next level when he bullies Hobin into using his sick mother’s bank account for a Newtube account, in order to generate revenue for himself.
Despite tripping over a computer cable and spilling hot ramen on Snapper during a 30,000 yen video game challenge, and enduring his verbal and physical attack, Hobin reaches a breaking point and decides to take a stand.
In the first episode of Viral Hit, Hobin engages in a fight with Snapper, beginning with a direct uppercut to Snapper’s jaw in response to his offensive comment about Hobin’s mother, who is battling cancer.
The ensuing scuffle consists of Hobin and Snapper exchanging blows: Hobin pelting Snapper with wet noodles while Snapper brandishes the pan as a weapon. This results in Hobin’s already cramped apartment becoming a chaotic disaster and him being forced to sleep on the floor.
Without the knowledge of the fighting students, their entire altercation is recorded and shared on Newtube. This is because Hobin was unaware that he had unplugged the monitor, but the camera was still recording. After a moment of surprise, Hobin learns that he can earn 1 million yen from the stream. With this money, he is able to pay his mother’s hospital bill, which has increased to 120,000 yen.
An unexpected alliance
Despite Hobin’s good luck, Snapper’s luck has taken a turn for the worse ever since his involvement in that brawl. He has been ridiculed by Pakgo, beaten by a child he underestimated in class, and faced mockery from others whenever he is seen in public. As a result, Snapper decides to hunt down Hobin and get payback.
Despite their evenly matched fighting abilities, the confrontation in front of the hospital does not bode well for Snapper. He blames Hobin for everything and eventually breaks down, offering him a proposition. If Hobin joins forces with him, they can both achieve wealth and fame.
Despite having been lucky in the past, Hobin lacks knowledge in the technical aspects, finer points of filming, and sustaining success.
Despite being shrewd, Hobin will only agree to Snapper’s proposal if it heavily favors him at a 90/10 ratio. Reluctantly, Snapper agrees and the two brainstorm the channel’s concept: exposing bullies in real time.
It appears that they will require assistance, as the concluding series preview and end credits suggest that it will not be a simple task.
The YouTube Generation: A Captivating Tale of Animation in Viral Hit Episode 1
The opening scene of the first episode of Viral Hit is noteworthy, as is the animation throughout the entire episode. The beginning in particular effectively portrays the perspective of a mobile phone attached to a selfie stick, a common filming tool used by influencers and YouTube personalities.
As the opening credits roll, a stylized YouTube page appears, giving a preview of the events that will unfold in the series. Designed like an actual YouTube page, it includes features such as likes, dislikes, and a recommended bar. This clever addition not only provides a glimpse of the series, but also prepares viewers for what is to come.
The series has a comedic tone, similar to One Punch Man, due to the exaggerated punches and facial expressions. This is particularly evident when Snapper, who sees the kid as insignificant, is being beaten in a similar manner as when Hobin beat him.
Additionally, the end credits are worth noting as they indicate that the two boys will not be embarking on their adventures alone. The girl in yellow, named Gaeul, appears to be acting as their editor.
Concluding Remarks
In general, the first episode of Viral Hit offers an intriguing perspective on how streaming platforms and culture can affect individuals who struggle academically or financially. It also presents a dilemma, as achieving viral fame may lead to temporary financial success, but maintaining it as a way of life requires significant effort.
Based on the previews in the opening and ending, it can be inferred that upcoming episodes will focus on the growth of the channel and Hobin facing tougher challengers. The anime explores the themes of the YouTube generation and the potential consequences and rewards of achieving viral success.
As time passes, we will see if Hobin’s actions have negative consequences. However, in the present, the first episode of Viral Hit is incredibly well-animated and intricately detailed. The exaggerated expressions and situations in the fight scenes add humor, making it an enjoyable watch for both fans of the original manwha and webtoon and new viewers. The episode is available for viewing on Crunchyroll.
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