Hunter x Hunter is a pretty rare anime. Despite containing 148 episodes, this anime is free of fillers (content that deviates from the original story of the manga and fails to provide meaningful narration). And most of the people hesitate to start just because of its length. Well, I’ve been there. But once you start watching it, I can assure you that you will find it exciting right from the start. This a quite an achievement for Hunter x Hunter when compared to other heavy hitters like Naruto and Bleach.
Despite the popularity, even the fans find it hard to watch when their favorite series is of fillers. And I would gladly say that you won’t be disappointed after watching Hunter x Hunter. In fact, you will praise this Shonen masterpiece! For its deepness of the story and Narration. No wonder it is one of the best anime of all time. Well, to know a detailed view, let’s get to review.
Also read: Does Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood deserve #1 in MyAnimeList?
Hunter x Hunter
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts
IMDb: 8.9
Hunter x Hunter is a Japanese manga series with the script and illustrations of Yoshihiro Togashi. It began serializing in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine on March 16, 1998. The manga divides into a total of 180 chapters or 36 volumes by Shueisha. And the original run of anime is from October 2, 2011, to September 24, 2014.
Initially, in 1999, Hunter x Hunter was adapted by Nippon Animation into a 62-episode anime with the direction of Kazuhiro Furuhashi. It was the initial version of Hunter x Hunter anime, but the anime series we’re discussing contains more plot and great animation. The one thing it differs is the Chimera Ant arc’s introduction from the original anime series. Both television series premiered on Funimation in 2009 and 2016, respectively.
Synopsis
Hunters are licensed members of humanity who are capable of tracking down the secret treasures, rare beasts, and they can also access the locations that ordinary people cannot. To become a hunter, one must pass the Hunter Examination, which is hard as hell and success rate of less than one in a hundred thousand.
Every hunter must possess one ability known as Nen to survive in the world of Hunter x Hunter. And so, that’s how the journey of Hunter x Hunter begins.
Plot
The story begins with an 11- year-old boy named Gon Freecs, who one day discovers his father is alive as one of the top hunters, and he decides to find him whatever it takes. But it isn’t that natural right. His quest begins when he leaves Whale Island to become a Hunter and to discover why his father had to leave him at his aunt’s home.
In his journey, he befriends revenge-driven Kurapika, Leorio, and an Ex-Assasin Kilua. With their friendship prevailing throughout the many trials and threats, they come upon choosing the dangerous paths as hunters.
Characters
In my opinion, Hunter x Hunter has the best character development among the Shonen series. Because it isn’t a type of anime where the main character overpowers the Villain with some unclear logic. From the very first episode to the end, every aspect defines the philosophy of its presence. Even though it fills with many characters, the usage of each character is excellent.
Mereum and Netero, these two characters will always remain as the legendary characters in anime history. And other main characters like Gon Freecs, Kilua Zoldyck, and Hisoka never stop entertaining you. The characterization is one of the best aspects of Hunter x Hunter.
Music
The Legend of the Martial Arts, Elegy of Dynasty, Hunting For Your Dream, and what else could define the music of Hunter x Hunter? Yoshihisa Hirano, the music director of the series, famous on his works Beyblade and Death Note, will deserve the praise for taking the anime to a whole new level with his beautiful soundtracks. “Hunting For Your Dream” is my favorite soundtrack from the series.
https://youtu.be/h-dFT1oe_Mg?list=TLPQMjUwMTIwMjCA4V58RE0MaA
The variation of music in every scene is astounding and mainly in the Chimera Ant arc. Music is unbelievably the best aspect of Hunter x Hunter.
Animation
Well, since the series parts into two versions, the old one has a low quality of animation, but the present one has an excellent animation (I would recommend you to watch the present one). The art includes effortful thoughts with the utmost beauty in it. And the presentation of the action scenes will define the meaning of fantastic animation.
The variation of each character’s design from the beginning to the very end shows the importance of character development, which is one of the central aspects of Hunter x Hunter.
Action
As I mentioned earlier, the anime genre is action and adventure. How does it feel when an experience continues for many episodes without the deviation of the plot? And it even includes many action sequences than you imagine. These action sequences aren’t just like some regular fights. They’re full of strategy, and for every action scene, there is a logical explanation.
With the different Nen users in the series, you find new abilities and the perfect usage of their powers. To be more precise, the action sequences are more of intense epic fights with the application logic. So, It will be an enjoyable ride of 148 episodes. In the end, you will be craving for more adventures. But you don’t have to feel sad for finishing the series because there are two films of Hunter x Hunter which you need to watch to clear some of your unsolved questions.
Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013)
Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rogue (2013) is the first Japanese animated feature film based on Hunter x Hunter franchise. The events of the film take place after the “Phantom Troupe arc,” which is the third season finale. It follows the four main characters, Gon, Kilua, Kurapika, and Leorio, who reunite to face a dangerous person who once was a member of the criminal organization known as Phantom Troupe. And he is unbelievably strong to defeat, but we get to see the action which we’re waiting from the beginning. The movie is excellent in most aspects, and it is worth the watch.
Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission (2013)
Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission is the second animated feature film of the series. The events of the film take place after the “Greed Island arc,” which is the fourth season finale and before “Chimera Ant arc,” which is the fifth season premiere of Hunter x Hunter. The story begins with the flashback of the most active hunters, who splits into “light” and “dark,” each chose their perspective paths. The “dark” side decides to attack the hunter association to massacre them. But what might be the reason behind their attack on Hunters? Gon faces a critical problem to choose a path to save them all. Make sure to watch these both films to clear your suspense and mysteries.
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