Rating: 5/5 stars
Director: Hiroshi Kōjina
Total Episodes: 148 episodes
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Action, Psychological, Shounen
“Hunter x Hunter” (2011), directed by Hiroshi Kōjina and produced by Madhouse, is a masterpiece of shounen anime, widely regarded for its deep storytelling, complex characters, and the way it subverts traditional genre tropes. Adapted from the ongoing manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, this series ran from 2011 to 2014 and consists of 148 episodes, covering several intricate and highly praised story arcs. It’s not your typical adventure series—it layers philosophical and moral questions over intense, well-thought-out battles, making it one of the most intellectually and emotionally engaging anime ever produced.
Story & Setting
At its core, “Hunter x Hunter” follows Gon Freecss, a 12-year-old boy who embarks on a journey to find his father, Ging, a legendary Hunter who abandoned him as a child. Hunters in this world are licensed elite individuals who take on dangerous tasks, ranging from hunting criminals to exploring uncharted territories and studying mythical creatures. Gon’s motivation to become a Hunter stems from his desire to understand why his father chose this profession over being with him. Along the way, Gon befriends other aspiring Hunters, including the skilled but emotionally scarred assassin Killua Zoldyck, the aspiring doctor Leorio Paradinight, and the intelligent and strategic Kurta survivor Kurapika.
The world of “Hunter x Hunter” is vast and intricate, filled with exotic locations, complex political landscapes, and a rich lore surrounding the Hunter profession and the mysterious power system known as Nen. Nen is one of the series’ most intriguing aspects—it is a complex form of energy manipulation that allows individuals to create unique abilities based on their personality, strengths, and weaknesses. The way Nen is explored and utilized throughout the series feels both grounded and endlessly creative, with rules that lead to some of the most strategic and intense battles in anime.
“Hunter x Hunter” starts off with a relatively straightforward arc—Gon and his friends taking the Hunter Exam to earn their licenses. However, the series quickly evolves into something much deeper and more emotionally resonant, with arcs like the Yorknew City arc, the Greed Island arc, and the legendary Chimera Ant arc, each bringing something fresh to the table in terms of plot, character development, and thematic depth.
Characters
One of the key strengths of “Hunter x Hunter” is its diverse and complex characters. Whether heroes or villains, each character is layered, with motivations that drive the story in unexpected directions.
Gon Freecss: At first, Gon seems like your typical shounen protagonist—optimistic, determined, and with a strong sense of justice. However, as the series progresses, his character is revealed to be much darker and more morally complex. Gon’s innocence and pure-hearted determination slowly unravel as he faces increasingly dangerous challenges and morally ambiguous situations, showing how far he’s willing to go to achieve his goals.
Killua Zoldyck: Killua, arguably the most beloved character in the series, is a former child assassin from the infamous Zoldyck family. His arc is one of the most emotional, as he struggles to break free from his family’s murderous expectations and discover what it means to have friendship and agency. His friendship with Gon is at the heart of the series, and his growth from a cold-blooded killer to a compassionate, loyal friend is one of the most compelling character journeys in anime.
Kurapika: Kurapika’s story revolves around his quest for revenge against the Phantom Troupe, a deadly group of criminals responsible for slaughtering his clan to steal their scarlet eyes, which hold immense value. His journey is one of sacrifice and obsession, and his willingness to blur the lines between right and wrong in pursuit of justice makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the series.
Leorio Paradinight: Leorio’s initial goal is to become a Hunter to afford medical school tuition and help the sick. While he is often the comic relief in the group, Leorio has a strong sense of justice and loyalty, serving as the moral compass among the group. His determination to help others contrasts with the darker paths of his companions.
Hisoka: Hisoka is one of the most memorable antagonists in anime. A deadly and unpredictable fighter, Hisoka is obsessed with finding strong opponents to fight and derives pleasure from the prospect of battling those with potential. His twisted sense of morality and the thrill he gets from combat make him both terrifying and captivating, and his interactions with Gon and Killua are among the series’ most tension-filled moments.
Meruem: The main antagonist of the Chimera Ant arc, Meruem, is a highly intelligent and physically powerful creature born from the queen of the Chimera Ants. He starts as a cruel, tyrannical ruler but undergoes a profound transformation over the course of his arc. His relationship with a blind human girl named Komugi, who beats him at the game of Gungi, shifts his perspective on humanity and life, making him one of the most complex and well-developed villains in anime history.
Animation & Art
Madhouse’s animation for “Hunter x Hunter” is consistently excellent, with fluid motion, vibrant colors, and dynamic fight sequences that highlight the complexity of Nen abilities. The action scenes are not only visually impressive but also intellectually stimulating, as they often involve strategic planning, mental manipulation, and psychological warfare rather than just brute strength.
The character designs stay true to Yoshihiro Togashi’s original manga but are enhanced with smooth animation that brings out the personalities and emotions of the characters. The environments, ranging from the bustling streets of Yorknew City to the eerie and desolate world of the Chimera Ants, are beautifully animated, with attention to detail that makes the world feel rich and lived-in.
Particularly in the Chimera Ant arc, the art and animation take on darker, more mature tones, reflecting the brutal and morally complex themes of the story. The visceral action sequences are complemented by moments of quiet introspection and breathtaking visuals that capture the emotional weight of the narrative.
Soundtrack & Music
The music of “Hunter x Hunter,” composed by Yoshihisa Hirano, perfectly complements the series’ tone, with a mix of orchestral pieces, electronic music, and haunting melodies. The opening theme, “Departure” by Masatoshi Ono, is upbeat and motivational, reflecting Gon’s adventurous spirit and optimism. However, the soundtrack also knows when to dial back and create atmospheric tension, particularly in the darker arcs.
The Chimera Ant arc, in particular, is bolstered by an incredible score that enhances the intensity and emotional weight of the battles and the philosophical conversations between characters. Tracks like “Legend of the Martial Artist” and “Kingdom of Predators” stand out for their haunting, epic qualities, making the soundtrack a powerful narrative tool in its own right.
Themes & Social Commentary
“Hunter x Hunter” stands out for its willingness to explore complex themes and push the boundaries of traditional shounen storytelling.
Morality and Consequences: Unlike many shounen series that rely on clear-cut distinctions between good and evil, “Hunter x Hunter” thrives in the gray areas. Characters like Gon, Kurapika, and Killua all face moral dilemmas that force them to question their values, and the series often asks whether the ends justify the means. Gon’s darker turn, particularly in the Chimera Ant arc, subverts the typical heroic journey and shows the cost of obsession and revenge.
The Nature of Power: Power is a recurring theme in “Hunter x Hunter,” particularly how it’s obtained, used, and abused. Nen abilities represent not only physical strength but also the emotional and psychological state of the user, adding a layer of depth to each fight. The series frequently explores the balance between strength and intellect, emphasizing strategy and mental fortitude as just as important as raw power.
Humanity and Evolution: The Chimera Ant arc dives deeply into questions about humanity, evolution, and the value of life. Meruem’s journey from a ruthless king who sees humans as inferior to a being capable of love and empathy mirrors the show’s broader themes of change and growth. The arc forces the audience to question what it means to be human and whether humanity’s violence and greed make them any different from the creatures they fight.
Friendship and Loyalty: The relationships between the main characters are at the emotional heart of the series. Gon and Killua’s bond is central to the show, as both boys struggle with their own demons while finding solace in their friendship. Their loyalty to each other often serves as a counterbalance to the darker, more cynical aspects of the story, reminding viewers of the importance of human connection even in a world full of danger and betrayal.
Criticism
While “Hunter x Hunter” is beloved for its storytelling and characters, the pacing can be uneven at times, particularly in arcs like Greed Island, which some viewers feel drags compared to the more intense arcs that follow. The Chimera Ant arc, while often praised as a masterpiece, also polarizes viewers due to its darker tone and slower pacing. Additionally, the series ends somewhat abruptly, as the manga is still ongoing, leaving fans yearning for a continuation that may never come.
Final Thoughts
“Hunter x Hunter” is an exceptional anime that transcends the boundaries of the shounen genre. Its rich world, complex characters, and thought-provoking
