Review of “Hunter × Hunter” (2011-2014)
Rating: 5/5 stars
Director: Hiroshi Kōjina
Total Episodes: 148 episodes
Studio: Madhouse
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Psychological, Shounen
“Hunter × Hunter” (2011) is a masterclass in storytelling, world-building, and character development. Directed by Hiroshi Kōjina and produced by Madhouse, this reboot of the original 1999 adaptation takes Yoshihiro Togashi’s iconic manga and elevates it to new heights with stunning animation, an excellent score, and faithful pacing. The series ran from 2011 to 2014 with a total of 148 episodes, adapting most of the available manga at the time and solidifying its place as one of the best shounen anime ever made.
Story & Arcs
The premise follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who embarks on a journey to become a Hunter—a highly skilled, elite adventurer—in order to find his estranged father. Along the way, he befriends a cast of unique and compelling characters, including Killua Zoldyck, a skilled assassin; Kurapika, the last surviving member of a massacred clan; and Leorio, an aspiring doctor.
The series is broken into several major arcs, each with its own distinct tone, challenges, and world-building.
Hunter Exam Arc: This introductory arc sets the stage for the world of Hunters and gives us insight into the competitive and dangerous nature of the profession. The trials are creative, and the characters are instantly engaging. It’s an excellent opening that hooks viewers immediately.
Heaven’s Arena Arc: In this arc, Gon and Killua further hone their fighting skills and learn the intricacies of Nen, the unique energy system that powers the world’s strongest fighters. The arc builds on the series’ action while introducing some more complex philosophical ideas about power and control.
Yorknew City Arc: One of the darkest arcs in the series, it focuses heavily on Kurapika’s quest for revenge against the Phantom Troupe, a notorious group of thieves. This arc’s mature themes, emotional weight, and psychological depth set it apart, showing that “Hunter × Hunter” isn’t afraid to tackle heavy subject matter.
Greed Island Arc: A unique arc that blends video game mechanics with real-world stakes, Gon and Killua are transported into a game created by Gon’s father. While lighter in tone, it’s a crucial stepping stone in Gon’s development as a fighter and his quest to find his father.
Chimera Ant Arc: Widely regarded as one of the greatest arcs in anime history, the Chimera Ant Arc takes the series into deeply philosophical territory. It explores the nature of humanity, morality, and power in a brutal, often tragic fashion. With its intense emotional moments, complex characters (particularly Meruem and Komugi), and deep ethical questions, this arc cements “Hunter × Hunter” as a masterpiece of storytelling.
Election Arc: Serving as a conclusion to the series, the Election Arc deals with the aftermath of the Chimera Ant Arc and introduces us to Gon’s father, Ging Freecss, while also expanding on the world of Hunters. While it lacks the emotional impact of earlier arcs, it provides satisfying closure to some of the series’ longest-running threads.
Characters
One of the defining aspects of “Hunter × Hunter” is its rich and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique motivations, personalities, and character arcs.
Gon Freecss: At first glance, Gon appears to be the typical shounen protagonist—optimistic, cheerful, and determined. However, as the series progresses, we see the darker sides of his personality, particularly his obsession with strength and vengeance, which contrasts with his usually bright demeanor. Gon’s complexity is one of the key elements that sets him apart from other protagonists in the genre.
Killua Zoldyck: Killua, Gon’s best friend and former assassin, is one of the most beloved characters in the series. His struggle with his dark past and his desire to break free from his family’s expectations give him a depth and vulnerability that makes his character arc incredibly rewarding. His friendship with Gon is a cornerstone of the series, providing both emotional depth and narrative tension.
Kurapika: Driven by revenge, Kurapika’s character arc in the Yorknew City Arc is one of the most intense and emotionally charged parts of the series. His pursuit of the Phantom Troupe adds layers of complexity to his moral compass, as his quest for justice frequently teeters on the edge of obsession and madness.
Leorio: Though not featured as heavily as the others, Leorio provides much of the comic relief early on but also has one of the most grounded motivations—he wants to become a doctor and help people. His character takes on more prominence in the Election Arc, showing he’s more than just the comic relief.
Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe: Hisoka, the sadistic and unpredictable antagonist, remains one of the most fascinating characters throughout the series. His role as a wild card keeps the audience on edge, as he switches between ally and enemy depending on what suits his own amusement. The Phantom Troupe, particularly their leader Chrollo Lucilfer, is one of the most dangerous and captivating villain groups in anime.
Animation & Art
Madhouse did an exceptional job with the animation in “Hunter × Hunter.” The art style remains true to Togashi’s manga, but with a modern polish that elevates the material. The fight choreography is top-tier, with the Nen system allowing for deeply strategic and varied battles. The action scenes are fast-paced, fluid, and often unpredictable, and the character designs are unique and visually striking.
What truly stands out is how the series balances both large-scale, explosive battles and smaller, more intimate psychological conflicts. The shift from intense action to moments of stillness and contemplation makes for a visually compelling narrative, with the Chimera Ant Arc, in particular, showcasing some of the best animation in the series.
Soundtrack & Voice Acting
The music, composed by Yoshihisa Hirano, perfectly complements the tone of the series. The hauntingly beautiful melodies in emotional moments and the intense, pulse-pounding tracks during action scenes create an immersive atmosphere. The series also has memorable opening and ending themes, particularly the iconic “Departure” by Masatoshi Ono, which has become synonymous with the show.
The voice acting, both in the original Japanese and the English dub, is superb. Megumi Han as Gon and Mariya Ise as Killua deliver exceptional performances, capturing the emotional depth of their characters. The English dub, featuring Erica Mendez as Gon and Cristina Valenzuela as Killua, is also highly regarded, though fans often have a preference for the original Japanese performances.
Criticism
There is very little to criticize about “Hunter × Hunter,” but one point of contention for some viewers is the slower pacing of certain arcs, particularly the Chimera Ant Arc. While most consider it the best arc, it can feel drawn out at times, especially during the palace invasion. Additionally, the hiatus of the manga means that the anime ends somewhat abruptly without resolving all of the storylines. However, the Election Arc does provide a satisfying conclusion to many character arcs, making the series feel complete despite its open-ended nature.
Final Thoughts
“Hunter × Hunter” is a masterpiece of anime that transcends the shounen genre. Its complex characters, intricate power system, morally nuanced storytelling, and emotional depth make it a standout series that both long-time anime fans and newcomers can appreciate. While its future remains uncertain due to the manga’s ongoing hiatus, what we have is a nearly flawless series that explores both the light and dark sides of human nature.
Final Rating: 5/5
