Review of Hunter x Hunter

In some ways I'm a little torn on this very enjoyable show. This show has true greatness in it, and its themes and characters carry it to dizzying heights. The tone slowly shifts from a fairly upbeat adventure series and spirals downwards until we reach decapitation, wanton murder, genocide, existential questions of what it means to be human, the emotional connections we form with each other and the things we are willing to do as a consequence of them. It's an insightful, deep exposition that often refuses to conform to the traditional conventions that storytelling of this nature falls into. Each component of thestory is distinctly unique,, from a tournament style survival game, to the intrigue of a crime war and a venture into a digital RPG. Its power system is interesting and flexible, and in many cases helps drive the characters development through their choices in it. The wealth of well fleshed out interesting secondary characters is great, and world is often amoral, making its villains fascinating and engaging. There is much worthy of praise here.

It's not without its flaws however. There is no filler, everything progresses the nature of the story and develops the characters but there were points in which it suddenly drags. The drops in pacing were a real hindrance in investing in what is a great story, as they drew you out of the emerging plot lines in a manner that made me frustrated and impatient. The music and sound design was likewise usually great, but sometimes crutched on using particular music pieces, especially when it came to my earlier pacing complaints. It's an excellent show but it cannot escape some of the pitfalls that all these long running shows encounter. But for all that, it maneuvers through them much better than most, allowing it to shine in this formats strength of story and character progression, and it most certainly does do that!