Review of Hunter x Hunter
[WARNING: Contains very minor spoilers] Since I am going to be reviewing anime that I find interesting from now on, I felt it was most important that I come back to review the greatest thing I have ever seen throughout my days on this planet, the show I have happily watched 3 times over. Hunter x Hunter 2011, a true masterpiece. Story - 9/10 The only reason the story gets a 9 instead of the 10 is because of some slightly questionable writing in the Chimera Ant Arc, particularly regarding how the ants gained their Nen abilities and prowess as it (imo) hurt the power system andrules that the show previously set up. Otherwise however, the worldbuilding was impeccable. A fully fleshed out, vast and immersive world and a perfectly executed adventure plot. Don't be fooled by the bright colors and innocent, happy-go-lucky vibes in the first few episodes. This show explores some extremely dark themes and brings up some very philosophical questions. Just like the main character Gon, the viewers are slowly dragged out of their safe space and thrown into the vicious world of Hunter x Hunter.
Art - 10/10
The art was consistently good throughout all of HxH. Nothing more to state in this department other than the fact that every key moment and fight got all the justice it deserved from Madhouse.
It is usually said that the darker, grittier art of 1999 fit the show better, but I disagree completely. The light, colorful themes represent HxH to perfection; juxtaposing a pure kid adventuring into a cruel, dark world.
Sound - 10/10
Some of the most beautiful pieces to ever be played in anime. The soundtrack from HxH evokes emotion in me wherever I hear them. Classic moments of the show (you will know them if you watched) hold special places in the hearts of millions of viewers in large part due to amazing OST such as Hyori Ittai, Rasetsu, To Give a Marionette Life, Requiem Aranea etcetc.
Characters - 11/10
Forgive me for breaking the rating system, but the characters are what truly make Hunter x Hunter the greatest show of all time. It was an absolute must that I put this on another level from the already perfect sound and art.
Let's jump a little into why the characters are so great.
Gon - A pure, innocent child raised on an isolated island by his aunt Mito who left on a goal to find his missing father. A picture-perfect representation of what would actually happen to a pure, honest child when thrown into a world where they constantly see death and tragedy. Subverts many traditional shounen tropes to create an amazing main character.
Killua - The prodigious child of an assassin family who was tortured as a child and trained to only kill before leaving to find something he wants to do. On first look, his character seems to falls more in line with traditional shounens. Killua serves as the cool, laidback, strong secondary character that all the viewers want to be like. Upon deeper analysis however, one can see just how layered his character is. Killua has one of the most relatable problems ever: purposelessness. He is completely lost as to what he should do and decides to pour everything into helping Gon, who he sees as his 'light'. He has a massive inferiority complex and his own form of innocence even after such a torturous childhood; factors which made his character development immensely satisfying to watch.
Hisoka, Chrollo, Meruem - Literally the 3 best villains in anime history. Guys, I would be writing forever if I tried to explain Hisoka's endless pursuit of entertainment and how Togashi uses him as a narrative device, Chrollo's use of the Phantom Troupe as his identity, and Meruem's internal conflicts and how they are utilized to present philosophical questions.
Cannot stress how well fleshed out these characters all are. Togashi is a genius.
Overall - OBVIOUS 10/10
I don't even need to type anything here after all that. This anime is a masterpiece. I don't think any human being can justifiably rate it under a 7. Just get through the first 5 episodes and you are well set. The only reason I could possibly not recommend HxH is because you will feel the pain that I do once you finish and realize that the author is on a huge hiatus.
But to be very honest, the pain is worth it. I repeat, this is the greatest show of all time.
NOTE: I don't know who will even read this so late, I basically wrote this because it would be disgraceful for me to start reviewing new anime without having a review for the GOAT on my page.
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Togashi pls recover