Review of Hunter x Hunter

Hunter X Hunter (2011) is truly one to watch and an instant classic. I think that it is amazing and I will do my best to articulate why. Let's start with story. Like most newcomers to the show, I thought that it would just be another shounen anime that I'd begin to watch, suffer through for a while and then drop. I couldn't have been more wrong. The first few episodes show a charming enough lad named Gon who wants to take the Hunter exam, following in his father's footsteps. This set up is not particularly unique and is something we've seen many times before. However,Gon's attitude to his father leaving him is. Rather than be filled with contempt or a passionate drive to find him, Gon simply wants to get a piece of what was good enough for his dad to leave him for. After getting to the Hunter exam, we learn more about what a Hunter is. They are people in the pursuit of literally anything of their choosing, be it bounties, cures for diseases or fine cuisine. There Gon meets his soon to be best friend, Killua and that's where the story really takes off. Without spoiling the results of the exam, afterwards the two new friends venture into a fighting arena for a tournament arc. But not one that I expected. Unlike many shounen protagonists, Gon and Killua are far from gods and at different points in the series, get their asses handed to them. The fact that it is very plausible that they could loose any fight really adds to the tension. It is around this time that we learn of this anime's version of 'magic,' a system called Nen. Unlike in other shows where more 'magic'=more power, in Hunter X Hunter, ones ability is determined a lot more on how the use their Nen. Users of Nen are split into six distinct categories which use their power in completely different ways. This allows for a huge variety in abilities, most portraying the character's own personality. For example, Gon is earnest, straightforward and a little stupid so he uses his Nen to enhance parts of his own body solely for power. Killua is a trained assassin and is much more conniving and illusive so he manipulates his Nen into an entirely different form for combat. As time goes by the two boys encounter many different and genuinely frightening dangers which are always fresh and exiting. Oh yeah, by the way, this show gets hella violent. Don't let the cute art fool you.

Next is art. I don't really have a lot to say on art. The character animation is superb at showing emotion and the fight scenes are unexpectedly smooth and intence. The people and places all have their own unique look and feel rather than being repetitive and dull.

Sound. Well all I can say on this is that the sound effects are on point. The music, however, is so much more. At first I didn't like the opening theme at all. It seemed to happy go lucky and pepped up. Despite this, since the theme never changes, I started to get attached to it and realized that it really well conveys a sense of adventure and wonder that pairs up with the show perfectly. I did however love the first ending, Just Awake by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, upon first hearing it and I was sad when it changed but no matter what, the ending always suited the theme and mood of its respective arc. Especially the last two. I still tear up.

The characters are outstanding. I love Gon and Killua. their personalities are so clear and they work so well together as friends with Gon as the happy go lucky imbecile and Killua as the cold detached near sociopathic murderer. What's best about these characters isn't how they are, but how they change. Gon slowly starts to become more balanced, sensible and level headed as the things that he encounters force him to mature. Eventually though, through the death of an ally, Gon breaks. He becomes a cauldron of fury, rage and hatred which pushes him to new limits in combat strength but not without a penalty. Killua, on the other hand has become more compassionate and merciful, just through prolonged exposure to Gon's contagious attitude and it makes Gon's break all the more saddening as we see how it impacts his best friend, seeing a side to Gon that nobody even knew existed and it's clear that just seeing Gon in this state is paining him. I connected to these guys like no-one before and no-one since.

Overall, despite its great length and seemingly innocent introduction, this show is one of my faves and a must-watch for anyone who likes anime.

If you read this review to the end, thanks a lot because it was my first ever. Hope you found it helpful. :)