Hunter x Hunter

I have been watching anime for years now, and to this day Hunter x Hunter is still one of the greatest I have ever seen. The series initially seems mainstream, but this is one the series all other series are judged on. Hunter x Hunter represents 'old school' anime, when there was a lead up to fights and you really got to know the characters, their back stories and their personalities. The series has been re-released in 2011 to incorporate the new arc in the manga. In my opinion, its a lot more rushed and faster paced, but many people like that. I have to say that the original will always win for me. Its the only series I have ever watched twice. I would highly recommend this to anyone.

Hunter x Hunter Review pronounced Hunter Hunter (no X).

This Anime is so great on many levels. It has a little bit of everything but it never loses sight of what it's trying to say. Male themes are abound and many facets are explored especially the complex relationships between males. Friendship and the bittersweet relationship between a father and a son.

It also explores themes like revenge, achieving dreams, belief in oneself, competition, succeeding with integrity and many many more.

This is all done with absolutely no fillers. This Anime is 62 episodes long. 3 ova's (between 8-14 episodes each I believe) and it is still not finished.

Here is a breakdown of what I think are important factors in an Anime Series.

Animation

The animation for the first 62 episodes are well done. Of course some who compare it to the latest and greatest will be disappointed but I believe they are missing the point. The anime is done in a very fitting style according to the story with emphasis for realism. Sometimes the characters are light and sometimes they are quite serious and dark. This is not a cutesy Anime not all characters have big eyes and colourful hair. It knows when it should be what according to the story. I actually like the TV animation better than the G.I ep. It was more realistic to my eye.

Characters

This is where this Anime truly shines. The main characters are Gon, Killua, Kurapica and Leorio. They are all interesting and bring something important to the table. My personal favorites are Gon and Killua. They have a great friendship where each of them shine with their own qualities and help each other in all situations. (A very brief introduction to the characters)

Gon - He is a boy who is pure of heart, caring and sincere. But he is strong and determined to achieve what he wants. It is important to note that he never once does something underhanded even when faced with a person who means to harm him. A boy who knows who he is and what he stands for.

Killua - He is a boy with a very dark side. The most interesting character in this series IMO along with HISOKA.

Kurapica - A man with a very important mission worth dying for.

Leorio - A man who has inner demons. He is hard on himself but caring of others.

Hisoka - Ahh...Hisoka. What can I say, he is the most wicked anime character I've ever seen. Even when he is madcrazy he is cool. He's one of those guys that you hate to love but you do anyway.

Secondary characters are also well thought out and have a purpose.

Story - First arc. People all over the world try to compete in a life and death test for a Hunter License (kind of like a elite license to kill for money). This is just one of about 6 arcs. The test is far from easy. Aside from brute strength it tests mentality, psychology, etc. The story has more twists than you can imagine. More importantly the twists are imaginative and interesting. There are many arcs and each character has intercepting story lines as well as individual ones. There is never a dull moment.

Music and Sound Effects are Great. I think the Opening and Ending themes are very well chosen. It always seems to fit the arc. The sound effects are first rate ie when they are on the airship hear the trapped air of an aircraft in the background. Realism for sound is highlighted. Also there are many different background themes so it never gets repetitive. Second OP is alternitive rock, reminds me of early Our lady peace stuff.

Voice Actors I watched this Anime entirely in Japanese with English Subtitles. Amazing voice actors, every single one of them. If I had to say I would choose Hisoka as the best and Gon and Killua as tie for second place.

Entertainment Factor Is it fun to watch though?? Yes it is. It's even better the second time around, I kid you not! This is one of those Animes where you become invested in the characters because you get to see them happy, sad, defeated, vulnerable, scared, having fun and more. This anime is quite long but trust me you will not be complaining. Most likely you will be like the other Hunter x Hunter fans waiting anxiously for the new episodes. It is also important to note that people actually die in this anime and even main characters kill people. It's quite violent at times and the fighting system used in this anime is very interesting. There is no 2 moves per character that they use over and over again...Thank God! Better than Naruto IMO. Also this anime is very funny at times even if you don't speak Japanese like me. Thanks Fansubbers, keep up the good work =)

Anything Negative to say? Just one tiny thing. It starts off a little slow in the first 5 or so episodes for character development. I guess that's why this anime isn't as well known as some others. *sigh* definitely a loss for those people who stop watching because there is not enough action for them in the beginning. All in all this Anime is a must see. You will not be sorry. It is still available on AnimeSuki. Enjoy

It starts off with a young boy named Gon after meeting a Young man who Knew his father who was presumed dead and from this man Gon discovers that his dad is a Real famous 'Hunter' so like his father he wants to become a so called 'Hunter' and at the same time go in search for his father who seems to have disappeared from the publics eye. Gon first meets a man named leoreo ( or something like that ) and an episode later a young male named Kurapica. They all became friends rather quickly ( after a confrontation between leoreo and kurapica) and decide to help each other out until they get to the Hunter Exam location. During the Exam Gon finds another boy relatively the same age ( most are adults ) who is an assassin from a family of assassins, Killua soon discovers he really finds Gon a real nice gentle, yet different person then most hes met and quickly makes up his mind to do w/e he can to be able to be with him. After the Exam They are given a temp. license and later on given a real license...this is where the show takes a huge turn from semi-fighting fantasy to Completely fantasy fighting ( good thing ). Each person has an Aura from one of the 5 I believe types of auras there are, gon being Reinforcement ( brute force ) Kurapica being specialization ( one that can master all 7 ) and Killua a transformation. The fighting styles are similar to that of Yu-yu hakusho ( same author ), Naruto, FullMetal aclhemist, and other similar titles, BUT unlike the rest of those other titles HxH is different, for one it has more blood and gore then the others , which to me was surprising considering the show as mainly about a young boy ,but works really well. The animation works REAL nice with the anime which is a darkish type of color animation( i guess like Gundam wing or consider those anime movies that feel real with its darkish color animation)which gave it a realistic feeling. Although I prefer the series and the first ova I didn't like the ova's that came after since the animation changed from a darkish type ( went well with this type of anime ) to a Brighter animation ( Similar to that of naruto,Gundam seed don't work THAT good with this anime)..i give the series a 10 out of 10!!

Before you start reading I just want to say that I am only on episode 56.

I was recommended by some people to watch this anime. All the persons I spoke to said it was one of the best things they had ever seen. So I gave it a try of course. After the first 3 episode I thought like this: "What the hell is this!? Must be one of the most boring concepts for a show I have ever seen. Annoying protagonist taking a deadly hunter-exam to meet his famous father? This is on the edge to embarrassment." As you can see I really didn't like the first glimpse of the show. I decided it was not worth my time. But the people who told me about this show kept pushing me back telling me it's going to get better, and I love them for it! After Episode 11-13 the show started to get a little more interesting as I got to know the characters who seemed flat at first. Now I see them in full 3D (no I'm not referring the graphic). Episode 1-14 took maybe 2 weeks to watch through. 15-30 a few days and 30 to 56 (where I am now) in maybe 2 days. What I am trying to say is:

"Wait until episode 15 or so until you judge it. Like any marathon anime you have to give it some time before it gets going. And if you like it even just a tiny bit by then, just wait till episode 40+!"

With that said I can now sleep with ease.

Now for the story. Its about a 10 year old kid who wants to be a hunter (Hunter is a title that proves you have taken a really hard exam to be able to find his famous mythical father. That is the gist of how it starts anyway. I cant say any more without spoiling the fun. You will have to watch it yourselves to find out what happens.

If I where to compare this show with anything it would be Naruto, just not as main stream and over rated.

I give this show a clean 8 of 10 stars because it has superb character development (Hisoka anyone?), Nailbiting story and great visuals. What keeps it form a full pot is the weak beginning, and though it is exiting and gripping it has never (yet) pulled me all the way to the same bliss that FMA or Trigun did.

I'm a long time admirer of Yoshihiro Togashi's artistic vision. His signature work of fiction "Yu Yu Hakusho" is counted among my favorite animated franchises of all time and it stands as a testament to the potential of anime, with its engrossing concept of martial arts/fantasy, riveting action, and unforgettable characters. Undeniably one of the best that the genre has to offer! Following the success of Yu Yu Hakusho, Togashi wrote and illustrated his ongoing manga series Hunter x Hunter, which was soon adapted into an animated series. Hunter x Hunter has a great deal to offer for anime fans and beyond and has many recognizable elements of Togashi's unique and creative style. The franchise didn't catch on at the same scale as it's predecessor Yu Yu Hakusho, but thanks to a recently released reboot anime series Hunter x Hunter is rightfully increasing in popularity.

One of the essential qualities that make Yoshihiro Togashi significant as an artist is his ability to create charming and complex characters and Hunter x Hunter is no exception. The series focuses on a band of four great characters, each with their own reason for becoming a hunter. Hunters are widely regarded as elite members of the human race who devote themselves to seeking vast riches and undiscovered mystical wonders of the world. In their quest they are privileged to go virtually anywhere they so desire. Gon, a, pure, confident, and irresistibly personable boy, is motivated to become a hunter to discover the truth about his father (a professional hunter himself) who left him while he was still an infant. Kurapika is the last surviving member of the Kurta Clan (renowned for their "Scarlet Eyes" that become the color of red while in a state of rage or agitation) which was slaughtered by the Phantom Troupe, an infamous band of thieves who sought possession of their valuable eyes. Kurapika dedicates his life to administrating justice to the Phantom Troupe for his clan's massacre and retrieving the stolen eyes of his brethren. He endeavors to become a hunter to fulfill this purpose. Leorio comes off at first as a selfish man with an all-consuming desire for money, but further development of his character reveals that it's his wish to become a doctor to help those that can't afford medical treatment. His hope is to never again repeat the mistake of being unable to save an old friend from succumbing to a fatal illness. With the money earned from Hunter status, his dream could become reality. Leorio also serves as hysterical comic relief, keeping dark tension at bay. The fourth and last protagonist Killua shares a great deal in common with Gon, given his cheerful and mischievous nature. Killua comes from a family of widely renowned assassins who bred him to be a ruthless killer, but he eventually grew weary of that life and rejected his family's expectations. In spite the advantages born of his background, Killua is still but a child, longing to experience the bright side of life, believing that the Hunter exam offered him the perfect opportunity. There he would also learn the indisputable value of friendship, a quintessential anime theme.

The plot follows this band throughout the hunter exam and their adventures beyond, as they strive to help one another hunt for their dreams, leaving a lasting impact on each other's lives in the process. You want to see them succeed in fulfilling their goals. Along the way, they befriend new allies and encounter new enemies, each event having an important part of its own to play in their lives; all this playing out in the forefront of top-notch animation that reeks of real artistry, especially in the organic jungle sequences. The brilliance of the animation elevates the experience to another atmospheric level. Hunter x Hunter is a wonderful anime that is rich in story, character, and imagination, meant for those who dare to dream the big dream. The fulfillment of your dreams is the greatest of treasures, so never give up the hunt until the very end!