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.

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!

The only anime I've ever watched a million times. The overall atmosphere is in place. As you can see, the production team was really short of money, but they did their best. Unfortunately, this version will never be updated again.

Firstly, it gets a 9 from Togashi being more than a little lazy and stopping the manga which put a LOT of holds on the anime, which is why the series was cancelled and OVAs were put out instead. The only problem there is that if you watch the whole series and the 3 OVAs, Genei Ryodan saga and Greed Island and Greed Island Final, it will leave you wanting more which you can't get without reading the manga(which currently isn't that high in US releases). Essentially it is a story of four friends (a la Yu Yu Hakusho which is another Togashi creation). The central character, Gon, grows to ~12 without knowing his father. Meeting a man, a Hunter, who claims to have known his father sets Gon off on his journey. He meets the 3 others in the exams to become a Hunter and they remain close, despite physical distance at times.

The story covers all 4 and their reasons for becoming "Hunters". Gon wants to find his father; Leorio, slightly older, wants to become a doctor and help people; Curapika(spelling/pronunciation varies for his name) wants revenge; Killua, Gon's closest friend of the 3, was bored. They all have reasons from their past. It also follows them after the Hunter exams are over, which is when the story really picks up, as does the action. The world suddenly gets a lot larger and more characters are introduced, both helpful and as hindrances to their goals.

It is well-written but with filler, as most anime interpretations on manga do. If you enjoyed Yu Yu Hakusho and other 'fight-based' animes then this is something you'll want to see. Also, despite the ages of the central and main character (Gon and Killua, respectively), it gets pretty dark and sometimes outright violent. If it's an appreciation for 'supernatural' powers such as ki and other odd things, then this is also for you as it becomes an increasingly important issue as the series moves forward. At first it remains fairly realistic and gets odder and more alien as it progresses with the four learning how to use their "Nen" which is their worlds version of Ki. There are 6 types of powers which all effect the type of things people can do with their power. Reinforcement is enhancing physical abilities such as strength, speed, and even reinforcing objects to make them stronger; Transformation is changing the properties of one's aura, such as making it sticky like gum, bouncy like rubber, or carry properties such as electricity; Emission is the ability to shoot aura and control it from a distance; Manipulation allows the user to manipulate objects/people in different ways, depending on the user; Materialization lets the person create objects with their aura, being closely tied to transformation; Specialization is the final one. It is just that, special. It is very different depending upon the person, as on people can steal other abilities, another can mimic the other 5 types, etc.

Hunter X Hunter moves in a gradual process which leads you to the shift from more toned-down fighting and story into the powerful and expansive world that it becomes without throwing you in with no reason. That's another Togashi move, if you've ever seen Yu Yu Hakusho.

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.