Hunter × Hunter ハンターxハンター

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 Hunter × Hunter Review (Rating: 4/5)

Overview

Hunter × Hunter is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1998 and is still ongoing, though published irregularly. The series has received worldwide acclaim for its intricate storytelling and deeply developed characters.
Reference: Hunter × Hunter - Wikipedia

Synopsis

The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy raised on Whale Island. Gon discovers that his long-lost father, Ging Freecss, is a legendary “Hunter,” an elite professional who explores unknown lands, hunts rare creatures, and seeks hidden treasures. Determined to find his father, Gon sets out to become a licensed Hunter himself.
He takes the dangerous Hunter Exam, meeting new friends and overcoming perilous challenges. The story then expands through various arcs: the Hunter Exam, Heavens Arena, the battle against the Phantom Troupe, the Greed Island game, the war against the Chimera Ants, the Hunter Chairman Election, and the ongoing Dark Continent Expedition.

Main Characters

  • Gon Freecss
    The main protagonist. A curious and kind-hearted boy with extraordinary physical abilities. He dreams of finding his father by becoming a Hunter.

  • Killua Zoldyck
    Gon’s best friend and heir to the infamous Zoldyck family of assassins. Highly skilled and intelligent, he gradually regains his humanity through his friendship with Gon.

  • Kurapika
    The last surviving member of the Kurta Clan, who seeks revenge on the Phantom Troupe for massacring his people. Calm and calculating, yet driven by a strong sense of justice.

  • Leorio Paradinight
    An aspiring doctor who values friendship above all. Though not as powerful in battle, he relies on his determination and cleverness.

Story Development

One of the series’ most striking aspects is how dramatically its tone and structure change between arcs. The early Hunter Exam and Heavens Arena arcs emphasize adventure and friendship. The Yorknew City arc introduces the criminal underworld and the Phantom Troupe. The Greed Island arc has a game-like structure, while the Chimera Ant arc explores philosophical questions through a brutal war between humans and a new species.
Later arcs become increasingly complex, focusing on psychological warfare, politics, and social systems. This variety keeps the narrative fresh and unpredictable, offering new kinds of tension and insight in each arc.

Distinctive Features

Hunter × Hunter stands out for its masterful narrative structure and character development. Even minor characters are given depth, and antagonists are rarely portrayed as purely evil. Battles emphasize strategy, logic, and psychological pressure rather than brute strength, creating an intellectually engaging tension.
The story is also filled with intricate foreshadowing and world-building details, which give the fictional universe a remarkable sense of realism and consistency.

Personal Impressions

I personally consider Togashi a true genius of manga. The story structure, panel composition, character depth, and the intensity of battle scenes are all world-class. These elements blend together seamlessly, making the series enjoyable for both children and adults.
The only major drawback is its irregular publication schedule, likely due to the author’s health issues. The world of Hunter × Hunter is vast and still expanding, but it feels uncertain whether we will ever see its complete conclusion. I find myself torn between wanting every dangling plot thread resolved and wanting Togashi himself to finish the story in his own way.
Because of this dilemma, I rated it 4/5.

Conclusion

Hunter × Hunter goes far beyond the boundaries of typical shōnen manga, excelling in story design, structure, and psychological depth. While the narrative is complex and long, it offers fresh discoveries with every reread and always challenges the reader with new perspectives.
It is a highly recommended series for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a vast and richly constructed fictional world.

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