Hunter x Hunter (2011)

First review here!

I was skeptical about starting this series at first, and the fact that the first few episodes were a bit dry didn't help. But I can now say that I am glad that I saw it through to the end.

Story - 10/10
Beginning of the series was a little slow, but once it kicked off, the story started to unravel, revealing all sorts of twists and turns along the way. It was lighthearted one moment and had me on the verge of tears in the next. There was a good mix of action, comedy, romance, and all other sorts of good ... stuff. The transitions between different arcs was especially good as well, considering how nicely everything flowed together.

Art - 9/10
The art for this show was one of the main reasons I was hesitant to start the series. I told myself that if the plot was good (which it was), then I would continue watching it, despite the art style. But with a few episodes in, I was already in love with the art. Fight scenes were especially pleasing to look at, although certain parts could have been a bit more developed. Facial expressions were also a big part to this show, whether they portrayed happiness, sorrow, or anger.

Sound - 9/10
The soundtrack for this show is exceptional. Switching off from moments of silence to heartfelt orchestrated pieces to just overall intense music, not very much felt out of place. I grew to associate different songs with different characters and there was not really a piece that I disliked. Although some may dislike the opening song because it was the only opening throughout the entire series, I think it was used well. All the ending songs were remarkable as well, especially as the end of each episode nicely transitioned into them.

Characters - 10/10
Heroes and villains alike, each character had a reason to be somewhere at a certain place and time. Seeing the main protagonists go about on their journey and grow as characters was very rewarding. Although there were many, many characters that were introduced, each one was memorable; many made reappearances in different arcs. Seeing the characters' mental states of mind and internal struggles really pulled the show together, showing that not everyone was as powerful or overpowered as they seemed to be. Each one was unique, having different abilities suited to their talents and preferences. Hunter x Hunter has some of the best villains in my opinion, whether I grew to empathize with some or truly just despise others.

Enjoyment - 10/10
I'm very slow when it comes to watching shows as I need time in between episodes and such. But with this series, I zipped through the series in two weeks, which is much faster than I had expected. I couldn't help but keep clicking to each next episode. Although the beginning and some parts in the middle seemed a little slow, it was all done for good reason. Everything seemed to come together, from music to character to story, etc. I really did enjoy this show a lot and am considering to rewatch it after I watch the 1999 version.

Overall - 10/10
If I could give Hunter x Hunter a higher rating, I would. This show has climbed up to the top of my list of favorites and it was an enjoyable ride from start to finish. Despite the big number of episodes, nothing seemed unnecessary and there was little to no fillers, which I find admirable for such a long show. All previous doubts I had for this show disappeared once I started it and it really is a must-see show for everyone.

When you watch anime, what makes you sit there and think "This is something that is worth my time"--what is the turning point where you fall in love with it's plot and characters where it's hard to criticize it? For many people we all have that one anime where really, you can't think of much (or anything at all) to complain about. Well let me tell you something, Hunter x Hunter could probably be that one.

Hunter x Hunter's plot comes across quite simple; the story of Gon Freeccs, a young boy who sets out on a journey after learning his Father isn't dead, in order ... to become a Hunter. With an engaging storyline and characters that are both multi-faceted and ones in which the audience can connect with, it's an anime that will definitely leave a good impression on people despite it's surprising lack of popularity. The thing about Hunter x Hunter is that it isn't really like your typical shounen anime. There are some questionable characters and turns in the show where you're left wondering what will happen next, while at the same time adds in a good amount of light-hearted comedy and sentimental moments to ease out the tension. At 148 episodes long divided into seven unique arcs, it's definitely longer than most people are use to (12 - 24 episodes average), but is most definitely worth the extra time and dedication.

The animation in HxH is quite frankly flawless, I applaud Madhouse for their efforts. When you make a comparison of the remake to the original, it's quite astounding how different, yet still fitting, the style is. Another bonus is that the quality of the animation never seems to falter through out the series and pleasantly stays consistant. With plenty of fighting scenes carried out so smoothly, there are times you'll want to pause and go frame by frame just to admire it. Another thing I love is how they show the characters expressions that capture the mood so perfectly, this is even more so during dramatized scenes where there are close ups of characters facial expressions of anger and sadness. The scenery and background are also lovingly done, whether it's the busy streets of York New city or the wild nature of the NGL, it really captures just how open the world is in HxH, where as in many anime the characters can almost feel boxed in by their environments.

The sound for the series is quite fitting. The OST is particularly great and only progressively gets better as the series goes on. The Chimera Ant arc I found had plenty of wonderful tracks, my particular favourite being the one during Netero vs. Meruem. As for the voices, everyone's voices fit quite perfectly and do a splendid job in portraying their characters.

When it comes to the characters, it's really incredible how unique each of them are, many of them definitely transcending typical anime archetypes. Togashi has done an amazing job developing them through out the story, even minor characters and the antagonists. You can't help but love everyone simply because of how well they have been portrayed that the audience is easily able to connect with them.

While I said that HxH was an anime in which many people could find it hard to complain about, there have been a few things that fit into that very, very small category. One unique element of HxH is the narration of the storyline that is done, while definitely not the first anime to do so, it has a unique way of doing it that sets a different pace to the storyline and add in a bit more dramatization. For some people, including myself, it's an element that only adds to the plot and allows the audience to become more drawn into the show and gives in a third person perspective to how things unfold exactly; for others however, the narration can be a bit of a put off and upset the balance in which people find in it. The narration is used especially during the Chimera Ant arc in which many people can find it to be a bit too heavy. Really it's a hit or miss thing for many people, so this is more so a subject that is set to personal opinion.

The pacing many find can be another issue. The beginning of HxH starts off a bit slow, about three or four episodes it takes for people to really get into it, which can cause some people to drop the show and that leaves me really upset because of how much they will be missing out on due to more or less a lack of patience. But really when you have tons of anime coming out each season, it can be hard to really wittle it down to what is worth your time and what isn't (hint: HxH is definitely worth your time). The Chimera Ant arc again also can have a bit of a pacing issue; as the biggest arc within the anime, it's definitely a long journey in which the audience can feel exhausted about and wondering when exactly it'll be over. There are episodes where you can get bored easily, however I find there is always something that enables the audience to come back and get interested once more.

Overall, when you watch Hunter x Hunter, as with any other anime, a big thing that it comes down to is how much you really enjoyed the show overall. You can get as analytic and deep into it as you want, but how much fun did you have watching it? That's a question only you can answer. For me, I enjoyed Hunter x Hunter immensely. To be honest, it's probably now one of my favourite animes now. It's hard to describe how much you can actually enjoy a show, especially one as well done as Hunter x Hunter; there was a point in the show where I was crying for about two hours straight. While the first few episodes can seem slow and the overall synopsis quite simple and bland, don't let it fool you. Hunter x Hunter is so much more than it appears, and gives to the audience a whole new experience that is hard to deny. So do yourself a favour and go and watch Hunter x Hunter

well, this anime is rubbish, first, the story is something pointless and almost disgusting and offensive at times, do you want an example? at one point the main character is on a quest to find his father and dps is about a gangster criminal gang , which is literally very poorly developed, chrollo? a dead character with nothing, feitan? literally nothing, any other member of the gang? i have a power and steal things, besides a dragged and shitty narrative, nothing makes sense and always introduces new things without explanation (like greed island) now the art, it would be good, if it weren't what you'd ... see in any other anime and also if the designs weren't like "a loli" dps "a clown" dps "tomas Shelby", literally sucks ok, this eh admit it is good, but i don't like it and for me, the moments they are used are rubbish characters, some like chrollo and kurapika are just empty, others are boring, like gon and half of the series, and it goes like this, the only acceptable one is killua but even so, he is still uninteresting well, if the anime didn't start to decay in script and production I would give it a 4 for that part, but the tower's dps was literally almost asleep, the greed island shouldn't exist, and the chimera ants is a poorly made normal shounen bow that by cause of 2% of it is acclaimed, even though the Hunter exam is the best arc but well, this anime wasn’t for me, it’s a boring shounen with something else that made people say it’s good, but it gets lost and becomes cliché note 1

Suffice to say, I cannot explain Hunter X Hunter (2011) in just a few words. I’m a little late on the hype because I waited for the remake to finish before I could watch it as a whole; but anyway, right now, I’m on the verge of extracting my feelings to all of you after watching yet again a fantastic shounen anime.

I’ll just let you know that I’ve watched the first series before the remake and I might give off some short comparison between the two in some parts of my review (please do not get annoyed). However, that does not mean that ... the other is superior to the other. Don’t worry; I will not give any spoilers.

ELEMENTS OF THE STORY

PLOT - It’s tiring to even say the synopsis so I’ll have to get to the point. I loved how the author arranged the arcs in an organized way. It isn’t confusing and you will definitely have fun trying to remember those moments. Also, you can actually tell which part is which. Lastly, every arc is enjoyable and encouraging to see in their most valuable way. Let me describe each of those.

1. Hunter Exam – It is one of the most highlighted events in the lives of the 4 characters; Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio. For the most part, in this event you will see more action, less dramatic happenings and a lot more challenges that you could think of. Just participating in the exam is horrifying.

2. Zoldyck Family – Killua is quite peculiar but more so, his family is also strange but a lot more. In this arc, there will be more tests that the comrades will face that are as difficult as the vicious Hunter Exam.
3. Heavens Arena and Nen – This one is as far as I’m concerned, one of the most entertaining part of the show. I can recall how the characters experienced hell in Heavens Arena (ironic right?) expect more short battles and exciting kicks of the main characters. You will definitely enjoy most of the fights in this show. Oh, and they will learn a new skill that is pretty badass.

4. Auction and Phantom Rogue – a group that Kurapika serves as a mortal enemy. The four friends face the horrifying and powerful thieves or were they assassins? They are a bit of both. You will witness more bloodshed and nail-biting as Kurapika et al gamble their lives on defeating the most terrifying criminals that can defeat thousands of armies.

5. Greed Island – If you love a good real life video game, I guess you will appreciate this arc. Gon believes that this game has a clue on seeing his Dad so along with Killua and a bunch of new friends, they will win this game and complete the requirements needed. I guess this arc gives the two a no sweat battle.

6. Chimera Ants – One word, disturbing. And another one, it’s disgusting. The characters travel on to the next phase of their lives as they discover a new organism in a country, they are called, Chimera ants. You might already have an idea on what a chimera is if you’ve watched the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. Chimeras are animals infused with human personalities and maybe bodies. Some may look like pure animals but in a way, they look a little evolved. Ants and the human race will get to combat on who will snatch the spot on the top of the food chain. Unexpected deaths will rise and most especially, it has a touch of drama behind it. I really cried in some parts. This arc also helped in honing the development of the characters.

7. Election and Alluka – This one has less fights. It’s more of a relaxed part of the show. There are minimal battles because of the aftermath on the Chimera Ants match. This arc has more logical thinking and it is also risky. Tears and blood will be shed but for the most part, the ending will cap a new beginning for all of the characters.

The explanation may not be too long for you guys to understand but I suppose this is my vivid description for most of the relevant parts of the story.
For the sudden comparison, Hunter X Hunter 2011 is better in delivering the story. It has a fast pacing of the turnover of events which is quite more pleasing to use that the old anime. At first, before encountering Hunter X Hunter 2011, I was devastated when I learned that they cut a bunch of funny and entertaining scenes from the manga that was shown from the 1999 series; for example, the famous sushi episode, where it was hard for the characters to please the examiner. On the other hand, I was awakened by the fact that it wasn’t important and either way, the story would’ve advanced even without that part. There is also the fact that it took almost 30 episodes to air the Hunter Exam from the old anime while, in the remake it only took 20 or less episodes. You can never get bored with the both of them but if you’ve already watched the 1999 version, I guess you will understand that fast paced is much superior. However, with the chimera arc, it took like 60 or more episodes to actually visualized and explains the battle. Anyway, the story was longer than in the 1999 version which only ended until the Greed Island arc.

SETTING and ENDING - The settings of the show gave a fulfilling representation of the bizarre yet colorful life of hunters. You will see the vast changes of one arc from the other. I think the bright and refined color of the backgrounds made the show more interesting to watch. The ending was just… WOW. There is no word to explain it. Yeah, somehow it didn’t satisfy the ending for the other characters but I guess it turned out pretty awesome. Thank you, Togashi Yoshihiro. You and your brilliance will shine forever! I hope the story continues on in the manga!
CHARACTERS – I’m not supposed to take this in a long explanation but I guess I’ll have to say it. Hunter X Hunter has a lot of wide ranged characters. You can actually see the depth and differences between personalities and distinguish them just by looking at their faces. The character design was just flawless in terms of personality but in appearance… not so much. I guess most of the main characters are built up with flat development. Gon Freecs have almost no change with his personality which is predictable but the only development he had to encounter is his hatred and his powers. This one took place in the chimera ant arc. You can see how he changed from the sweetest and kindest character in the story, well, he still is. On the other hand, his emotions changed as he meets new villains and disappointments. The thrill is in with Gon. Leorio is also a flat character. He is aggressively stupid and a bit fond of women. ‘Til the very end, he is the epitome of a stupid and weak hunter but he knows how to overcome that with the help of his friends. Kuapika has a minimal development like Gon. He has potential in yielding his powers and he gets even stronger than before because of revenge. Kurapika is always level-headed but as the story goes on, he cannot control the hidden anguish inside his heart. To be honest, Killua has the most development out of all the characters. He was once a good child, following the demands of his family but as he grew, he realized that there were more treasured people outside of the world. His realization with the world and the discovery that he gathers each time he spends with Gon, helps him to grow and advance into a different person. For the villains, Hisoka is the oddest and scariest of all. I can’t even figure out his true motive. He could be an enemy or an ally. He’s just so confusing and there is no telling whether he is going to kill Gon or not. The other character that caught my attention would be, Meruem. He is a round character for he develops a sensibility inside of him that gives him a sturdy ideology between people and ants.

EFFECTS:
SOUND – The opening does not condemn me at all. I think the song is a bit off for me. It isn’t my taste and I’m sorry for the comparison but, 1999 version wins when it comes to the opening song. Ohayo will always be my favorite anime song. On the bright side, the 2011 version did great on background music. I enjoy watching the show because of the OST. For the voice dub, I prefer Japanese because the 1999 English dub was just BAD. Notable voices captured my attention such as Sawashiro Miyuki who has the most recognizable voice in the show and Miyano Mamoru. The rest did a really good work.

ANIMATION – Madhouse is in charge of mostly dark anime series like Nana, Death Note and so on. They are an expertise when producing a dark feel to the show; at the same time, producing an amusing side as well. I love their flexibility when it comes to shows. I hope they serve as an example to other production staff as well. Oh, and they make good chibis. What else, I gues this one has a vibrant color than the old series. I have an issue with Hisoka’s hair, Killua’s fashion sense, and other stuff but I guess both versions are weird in their own ways.

ENJOYMENT and OVERALL
I definitely had a nice catch with this one. Hunter X Hunter makes a lot of surprises and changes. It has potential in seeking selected audiences with its dark themed and it is full of action. It has everything what a shonen anime makes or represents. Cool characters caring for their friends, anonymous and surprising villains, funny moments, decent quotes and a lot more. I guess I’m writing too much adlib. My favorite parts of this anime (I’m acting like a kid right now I’m sorry) are the Bromance of Gon and Killua, Kurapika’s successful yet failing vengeance, Leorio’s motivation with his friends, Hisoka’s peculiarity, and strong hunters.. especially, the chairman. I’m quite relieved that this ranked 94 in popularity because sometimes popular shows are the most awful ones *coughs*, Fairy Tail, *coughs*, Kuroko no Basuke, *coughs*, so many more. Nevertheless, please watch this awesome anime. Mind you, both versions are both recommendable, I’m sure you will enjoy both shows at a high rate. I’m even running out of words on how to describe it. You’ll get hooked and will be hooked with this exceptional, special, extraordinary, incomparable, outstanding, remarkable, amazing, unique… Fuck! I need a thesaurus! Please Watch Hunter X Hunter 2011!

Well, let me tell you, that I'm not usually easily impressed nor do I usually write reviews; however, there are always exceptions and this anime is one of them.

I loved this anime; the plot, characters and overall anime was amazing; which left me confused when I learned that a lot of my fellow anime watchers didn't like it; and one of the main reason was that 'it looked childish,' and can I just confirm that, this anime is far from it!

Story:
I don't want to spoil anyone, so this bit may come across a little vague; but I'll try my best! Anyway, the story line was ... great, as far as I know, there wasn't any glaringly obvious plot holes and the plotline was beautifully developed. Compared to other ~long~ animes (animes which have over 50 episodes) all episodes were relevant and didn't contain much 'filler' episodes; or at least, that's what it felt like. The main story line never diverged and kept true to its main point which was, the protagonist, 'Gon' trying to find his father. As with most animes, there are also sub-plots and the subplots were also masterfully done; they were never too 'powerful' that it feels like the main 'quest' have been forgotten; they were enjoyable, yet, to the point.

Going back to the 'childish' thing going on, it is far from it; the anime as a whole is gripping and is very dark; (quite similar to Puella Madoka Magica, where the art style may seem bright and friendly; but the plot is a monster of feels and tears and anything in between). It is a great balance of light-hearted as we see the characters build close bonds with each other, to the comedic antics of other characters to the sorrowful and regrettable deaths of some. To those of you who are seeking romance, well, there is also romance in there.

In all honestly, one of the main reasons for my confusion as to why Hunter X Hunter isn't as popular as other animes (such as Naruto, One Piece and Bleach) is the plot. Hunter X Hunter's plot is ultimately told better, clearer and with much more catharsis than others I know. It has all the elements in it and memorable characters that a fantastic anime needs and a good plotline to boot without too much fan service (there are some, but not overwhelmingly so, that it ruins the show) It is immersive and will leave you speechless.

Art:
So, the art... I believe the art is one of the reasons, many 'modern' otakus out there tend to scroll by due to the fact that the front cover conveys a very sweet, bright and happy anime; in which all Hunter X Hunter watchers know that it isn't true.

The dynamic art style creates a great contrast between its 'happy' episodes and episodes where there is carnage everywhere; which , for me, creates a stronger impact when one watches it.

Before, someone questions me about it, yes. Yes I have seen the 1999 version of the anime; and it's also good, however, I do prefer the 2011 version. In all honesty, the anime is just as good either versions; so, go for the art style you prefer! The only reason (and it can be seen as quite silly, I know) that I prefer the 2011 version is probably that the characters' eyes are more defined and I find that incredibly alluring and absolutely beautiful.

Sound:
I'm going to be honest with you here, I'm a 'watch the opening songs and ending songs once and skip it after that' kind of watcher; so, I don't really have much to say on this topic, however, for the times I've heard it, I actually liked it and I usually don't pay mind to most anime songs. the use of music while watching the episodes are done well and match the atmosphere of whatever the character is doing at the time.

Characters:
Oh my gosh! I can not emphasize enough how wonderful the characters are! First of all, there is a plethora of characters which are well-developed and break the most of the character tropes. The intense, complicated backstories alone is enough to hook you in.

The characters' aesthetics are drawn wonderfully, but the personalities that go with these faces are on another stupendous level. The way the protagonists develop and affect each other is slow, yet fluid. There's no rush nor is there any 'unnatural', suddenly-this-happened-and-I-don't-know-how things occurring during character developments.
All characters have a role and all of them are relevant. Even the villains. And for me, that's rare.

In most animes I've watched, villains are usually just there to be villains; there usually isn't any development on their part; once evil. always evil. In the case of Hunter X Hunter, however, the villains are gloriously well-developed and it is obvious that they are well thought out. before watching this, there wasn't a single villain that I didn't want to get killed as they are usually very two dimensional; however, this series had THE villain. The villain that you knew has their faults and will probably deserve the death that comes to them, but then, something happens and, dear Oedipus, suddenly; you just want to desperately save them! (y'all know who I'm talking about...)

I feel as if I don't have enough eloquence to tell you how amazing these characters are, but, they are amazing! Don't just take my word for it, watch it!!

As for the rating...The ONLY reason I gave this a '9' is that, I felt as if my favourite character didn't have enough screen time; but then again, he's kinda like an anti-hero so, maybe it isn't as unjustified as I think it is.

Enjoyment:
Enjoyment? Are you kidding me? For me, this was a masterpiece!!!! Even without the popcorn, hotdogs and candy I managed to consume during I watched it; and that's saying a lot! I like my food, ya know?
In all seriousness though, It's gripping and immersive. the amount of empathy, sorrow and laughter you'll share with these characters will be unreal. let me tell you now, that this is the only anime I have watched and actually cried over a character. That's saying a lot! I don't cry. Ever. Well, at least not when watching something.

Overall:

I love it. It's one of those 'classics,' ya know? It never gets old and will never get old. I still think that this should have a greater fan base and I will be forever confused and shocked as to why it doesn't. It is definitely in my top 10 and possibly top 5 and I'm not easily impressed.

Definitely has a high 're-watch' rating as I've re-watched this at least 5 times already. It's one of those go-to animes when you want something good and familiar and something that you know won't let you down.

I recommend it to everyone; especially if you have good taste in anime. ;)

It's very hard to believe that this anime is talked about as much. It truly is a masterpiece. It completely crushed the norm of any shonen jump anime that I've ever seen to be quite honest.

The characters are all unique and you can tell how much thought was put into each of them. The plot has never bored me once; always twisting and turning any chance that it gets. On top of that, the animation is phenomenal when it truly needs to be.

From the outside, this anime does not look like much, but I promise you, it is worth the watch. It is everything an ... anime should be.

For an Anime that seemingly does everything right, I just can't give lower than a 10, This is a top tier anime by every standard. This is the anime that shows us how a shounen anime should be done!!!

Story 10/10
The Story is amazing, the series de-constructs all the boring and repetitive shounen tropes and change it into something exciting and breath-whelming, Its different , it has variety, Each arc is fresh and it never feels repetitive , No two arcs are the same, It has its share of light arcs, and the pretty dark and gruesome ones, and when it gets dark it gets really ... dark, no Nakama powers , no resurrection bullshit, the events are always unpredictable and each arc has something new to offer.

Art 10/10
Seriously this has got to be one of the best drawings and animation I have ever seen, and to come from an ongoing series, the characters and backgrounds are drawn well, the art is consistent and some episodes are just above awesome with their drawings and animation, let's just say that a series like that is worth watching in HD more than SD , The animation is pretty smooth when it need it too.

Sound 10/10
The voice acting is amazing, the voices are powerful and they are consistent with their characters and characteristics, the soundtrack is absolutely amazing and the variety of soundtracks helps them a lot in choosing them in the series, there are sad OSTs , epic ones, the oh shit ones , strategic ones, happy ones, you just find a variety of everything you can think of and they are amazing, I also have to applaud for the two masterpiece OST's Riot and The Last Mission.

Character 10/10
I just have to say that this is by far one of the few anime series that actually develop every character whether it is a villain or a protagonist a companion it is or not, all the characters get developed , we all hear their line of thoughts in this death note style , the characters are not stupid, a lot of mind games are played between characters, and the characters cannot be loved or hated based on who is the strongest , but in fact they are loved for what they are and what they do. Characters develop emotionally and experience wise which is a big plus to this anime

Enjoyment 10/10
the first two episodes were not that enjoyable but when it started in episode 3 I watched a real adventure before my eyes, an adventure where you feel its dangers and you understand its risks and it's unpredictability , It's cruelty too, I just can't say more than that.

Overall 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 + 10 / 5 = 10
so it is 10/10 (Masterpiece)

I feel really lucky to have watched this anime. It is the most compete and entertaining anime I've ever had the pleasure of watching. Some people may be put off by the length of the anime, but honestly I wish it was a lot longer. The story and characters are built up into an endless array of high tension action and adventure. I'm really hoping that the anime and manga will both be competed; I'm dying not being able to know how this incredible tale will end.

What’s so special about Hunter X Hunter?

A glance at any title from MyAnimeList’s Top 7 Highest Rated (excluding Kimi no na Wa) will tell you why it holds a position there. The Gintama franchise combines an array of genres in its wacky, high-octane futuristic tale of wandering samurai. Steins Gate explores the nuances of the idea of time travel with an eccentric, otaku-oriented sense of humor. Legend of the Galactic Heroes presents a years-long struggle for the stars with style, grace, and intellectual brilliance. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood criticizes mankind’s self-centered grasps for power with unflinching honesty. Then, there’s Hunter X Hunter. From the synopsis, HxH ... is marketed as a superpowered shonen of great length (it’s a whopping 148 episodes long!) that values friendship and following your dreams more than anything else. Compared to the other entries in MAL’s Top Seven (again, excluding Kimi no na Wa), I wouldn’t blame you if you feel indifferent towards HxH’s first impression.

One of the most overused saying is “looks can be deceiving” but it’s nearly-impossible to not be tricked by the show’s Hunter Exam Arc. It begins with Gon Freecss, a happy-go-luck 12 year old island boy, leaving home to follow in the footsteps of his father Ging, who wears the title of “Anime’s Ultimate Deadbeat Dad” like a badge of honor, and become a Hunter, which is basically another word for “adventurous explorer”. Befriending strangers (and enemies), learning new things, and having fun are the Hunter Exam Arc’s raison d’être. Like a true stereotypical shonen, this arc glosses over the harsh realities of the Exam with a passion, choosing to portray it as the premier competitive sport instead of the merciless bloodbath that it really is. It is only when Gon is pushed to the brink of death in a fight against an examinee named Hanzo that the Hunter Exam Arc’s underlying sobriety surges to the forefront.

Despite the Hunter Exam Arc’s shortcomings as a story, the animation is a marvelous spectacle to behold, thanks to HxH being produced by the great Madhouse. Although this series doesn’t offer much in visual creativity, the various tints and shades used in each scene deserves recognition and you can really see Madhouse flexing its muscles with its scenery porn. It’s because of the studio’s spectacular backgrounds that HxH’s diverse settings have a life of their own, from the beautiful yet low-key and withdrawn country of NGL to the mystifying nightlife allure of Yorknew City, and even the angelic homeliness of Whale Island. It doesn’t hurt that mangaka Yoshishiro Togashi has a specialty for world-building; you can tell that he genuinely cares about the environments he creates when he dedicates entire episodes to the traditions and subtle nuances of the setting.

Hunter X Hunter’s theme song “Departure”, considered by even diehard HxH fans as hit or miss, is among the reasons why I trekked through the first arc with disappointment. At first, the only thing I thought Departure was worthy of was the skip button but over time it grew on me. I could say the same for HxH’s soundtrack. Save for a few character themes (Hisoka’s, Leorio’s, and especially the Zoldyck Family’s), most of the songs early on are hardly worth mentioning; they’re grandiose and overpowering but collectively fail to deliver a lasting impact. It is later in the series that a multitude of unforgettable tracks make their dramatic entrance, from the rage-consumed “Chain Bastard” to the stage-setting “Legend of the Martial Artist”, and of course the operatic glory that is “Riot”. What really elevates Hunter X Hunter into the upper echelon of musical experiences is its collection of ending themes. Most people laud the fifth ED, Yuzu’s “Hyouriitai”, as the best of the bunch due to its expertise in pulling heartstrings but my personal favorite is “Hunting for Your Dream”. That ED basically personifies intensity.

More than anything else, Togashi’s greatest skill has to be how he expands a simple shonen premise to include the full range of genres. Hunter X Hunter isn’t just your run-of-the-mill action adventure; it dives into the world of RPGs with gusto, it features a pulse-pounding gangster noir thriller in the Phantom Troupe Arc, its final arc is geared entirely towards politics (Name another shonen that does that), and one episode of the Greed Island Arc deploys practically every cliché of the romantic genre in existence. Oh and then there’s the apocalyptic sci-fi horror epic known as the Chimera Ant Arc.

I consider myself a chill, easygoing guy; it requires a lot of effort to piss me off but for years the one thing that I couldn’t tolerate were ants. They’re commonly viewed in a positive light, as the ideal assembly line workers in an ecosystem thriving on individualism. I, however, have always seen ants as disgusting little monsters that steal whatever they want and attack anyone that’s not one of them. It all started at my daycare during my years as an elementary schooler. My friends and I were tired of being harassed by fire ants every time we played in the sand on our playground. With uncharacteristic fervor, I gathered up my friends and a few other kids that also hated the ants, and we marched up the hill of the playground with sharp sticks in our hands. At the top of the hill, the ants were secured in their headquarters, a misshapen mound as tall as my leg that they built from dirt, and we smashed it to pieces with our sticks, fists, and sneakers. Needless to say, the ants weren’t too pleased with our remodeling and they attacked us without mercy. That incident was the catalyst for my hatred against those tiny insects. Whenever an ant somehow found its way into my house, I’d pursue it like a madman and spray it to death with pesticide. Whenever I saw an ant in public, I’d wildly stomp on it until I was absolutely sure it died. In my family, I was the unofficial ant exterminator.

From the start, you can imagine how I felt towards the Chimera Ants, the most dangerous species in the HxH universe. “Kill them all!” I shouted as the series ventured into new territory, with an arc centered on my greatest nemesis. The Chimera Ant Arc, more than any other arc, appealed to me on a personal level; the Hunters’ quest to destroy the Ants was something I could relate to. It’s also an intriguing arc due to it defining everything the series has been about up to this point; the Chimera Ant Arc ponders over the sacrifices a Hunter must take and ultimately what it means to be human. This arc does this while infusing a level of disturbing darkness that’s unprecedented for a shonen. Some are most likely arguing that Hunter x Hunter has always been dark, especially with the massacre scene in the Phantom Troupe Arc, but nothing in this series even comes close to an Ant gruesomely murdering a beloved background character before devouring the dead body. Nothing comes close to another Ant gleefully watching an elderly man, naked and chained, begging for his life before the Ant squashes the poor guy beneath his hoof (When did HxH become Requiem from the Darkness?). The insert track “New Mutation” is the perfect theme song for the Chimera Ant Arc; it’s a somber, stage-setting melody that emphasizes the mysterious bleakness of it all. What I appreciate most about the Chimera Ant Arc is its brilliance as a character study.

When it comes to characterization in a shonen, the most effort that’s normally applied is the main character dealing with dead parents and the supporting cast aiding the protagonist in his (it’s always a guy) adventure. What originality! What complexity! What realism! Unlike your run-of-the-mill shonen mangakas, Togashi treats the characters he creates as real people. He doesn’t murder them at random nor does he escort them to the background, unless it’s Kurapika after he stole the show in the Phantom Troupe Arc or if it’s one of the show’s few female characters (The lack of respect for women in HxH is astonishing. I’m surprised that this show passed the Bechdel Test). The best part about this show’s cast isn’t how truly dynamic the protagonists are (The changes that Gon and Killua undergo throughout the series are a blessing to behold) nor is it how memorable the antagonists are, save for Chrollo, from Meruem (the thinking man’s villain) to Ilumi (a true master of manipulation) and of course Hisoka (the Joker of anime, he puts the “C” in crazy). No, the greatest thing about this show’s characterization is how the transforms the guys that have no right to warrant speaking roles into complex, realistic figures. Tonpa is the self-proclaimed “Rookie Crusher” of the Hunter Exam; on the surface, every action this man takes in the first arc is one of spineless self-preservation. However, we’re shown through his internal monologues that he strategizes through his every more and that these actions are ones that Tonpa knows will benefit him on his quest to destroy the hopes and dreams of other Examinees. Binolt is a wanted criminal that sparred with Gon and Killua for one episode in the Greed Island Arc, his only appearance in the entire series. Through a memorably poignant backstory we witness the murderer’s reason for becoming a criminal and what he thinks of his life up to this point. We see his shortcomings, both morally and as a fighter, and in the end we see how Binolt is inspired by Gon to become a better person. The best of the background characters, however, has to be Welfin. He’s a Squadron Leader of the Chimera Ant army, a wolf-like being notorious for his constant paranoia. Welfin wishes to become the “Shadow King” of the Ants, which is basically what Dick Cheney was during George W Bush’s presidency, and his every action is designed to help him reach that goal. Later on, he establishes a friendship with Ikalgo, a traitorous Ant, and he starts to abandon his paranoia. Whether or not Welfin has ceased dreaming of being the “Shadow King” is yet to be determined.

The majority of the Chimera Ant Arc has been focused on what demonic menaces the Ants are but in one scene during the arc’s last episodes, the show reveals an even greater evil: us. The opening scene of episode 134 exposes the sinister, corrupt sides of ourselves for the whole world to witness in disgust. Through an old film reel effect, our blatant bigotry, our superiority complex, our sickening sadism and our overwhelming greed bleeds profusely from each heartbreaking frame. “Kingdom of Predators”, one of HxH’s finest insert tracks, plays throughout the scene, increasing in crescendo while patiently unveiling why its song title is fitting. When this scene ran its course, I finally discovered the darkness within myself. I realized that my grudge against ants was established an irrational hatred that began years and years ago. Thanks to Hunter X Hunter’s Kingdom of Predators scene, my interactions with ants have changed. Whereas I used to murder them on sight, I now either ignore them or, if they’re crawling around in my house, I place them in a napkin and escort them out of the house.

Emotional appeal isn’t something that’s mentioned too often when it involves the shonen genre but in HxH, it’s impossible for some events in the story to not pull your heartstrings. In my years watching anime, I admit there have been occasions where my eyes watered but no anime series had caused me to sob uncontrollably. Along came HxH’s episode 124. When Killua confesses to Palm about how worthless he feels in helping Gon in his internal struggle, I sensed tears rolling down the sides of my face. To force a grown man that hadn’t cried in years to break down in tears is simply incredible. To have that same man cry a second time 12 episodes later in the same show is nothing short of a miracle. It’s in episode 136, when a village girl named Reina is reunited with her mom, and they’re both sobbing over how weak and fragile they are. The 2011 adaptation of Hunter X Hunter isn’t the “perfect” series per se but trust me when I say that there will be thousands of Dragon Ball Z rip-offs before we witness another show like this one. HxH is primarily a thinking man’s anime but is more than able to pull off amazing battle sequences when necessary. It expands its horizons to include many genres and ideas but is equally brilliant at priotizing one. Above all else, what other series could be a better fighting game than this one? 148 phenomenal episodes and Hunter X Hunter is still radiating with potential to this day. Now, that’s something special if you ask me.

I'm not a fan of long reviews so I'm going to keep this short and to the point.

Actual waste of time.

Never have I ended up watching a show so boring for more than 2 episodes. After 12 episodes of hxh, it was still extremely boring and unentertaining. Everyone keeps saying "oh it gets better after the first arc" so I ask how many episodes it is, and they usually say around 30, which is more than a season of any seasonal anime, which are more fun to watch than this.

The art ? I cant call anything in hxh art, there was none, it ... was all just lines with some colour, it was extremely basic and boring. Non of the characters were appealing in anyway.

The story was just a generic shounen kid looking for his lost dad and gets attacked by a pedo clown which is horny over Gon.

The characters were so boring they made me fall asleep, even the fights were boring, nothing was fun to watch. Every character was poorly made and had terrible personalities.

I will never be able to understand how this is an enjoyable show to watch.

There is a reason for why this anime is ranked as #5 in the Top Anime Page.

Can you watch this if you're new to anime? Yes.
What you need to know, is that long type of anime series tend to have a slow start. Don't let that scare you off! Even without super intense fighting in the beginning, the series will catch you offguard and make you want to watch always one more episode.

As a typical shounen anime, the MC's power up throughout the series. The beautiful excecution of that is what makes HxH (2011) so much better than your average shounen/action. This series contains ... one of the best fight scenes ever made.

The art is great (Madhouse never fails, huh?) for the beautiful landscape but also for fighting scenes, characters and the way they made the show feel really alive and exciting. The character development in this series is great. Not only do the MC's power up and strengthen their bonds as the story progressess but the side characters get also developments.

If you somehow haven't already seen this anime, consider starting it now! not only do you otherwise miss a great anime but you also miss in my opinion one of the most episodes in anime ever. Yes this series has what it takes to be called a masterpiece.

Story: 10
Art: 10
Sound: 9
Character: 10
Enjoyment: 10
Overall: 10

The story revolves around a young boy named Gon, who wants to search for his father and find out why his father left him to become a Hunter. So he becomes a Hunter himself, finding a few friends along the way.

His friends all get their time to shine (some more than others) in a respective arc, but since Gon is the main protagonist, most of the arcs presented in this story, are revolved around his development.

The entire story felt as if it were just one huge training arc. The protagonist has never been the strongest in every arc presented. He is constantly one-upped by nearly ... all of his enemies. And that's one thing I enjoy. Where the main protagonist (even though he is considered a genius/having a lot of potential) still gets constantly beat because of the huge difference in experience. And I actually enjoyed watching the training and the growth of the main characters. I absolutely hate it when they off-screen the training (usually in the form of a time-skip) just to become overpowered.

And unlike most anime, instead of gaining power through random means, usually by the conventions of the plot, you MUST sacrifice something to gain power, which is very, very similar to FullMetal Alchemist.

The Art. The art is probably the largest gripe I have with this anime. Many people will immediately judge this anime because the two main protagonist are both children and the atmosphere in the anime looks very bright. Especially at the beginning of it. The 1999 version of the Hunter Exam was done much better and had the atmosphere similar to that of the Chimera Ant Arc. And because of all the brightness, I'd assume that's why many people were caught off-guard by the brutal and "grim-dark"-ness of the Chimera Ant Arc. I've had many friends, who only watch Seinen anime, immediately reject watching it because of the brightness and how Shonen-y the art was.

Sound - The sound in the first two arc of the story is very lacklustre, but the sound immediately improves ten fold when the Yorknew City arc hits, playing some opera/classical music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JE2muDZksP4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBq7yu8H2kI

It was absolutely magnificent and it stays consistent throughout the rest of the series (Starting from the Yorknew Arc), having another immediate increase in quality when the Chimera Ant Arc hits. I have no idea how so much people have a problem with this. The 1999 Sound is just as good, maybe even better though, it's all a matter of preference.

Characters - The characters are absolutely phenomenal. Togashi threw in so many characters, you were bound to find at least one that you liked. Nearly every single character is memorable and had their own personality. No characters were carbon copies of each other, like in many other anime.

This anime has a few things that could have been done better, especially the beginning, but it is absolutely amazing and you cannot watch this entire anime through without finding at least one or multiple parts that you'd think "Oh, that was pretty cool!" I recommend to anyone who's into story driven battle anime like FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood.

If you are a One Piece or Naruto fan and watch this out of spite because people keep referring to it as the "best shonen," you won't enjoy it as much and will be quick to cherry pick all the small inconsistencies (like a lot of the people referring to Episode 131 as an asspull which clearly shows how much they were paying attention to the story) If you're expecting 30 minute badly-paced fights, then you will be disappointed. This is a very story driven anime, if you are one of those people who mindlessly watch anime for the fights, then do not watch it and stay far away from it. If when you're watching this, you're expecting most of the characters to stay static (namely the main character) and be some sort of "beacon of light" like Naruto is in his Universe, then do not watch this anime. Gon (the main character) has some of the most realistic personalities, unlike Naruto and Luffy, and there are times where he hurt his own friends and puts his selfish desires in front of everything else.

Go into this, not having much expectations and you'll probably have one of the best rides watching this.

Please watch more than the first two arcs, because they happen to be the two of the worst of the series and do not immediately be turned off by the art.

I found out about Hunter x Hunter through a 2003 issue of Shonen Jump where they showcased the first chapter in English (before I knew what it was) I first started to watch the 1999 version in 2012 and then when I finished the 1999 version at the cliffhanger point, I switched to the 2011 version for the continuation. This anime rivals Yu Yu Hakusho and I never realized it was by the same author Yoshihiro Togashi.

Hunter x Hunter breaks from conventions of the standard Shonen genre; Hunter has its share of Seinen esque elements and shocking situations. One of Hunter’s trademark things is that ... it does not focus on fighting 100% of the time when compared to other Shonens. Its focus is more on strategic tactics, and psychological aspects. The narrator does a great job at explaining and showing this. Also since almost anyone can die in this anime, it really adds a lot of Drama with the characters because it avoids cliches.

Nen is one of the main ability’s in the series. Being able to manipulate your own life energy and use it as a weapon. However Nen has a strict set of rules and it has limitations. What I like is that it is not plot armor and it can only do so much; I would say it’s more of a tool. I also like the classification system and different types of Nen people possess and can use.

Story & Plot: The story starts off and takes place on Whale Island. A boy named Gon Freecs adventures out into the world to find his father from learning about his profession as a Hunter. Gon wants to find out what being a Hunter means. On his journey he meets people, makes friends, and experiences a lot of things.

There are 7 arcs in total for the Hunter x Hunter anime. They are all unique in every aspect, but fans will tell you that the Yorknew City Arc and the Chimera Ant Arc are fan favorites and among the greats of anime arcs.
Characters: The main cast consists of 4 protagonists

Gon Freecs – Gon is a young kid who is the main protagonist of the story. He is very friendly, adventurous and determined kid. Gon also possesses inhuman senses and is very athletic and rustic. Gon is an interesting character like none other I’ve ever seen.

Killua Zoldyck – Killua is an assassin of the Zoldyck family. He is shown to be similar to Gon in his happy attitude and mischievousness. The other side of him however, can be extremely violent and bloodthirsty. He is also extremely fast and is a quick thinker. His relationship with Gon is the most intricate thing in the anime.

Kurapika – Kurapika is the sole survivor of the kurta clan. Kurapika is a very distant person and he does not open up to people easily. He is very intelligent while also being heavy on morals. Kurapika is a very distant person and does not open up easily to others. He is the friendliest in the group and has some interesting interactions with the other main three.

Leorio Paradinight – Leorio is a guy who aspires to become a doctor to help the poor and many others. Although Leorio can be impulsive and short tempered at times, he is very trustworthy and he puts his friends first before himself and his dreams. He is often the comic relief character and he is closest to Kurapika in friendship.

Animation & Art: Studio Madhouse really does justice to Togashi’s work. The animation is top notch and the art is always solid, colorful, and very grungy at times.

Sound & Music: The sound effects are really high quality. The music was composed by Yoshihisa Hirano. At first the music didn't click for me but after listening to the soundtracks again I have to say the music works very well.

Voice Acting: Japanese voice acting is great; familiar voice actors in the industry are present in this anime.

Final Verdict: You have an intricate and detailed cast of characters, a very well written story for each arc/plot for it to flow nicely, and you have an interesting world as well. I would definitely recommend Hunter x Hunter to anyone. If you’re a fan of Togashi’s previous work Yu Yu Hakusho, you will definitely enjoy it.

One of the best "mainstream" anime there is.

While seemingly childish and happy at first, Hunter x Hunter quickly turns into a dark story where a kid and his friends must save people by killing other people, and the search for Gon's dad becomes only a small part of the story.
The story almost never deviates from the manga, which is great, and there isn't any filler (or at least you don't "feel" the fillers).
Pun aside, Hunter x Hunter also shines in its animation, which is my personal favourite in any anime. The anime is better than the manga art-wise, in my opinion.
The characters have really great ... development. Most of the main secondary characters' backstories have a real part in the overall story.
Overall, HxH is one of my favourite anime of all time, and I definitely recommend it to any -(and every)- one.

I lot of people who dislike shonen have this misconception that all long running series are alike such as Dragon Ball or Naruto and thus give up on any potential great series that have great writing and character development such as Hunter x Hunter. I say to those who dislike shonen I do not blame you. However HxH isn't your typical shonen that tries to impress you with big fights and explosions but rather it gives you a well written and executed story and fights that are amazing because of what they symbolize.

Story & World - 10

The world in this anime is very creative and ... detailed allowing for complete immersion. This benefits the overall story as it allows the viewer to get completely dragged into the story and the world at the same time. The concept of Hunters is an exciting concept as it allows our main character to start his adventure. Hunters are people who travel and explore different aspects of the world and discover the unknown. This is a perfect combination for the world itself since the Hunter universe is well built and makes us want to see more of it. The concept of a Hunter allows for a reason to explore this beautiful world and see the unseen. The story is both light hearted and dark at times. Do not let its exterior fool you. This anime may look "happy" and "kiddy" on the outside but it can be just as dark as anime such as Attack on Titan at times. This anime mixes both light tone and dark tone elements together and I personally love both themes.

Characters - 10

Characters are equally as important when it comes to creating a masterful story. You can't have a good story unless you have engaging characters and the same can be said for vice versa. Hunter x Hunter definitely doesn't fail when it comes to creating complex and interesting characters.

The relationship between Gon and Killua is extremely well done. We see their friendship and bond strengthen throughout the series to the point where you begin to deeply admire their relationship. This is strongly influenced by Killua's past. This is one of the more heart-warming aspects of this series. The writer allows a great deal of insight into our main protagonists psychology through narration. This adds to the intensity and emotion as we see our character develop. This show has the best and most intense development I have ever seen in a shonen. Not just for a shonen but overall as well. An example would be the emotional physiological trauma we see one of our main characters experience. It is intense and shocking at the same time and will have you at the edge of your seat. We see Gon's innocence completely destroyed at one point and see a completely darker side to him.

Kurapika is also one such character who we get to see a darker side too. At the beginning we know he's hell bent on revenge but unlike some people (Sasuke) he's not willing to sacrifice his friends for it. At the beginning he's introduced as a clever and calculative thinker. Later on we see a completely different side to him in the eyes of his families killers. He becomes cold hearted and brutal. A truly disturbing aspect, one which will send shivers down your spine.

The side characters are some of the best and most exciting side characters a series can have. We have Hisoka the weird, pedophile who gets turned on by... even weirder things. The phantom troupe. They're incredible villains. However there's more to them than just being villains. They have a more complex psychology. Sure they "kill" and do bad things but it's the relationships they have with one another that sparks my interest about them. Along with each member of the troupe being very unique with very different personalities from each other. It's interesting to watch how everything plays out when they interact with each other. Their relationship is complex and you're not fully sure what to think of it. Do they care about each other? Or do they want to kill each other? These characters are only a few of the many interesting side characters we have in the show. I haven't even gotten to the Zoldycks yet.

Sound/Art - 10/10 MOVIE QUALITY

This is where Hunter x Hunter shines even brighter. The animation is consistently amazing throughout the series. Madhouse truly are to be thanked for this. This series wouldn't be as good if it weren't for the amazing execution and direction of each episode. The ost's are amazing especially in the chimera ant arc. If it weren't for the amazing ost's some scenes wouldn't be as impactful as they are. The openings and credit songs are amazing. They're very memorable and catchy and offer a sort of nostalgic feel because of how they're able to capture the series.

Overall - Masterpiece!

If you're looking for a great story and characters with a lot of shock factor and twists this is a perfect anime. The world and characters easily get you attached and there's a lot of shock factor because of the well done twists which will honestly leave you jaw dropped. This anime is also perfect if you're looking for something less cliche in the shonen genre and something unique. This anime easily impresses anyone who has a taste for artisticness when it comes to Hunter x Hunter. Hunter x Hunter is an art. Truly a rare and amazing gem.

As you can see, the plot sure sounds simple, the animation looks childish, to be honest I thought it was childish too AT FIRST. A lot of people don't give this anime a chance. Probably because of how it looks. When you see Naruto, you see a ninja. But when you see Hunter X Hunter, you see a couple of kids. And people don't know that they're badass. Anyways, that's not the point. This anime is underrated because it's too psychological, varied, and complex for a regular shounen fan.

I highly recommend this anime if you like an actual planned out anime, love FMAB, ... no filler episodes, an outstanding soundtrack, several amazing arcs, f***ing AMAZING character development, good quality animations, and a catchy opening.

To me this anime is a masterpiece. Give this Anime a chance.

At first glance Hunter x Hunter seems like the typical shouen anime. Boy with untapped potential, goes on a journey, getting stronger in battles, etc, etc.

What sets this apart from most shouen battle anime is the amount of strategizing they do in these fights. It's not the typical fight between two alpha males relying on the next power up to win the fight. In fact, almost none of the fights in the series were between two evenly matched foes. Almost every time, they head into a fight where they're heavily outmatched and it's only through strategies and ... traps do they complete their objectives.

And the story, the arcs are quite varied. Some more entertaining than others. But some of them are very emotional. Some will make you question which side is really the right side. This is not the bright shiny shouen as it seems at first, and present some dark heavy themes in it as it goes along.

Anyways, overall this was a wonderful experience!

Before I delve into my own personal review, I must make clear that I understand that some people will tell you that Hunter x Hunter "isn't that great". I can see how that opinion could be formed based upon the fact that one particular arc had a particularly long buildup. I, however, must encourage you strongly to watch this show, because I can guarantee that the first arc AT LEAST will catch your attention. This show left me wanting far more in its wake as well, and touched me in a way that only Fullmetal Alchemist had before.
The story is amazing, one of friendship ... and epic adventure. If you're fond of One Piece, Naruto, Fairy Tail, and even Avatar: The Last Airbender, you will most likely fall in love with this show. It focuses on the good and bad aspects of life, and the fact that just because you're a child doesn't mean you're weak of body and mind. I particularly loved the way they brought all the characters in and out of the show at times. The creative and unique plot was quite enjoyable for me.
The art was cartoony, but don't let that fool you. The movement was fluid and action scenes were breathtaking. I'm usually extremely picky about what art style I will and will not watch, but I made an exception for this show because I just couldn't put it down once I started. This brings me to the sound, which was also amazing. The opening sequence remained the same for all 148 episodes, which I thought was a touching tribute to the show (It made me cry at the end). The animation for the theme song is also quite good, showing off each of the four main character's personalities well.
The characters were amazing. I fell in love with each and every one of their quirks and odd personalities. Gon's friendly and light hearted personality will make you instantly happy every time he comes on screen, and Killua's cool, suave personality will excite you for the upcoming battle. The character development was also outstanding, as each one of them had a major change to undergo. It wasn't an instant revelation, though, as the show had plenty of time to age and mold the characters into believable people. They feel sad, frustrated, angry, cheery, jealous, and any other emotion a human could possibly possess. It was the withdrawal of the characters for me that made me feel desperate for a continuation of the show.
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the show, something that I find trouble with. It did not disappoint me in any way, and I hope that anyone who reads this review will find pleasure in watching it as well. It's not easy to find an amazing work of art such as this, but as an action anime lover, I can happily say that I found a new favorite show in Hunter x Hunter.

Hunter X Hunter (2011) is something different. Although it looks like another typical shounen it does not have most of its issues. I will now tell you why is this anime treasure among the others in same genre.

When someone decide to watch long shounen series he probably expects few things. Firstly strong character development. Secondly awesome main story which will hold you even through the filler episodes. In the third place visualy and emotionaly strong battles. And for the last already mentioned fillers - episodes which can be funny sometimes but they only delay the main meat of the series.

So ladies and gentlemen, I present ... you Hunter X Hunter first long shounen anime I ever watched which does NOT have filler episodes. Every episode is connected to the main story line. Enlarding the character development and backstory.

Every episode you will watch the development of the main story and of the main protagonists and antagonists in one of 7 arcs covered by this anime.
Sixth arc and the longest is something about 60 episodes long and its ending is the best this anime has to offers. It will give you chills , tears, laught .. simply everything. It has also very specific way of telling the story. During few 20 mins episodes there are only 2-3 minutes of the story, because it is viewed from prospectives of differents protagonists etc. But enought about spoiling. Lets talk about about the main cast.

Main heroes and antiheroes. In Hunter X hunter it is really difficult to say who is in fact antagonist. Everyone follows their ideals and in the end you will understand their intentions and even the most hatered characters will look like humans. Story itself is developed around two little boys. Gon and Killua. Some say that this anime does not deserve chance because the main protagonists are only 12 years old. I tell you it is not a problem. They are not childish, they cannot be, or they would die, immediately. In many scenes they act more mature then the adult cast. Gon and Killua have two sidekicks Leorio and Kurapika which also gets a lot of screen time and you will enjoy their stories. In fact besides Gon it is really hard to say who is in fact the main protagonist in this anime because every important character gets his screen time and development. Even antagonists. OMG. You will love them. Especially the first one to appear - Hisoka. This "perverted magician" is something you will enjoy for the most time and even if his main intention is to ultimately kill our Gon.

Battles. Even this anime uses the typical shounen sign of fighting, yelling name of your "spell or technique" during the clash. Especially in the second part of the series after the main heroes gain the "spiritual power" which is something what gives hunters their special potential. Nice thing is that main heroes arent overpowered and antagonists are especially on the beggining much stronger.

Telling something specific about story would be waste and in fact in would be very hard regarding many arcs covered. But what you can follow is the boy who is gaining power through his journey to find his father. It sound cliche but it really isnt. Mainly because it is not the only thing which really matters, more important is the will to gain strenght in order to survive in this world. And the end. Although the manga is still ongoing the end of the anime will satisfy you, you will not want to leave this awesome world of hunters and you will look forward for new adventures which can come because the final episodes opens completely new options for story development.

In conclusion. This is a MUST WATCH 10/10. It is treasure which deserves follow up and much bigger fan base. You will enjoy wast background of the story and the world, varied characters and much more.

Best shonen anime i ever saw. Everything about it is superior to other anime.

Story - 10
Story follows adventure of two 12-years old boys around the world. While it may seem childish and stupid at start - story is actually really dark, which contrasts with show's artstyle.

Art - 10
This is MadHouse. Do i even need to say anything else? As i already said, there is a great contrast with dark story of the show.

Sound - 10
Sound is outstanding from show's OP to its ED including every single theme and voise actor choices(jap). I can't say more, you just have to hear it.
...
Character - 10
There are ALOT of outstanding characters, with somewhat of a main antagonist Hisoka leading them. Every character is fully developed through the show, everyone has own opinion and there are no actually annoing cahracters(for me, can't say fro someone else).

Enjoyment - 10
Every aspect of this show is Outstanding, dialogues are well-written, fights are well-directed and sound choices only add to their enjoyment.

Overall - 10
This IS the best shonen anime ever. I already told, why i love it and why 10 is well-deserved. Of course, everything is subjective and i may have told less than i should've said.

P.S. : Sorry, if you didn't understand something, writing in english is not my strong side.