Hunter X Hunter was first released in 1998. It is still going on even if there are actually less than 400 chapters (One Piece has been in progress since 1997 with more than 900 chapters / Naruto was published in 1999 and ended in 700 chapters).
This manga is well-known for having the greatest number of breaks (with Berserk). Fans are looking forward to the next chapters and a new anime.
There are 2 versions of the anime. The 2011 version covers about the majority of the manga. In my opinion, the only flaw of the manga is the drawing however the anime has reworked the features of the characters making them much more enjoyable to watch.
So where to start my review...
First of all, some might be doubtful about starting this manga because of the age of the two main characters: Gon and Killua. They are 11 years old which looks pretty young and yet :This manga is a masterpiece, one of the best shonen I have ever seen/read. It has nothing to envy to its fellows Naruto or even One Piece (even if the two mangas are also classics).
Highly charismatic characters
None of the characters are alike except for the long nose which can surprise at first. Women are as badass as men, the oldest ones are as adventurous as the youngest ones. Clearly there is no weak character in Hunter X Hunter. This is not a question about physical strength, it is about intelligence and the mastery of his own power.
Some antagonists are looking for absolute power. We are not overflowed with backgrounds sadder than the others. The bad guys are bad, end of story! You will hate some of them while you will adore others like Hisoka, an antagonist who can sometimes become an ally, he is recognizable since he is inspired by the Joker.
Friendship is certainly exploited but this bond allows each character to surpass himself by training. They don't get strong just like this is nothing. They train, they learn from their mistakes, they implement strategies and rely on each other.
The Nen is to Hunter X Hunter what the chakra is to Naruto
In short, each character can develop a power, it is up to him to choose it according to some criteria. Therefore, we can see completely different powers and above all very well exploited.
Smart fights
Physical strength is not everything, the context of the fight, the analysis of his opponent, the control of his power are extremely useful. There are few power-ups unlike many of shōnens which, in my opinion, use its too often. With Hunter X Hunter, strategy first and that is why this is so great. We are always surprised asking for more and more.
In summary
I regularly watch scenes or even whole arcs of this anime. For me the arcs "Yorkshin City" and "Kimera Ants" are among the best arcs all shōnens included. In Hunter X Hunter nothing is taken for granted, what will pay off is work and will. So trust me, you're clearly not going to be disappointed. The only risk? To become more demanding and to not be able to find a manga as good as Hunter X Hunter.
P.S. You will find the same review on the 2011 version of the anime. However, I removed 1 point from the manga version because of the drawings and the time we have to wait between releases.
