Yet, these things for which I admire Hunter x Hunter so much also make me dislike it. Hunter x Hunter just doesn’t behave like a normal story. Characters you want to learn more about disappear for dozens of episodes at a time. The narrator becomes overused and insufferable at many crucial moments. Plot and pacing inconsistencies abound thanks to the constant shifting of genres. Even bits of world-building end up being inconsistent as the story continues on. It’s clear that Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator of Hunter x Hunter, didn’t plan ahead for much of the story, and that results in something that is both refreshing and annoying.
For me, Gon and Killua were what held Hunter x Hunter together. The true deuteragonists (the other two in the poster are only relevant at first), Gon and Killua’s friendship and character developments kept me coming back for more. Although I find the in/famous Chimera Ant arc frustrating and ultimately unsatisfying, I love the development it gives both the mains. Even though both characters suffer from serious plot-armor/invincibility and are never in any serious danger, I grew to love those boys to insane degrees and my heart started breaking whenever things didn’t go well for them. Still, I found the other characters (and even many parts of the world) to be hit-or-miss. Gon and Killua were worth it for me, but two little boys aren’t always worth 148 episodes.
So does anything else make those 148 episodes worth it? Depends. As I’ve already implied, I find the plot to be hit-or-miss. The world-building fares slightly better, but still ends up being inconsistent enough for me to think of it as hit-or-miss. Meanwhile, though, the art and animation fare incredibly well. I’m not sure how Madhouse did it, but all 148 episodes fly by without a noticeable drop in quality, which I find hugely impressive. I also think the soundtrack is phenomenal, though a somewhat acquired taste. Much of the score is borrowed from classical music, from Mozart to Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring.” The scoring choices are so unique and nuanced, I’m pretty sure I could write an entire dissertation on Hunter x Hunter’s score. And of course, the Japanese voice cast is amazing. Mariya Ise is simply incredible as Killua.
I don’t think Hunter x Hunter is a masterpiece as its current MAL score might imply. But, I do think Hunter x Hunter is a very special anime. Is it worth 148 episodes? For me, yes, but not for everyone. If you like world-building and are seeking something that doesn’t follow the tried and true storytelling mechanics (and like a good, long, bittersweet epic of friendship), Hunter x Hunter might be up your alley. Otherwise, it’s probably not worth its episode count.
