Title: Hunter X Hunter
Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Japanese Production Studio: Nippon Animation

Type: (TV)
Number of Episodes: 62
Vintage: 1999-10-16 to 2001-03-31

US Licensing Company: Not licensed

Related anime series:

Hunter X Hunter: OVA (8 episodes)

Hunter X Hunter: Greed Island OVA (8 episodes)
Hunter X Hunter: G I Final OVA (14 episodes)

^ (In order of which should be viewed)

 

General Summary

 

What is a hunter? There are many different types of hunters, each specialize in different skills. For example, some are Blacklist Hunters, they capture criminals, then there are Epicure Hunters, who scour the world for all sorts of ingredients, they themselves are also first class chefs as well (there are many more different types of hunters however you will have to watch the series to find out more information regarding this). Do individuals simple become hunters for wealth? For Power? Some believe a hunter to be the most profitable job, so they can afford everything they ever dreamed of, others think of it as the most honorable job, to save people and catch criminals. Which is correct? Gon Freeks, he is a child who lives with his Aunt (Mito-san). His father is said to be a world renowned hunter and his mother died when he was a child. What Gon wants to do the most is to find and unite with his father and became a great hunter. The path to becoming a hunter is not an easy one; Gon must pass a series of tests, to attain the rank of a “hunter”. He will have to put his life on the line if he wishes too succeed. If Gon wishes to pass the hunter exams he must use all the abilities he posses. Gon and his friends will meet individuals who seek to get rid of those who wish to pass the hunter exams. Will Gon succeed? Will he meet his father? Will he fail? You will have to watch Hunter x Hunter to find out!

Art and Animation

 

     Where should I start? Hunter x Hunter art is amazing. Each character in the series has a unique character design. The show itself came out in 1999. This is of course prior to the huge wave of shows being computer animated which is not necessarily a bad change, but it does lose a certain uniqueness that hand drawn series have (not to mention no cels to purchase!). You will notice that no two characters in the series are similar; this is both in character style as well as their behaviors. The animation is decent, it’s no where near as bad as those DBZ kazaa rips buts it’s not top notch either. Personally, at the beginning of the series I found the quality slightly disappointing however there are so many good points to the show that this small issue can easily be overlooked. The battle scenes are great, and are very well drawn, which is a very nice plus.

 

Character Development and Storyline

 

     Let’s start with the star of the show Gon Freeks. Gon is a very interesting character, he is very spontaneous, not very smart, and often seems a bit simpleminded. His decisions are often rash and usually put his life in danger. On top of that he is a very proud individual; even if an endeavor puts his life in harm he is willing to do it. He does not do this to show off, but rather to just say to the world “I don’t give up, what matter the odds.” Gon has this special type of aura that draws people to him. It is a very mystical way in a sense; you notice that his three friends throughout this series are drawn to him. Gon is not the strongest but what he does have, is worth more then strength. He has spirit. In many respects I see similarities between himself and Luffy (One Piece) they both treasure the relationship they have with there friends. His friends are: Leorio, Kurapica and Killua. Leorio, he wants to help as many people as he can, so never an incident of the past will be repeated. He loves money, and what money can get for him. Kurapica, he is a man who has the burden of a thousand men, he is a man filled with revenge and seeks to correct the injustice even if he has to risk his life in the process. The characters in the series are quite memorable, as the story enfolds watching the characters forming there bond; you notice that as the series progresses they become closer. The characters at first interact like a couple of rivals but over time they become good friends. The shows pacing is magnificent. Never have I seen filler episodes done so well in a series that really shows that even filler episodes can be enjoyable. One of my favorite episodes actually takes place during a filler so there you have it. Killua, if I were to describe him with one word I would say lonely.

 

Music

 

     The music in this show is fantastic as well. There are two OP songs used throughout the show, the first one is Ohayou" by Keno (eps 1-48) the second is "Taiyou wa Yoru mo Kagayaku" by Wino (eps 49-62). There is however, three ED songs, (Kaze no Uta; Song of the Wind)" by Minako Honda (eps 1-31), Do You Feel like I Feel" by Masato Nagai (eps 32-50), "Hotaru" by Masato Nagai (eps 51-62) (info taken from www.animenewsnetwork.com). The various types of music suited this title very well, instead of constantly using the same music during each and every battle. You will notice that depending on the situation is what kind of music is played. This is definitely another plus for this show.

Final Summary

 

     This series is simply a must see. It isn’t just a “kid wants to become hunter, wants to find his father, the end.” There is so much to this story that really the general summary doesn’t even scratch the surface. This show is very unique, all the characters, (including the side characters) are extremely well done, and no character is simply added to the series without a purpose. Each of the characters has a unique personality. Hunter x Hunter has something for everybody. If you want to watch a highly entertaining series, then this series is for you. This title is definitely one of my top ten favorites!

 

Rating:

Note: After you finish with the series you should begin watching OVA1-OVA3 because the series doesn't have an ending.

 

   

   

  

   

   

 

   

    

  

   

 

 

(This review/pictures made by EternityOfPain)