Anime Review: Hunter x Hunter

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐

Characters: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Writing: ⭐⭐⭐ | World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Story: ⭐⭐⭐ | Fan Service: 🤢

Content Watched: S1-S3

Summary:

Gon, a young boy who lives on Whale Island, dreams of becoming a Hunter (equivalent to a mercenary/assassin/body guard) like his father, who left when Gon was still young. As Gon enters the real-world he makes friends with Kilua and Kurapika, who join him on his quest. Gon must learn new skills and fight increasingly powerful baddies on his quest to find his father. Experience a delightfully rich world of colorful characters and creative powers fueled by unexpected motivations.

Review:

The story of Hunter x Hunter is the arcs. If you watch all three arcs (Hunter Exam, Heaven’s Arena, and Greed Island), then you undoubtedly have a favorite and one that left you wanting. I personally found the first arc the most compelling. Competitions lend themselves to compelling narrative. The clever tasks and interesting characters and world design really shine. The focus of children as the main characters was refreshing and original, thanks primarily to Killua. The Greed Island arc had the most potential, but lacked greatly in the strengths of the first two arcs. The lack of a compelling villain (really, the bomber?) and a lackluster ending leaving a lot to be desired. Overall, the world building and stunning cast of characters cement this series in the canon of anime series.

I am leaving out the Chimera Ant and follow-on arcs because they are so fundamentally different to the spirit of the first three arcs.