The appeal and reputation of HUNTER×HUNTER: A story of adventure and growth

HUNTER×HUNTER - Hunter x Hunter - Reviews and Recommendations

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

October 2, 2011 - End of 2012

■Broadcasting station

Nippon Television

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 56

■Original Story

Yoshihiro Togashi

■ Director

Hiroshi Kojina

■ Production

Madhouse

■Works

©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) 1998, 2011 ©VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse

■ Story

Gon, a boy living on Whale Island, dreams of becoming a "Hunter" just like his father, who left him when he was young. Treasures, hidden treasures, rare items, and rare animals are scattered all over the world. Determined to become a professional hunter and risk his life to challenge the "unknown", Gon sets out on a journey, meeting Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua, all of whom are also trying to pass the Hunter Exam. Will he be able to pass the Hunter Exam, known for its extreme difficulty, and become "the world's best hunter"? Gon's fantastical, epic, and fierce adventure begins now!!

■Explanation

The original work is a manga of the same name serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump (Shueisha), widely known as a hugely popular work with a total of over 55 million copies sold. This is the second time the work has been adapted into an anime, and it starts anew from the first volume of the original. Directed by Koujina Hiroshi, who has worked on Kiba, Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro, and Rainbow: Nisha Rokubō no Shichinin, the film captivates with its powerful battle action and the psychological portrayal of the tactics that accompany it.

■Cast

・Gon Freecss/Megumi Han ・Killua Zodiac/Mariya Ise ・Leorio/Keiji Fujiwara ・Kurapika/Miyuki Sawashiro ・Hisoka/Daisuke Namikawa

■ Main staff

・Original work: Yoshihiro Togashi・Director: Hiroshi Kamishina・Series composition: Atsushi Maekawa・Character design・Chief animation director: Takahiro Yoshimatsu・Art director: Mio Isshiki・Color design: Yoshinori Horikawa・Director of photography: Kazuya Arahata・Editor: Satoshi Terauchi・Music: Yoshihisa Hirano・Sound director: Tomoaki Yamada・Animation producer: Keiichi Mita・Animation production: Madhouse

■ Main Characters

Gon Freecss sets out on a journey to take the Hunter Exam in order to become a great hunter like his father, who left him when he was young. A boy with an honest heart and a personality that is liked by everyone.
Killua Zoldyck: He meets Gon, who is the same age as him, during the Hunter Exam and becomes friends with him as they travel together. Behind his innocent appearance, he has a cold-hearted side.
Leorio meets Gon on the ship heading to the Hunter Exam. His goal in becoming a Hunter is to make a lot of money!? He looks old(?), but he's still in his teens.
Kurapika is a survivor of the minority Kurta tribe, and aspires to become a hunter in order to defeat the Phantom Troupe, the bandit group that wiped out his comrades. He is calm and collected, and has a wide range of knowledge.
Hisoka: A mysterious magician that Gon and his friends meet during the Hunter Exam. He was disqualified from the previous Hunter Exam due to a violation. He shows an interest in Gon and his friends.

■Subtitle

・Episode 1: "Traveling Friends x Travelers x Friends"
・Episode 2: "Shiken x No x Shiken"
・Episode 3: "Rival x Ga x Survival"
・Episode 4: "Hope x Love x Trouble"
Episode 5: "Hisoka x Ha x Hisoka"
・Episode 6: "Mussels × Shellfish × Fish"
Episode 7: "Hikosen × No × Kessen"
Episode 8: "Hot Ass x Big Ass?"
Episode 9: "100% Pure Land"
Episode 10: "The Hiccup and the Chance"
・Episode 11: "Gambling x De x Trouble"
・Episode 12: "The Last Day"

■ Related works

Published in Shueisha's "Weekly Shonen Jump"

HUNTER×HUNTER DVD & BD Vol. 1 to be released on January 25, 2012!

DVD￥3,990 (tax included) VPBF-13648
BD￥5,040 (tax included) VPBY-71201
Publisher: VAP Episode 1: "Traveling Friends" Episode 2: "Experimental Problems" Episode 3: "Rivals vs. Survival"
Main feature 70 minutes + bonus footage (planned)
DVD color/stereo/Dolby Digital/single layer/16:9
Blu-ray Color/Stereo/Linear PCM 2.0ch/MPEG-4 AVC/Dual layer/16:9 (1080p High-Definition) <Bonus>
-Limited edition jacket design by Madhouse!
●Megumi Han and Mariya Ise's HUNTER×HUNTER HUNTER STUDIO
(Radio Programs No. 1 & 2) (Each approx. 24 minutes)
<Two special benefits limited to the first production run>

HUNTER×HUNTER
Special promotional card "PHH-01 Gon Freecss"
For more information, check the official website!
http://www.miraclebattle.com/
Includes exam number!
Character Metal Clip "Gon"
Each volume includes one cool original metal clip of the main character!
VOL.1 is Type Gon.
More will be released in the future, so keep an eye out for the DVDs and Blu-rays!
(The pattern is the same for both DVD and BD)
Advance special DVD "Huncyclopedia" to be released on December 21st

The first limited edition includes episode 1, "Traveling Friends and Friends," as well as the bonus video "Hunter Cyclopedia," which provides a detailed explanation of keywords to help you enjoy Hunter World even more!
● Jacket design by Madhouse ＜Video Bonus＞
Includes the memorable first episode "Tabitachi x To x Nakamatachi" + "Hancyclopedia"!
Also included is the production announcement press conference, non-subtitled opening and ending credits, and more!
What is "Hancyclopedia"?
The unique group of potential hunters, including the "Nakamatachi"
A HUNTER×HUNTER encyclopedia that explains the characters through keywords!
Episode 1: Travel x Travel x Friends
Character and keyword explanation
Art setting
Program production announcement press conference
Radio "HUNTER STUDIO" recording scene Non-credit OP "departure!"
Non-credit ED "Just Awake" Price: 1,000 yen (tax included)
Publisher: VAP A "HUNTER×HUNTER" (VAP) booth will appear at "Jump Festa 2012"!

Merchandise will be on sale, including the pre-release DVD "Huncyclopedia" with a Jump Festa exclusive jacket!
There will also be a public recording of the radio show "HUNTER×HUNTER HUNTER STUDIO," hosted by Megumi Han and Mariya Ise! More details will be announced in due course.

■ Theme songs and music

・OP1
Episode 1 to Episode 26: "Departure!"
Lyrics: Hitoshi Haba Composition: Hitoshi Haba Arrangement: Toyokazu Araya Song: Masatoshi Ono OP2
Episode 27
"departure! -second version-"
Sung by Masatoshi Ono, ED1
Episode 1-26 "Just Awake"
Lyrics: Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
Composed by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
Song／Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas
・ED2
Episode 27
"HUNTING FOR YOUR DREAM"
Lyrics by Masatoshi Ono Composition by Syu
Arrangement: GALNERYUS, Yorimada Hisatake

Evaluation

Hunter x Hunter is an anime series based on the original manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, and has won many fans for its deep storyline and fascinating characters. The anime, which aired in 2011, restarted from the first volume of the original and was given new life under director Hiroshi Kamishina. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and reviews of this anime.

Story and Characters

Gon Freecss' adventure begins with a dream of becoming a hunter, just like his father, whom he lost when he was young. His journey progresses as he meets a group of unique companions, including Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. Each character's background and goals are carefully depicted, allowing viewers to empathize deeply with their growth and struggles. In particular, the friendship between Gon and Killua is a central theme of the series, and their bond strikes a strong chord with viewers.

Additionally, the enemy characters such as Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe are also fascinating, and their presence adds tension and depth to the story. Hisoka's creepiness and strength leave a strong impression on viewers, and the personalities and goals of each member of the Phantom Troupe make them portrayed as complex human beings rather than mere villains.

Animation and performance

Madhouse's animation faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original work while adding its own unique interpretation to bring out new appeal. The power and fluidity of the battle scenes in particular is stunning, and emotions are conveyed through the movements and expressions of the characters. Director Hiroshi Kamishina's direction is adept at portraying the psychology of the characters and the tactics used, drawing the viewer into the story.

In addition, the art setting and color design are also excellent, effectively creating the atmosphere of each scene. For example, in the scene where Gon first takes the Hunter Exam, the solemn atmosphere of the exam hall is expressed through the colors and background, increasing the tension in the viewer.

Music and theme song

Music is also an important element that enhances the appeal of HUNTER×HUNTER. Yoshihisa Hirano's music skillfully expresses the thrill of the adventure and the emotions of the characters. In particular, the opening theme "Departure!" and the ending theme "Just Awake" have resonated strongly with viewers and become iconic to the series. Masatoshi Ono's powerful voice and the energetic performance of Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas are perfectly suited to the unfolding of the story.

Ratings and Recommendations

HUNTER×HUNTER is a masterpiece anime that combines a deep story, attractive characters, and excellent animation and music. In particular, the story of adventure and friendship will move and excite the viewer. It is also a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but also to anime beginners. If you watch the entire series, you will definitely be drawn into the growth of the characters and the development of the story.

In addition, the DVD and Blu-ray come with a wealth of bonus features, making them a must-see for fans. The "Hancyclopedia" in particular provides detailed character explanations and behind-the-scenes stories, helping to provide a deeper understanding of the series. The company also values ​​its commitment to interacting with fans, such as through events at Jump Festa and public recordings of radio shows.

Overall, I highly recommend HUNTER×HUNTER to anyone who enjoys an epic story of adventure and friendship, is interested in deep character psychology, and appreciates quality anime. I urge you to experience this wonderful work.