HunterXHunter is a unique Shonen manga. At first, it seems like any other Shonen series, albeit with a peculiar mood that already feels different from anything else. However, it quickly reveals its true nature to readers. The real revelation is that HunterXHunter doesn't have a fixed form.
It's a story perpetually in metamorphosis: initially, it's purely a battle Shonen, but then it transforms into an espionage thriller, followed by an isekai story, and later a horror and love story, among many others. The focus shifts, and the protagonist might change. The moral line separating heroes from villains becomes so blurred that you're unsure if you're still rooting for the good guys.
Almost all Shonen tropes and archetypes are discarded in favor of a story that feels fresh, grounded, and real, yet still endearingly whimsical. HunterxHunter's themes and story are ever-changing, providing incredible entertainment value and narrative variety, while maintaining a strong identity throughout. It never loses its grip on the true essence of its characters, their growth, and the world they inhabit. It constantly changes and surprises, without betraying itself.
The only flaws preventing this masterpiece from achieving perfection are the violently fluctuating quality of the drawings and a few narrative contrivances that author Yoshihiro Togashi had to employ to escape some narrative dead-ends he created.
Hunter X Hunter is a manga that I both love and hate.
I loved the parts before the Chimera Ants, but I hate everything about it after the Chimera Ants.
Everything felt fresh and new, and it seems like the author lost interest in the manga after Greed Island.
This becomes apparent because the quality of his artwork declines, looking more like scribbles. The plot suddenly shifts dramatically, characters are killed off before they even get a chance to develop—it feels like a chaotic mess, as if he wanted to restart the story.
All of a sudden, even the main character undergoes a significant change. He finds what he was looking for, and then the story starts to take cues from something like Toriko, where you discover there's an entirely new world out there.
What am I reading? Did you even plan this story out? Why is there suddenly a whole new world, and why are so many characters dead, disabled, or just not mentioned anymore?
THIS IS A SPOILER-FREE REVIEW!!!!!
Hunter x Hunter is making a comeback! But before it continues, we need to analyze what it has achieved so far to decide if we want to keep reading. I'm writing this manga review because the anime's pacing is painfully slow, which led me to drop it and start reading the manga instead. I find the manga to be the superior version of HxH due to its better pacing. This review will focus solely on the manga.
Hunter x Hunter follows a typical shonen premise and structure, but it feels refreshing compared to other series like Naruto, DBZ, and similar titles. Although it shares the same structure, its execution surpasses most shonen anime—except Fullmetal Alchemist (FMA), of course.
The story of HxH is divided into eight arcs. The first arc, the Hunter Exam, serves as an introduction to the characters and setting. The strategy in this arc is great, and the main characters, except Gon, show a lot of potential. Overall, the Hunter Exam is a solid introductory arc, scoring 7/10.
Next comes the Zoldyck Family arc, where we meet Killua's family. This arc is mostly pointless due to its brevity and underwhelming resolution. While we get a glimpse of who the Zoldycks are, it remains one of the weaker parts of Hunter x Hunter, earning a 5/10.
Then comes the Heaven's Arena arc, where the Nen power system is introduced. Nen is arguably the greatest power system in shonen anime, with complex yet well-defined rules. There are no plot conveniences or invincible heroes; just battles of wits and Nen matchups. The battle between Gon and Hisoka was fantastic, making for a great conclusion to the arc, scoring 8/10.
Enter Yorknew City, arguably HxH's best arc. Here, we meet the Phantom Troupe, the villainous organization in the HxH world. What makes them stand out is that each member is given individual attention, even if they are one-dimensional. It's impossible to flesh out so many characters in one arc, so presenting them as individuals is enough to appreciate their intimidating and compelling nature. This arc scores 8/10.
Just when I thought things would get better, I was disappointed by the Greed Island arc. Gon and Killua are now in a video game meant to train them to become stronger. However, too much time is spent on their training, which isn't very plot-relevant. Sure, there are epic battles near the end, but you could remove 80% of the arc without losing anything important. Additionally, the villain Genthru is poorly written, earning this arc a 4/10.
The longest and most acclaimed arc, Chimera Ant, is another disappointment. Like Greed Island, it's too long with too much unnecessary content. People praise it for its epic, tense, and dramatic moments, but it seems overrated. Most of the arc is a snooze-fest, scoring 5/10.
The Chairman Elections arc didn't have many events but had one of the most badass Leorio moments. It's essentially the aftermath of the Chimera Ants and doesn't overstay its welcome, ending quickly, scoring 6/10.
The ongoing Dark Continent arc is the second-best story arc in HxH. If it continues to be as intriguing as it has been, it might top Yorknew City. However, it's not for the impatient, as there is a lot of text. This arc gives off Lovecraftian vibes, scoring 8/10.
The action and fight scenes in HxH are among the best, if not the best, in anime and manga. They are strategic and intelligent, with the smartest character often coming out on top, regardless of power levels. The outcome depends on quick thinking and creativity. Nen is the most complex power system used creatively, and HxH's fights tend to be tense and dramatic. My favorite fight is Chrollo vs. Hisoka from the Dark Continent arc, but there are many amazing fights like Uvogin vs. Shadow Beasts, Gon vs. Hisoka, and Gon vs. Genthru.
The characters in HxH, while disposable, serve their purpose in their respective arcs. None of their roles feel wasted or redundant. However, the characterization isn't perfect. My favorite character is Kurapika due to his compelling revenge storyline. The problem lies with the two main characters, Gon and Killua, who don't develop until very late in the story. By the time they get development, I stopped caring about them. There are better shonen protagonists like Edward, Gintoki, Tatsumi, and even Ichigo, who have more compelling personalities.
Hunter x Hunter's villains are regarded as some of the best in anime, but I disagree. None of HxH's villains are well-written due to a lack of moral characterization. Everyone is a psychopath, and even the main characters only care about themselves and their friends. Hisoka is fine killing anyone for fun, lacking any principles. More detailed reasons for my dislike include:
1. Chrollo lacks a backstory and ideology, making him a one-dimensional gang leader.
2. Genthru is just bad; everyone knows he sucks.
3. Meruem's development is a ripoff from Dragon Ball Z, with his personality, development, and design copied from Frieza, Vegeta, and Cell, respectively.
Overall, the characters in HxH are well-written, especially the minor ones, but its villains aren't as compelling as people claim.
The artwork in HxH looks good in some panels, but those are rare. Most of the artwork is too simple, with basic character designs and almost non-existent backgrounds. This is by far the weakest aspect of Hunter x Hunter.
Despite significant fluctuations in quality, HxH is better than the sum of its parts due to well-used characters, the greatest fights in animanga, and an improved version of the classic shonen structure. My conclusion: Yes, you should read the entire HxH manga if you're a shonen fan and should keep reading when new chapters arrive. Thank you for reading!
Hunter x Hunter is, without a doubt, one of the best manga I've ever read. The artwork is stunning, and the characters and storyline are incredibly captivating. I became so engrossed in the story that I spent an entire day reading it non-stop at my desk (I even forgot to have lunch that day, lol). Initially, I forgot to write a review after my first read-through, but I wanted to share my thoughts while it was still fresh in my mind, so I decided to go through it again. The characters are deeply developed, making them feel like real people rather than just figures in a manga. The world-building is meticulous, with countless small details that make the universe feel authentic and immersive.
However, as I revisited the series for the second time, I was reminded that, despite its brilliance, the manga should have ended at chapter 339, in my opinion. Without giving away any spoilers, as of this writing, the manga has been on hiatus since 2019. In my view, nothing beyond chapter 339 is worth reading. This may be because it’s an unfinished arc, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. To me, chapter 339 already provided a marvelous conclusion, and anything afterward feels unnecessary.
TL;DR: Hunter x Hunter is one of the best manga I’ve ever read, but in my opinion, there was no need for continuation beyond chapter 339. That chapter was a perfect ending for me.
This manga was the first one I ever read, created by the baka sensei Yoshihiro Togashi. You can find everything you like in this series; no one can argue otherwise unless they were paid to do so. As the manga progresses, it becomes more enjoyable with more characters appearing, and the events get darker and cooler. I finished the entire manga in just one week because I couldn't stop reading. Believe me, if it weren't for Hunter x Hunter, there would be no Naruto or Bleach, or many other mangas that borrow heavily from it. If only Togashi didn't put Hunter x Hunter on hiatus so often, this manga could have surpassed even the biggest mangas in the world, like One Piece.
The story of HxH is truly captivating, with a fascinating world and incredibly cool powers. However, the manga suffers from endless exposition, even 390 chapters in, with walls of text that make it feel like I'm reading a wiki rather than enjoying the actual story.
Despite all these issues, the brilliance of this manga keeps me engaged, even as I delve into the newest arc.
The characters are well-developed, but you can go long stretches without seeing them, leading to a sense of "out of sight, out of mind" for most of them.
To be honest, reading this manga makes me feel like the author should have written this story for a video game instead.
Very average manga. The arcs feel very loosely connected, and you feel like a pinball. The magic system is the worst—extremely soft and "whatever I need for the plot," yet extremely convoluted and scientific (a chapter full of 90% text is needed to explain it, which ultimately boils down to 'anything is possible, for some people, unless I want it for others too').
Except for Killua, none of the characters have real depth to them. Most of the characters have some development, but not as detailed as in other mangas (that said, they are still very likable!).
It starts fine and with great promise, but it turns out to be very poorly planned—things happen for story convenience, characters don't act as they reasonably would, etc.
The good: character interactions, charm, sympathetic characters, adventurous world.
The bad: magic system, plot conveniences, flow continuity.
This manga is an absolute masterpiece, and I'll never stop recommending it.
The character development is incredible, and the story is engaging. The pacing is nearly perfect. While reading the manga, it truly felt like I was on a journey with the protagonists, which I believe is a hallmark of great writing.
There are hardly any instances of plot armor or plot holes in this manga. Across all 380 chapters, there are only two events that could be considered as asspulls. The power system feels balanced and well-contained, without escalating wildly in later chapters, instead opting for more creative abilities.
Hunter x Hunter reignited my passion for reading manga as an adult. I initially fell in love with the anime, and a wave of nostalgia led me to dive into the manga. Beyond my emotional connection to the story and characters, it's time to face the truth: overall, it's just average.
The art isn't the reason people adore this manga. Togashi has the ability to draw, but he often seems unbothered about putting in the extra effort to polish his spreads. However, from a storytelling perspective, there are some beautifully crafted dramatic build-ups and climaxes that kept me up at night, reading until my eyes felt like they would fall out of their sockets. The York New Arc masterfully built tension and unfolded itself in a captivating way. The Chimera Ants Arc was grandiose, and its climax brought me to tears. But following such an ambitious arc, the manga takes a nosedive, and all I can think is, "How did you ever think that would be a good idea?!"
Attempts to steer the plot towards a political thriller are complete failures due to poor storytelling and pacing. What could have been enjoyable 'race for the prize' type plots reminiscent of the Hunter Exam and York New arcs end up being weirdly drawn-out, convoluted, and over-explained, making them painful to read.
Up until the Chimera Ant arc, you experience moments of brilliance interspersed with entertaining scenes. After that, I wouldn't bother reading unless you're committed to finishing what you start.
Togashi would have benefited greatly from a creative partnership with a strong editor who isn't afraid to say 'no' when he goes off on tangents and advises on how to redirect the plot. However, given his health issues, I suspect Togashi simply doesn't have the capacity to go through multiple rounds of story development. He's delivering what he personally enjoys, which might not always resonate with everyone. As a fan, I'll follow him through his convoluted antics, but I won't recommend you do the same.
In my heart, it's an 8/10, but realistically, it's more like a 6/10, thanks to compelling characters and those few brilliant moments that probably only represent about 40% of the manga.
One of the few manga I've reread because it was just that good. I'm willing to bet most people who read it have loved it. The hiatus is quite saddening as I still check every week to see if the next chapter is out. We were left with such a cliffhanger in the last chapter; it's a damn shame if this manga will never be finished. It has so many good aspects to it. Personally, when Gon is just waiting for Pitou to heal Komugi so he can kill her, those are some of the best chapters in any manga I've ever read.
If you enjoy action-oriented manga/anime, this is for you, but its long hiatus will make you feel frustrated. The uncertainty of whether it will ever continue is disheartening, especially given how gripping the story has been up until now.
I believe the most remarkable aspect of Hunter x Hunter (HxHunter) is its ability to dodge the typical stagnation that plagues many long-running shounen series. Most long-running shounens seem to rely heavily on a unique setting or concept to stand out and attract sales, often neglecting long-term story development.
Hunter x Hunter feels more meticulously planned. While it does feature excellent world-building, it stands out by being different. Each arc takes place in a distinct location with its own self-contained storyline that contributes to the overarching narrative of the main characters, each of whom has their own personal motivations. The arcs switch between genres and focus on different characters to keep things fresh, sometimes making Gon, the main protagonist, a minor character. The series plays with many shounen tropes but handles them much better than most other series do. The characters are well-developed, and the fights are largely tactical, avoiding many pitfalls common in long-running shounen series.
The main flaws in Hunter x Hunter include subpar art in some panels and occasional "asspull" moments. It doesn't entirely escape shounen traps; there are instances where dead characters inexplicably return to life, and a few fights are won through nakama power. However, these occurrences are infrequent. Despite these deficiencies, Hunter x Hunter remains one of the best shounen series available, offering action, drama, psychological thrills, excellent world-building, and well-rounded characters.
Greatest of all time. The pinnacle of the medium. A hallmark of media. The gold standard of storytelling. The apogee of creativity. The vertex of invention. The crest of ingenuity. The acme of imagination. The pinnacle of innovation. An epic among epics. A legend among legends. Peak fiction. One above all, peak creation, lonely at the summit, goats above goats, a grandiose masterpiece, impeccable perfection, too exquisite to exist, unbelievably marvelous creation, spectacularly bewildering and stupendous imagination, a work of god.
Groundbreaking and foundational, his sense of development deconstructs employment segregation. The powerful performances truly capture their poignant themes, while the nuanced direction complements a layered screenplay. Pure elegance, exquisite endeavor. I can't pinpoint what's wrong because there isn't anything—masterful character-making from a masterful person. Top of the decade. Top of the century. Top of my life.
Popular Reviews
HunterXHunter is a unique Shonen manga. At first, it seems like any other Shonen series, albeit with a peculiar mood that already feels different from anything else. However, it quickly reveals its true nature to readers. The real revelation is that HunterXHunter doesn't have a fixed form.
It's a story perpetually in metamorphosis: initially, it's purely a battle Shonen, but then it transforms into an espionage thriller, followed by an isekai story, and later a horror and love story, among many others. The focus shifts, and the protagonist might change. The moral line separating heroes from villains becomes so blurred that you're unsure if you're still rooting for the good guys.
Almost all Shonen tropes and archetypes are discarded in favor of a story that feels fresh, grounded, and real, yet still endearingly whimsical. HunterxHunter's themes and story are ever-changing, providing incredible entertainment value and narrative variety, while maintaining a strong identity throughout. It never loses its grip on the true essence of its characters, their growth, and the world they inhabit. It constantly changes and surprises, without betraying itself.
The only flaws preventing this masterpiece from achieving perfection are the violently fluctuating quality of the drawings and a few narrative contrivances that author Yoshihiro Togashi had to employ to escape some narrative dead-ends he created.
Hunter X Hunter is a manga that I both love and hate.
I loved the parts before the Chimera Ants, but I hate everything about it after the Chimera Ants.
Everything felt fresh and new, and it seems like the author lost interest in the manga after Greed Island.
This becomes apparent because the quality of his artwork declines, looking more like scribbles. The plot suddenly shifts dramatically, characters are killed off before they even get a chance to develop—it feels like a chaotic mess, as if he wanted to restart the story.
All of a sudden, even the main character undergoes a significant change. He finds what he was looking for, and then the story starts to take cues from something like Toriko, where you discover there's an entirely new world out there.
What am I reading? Did you even plan this story out? Why is there suddenly a whole new world, and why are so many characters dead, disabled, or just not mentioned anymore?
Hunter x Hunter is, without a doubt, one of the best manga I've ever read. The artwork is stunning, and the characters and storyline are incredibly captivating. I became so engrossed in the story that I spent an entire day reading it non-stop at my desk (I even forgot to have lunch that day, lol). Initially, I forgot to write a review after my first read-through, but I wanted to share my thoughts while it was still fresh in my mind, so I decided to go through it again. The characters are deeply developed, making them feel like real people rather than just figures in a manga. The world-building is meticulous, with countless small details that make the universe feel authentic and immersive.
However, as I revisited the series for the second time, I was reminded that, despite its brilliance, the manga should have ended at chapter 339, in my opinion. Without giving away any spoilers, as of this writing, the manga has been on hiatus since 2019. In my view, nothing beyond chapter 339 is worth reading. This may be because it’s an unfinished arc, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. To me, chapter 339 already provided a marvelous conclusion, and anything afterward feels unnecessary.
TL;DR: Hunter x Hunter is one of the best manga I’ve ever read, but in my opinion, there was no need for continuation beyond chapter 339. That chapter was a perfect ending for me.
This manga was the first one I ever read, created by the baka sensei Yoshihiro Togashi. You can find everything you like in this series; no one can argue otherwise unless they were paid to do so. As the manga progresses, it becomes more enjoyable with more characters appearing, and the events get darker and cooler. I finished the entire manga in just one week because I couldn't stop reading. Believe me, if it weren't for Hunter x Hunter, there would be no Naruto or Bleach, or many other mangas that borrow heavily from it. If only Togashi didn't put Hunter x Hunter on hiatus so often, this manga could have surpassed even the biggest mangas in the world, like One Piece.
The story of HxH is truly captivating, with a fascinating world and incredibly cool powers. However, the manga suffers from endless exposition, even 390 chapters in, with walls of text that make it feel like I'm reading a wiki rather than enjoying the actual story.
Despite all these issues, the brilliance of this manga keeps me engaged, even as I delve into the newest arc.
The characters are well-developed, but you can go long stretches without seeing them, leading to a sense of "out of sight, out of mind" for most of them.
To be honest, reading this manga makes me feel like the author should have written this story for a video game instead.
This manga is an absolute masterpiece, and I'll never stop recommending it.
The character development is incredible, and the story is engaging. The pacing is nearly perfect. While reading the manga, it truly felt like I was on a journey with the protagonists, which I believe is a hallmark of great writing.
There are hardly any instances of plot armor or plot holes in this manga. Across all 380 chapters, there are only two events that could be considered as asspulls. The power system feels balanced and well-contained, without escalating wildly in later chapters, instead opting for more creative abilities.
Hunter x Hunter reignited my passion for reading manga as an adult. I initially fell in love with the anime, and a wave of nostalgia led me to dive into the manga. Beyond my emotional connection to the story and characters, it's time to face the truth: overall, it's just average.
The art isn't the reason people adore this manga. Togashi has the ability to draw, but he often seems unbothered about putting in the extra effort to polish his spreads. However, from a storytelling perspective, there are some beautifully crafted dramatic build-ups and climaxes that kept me up at night, reading until my eyes felt like they would fall out of their sockets. The York New Arc masterfully built tension and unfolded itself in a captivating way. The Chimera Ants Arc was grandiose, and its climax brought me to tears. But following such an ambitious arc, the manga takes a nosedive, and all I can think is, "How did you ever think that would be a good idea?!"
Attempts to steer the plot towards a political thriller are complete failures due to poor storytelling and pacing. What could have been enjoyable 'race for the prize' type plots reminiscent of the Hunter Exam and York New arcs end up being weirdly drawn-out, convoluted, and over-explained, making them painful to read.
Up until the Chimera Ant arc, you experience moments of brilliance interspersed with entertaining scenes. After that, I wouldn't bother reading unless you're committed to finishing what you start.
Togashi would have benefited greatly from a creative partnership with a strong editor who isn't afraid to say 'no' when he goes off on tangents and advises on how to redirect the plot. However, given his health issues, I suspect Togashi simply doesn't have the capacity to go through multiple rounds of story development. He's delivering what he personally enjoys, which might not always resonate with everyone. As a fan, I'll follow him through his convoluted antics, but I won't recommend you do the same.
In my heart, it's an 8/10, but realistically, it's more like a 6/10, thanks to compelling characters and those few brilliant moments that probably only represent about 40% of the manga.
One of the few manga I've reread because it was just that good. I'm willing to bet most people who read it have loved it. The hiatus is quite saddening as I still check every week to see if the next chapter is out. We were left with such a cliffhanger in the last chapter; it's a damn shame if this manga will never be finished. It has so many good aspects to it. Personally, when Gon is just waiting for Pitou to heal Komugi so he can kill her, those are some of the best chapters in any manga I've ever read.
If you enjoy action-oriented manga/anime, this is for you, but its long hiatus will make you feel frustrated. The uncertainty of whether it will ever continue is disheartening, especially given how gripping the story has been up until now.
I believe the most remarkable aspect of Hunter x Hunter (HxHunter) is its ability to dodge the typical stagnation that plagues many long-running shounen series. Most long-running shounens seem to rely heavily on a unique setting or concept to stand out and attract sales, often neglecting long-term story development.
Hunter x Hunter feels more meticulously planned. While it does feature excellent world-building, it stands out by being different. Each arc takes place in a distinct location with its own self-contained storyline that contributes to the overarching narrative of the main characters, each of whom has their own personal motivations. The arcs switch between genres and focus on different characters to keep things fresh, sometimes making Gon, the main protagonist, a minor character. The series plays with many shounen tropes but handles them much better than most other series do. The characters are well-developed, and the fights are largely tactical, avoiding many pitfalls common in long-running shounen series.
The main flaws in Hunter x Hunter include subpar art in some panels and occasional "asspull" moments. It doesn't entirely escape shounen traps; there are instances where dead characters inexplicably return to life, and a few fights are won through nakama power. However, these occurrences are infrequent. Despite these deficiencies, Hunter x Hunter remains one of the best shounen series available, offering action, drama, psychological thrills, excellent world-building, and well-rounded characters.
Greatest of all time. The pinnacle of the medium. A hallmark of media. The gold standard of storytelling. The apogee of creativity. The vertex of invention. The crest of ingenuity. The acme of imagination. The pinnacle of innovation. An epic among epics. A legend among legends. Peak fiction. One above all, peak creation, lonely at the summit, goats above goats, a grandiose masterpiece, impeccable perfection, too exquisite to exist, unbelievably marvelous creation, spectacularly bewildering and stupendous imagination, a work of god.
Groundbreaking and foundational, his sense of development deconstructs employment segregation. The powerful performances truly capture their poignant themes, while the nuanced direction complements a layered screenplay. Pure elegance, exquisite endeavor. I can't pinpoint what's wrong because there isn't anything—masterful character-making from a masterful person. Top of the decade. Top of the century. Top of my life.
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