I mentioned in my first post that I may do an occasional TV show or anime review, so that’s what this is! So if you aren’t interested in this post because it’s not about books feel free to ignore it.
ANYWAY.
This is a review on the first 21 episodes of Hunter x Hunter. Instead of seasons it seems to go by arcs, so in other words this review focuses on the Hunter Exam arc.
A summary of the show:
The story begins with a young boy named Gon Freecss, who one day discovers that his father, whom he thought was dead, is in fact alive and well. He learns that his father, Ging, is a legendary “Hunter”, an individual who has proven themselves an elite member of humanity. Despite the fact that Ging left his son with his relatives in order to pursue his own dreams, Gon becomes determined to follow in his father’s footsteps, pass the rigorous “Hunter Examination”, and eventually find his father to become a Hunter in his own right. (wikipedia)
I’ve been meaning to watch this anime for awhile now but just never got around to it. I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN AROUND TO IT. I know I’m only twenty-one episodes in, but I really enjoyed those first twenty-one episodes. I’m crossing my fingers that it will only get better from here.
So this arc focuses on Gon taking the Hunter Exam. The exam contains multiple phases and each year they are completely different, giving no advantage to those who have taken it many times. I won’t go into detail about the phases, don’t want to spoil anything, but I would definitely not be able to pass the exam (though I suppose that’s not saying much…*lazy*).
This anime is full of action, humor, and fantasy. So far I love the story and all the different characters. It can be a bit cheesy at times, but what anime isn’t?
Make sure if you decide to watch it, watch the one with 148 episodes that began in 2011. There is an older version with 62 episodes, but it doesn’t stay faithful to the manga. This one does. The first 100 episodes can be found on Netflix, otherwise all 148 can be found on Crunchyroll.
I’ll write a little about the main characters. They include Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua.
Gon is a cheerful, energetic, and friendly kid. He’s a bit simple-minded but is determined to pass the exam so that he can become a Hunter like his father, who he knows pretty much nothing about. He’s extremely loyal to his friends, rather impulsive, and doesn’t always think things through.
While on his way to take the exam, Gon comes across Kurapika and Leorio.
Kurapika is a slightly more serious character. He’s intelligent and level-headed, not being one to rush into things without thinking it through first, unlike Gon. Due to his tragic past, however, he has a tendency to lose control of himself in emotional situations.
Leorio comes off as a narcissistic young man who appears to value money over everything else. He’s stubborn and easily riled up. He butts heads with Kurapika at first, but once he gets to know the others he is nothing but loyal. He is also the comic relief in most situations.
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio meet Killua during the first phase.
Killua is a bit of a mystery in the beginning. He appears to be similar to Gon – cheerful, energetic, and mischievous. Later on it is revealed that he has a more sinister side. He takes an immediate interest in Gon due to the fact that they are the same age.
So far Gon and Killua are my favorite characters, along with the main antagonist thus far, Hisoka.
And that about wraps it up. If you’re in to anime and are looking for something to watch, check Hunter x Hunter out. I may write another review when I finish watching all 148 episodes, but then again I may not. Just depends on how lazy I’m feeling by then. Thanks for reading!
All 'Bout Them Books and Stuff 