Summary
Hunter x Hunteris a long-standing Mangaand Anime series that tells the story of a group of characters who seek to become hunters. This widespread group travels across the large world, defending its people and exploring whatever they see fit. Each character has a unique goal and reason for becoming a hunter, all of which are thoroughly explored down the line.
Like many Manga,HHis divided into multiple story arcs that focus on particular characters and scenarios, which vary widely in length and content. Some are more notable than others, but each has something that makes them stand out.
9Heaven’s Arena Arc
The Introduction To Nen
Heaven’s Arenaarc sees the main party of four separate, with Gon and Killua going on to perform extra training in the legendary Heaven’s Arena. In this place, fighters from all around the world can practice their skills and challenge others. However, they soon realize that to ascend to higher levels, they must have knowledge of new energy.
Much of the arc is about those two characters learning about Nen, perfecting their talents, and eventually using those skills in a battle against various enemies. It is largely a technical arc that introduces an important element of the world to be used in future arcs. However, it also provides some character development for Gon as he can finally land a punch on Hisoka.
8Greed Island Arc
In Search Of Ging
Greed Islandcan be seen as a breather ark between the drama-packed Yorknew City arc and the climactic battles ofChimera AntArc, butit has a lot of exciting action on its own. It introduces a unique concept of an RPG game located within the real world that both Gon and Killua have to partake in in their search for Ging.
While they don’t find Ging, they have more than enough adventure on this path. The boys meet a new mentor, Biscui, who makes two even more powerful new users out of them. They also encounter the Bomber, a mischievous and arrogant villain ready to kill anyone to win the game.
7Chairman Election arc
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Another breather arc, theChairman Election, takes place directly after theChimera Antarc and serves to show the consequences of the major events that occurred. After Chairman Netero’s death, the arc shows the inner politics of the Hunter Association and the choices of the new chairman, a process that gets prolonged.
The arc introduced new characters, such as Pariston Hill, and developed an old member of the main team, Leorio. Most importantly, however, this arc serves as the main culmination of Gon’s goal since the beginning, as he’s finally able to meet his father and spend time with him, learning about his adventures and exploits.
6Hunter Exam Arc
A Solid Introduction
Hunter Examarc has a simple and straightforward plot as Gon and his newfound friends seek to become hunters. The group will have to face many perils and challenges on their path, both physical and mental, during which they will grow stronger and improve their bond.
The characters are where the arc really shines. Leorio and Kurapika contrast with each other and create an amusing dynamic, while Killua provides an intriguing and mysterious character to make the readers wonder. As for Gon, the arc does a stellar job of introducing his mindset, philosophy, and rivalrywith Hisoka.
5Zoldyck Family Arc
Killua’s Dark Past
Coming after theHunter Examarc, theZoldyck familyfocuses on the character that proved to be the mostelusive and mysterious of the bunch, Killua. He failed the Hunter Exam by killing another aspiring Hunter. He got disqualified due to his brother Illumi’s manipulations, but Gon and his friends were not content either, leaving him behind.
The arc portrays the dark and disturbing atmosphere of the Zoldyck estate, a family of assassins where Killua is seen as a pariah because he does not want to be an assassin. Despite his abuse and hopelessness, he finds the strength to carry on and persist against his parents' wishes. This arc strengthens the bond between Gon and Killua.
4Dark Continent Expedition Arc
Venturing Into The Unknown
Thechairman’s re-electionarc answered many questions but put new mysteries to the forefront, specifically the dark continent, which Ging long yearned to explore. This arc presents an expedition that tries to unveil the truth about the continent, putting some new characters, such as Netero’s son, at the center stage.
It also brings Kurapika back into the fold, a character who has been on the back burner ever since theYorknew Cityark, to learn another mystery related to his clan and their eyes. Overall, the arc presents an engaging story that serves as a prologue to the next stage ofHH’sstory.
3Succession Contest Arc
Politics And Warfare
This arc picks up directly after theDark Continent expeditionarc and is the current ongoing arc ofHH. It explores the Kakin empire and further prepares for the expedition into the unknown, with the focus remaining onKurapika’s quest. The arc further explores Beyond Netero and new characters who became major players.
It also shows the return of the Phantom Troupe and the consequences of Hisoka and Chrollo’s match. It combines some old and familiar antagonists with an entirely new threat and culture to explore, making it a rather engaging arc with a lot of potential.
2Yorknew City Arc
Kurapika’s Vengeance
Yorknew Cityis the first arc that presents real antagonists, the kind that can and will hurt the heroes for their own selfish gains. Also known as thePhantom Troupe, this arc focuses on Kurapika’s vengeance against the group responsible for the death of his entire clan. He becomes a notorious rival to them, known as the Chain User.
This arc introduces some notorious characters, such as Chrollo and most other members of the phantom troupe, who will live on to become recurring antagonists in the manga. There is also a notorious battle between Kurapika and Uvogin which demonstrates the former’s determination and the latter’s apathy for the lives he took.
1Chimera Ant Arc
The Showdown Of The Strongest
Despite being arguably drawn out, theChimera Antremains one of the main highlights of the entire HH manga. It immediately presents a darker tone, forcing Gon and Killua to fight a threat unlike any they have ever witnessed before, andthat can spread like a plague, the Chimera Ants. This arc sees the ants evolve and take more lives, eventually overtaking a country.
The arc’s culmination is the battle in the palace, as the hunters desperately try to stop the new threat. One of the strongest elements of the arc is the main antagonist, the King, or Meruem, who slowly gains humanity despite being driven by nothing but his instincts at first, creating one of the most compelling character arcs inHH.
