#and kurapikas character development as the arc goes on

[cotton-could]

The importance of Leorio

Leorio has been a character who was often dismissed, mocked and minimized for not having flashy abilities like everybody else, which is why he was often seen as not important but this is far from the truth. Leorio does bring something very crucial to the table and those are his kindness and honesty. Let me break it down:

1) He's the heart of the time and the main reason why it hasn't fallen apart

⭐️; Almost everybody says Gon is the one that brings everybody together and while there's some truth in it, it's actually Leorio who does it. Notice how the moment they part ways, Kurapika slowly falls into darkness and acts way more aloof than before. He doesn't crack jokes as often as before, doesn't trust anybody and is always serious. Hence, he spent the whole Chairman arc ignoring everybody until Leorio asked help to bring his ass outside and surprisingly, Kurapika is thankful of it.

He knows Leorio is an important source to him and to many people, and it can be seen with Gon and Killua. Overtime, Gon is more likely to act selfish and distant to everybody, not caring if his actions would have terrible consequences while Killua has to fulfill the role of the responsable one, he doesn't get to be a kid and it's taking a toll on both of them (which almost ruined their friendship) but the moment they're around Leorio, they're more relaxed and get to act like kids without worrying about fights. And he's also the main reason why Gon and Killua became friends, and Kurapika joined the group, all because of a dumb argument they had lol.

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2) He brings the best in his friends

⭐️; Something I've noticed is that Gon and Kurapika's moods and morals were at their best in the Hunter Exam, where they've been teaming up with Leorio. See, neither Gon and Kurapika have a reason to keep helping him, in fact, at worst he slow them down as he almost cost them a challenge but they still stick by his side even when they have the option to abandon him.

The fact they're willing to put themselves in danger for him really shows that Leorio did manage to bring their more selfless side by just being his over-the-top self and being unintentionally funny to which I'm sure they find it very endearing and make them want to help him, especially after hearing his real reason to be a hunter. Another important point is Gon waiting for him to catch his breath instead of running like Killua suggested, the normally selfish Gon would listen to Killua as Leorio didn't offered him much but once again, it made Gon's kinder side come to shine.

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3) He's the wake up call Killua needed

⭐️; An important aspect of his character that many people overlook is that he was the key for Killua's development, just as Illumi was manipulating Killua, he stepped in and said the wake up call Killua needed: "You're Gon's friend", it briefly snapped him out of it and made Killugon's bond even stronger.

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4) His kindness, honesty and bravery are his greatest weapons

⭐️; Leorio isn't the strongest member of his team nor has impressive nen abilities but one thing we can't deny is how his qualities (indirectly and unintentionally) earned him the love of his (powerful) friends and allies, the respect of veteran and legendaries hunters and the attention of Hisoka. You see, at first I found it odd how many characters started to like/respect Leorio even when they mostly saw his abrasive side but now after re-reading it, it all make sense; he shows the values a hunter must have and the values people needed to see. How so? Well, Gon and Kurapika are people who value honesty and loath people who goes against what's right for them; shallowness and dishonesty. And both of them sensed good vibes in Leorio and saw his kindness in action when he didn't realized it. Leorio used a jerkass façade in his introduction but it was quickly broken when he tried to save a guy who was about to fall in the water and quickly grabbed Gon's leg. This moment was what made Gon and Kurapika realize he's actually a selfless young man and it won't be the last time they'll see his kind actions. When he took care of the examiner, the guy said he was treated with great compassion by Leorio (who was embarrassed by the reveal) and was the reason why he passed the exam, of course neither Gon nor Kurapika are impressed by the reveal because they already know he's a softie. Kindness is an important key to be a great and respected hunter, because kindness is what keeps the world spinning.

Later in the Hunter Exam, Kurapika confronts Leorio about his jerkass façade and why he really wants to be a hunter. Even when Leorio acts like a shallow man, Kurapika no longer buys it because he knows he's actually a humble man with good intentions so when Leorio tells him the truth, he's satisfied with it and grows closer to him because Leorio is what Kurapika really admires in someone (but that doesn't stop him to sass him).

Killua also took note of Leorio's character. After he saw Killua kill a man, he was understandably scared of him but he doesn't treat him like a monster. He continues to treat him like a kid and still act abrasive to him, just like to everybody else. This continues to be like this for the rest of the serie, he acts like the adult Killua needed and he defended him from Illumi, without caring he might get killed by him. This genuinely touches Killua a lot, to the point he considers him his friend and threatened Milluki to not hurt Gon, Leorio and Kurapika. What Killua valued the most about Leorio were his kindness, bravery and honesty. Even when he knew Killua is an assassin, he doesn't act like a doormat to stay on his good side nor act two-faced around him, he's still his loud but tender self around him too which (secretly) earn Killua's genuine respect and care.

About the hunters, this one is actually the funniest yet the most impressive one because all Leorio did was punching Ging and awkwardly admit what he has been doing but still tell them he wants to see Gon healthy again and this hilariously earned the respect of legendaries and famous hunters, beating veterans like Bisky, Linne, Ging, and so on. Leorio doesn't realize they respect him for being shamelessly honest and not caring about getting in trouble if it meant his friends are alright. He got all the qualities Ging doen't have and it's his tenderness towards Gon, his dedication to his loved ones and goals, his kindness, his care for other people, etc...

Now Hisoka... We all know he's interested in power but Leorio doesn't even have a strong power and he isn't interested in getting stronger because he wants to be a doctor. So why would a guy like Hisoka be interested in a normal dude like Leorio? Well, when Hisoka was testing the characters, Leorio passed but why? He passed because of his bravery, he and Leorio knew he had 0 chances in beating the clown but he put his own life at risk to bring some justice and this trait was what Hisoka admired in him and decided to spare him when it would make more sense to kill him. Leorio, unknowingly shows a trait Hisoka respects the most and this was best seen when Hisoka killed some of the spider members to spite Chrollo as a punishment to be a "coward" (using the crowd to fight him instead of fighting himself). Leorio has never used someone else to fight for him or to hide behind them as a shield and it's very remarkable for a guy like him. And it's not the first time he caught a villain's attention, Illumi took note of him aswell and it was once again for his bravery. It surprised him how Leorio wasn't scared of him at all.

In the end, his friends ended up paying Leorio's kindness back to him. Gon with continuing to help him in the Hunter Exam, saving his life and caring for him. Kurapika with helping him in the badge challenge (when he had nothing to gain in exchange), looking after him and being more open to him (allowing himself to let his guard down and be his sassy but kind and playful self around Leorio and the kids). Killua with killing Leorio's opponent (Killua could've killed anybody else but HE choose Leorio's opponent of all people wich I firmly believe he wanted to help Leorio back), being a trusted ally to him and caring for him.

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5) He's the greatest ally you could ask for

⭐️; Leorio compensate his lack of combat skill by being a trustworthy ally who will always be there for his friends, he lend an ear to listen and give advices, put his life on the line to give them time and/or to fool his enemies, look after them, reach out to them, and so on. His presence is enough to make Gon, Killua and Kurapika safe and more relaxed. When he pretends to be an angry boss, you can tell Killua and Gon were very happy to see him and know they can always count on him when they need it. This gets better when Killua calls Leorio in the Election Arc, because he knows Leorio will always have his back in case Gon isn't available.

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6) He's a great friend

⭐️; He's the friend Gon, Killua and Kurapika needed. He manages to be a good balance for everybody.

🎣; With Gon, he's the (older) male figure Gon needed in his life, he cares for him and is very protective of him, he guides him in areas Gon can't handle it (such as making money or having businessman skills) but still act like a fun brotherly figure who gets into silly arguments with him in the Hunter Exam but when things get serious, he drops everything and makes sure Gon will be safe or get what Gon needs (seeing his father). He's a reliable resource Gon can be safe with because he's the only man who he got to see more often while he rarely saw Kite and Ging was barely around his life.

🛹; With Killua, well, he's everything Illumi failed to be; caring, understanding, protective (in a genuine and healthy way), honest, selfless and so on. Despite not interacting much, Leorio and Killua has a lot in common (I'll talk about it in another blog) and Leorio is the second person who Killua clicked with the most and after getting to know Leorio more, Killua finally gets to act like a kid without being punished but also asks Leorio for help/advices when he sees he can't do it alone and knows Leorio is a softie who will always be there for him when he'll need it. It speaks volume how much Killua trusts in him when Killua always come for him when he's in a problem he can't do it by himself. (Their friendship are so underrated 😔)

⛓️; With Kurapika they both get to open up with each other and reveal private parts of their backstory. After confirming Leorio is a good guy, Kurapika started to joke around more often and appreciates his precense even more, in YorkNew, Kurapika slowly became more aloof until he saw his friends again and opened up to them again. Leopika still look after each other in spite of Kurapika's change with Leorio's moments of maturity and his compassion are what keeps Kurapika on line. Even after Kurapika has been ignoring Leorio's calls, he still deeply cares for him and will forever be thankful of his kindness.

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TLTR: Leorio is epic whether you like it or not.

[i-heart-hxh]

I think a dynamic needs to develop between Killua and Leorio or Kurapika, same goes for Gon. They have a lot to talk about, especially Kurapika and Gon

Yeah, I would love to see more interactions between the main four in general! In any combination really, but particularly the character sets we've only gotten to see together a little like the ones you brought up. I appreciate that they're all on their separate paths, as I think that's part of what makes HxH unique, but the scarcity of getting to see them together makes me crave more at the same time.

Gon and Kurapika have a lot of parallels and similarities, particularly with how Kurapika was when he was younger and his bond with Pairo, as well as his revenge quest. I think Kurapika would be saddened and even feel somewhat guilty upon hearing what Gon went through in Chimera Ant Arc. It would be nice if we get to see them talk it out one day, maybe sort of a follow up to that great conversation they had on the airship in the Hunter Exam.

Killua was somewhat standoffish with Kurapika and Leorio early in the series but he's gradually come around in accepting them as his friends, so I look forward to hopefully getting to see him interacting with them more at some point. Kurapika recalling talking to Killua on the phone about Bisky in the current arc always makes me smile, I love that we have confirmation that they've reached out to each other. It's funny that Killua is a bit of a punk towards both of them, but that's part of what makes his interactions with them fun to watch.

I really hope we'll get to see more someday, but in the meantime it's fun to see fan interpretations!

[tokiro07]

Toki Reads Shonen Jump 2024, Issue #48

HxH: Kurapika conjectures on the economics of Zhang-Lei's Nen; Halkenburg's body dies, but his mind persists in Balsamilco to assassinate Benjamin. Halkenburg believes only his mind is necessary to win the Succession Battle, but I have no idea how he intends to prove his identity later

Yozakura: Alpha sees another vision of Taiyo's death, so Hifumi helps him enact a plan to save the day. This is the first step in the Bad News phase, as we now have a clearer picture of the fail state

Undead Unluck: UMA Time de-ages into Testament from Guilty Gear and threatens to age out Shen and Mui until Feng shows up and transfers Unfade to Mui. Feng finally embraces the recurring theme of Age as Proof of Life

Roboco: Bondo and friends accidentally wear the same Dabura cosplay to Halloween and stumble into a real haunted house. This may be the first time that Bondo specifically has encountered the supernatural, but I can't recall

Sakamoto: Shin learns that Tenkyu is a member of Slur, but takes advantage of his idiocy and claims to be the fortune-teller in order to control Tenkyu for the foreseeable future. This will help Shin reach Atari, but will absolutely turn Tenkyu into the antagonist of the arc when he learns the truth

Elusive Samurai: Tokiyuki returns to Shinano and is reunited with Yorishige's grandson, Yoritsugu; Yoritsugu reveals that he survived thanks to recurring enemy Sadamune. This will either lead into the final confrontation between Tokiyuki and Sadamune OR a surprise ahistorical explicit betrayal of the Ashikaga by Sadamune

Witch Watch: Ban gains an X-ray vision spell that her echolocation gives her a natural talent for, and uses it to make money on MTG pulls; the conditions of the spell backfire on her and she pays for her hubris. I think Ban might be my favorite character

Blue Box: Taiki and Chinatsu finally get to go on their date, while Kyo pushes himself to admit that his heart is broken over Moriya. The date uses boxes as a symbol for memories, finally establishing the "Box" half of the title, though I still have no idea where "Blue" is going to come in

Akane-Banashi: Urara reminisces about how she met Shiguma and Issho. Seeing the two of them in their youth provides a lot of depth to Issho's character already, so I'm excited to see how he develops from here

Kill Blue: The Home-Ec Club helps prepare a street of restaurants for an event, and Noren tries desperately to hide that she works at one of the restaurants; her uncle uses this as an excuse to give her a compliment he never could muster to say to her face. A really sweet breather chapter before the next challenge; Juzo's concern for how to take initiative in the challenges will likely be the impetus for the climax of the story

Nue's Exorcist: Shiroha resigns herself to being taken back to her family, but Gakuro arrives just in time to intervene. Definitely puts Shiroha ahead of Tsujita in the rankings, but again, if it's not poly, then that means Shiroha's being brushed aside for either Kazusa or Nue

Kagurabachi: The Hishaku try to interfere with Samura's echolocation, but his team of ninjas help level the playing field; when Uruha joins in at great personal risk, Hikari is inspired to use his sorcery despite not having recovered. This is a Good News turn, since Hikari should theoretically be able to summon Samura and Uruha's Enchanted Blades, but it will certainly take him out of commission and prompt the next Bad News phase

Chojo: Inukai is sent on an away mission and goes through Chojo-withdrawals; when he is told that the mission will be extended and take him overseas, he becomes some kind of Tokusatsu-style monster. It is heavily speculated in the comments that this is the beginning of the final arc, but gag manga always make it hard to tell

Astro Royale: One of the cops, Harumi, turns out to be a former pro-wrestler and Kuran's idol; using his shapeshifting, Kuran overcomes Harumi's water and manages to defeat him. Kuran illustrates the theme of "wishes" by admonishing Harumi for fighting with an Astro that was given to him rather than one he wished for, representing feelings and motivations that aren't his own

Murakami: The exorcists and yokai team up to prevent a powerful yokai from resurrecting, but due to a clerical error end up desecrating the grave of a random citizen, allowing the yokai to resurrect after all. This sudden turn and raise in stakes, along with the unceremonious team-up of both factions increases my suspicions that the series is approaching its end, but again, it's a gag manga, so it's hard to say

Kiyoshi: As Kiyoshi has become a Grand Cross, Sakaki can finally take a vacation; at school, Kiyoshi is approached by a chuunibyou who unknowingly set up a real summoning circle; Sakaki, clearly not on vacation, confronts Yuda, the exorcist that posted a real-ass summoning circle on TWITTER. Given the timing, this sudden new antagonist with ties to the mentor could either signal the end of the prologue OR a sign of cancelation, depending on how big of a threat he's revealed to be in the coming chapters; obviously, I'm hoping it's the former

Hima-Ten: Kanna enlists Tenichi to teach her how to do housework so she can take care of herself. Unlike with Nue, this is much too early of a development to be eliminating one of the heroines from the running, but if it's not poly, her aggressive approach is very bad for her chances

Ichi: Ichi takes the straightforward approach in dealing with the Hisame Magik, only to learn that that only works if it's in line with the Magik's trial; Hisame challenges Ichi to help make her FABULOUS! In addition to establishing the importance of the trials, this also illustrates how varied they can be and how Ichi himself will not necessarily be the most suited to all of them; most likely, Kumugi will be the star of this particular arc, and will shockingly be the one to acquire Hisame, a battle-oriented spell that she never thought she'd be suited to wield

Shinobi Undercover: Yodaka tries to fend off Miyake while protecting the school from damage, putting him on the back foot until the operator tells him not to worry about it; once he knows he can go all out, he wrecks Miyake instantly, though he does let him get away. Miyake and the operator both highlight the skill it takes to be able to survive as a fugitive ninja, but Yodaka notes that this just means he sucks at actually doing his job; that sort of exchange is the kind of thing I loved about Candy Flurry, so I'm glad to see it coming back

Hakutaku: Hikuma's team beats Kitamiya (it was definitely Kitahara at one point in the translation...) by making a game that's, -gasp!- fuuun??? Kitamiya admits defeat with shocking grace and humility, and Seo is recruited. The idea of following the Deception theme by making a game where it's equally fun to deceive and be deceived is clever, but like a lot of this series so far, I don't feel like the ideas are being conveyed as well as the author wants them to be; I'm invested in this premise, so I hope they get the chance to refine their storytelling style a bit more

Three manga made me question if they're getting canceled this week...if any of them are, they should have at least six chapters left since that would get them to mid-December, close enough to the next round of new series in January that there isn't an obvious void in the roster

I'm not going to speculate on which of them would be the most likely to go, as I don't want to be that negative or rub salt in the wounds of anyone who would be troubled by that news. While I may use this segment to note when I think the signs are there, I will never express a preference or desire for anything in particular to be axed

That said, there is a possibility that Yozakura and/or Undead Unluck will end in the December-February range, so if either of them do, that would give one or two of the three stragglers here a chance to redeem themselves depending on the editorial department decides to have things play out

Whichever series you're reading and enjoying, keep your chin up, and remember that, if you can afford to, the best way to show your support is to import the Japanese volumes. It worked for UU, it might work for your underrated fave too!

[aspoonofsugar]

Recent hxh batch ask: Do you think there's a purpose behind Nobunaga's lack of focus in the PT flashback, despite getting a lot of screentime throughout this batch/Mafia War plot? He is the one who starts the flashback but doesn't appear until the second chapter.

Hi!

Mmmm, to be honest, I don't really think there is any hidden meaning. The flashback in general focuses on Chrollo more than the others simply because he is the most important Spider. If you take notice, it is really an origin story of Chrollo himself as much as it is of the Spider as a group. None of the others' origin is so well defined.

I would say the 3 other spiders the get the most focus in the flashback are Machi, Paku and Uvo.

Machi is the only one still alive and whose focus serves her character, rather than the group's origin story. It is revealed the origin of her nen, but whatever this means for her character is still to be seen. I would also highlight I think Machi has a good shot at surviving. In general, she is also the first Spider we are introduced to, so it fits she is gonna have an arc of her own.

Uvo and Paku are already dead, but their focus really serves the group dynamic. Specifically, it gives even more meaning to their respective deaths because it shows just how key they were to the whole group. I would actually say they embody the 2 different sides of the organization and of Chrollo himself.

Paku is the Troupe, while Uvo is the Spider. By this, I mean Chrollo makes the Theatrical Troupe with Paku, while he creates the Spider with Uvo. As a result, Paku embodies empathy and is Chrollo and the Spiders' connection to their past selves. Uvo instead represents the violence and the strength they developed to survive. This is shown well even when it comes to their respective powers.

Paku can steal memories and connect with others, after all. Even as a child, she is said to be good at reading people's feelings. Uvo is instead the strongest physically and is said to be a self-sacrificial fighter, who grows in power when he has someone else to protect.

This dychotomy is found even in their deaths and how they affect the whole group. Uvo's death sends the Spiders on a rampage. Paku's sacrifice steals the thunder from the Troupe's quest of revenge against Kurapika.

Uvo goes missing, while pursuing a fight with Kurapika out of anger and stays loyal to the Spider until the end. Paku empathizes with Kurapika, grows to like Gon and Killua and betrays the Spider for its members' sake. Uvo appears to be all Kurapika thinks the Spiders are, while Pakunoda confuses Kurapika because she is so different from the stereotype he has in his head.

That is because Uvo is the Spider aka the mask the Troupe is wearing. Pakunoda instead reveals who the Spiders really are behind that mask and brings back the Troup, even if just for a moment.

All of this to say, I don't really think there is anythin suspicious in Nobunaga not getting that much focus in the flashback. Phynks, Feitan and Frankling did not get focus either, after all. If anything, I think Nobu starting the flashback plus his recent focus might be a death flag for him. However, it is too soon to say for sure.

Thank you for the ask!

[theclearblue]

This seems like a fun ask game... https://www.tumblr.com/theclearblue/745775598702592000/hello-can-i-ask-from-this-ask-game?source=share

Can I ask about Yona of the Dawn, Hunter x Hunter and Mob Psycho 100?

HxH

Favorite character: Hisoka Did y'all hear something? Sounded like someone said Hisoka but not me ahaha. Uhhhh Killua and Komugi are my answers, honorable mention to Kite as well (guess I just like the white haired characters lol. Oh and really all of the Phantom Troupe but especially Chrollo is so much fun.

Favorite arc/episode/scene: Favorite overall arc probably is York New but a lot of my favorite moments come from the Chimera ant arc, so I would tie them. Fave episode/scene I think is Meruem and Komugi dying together, I cry every singe time lmao

Character I think is underrated: Ikalgo is the guy of all time, I love that stupid ass octopus so much lmao. I don't know why but I find him so heartwarming and I want to cheer him on in every scene

Character I think is overrated: Hmm I'm really struggling to answer this actually. I feel like I'm on the same wavelength with the general consensus of the characters. Maaaaybe Kurapika just a teeny tiny bit? I'm doing a slow rewatch with a friend though and she is a fierce Kurapika hater lmao so I feel like I'm being influenced.

Fave ship/pairing: Going to be basic but Killugon, honorable mention to Hisoka/Illumi

Something I love about the series: I think the character journeys and parallels are so so so cool, and it's a great example of character development where it's more of a regression (with Gon, specifically). The parallels between Meruem and Gon where they start on opposite ends, and by the end Meruem has gained humanity and Gon has lost it? Gets me every time. Also just such a great cast of characters, picking a favorite is kind of hard when I think almost every character, even the hateable ones, are just so solidly written.

Yona of the Dawn

Favorite Character: Hmm three way tie I think between Yona, Soo Won, and Jae-Ha (wow now thinking of it, he's kinda like Sanji huh....I was set up lmao)

Favorite arc/episode/scene: Gosh I need to reread because my memory is god awful but off the top of my head, Zeno's backstory is obviously the best in the series, and I think was animated in an OVA so that's my fave episode lol. Also love when Hak and Yona FINALLY get together, and Soo Won reuniting with Hak as well.

Character I think is underrated: You know what, I'm saying Jae-Ha!! Everyone's fave dragon is either blue or yellow (which, like, I GET it) but nobody gives enough love to green dragon :( People hate him for flirting with Yona but it's so obvious to me that he's just doing that to tease Hak lmao. But he has SUCH a big heart and loves and wants to protect all of them, again I need to reread to really elaborate properly but!! He needs more love!!!

Character I think is overrated: Hmm. I don't think I have an answer for this one actually.

Favorite ship/pairing: Yona/Hak....are we surprised...I'm not....

Favorite thing about the series: I feel like I give the same answer for all of these lmao because I'm such a big character reader, but yeah the characters absolutely. They are (well, most of the time) the ones pushing the plot, not the other way around. Everyone says it but Yona's arc as a character is just so so so good, especially for a female character. I would also say I really love how the worldbuilding goes so hand in hand with the characters developing and also understanding where they come from in decisions. It's a pretty simple fantasy world but it just does everything right.

(I'm a fake fan and haven't finished MP100 Season 3 :( And my memory is the worst on this series but do know that my fave character is both Mob and Reigen)

[daisyachain]

Ikalgo is a loadbearing character in HxH. He does not get enough credit. The single bridging factor between Killua’s existence as a little wooden boy learning to be human and Killua’s existence as a real boy. He’s the only relationship that Killua takes into his own hands.

With Gon, Killua goes with the flow. With everyone else, Killua’s links to Leorio, Kurapika, Zushi, Bisky are all via Gon. His scenes with Melody do show a glimmering of the person he’ll come to be. However, it’s for too brief of a time for him to have any major development come from it. Throughout the series Killua’s love for Alluka is hampered by his feelings of helplessness when it comes to his family. He’s unable to take any initiative with that relationship or make any progress on his own will and wishes until after the Chimera Ant arc. That leaves Ikalgo. The talking octopus. As the person who forces Killua to exercise agency for himself and realize that he’s able to make his own decisions, he’s obligated to make his own decisions, and he’s obligated to make his decisions good for other people.

[byah-freecs]

Many people think that eventually Leorio will have an arc to develop as he did with Gon, Killua, and Kurapika, but to me that's not going to happen. In my view Leorio has always been the one who supported the other characters, directly and indirectly, as well as bringing a lull to the story when needed. His goal, although he is on a dangerous journey, is to become a doctor. He has always been an example of kindness and companionship in the work, there doesn't seem to be a B-side to the character.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that Leorio is useless, I just think that his role involves "the background", not the "front line". He is useful and can be even more useful to the story in the position he is in.

I say this because being a protagonist (I know Leorio is already a protagonist, I mean being the protagonist of an arc, as with the other 3) involves a lot of things that don't befit him. For example, a protagonist always goes through a climax, has moments of mental breakdown, and drives a story part, but Leorio's goal and his role can be exercised in an interesting and efficient way without him needing to star in an arc. The "mental break" part is the most important. Sure, it doesn't have to be an extreme breakdown like it was with Gon, but every protagonist goes through this part of the story to grow mentally, yet Leorio has no reason to go through this. I mean, Gon needed to mature, Killua needed to mature, Kurapika's goal is directly linked to this breakdown, but why does Leorio need this? He doesn't need to mature anymore, he had his personal maturation after Pietro's death, which even resulted in the origin of his purpose: medicine. He can (and probably will) go through difficult situations throughout the story and this can affect him, but nothing too big, nothing that requires the origin of an arc of his own.

This is just my opinion, if anyone wants to give an opinion here feel free, I'd love to hear what you think about it! <3

[hxhhasmysoul]

Thoughts on the current arc in the HxH manga?

I don't want to say too much because I don't like talking about unfinished arcs. Like it can go in so many directions, Togashi barely finished putting all the pieces on the board.

I'm not so fond of it being a Kurapika arc because I'm not a Kurapika fan, same goes for the Troupe, I'm looking forward for them being written out of the story, they aren't really interesting to me.

But thankfully it doesn't focus on them all that much, there's so much more going on. I'm super excited for Melody's development, she's in quite a predicament. I'm super curious where Togashi will go with Theta, or Morena. And generally with the whole succession, will it happen as designed, will the other parties disrupt it? I'm curious why Illumi is there, really. I want to see how Hisoka will manage with his fraudulent body... or maybe he had his body remade?

That being said Togashi could've limited the amount of pieces on the board, some of it feels rushed.

Which leads to my biggest disappointment which is the lack of Leorio! Like it's jarring at this point. Especially that class issues and social issues that are brought up in this arc are so tied to Leorio's backstory and goals... Ugh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Like Togashi could've either involved him or foregone some of the new characters to focus on Leorio.

[crowsent]

on my hands and knees beggin modern hxh fans to watch the 90s version

you like kurapika theres a whole new scene in his trainin arc. he gets more development. we learn more about his clan

you like killua my boy got wholeass new filler episodes. you got him actually addressin his trauma as an assassin. more scenes of him bein the kid he was never allowed to be

you like gon he gets a new scene w kite at the very beginnin. he gets his motivations explored. we see his glaring inferiority complex and abandonment issues. we see him with a cute foxbear cub

you like aunt mito she shows up more here and has plot relevance

you like the phantom troupe they get more development. their designs are hotter. pakunoda gets an entirely new scene that further explores her and the troupe as a character

you like leorio you actually get to see bits of his backstory. you see more past his money lovin facade.

you like the zoldycks they are way creepier and more fucked up. illumi is hands down the most unsettling design in the whole show

literally beggin yall to watch the 90s version please on god. the op is different each season and they all slap. the music goes in several different genres. the art style has that retro feel. its a lot grittier than the remake. please i am beggin

90s anime

[kittytual]

okay i just finished reading the new hxh chapters and not us getting One morena panel only for her to fuck off for the rest of the chapter 😭

[chilled-ice-cubes]

Do you mind if I ask your top 10 favorite characters (can be male or female) from all of the media that you loved (can be anime, books, movies or tv series)? And why do you love them? Thanks....

ooh this is a tough one! this list is not an objective ranking, my fave characters shuffle up and down depending on what sort of media i’m into at the moment^^

elliot alderson (mr robot): he’s so driven and determined but makes so many mistakes. he goes through wonderful character development and i love his process of working through his trauma.

lelouch (code geass): the original magnificent bastard. some people think he’s a bit extra or too overpowered, but that’s kind of the appeal of lelouch. he’s such a...rootable character? you always kind of want to see what he’s gonna do next and how he’s gonna win.

xie lian (heaven official’s blessing): he’s not the character archetype i normally like but i love how he clings onto this core of kindness despite how awful his life has been and ultimately that kindness is what saves him!

qi yan (clear and muddy loss of love): again, another intelligent manipulative character who has to balance love and revenge. i love that she gets the whole count of monte cristo treatment, in infiltrating a family and carrying out revenge, and her constant struggle between attaining revenge and loving jingnu is just...really satisfying(?) to read.

jaime lannister (asoiaf): his arc in the books is still my favourite part of asoiaf. i love his journey from someone who’s apathetic and ready to do awful things to preserve his position to someone who’s not a good person but is trying to be better. the chapters where he loses his hand and tries to cope are still some of my all-time fave book scenes.

kurapika (hunter x hunter): ahaha i think he’s like...the third revenge seeker on this list? just like qi yan i like his struggle between revenge and moving on. i like how logical and single-minded he is (and his powers are so cool)

azula (atla): she’s been one of my favourite characters for nearly....ten years now? maybe ever since i first watched avatar as a kid. i just latched onto her immediately. i love her duality of being this ruthless badass prodigy and also a fourteen year old girl who’s kind of socially awkward and doesn’t know how to interact in terms not related to warfare or hierarchy. forever mad that she got put into an asylum(!) in the comics.

catra (she-ra): she’s so messed up and she hurts everyone around her because of it and i loved that she got a happy ending in the end.

laurent (captive prince): he can be so manipulative and ruthless and i love that he can also be caring when his defense mechanisms are down.

izaya (durarara): he’s so awful and so unapologetic about it? and whenever he appears in the narrative you know something chaotic and hilarious or horrible is about to happen.

honourable mentions: tommy shelby (peaky blinders), light (death note), cersei (asoiaf), jon snow (asoiaf), eugenides (queen’s thief), rin (the poppy war)

[metawish]

Family x Hunter: My mini analysis about family relationships in HxH

I am a HUGE sucker for found family troupes and family-oriented stories. There just aren't enough stories to explore the nature of those relationships and how influencial they can be to our development as people. For those of us who's primary relationships are our families, we're left out of the dialouge.

So imagine my surprise when Hunter x Hunter ended up being the anime I can't stop thinking about precisely because of the MULTIPLE family relationships and psudorelationships that happen throughout the plot. Imagine my double surprise when it turns out those family relationships are prioritized and emphasized in the anime over others like the all too popular friendship.

Written for the Carnival of Aro’s Jan 2021 Theme: Stories

Take the premise as a starting point. Gon decides to become a hunter, not because it's cool or because he wants to find some rare cool thing he's never seen before. No, instead, he wants to become a hunter to get closer to his absent father. The ENTIRE show only happens because Gon is driven by a desire to connect with and forge a relationship with his father. I think I can safely say that the family aspect of Hunter x Hunter is embeded into it's core.

Then take a look at the reasons the other main four choose to become hunters. Kurapika is hoping to avenge the massacur of his family clan, a clan that does not interact with the outside world. His entire character arc and development is based on this goal of seeking revenge.

Killua is at the Hunter exam because he heard it was easy. But then we learn, he left home because he wants to REJECT his family obligation to take up the family business.

"Okay, fair," I hear you all say, "but what about Leorio? He just wants money."

Let me help you connect the dots here. First, he claims he wants to become a hunter because of the money. Then we learn he wants to use that money to become a doctor and then provide free medical treatment for those who cannot afford it. THEN we learn that this motivation STEMS from a childhood incident where a best friend of his ended up dying from a treatable illness because he couldn't afford the medical treatment neccessary. Leorio decided then that he did not want anyone else to experience that, tried to go at it the normal way, and realized that it would be nearly impossible for him to afford it. Any average person might end up giving up on this dream, but Leorio was so dedicated to his goal that he ended up training to become a hunter, a physically and mentally strenuous task. JUST so he can get access to more money.

If anything, Leorio's the one who's most motivated by platonic relationships! While Kurapika,Gon, and Killua's motivations are based on obligations to family, Leorio's motivation is only suggested. It isn't like this friend is still alive and Leorio is obligated to save him. No one but Leorio is beholden to the completion of his mission. The strength in that bond has to be strong for him to go to the lengths he did.

AND THIS IS ONLY THE VERY BEGINNING!

Gon's arc goes from becoming a hunter to finding his dad. Kurapika disappears from the story precisely because he is off getting revenge. Killua's development as a character entirely rests in the way he navigates between his family, with entire plots surrounding the Zoldyks. Leorio reenters the narrative JUST to show how deeply he cares for Gon and Killua, and serves as a nice foil to Ging, Gon's father.

I physically cried during Killua's final arc, when he apologized to his youngest sister, asking for her forgiveness after being a "bad big brother." Killua went from essentially running away from home rejecting his family, to asking for forgiveness from a cherished family member. And the nuance inbetween! Freeing himself from his oldest brother's mind control. Finding common ground with his father that, at least in the anime, never gets used against him. Rejecting the family business without rejecting the family. While it still feels incomplete, the joy at seeing him reconnect with a family member and promise to always be together forever made the little shrivelled starved heart of mine swell satisfied.

Killua is a perfect example of the story focusing on his family relationships over his friendships, or at the very least, implying that those family relationships are more important than those with his friend. Does Killua leverage the fact that he made a pact with his dad to never abandon a friend? Yeah. But the fact is that he still went to his family for help.

In the last episode, he tells Gon, his first and only friend, that they have to part ways since he has to protect his little sister. He even says that she comes first before Gon. After struggling to understand if Gon is as committed to him as Killua was to him, he finds closure in his little sister's dedication and wholesome affection. (When he asks Alluka if he was the only one in the whole world that loved her, would that be enough, her response was that she couldn't stop smiling. Because the answer was yes. And perhaps, it was also a question for Killua. Is Alluka's love for him enough?)

And Leorio. LEORIO. As I said, he disappears from the narrative, largely because his mission and Gon's are not the same. But when Gon is out of commission, Leorio comes back into play. The PLOT is affected by this decision and MOVES because if this. Leorio was simply trying to find a way to help his friend, and decides to publically ask his father where he is during such a critical time. Leorio's emotions at Ging's lack thereof ends up putting him in the spotlight, a spotlight he uses every time to seek answers for Gon and to reaffirm his commitment to saving Gon. As much as I HATED the slowmotion, the reunion between Leorio and Gon after Gon's been healed was felt deep in my SOUL. Contrast that QUITE LITERALLY with Ging's reaction and we have the potential for some major character development and storytelling about what a family relationship really is about.

Do we have to earn those familiar relationships? Are we expected to commit to people who are not committed to us simply because they are blood? Can we reject them? Is Killua's reject of his oldest brother over their younger sister a conflict that cannot be solved? Can we form them with strangers? Who is more of a stranger to Gon; his absent dad or the guy he met on a ship headed to an exam? Are we obligated to our family duties like Killua and the family business or Kurapika and his life destroying hunt to avenge his dead family?

Kurapika's story felt a little flat, which is a shame because there is so much potential to explore! The struggle to avenge his clan stems not from his clan, but from his own trauma and pain. His family was ripped right under him, leaving him no one to rely on. Instead of form new relationships, he rots along with his family. In a sense, his disappearance from the narrative represents his character regression, fading from existance like his family.

From a family taken away, to a father who was never there in the first place. Gon's story feels incomplete. Feels a bit like Gon's growth as a character is secondary to the advancement of the plot. Feels like sweeping major issues under the metaphorical rug and calling it a fun show. This man never once visited his son. When leaving a recording for his son, he flat out told Gon he did not want to see him at all. During his time in the hospital, never once did he visit. Sure, we see him remain confident that Gon is alright, but is this confidence misplaced? Is this even true confidence in a person he's never met before? I feel like I am missing a giant piece of the puzzle explaining why Gon, a 12 year old boy who had no male figure in his life, easily accepts Ging.

Let's not forget how Gon didn't even WANT to learn more about his birth mother, a mystery that we will never solve. Just another example of trying to answer what family means. Mito is an aunt, but to Gon, Mito is his mother. (Yet Ging can still be his father? Why not Leorio? A far more deserving man of any affection whatsoever.)

How the story should go. After meeting up with Ging, he continues to go on an adventure with him. As they travel through the far more dangerous continent, Gon faces death multiple times. All this while Ging continues without regard for his safety. Gon reflects, thinking back to his friend Killua, who would attack Gon if it was to protect him. Who called him the sun. Back to Leorio, who hugged Gon like he mattered. Who said he was sorry for not being there for him. As they continue on, he reflects on who really matters. A call for help from his friends. Does he answer the call or remain by his father's side?

What makes a familiar relationship? Blood? Obligation? Depth of affection? Trust? Who makes or breaks those ties? How much do we grow from those relationships?

Hunter x Hunter exceeds my expectations, but also fails to live up to the story it sets itself up to be. I never thought I'd see such an incredible character development that centers on family. I hoped for something on the Ging & Gon front, perhaps as a means of exploring my own thoughts on the matter. Sorely disappointed. I think about this anime often because there is still much left to the imagination. A story unfinished. Perhaps that's what makes it a good story; especially one that decides to kick the standard and focus on a relationship that all of us have dealt with, but many of us overlook.

Is this show good? Debatable. What isn't debatable is how important family is to the plot and character development of the show. Maybe, in an alternative world somewhere, there is a satisfying ending where Gon acknowledges his own family trauma. He realizes how important his friends are, maybe seeing them more as his own family. Kurapika's revenge slowly fizzles out, instead replaced by the need to protect what's still alive. Killua resolves his family issues while remaining true to himself and Leorio adopts Gon.

Maybe the real family is the one we make along the way.

[telehxhtrash]

Since you are going to do a meta about Gon, what are your thoughts about his development as a character? Because I got the impression that he didn't change much throughout the story, and it was reflected by his journey, that he ended where he was at the start (at the whale island, alone and without nen), but I could be mistaken. Do you perceive any considerable change in his personality traits?

Hi !! 

Thank you for this ask because i will DEFEND MY SON WITH ALL I HAVE

So ! Gon ! A lot of people are under the impression that Gon did not change at all throughout his journey, especially compared to Killua, who had major character growth. This belief is especially reinforced after Gon wakes up from his coma and goes back to being his same-old cheery self, not looking like he learned anything from his previous suicidal episode.

But. We literally saw Gon like what, 5 chapters after this ? It’s wayyyyy too early to make assumptions on Gon’s character growth. We have no idea what lessons he learned from all of this, because we simply haven’t seen him enough. 

Just because Gon was smiley and cheery does NOT mean he’s not deeply traumatized from his previous experience. CAA showed that Gon was extremely good at bottling up his emotions, and not showing what’s really going on in his mind. 

We know that Gon is affected by the CAA events, since the first thing he told Ging was literally “I’m sorry I was weak, I should’ve been the one that died instead of Kite”. Like DAMN. That’s trauma 101. 

And Gon took Ging’s words to heart when he told him “when making a promise to a friend, you have to promise to do things different next time”, as he made sure to emphasize that next time would be different when he apologized to Kite.

It really stuck to him, and I’m sure his next character arc will be one where he follows that rule deeply.

Gon being back to the literal beginning of the story reflects just that (him being nenless, back on Whale Island, with no goal and Killua gone). Him being back to square one is not meant to emphasize that Gon didn’t change, it’s meant to highlight that all the traumatic events he went through are in the past. He went through a lot of shit, traumatic events, but right now, it’s his shot at a second chance. A chance to make things better and do things right this time. It’s meant to be the start of a new, healthier character arc, that will emphasize his growth.

And concerning his character growth as a whole, when you look at early hxh Gon and compare him to CAA Gon, they’re really not the same person. So he did change throughout the story, letting his trauma take over his life. It’s just that his character arc was not one of positive change, like Killua’s was, it was more an arc of facing trauma and sinking deeper into negative emotions (just like Kurapika’s !!)

But since Gon’s previous character arc was one of deconstruction, it’s almost certain that the next time we see him, we’ll see him changed. It’ll be pretty apparent that he has learned his lesson, because it’s pretty certain his next character arc will be one of reconstruction, with him being less hot-headed and self destructive. 

In short, Gon has changed, definitely. We just haven’t gotten the chance to see it yet, since the manga is still ongoing. But Gon’s character arc is not over, and I’m 100% certain that Gon has learned his lesson and changed deeply. 

[hamliet]

Who are your top 10 female villains? And your top ten male villains? Thank you!

Oooooh. Well, in this list I am including antagonists (people I see as conflicted/not committed to like, the bad side, if there even is a bad side, but basically oppose the protagonist at some point). Also, they are in no particular order:

Female Villains:

Cersei Lannister (A Song of Ice and Fire)

She's sympathetic enough so that we understand how she came to be the way she is, yet terrifying and depraved enough that we fear for the characters around her. I don't think that's an easy balance to strike for a character: if you make them likable it's hard to keep audiences from rooting for them, but the balance is struck perfectly with Cersei.

Azula (Avatar: The Last Airbender)

As @aspoonofsugar wrote recently on Azula, I think she is a fantastic female villain. I think she is sympathetic despite her actions, and I wish the story had explored her redemption, which was clearly hinted.

Claudia (The Dragon Prince)

The first three seasons have kind of been Claudia's fall. While as a whole I don't think TDP is very well-written, I do think that Claudia, Viren, and Soren's family dynamic is a polished gem of writing that literally carries the story. I fully expect to see redemption for Claudia down the line, but not until she spirals further and further. At the end of season 3, Claudia resorts to killing someone to save her father's life when she has nothing and no one else left, and she makes this choice after her brother Soren (now redeemed himself) chooses to kill their father in front of Claudia, devastating her. Their choices are clear parallels and both are somewhat negative, somewhat sympathetic. Soren can't kill his past: he has to live with it, and Claudia can't cling to the past: she has to let it go.

Delores Umbridge (Harry Potter)

She is awful and I hate her, but you're also supposed to hate her. Her comeuppance is hilarious ad perfect, and just--I think she's a fantastic villain because she reminds every single one of us of an albeit exaggerated version of a teacher we all know.

Karren von Rosewald (Tokyo Ghoul:re)

Karren is TG:re's best written character in my opinion. Her tragic arc takes place throughout the first three arcs, which imo is also the highest point in the series. Karren just wanted to be loved, and if she had to die, at least she got to die as herself. 

Nora (Noragami)

Nora! The reason I read Noragami is pretty much for Nora and her redemption arc. The fandom hates her for... reasons, but she's always been primed for redemption. Her name is in the title (which yes also refers to Yato, etc.) She's important. I wrote a few metas on Nora, notably here.

Enoshima Junko (Danganronpa)

Despair. It's fun to find a character who is, well, just plain fun, but who is also bored, despairing, cruel, and terrifying. She's unique and a brillaint character.

Toga Himiko (Boku no Hero Academia)

I'm not the first one to say that Toga is BNHA's best written female character, but I do agree that she is. She, like Junko, is fun and interesting, and she has an arc that is compelling. Her actions directly move the plot; she’s bloodthirsty and yet uniquely empathetic and compassionate. 

Yoshimura Eto (Tokyo Ghoul)

Eto's backstory and her motivations were fascinating. She was one of the most complex characters in the entire story, and despite the fact that you understood why her father gave her up, you also understood her pain and justified anger at his doing so. She perfectly illustrated the divide between human and ghoul.

Male Villains:

Shigaraki Tomura (Boku no Hero Academia)

BNHA's best-written male character, imo. His backstory and the current chapters that focus on him are extremely well-done, thematic and full of character development, and detailed artistically. He gets so much focus that I can tell he's important to Horikoshi, and I'm excited to see where he goes.

Dabi (Boku no Hero Academia)

I'll admit there's a lot missing here. Namely, we don't know his identity for certain, but it seems basically certain that he's Todoroki Touya; however, we still don't have his backstory. Still, his fury at the presumed father who destroyed his family and yet has the audacity to be a "symbol of hope" is fascinating to me, and I'm excited to see how he develops as well. (Both Shigaraki and Dabi seem primed for some kind of redemption).

Adult Trio: Illumi Zoldyck, Hisoka Morow, Chrollo Lucilfer (Hunter x Hunter)

Am I counting these three as one so that I can get extra characters? Of course I am. In all honesty I really think all three of these antagonists are really well done, sympathetic and/or likable. They're the shadows of the three MCs they foil: for Illumi, Killua, for Hisoka, Gon, and for Chrollo, Kurapika. They represent the traits the three protagonists (sorry Leorio) don't want to acknowledge in themselves, and therefore their encounters with their shadows are particularly thematic and powerful. Also, one doesn't usually kill their shadow, but instead integrates with it, so I highly doubt the three of them will be killed by their respective protagonist.

Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)

Yes, again, HxH. It has great antagonists. But Meruem's development is literally one of the most powerful I've ever read about. I don't know anyone who starts his story not loathing him, hoping he dies, and then by the end of it, ebfore you've even realized it's happening, you're crying for him and Komugi. His arc explores human nature at its finest, most horrific, and ultimately most beautiful.

Furuta Nimura (Tokyo Ghoul:re)

Furuta's a fantastic villain whom I wish got a better ending (not even redeemed really, but just... something more). He was so damaged by the system of an unfair world that he made it his life goal to become the villain and burn the system down, destroy it no matter what it took--and also hoped to destroy himself in the process, as he was born knowing he would die young and longed for it. I wish he had been forced to live.

Mori Ougai (Bungo Stray Dogs)

Mori's utilitarianism is chilling. He's not exactly unlikable, despite being absolutely morally repugnant, and the Beast AU from Asagiri himself shows us that Mori is certainly capable of a positive life and positive change; however, within the canonical story, I don't see that for him. He's been set up IMO as the final boss of the series, and his habit of targeting the most vulnerable (especially children) to control people is almost certainly going to bite Dazai in the ass eventually.

Eren Jaeger (Shingeki no Kyojin)

I can't believe I'm writing this. I don't know what to call Eren: he's the protagonist, and he's sunk to becoming the final boss. While it's possible he, like Furuta and like Lelouch of Code Geass, is playing the villain, I really hope not, as I think the themes are much more powerful if Eren sincerely believes what he proclaims to believe. He's a kid who has always wanted to fight for freedom and for the people around him, and now we're seeing the dark side of those traits, wherein he's destroying the world via genocide to save the people close to him. He's driven by fear and by anger at the cruelty and unfairness of the world, and he's forgotten the beauty of it. I hope Mikasa can  remind him before the end.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky (Bungo Stray Dogs)

MY BOY. Look if a character is named after my very favorite real-life author, I must stan. But actually I do think Fyodor is well written and a master manipulator. He's modeled after my favorite character in all of fiction, Dostoyesvky's Demons' Alexei Kirillov. He really seems to want human connection, to live, and has forgotten that empathy is an important and necessary part of both of those. I hope--and think it is likely given BSD's prolific redemption arcs--that he will remember eventually.

Lee Yut-Lung (Banana Fish)

Again,, he's less a villain than an antagonist. Like Ash, the main character, he is a teenage boy betrayed by the people who were supposed to protect him and abused his whole entire life. He's driven by a desperate need to be loved and jealousy that Ash is loved while he is not. His ending, when Sing finally tells him he will in fact be staying by Yut-Lung's side and will help Yut-Lung redeem himself, "because you're in pain... your soul's bleeding, even now" is literally the perfect ending for him.

Jin Guangyao (Mo Dao Zu Shi)

I've written a lot on Jin Guangyao, but he's a walking tragedy. He ties with Wei Wuxian, the protagonist, as my favorite, and the reason is because they are two sides of the same coin--in fact, they're the same side of the same coin. They're not very different, and the fact that he finally at least got empathy in the end and was able to push the person he loved most to safety because of that--well. Brb time to cry.

[aspoonofsugar]

hello ! What's your top 10 HXH characters, and why do you like them ?

Hello anon!

Sorry for the wait! Here is my list so far!

1) Killua Zoldyck

I have explained why here and here there is an analysis of his ability and foiling with Illumi.

I love his growth and the themes he explores. His is basically the story of a child freeing himself from an abusive family. At the same time, he is also challenged not to leave said family behind (especially when it comes to his younger siblings).

Moreover, he is also called out on his tendendy to define himself through creating codependent relationships.

This is something I really enjoyed and that gave his relationship with Gon and his character in general more depth.

2) Alluka (and Nanika) Zoldyck

Alluka/Nanika does not have a very complex psychology nor an arc so far. However, the idea behind her and her thematic resonance is so great that I still adore her!

Alluka is a great example of how to write a symbolic and metaphorical character that is still important for the story.

A lot of themes are entangled in her. She is the child nobody wants and is very fittingly trans and mentally ill coded.

At the same time, Nanika’s ability is nothing, but the wish of a child to make her loved ones happy and a way to show how children imitate and learn from adults. It is a representation of conditional love taken to the extreme.

The way her story is solved in the Auction arc might have been underwhelming plot-wise, but it is perfect thematically. The fact that Nanika is not who Alluka is, but is still important for her and so must be accepted is a deep and wonderful message.

I am also curious to see how the theme of codependency linked to her will be explored in relation to her bond with Killua.

3) Palm Siberia

I love Palm!

She has one of my favourite arcs because it is so refreshing to see the stereotype of the yandere being subverted.

She starts as a mix of different female character stereotypes, but as she gets more focus she blooms into her own character thanks especially to her relationship with Killua.

I love that she is the one that ends the CAA!

3) Meruem

I think he has my favourite arc in the series and his is surely one of the best written (if not the best).

I love how he seems hateful and boring at the beginning of the CAA only to break the readers’ hearts at the end of it.

His growth thanks to his love for Komugi is great because he does not lose the root of his characterization. He remains prideful and competitive and it is specifically this that draws him towards Komugi aka his strongest opponent. Thanks to her he becomes able to appreciate life and humanity and chooses to give up his identity as King to only become Meruem.

He is an example of how a “redemption arc” does not really have to follow a formula and how it can simply be... a normal arc aka a story where a character grows because he is challenged.

5) Morena Prudo

Morena has appeared for like... one chapter(?), but she managed to conquer me thanks to her backstory, her nen ability and this:

I adore her! She is a child who has been refused by society and as a result she wants to tear the society down. She is clearly being set up as a foil to this arc’s major players aka Chrollo, Kurapika and Tserriednich.

Her power is also extremely interesting and already incredibly rich symbolically to the point that I have thought multiple times if I wanna wait or if I wanna start making a Nen and Characters post about her!

6) Chrollo Lucifer

I have discussed him multiple times, so you can just check his tag :)

Here are some metas.

Chrollo is like a devil that steals pieces of others’ identities because he himself is not sure of who he is.

This coupled with intelligence and powers, his foiling with Kurapika and his bond with the Spiders make him an incredibly interesting villain!

7) Hisoka Morow

Hisoka is a great example of how to write a joker character.

He is a man from nowhere and lacks any kind of backstory or root. This makes him perfect to play the part of the joker and so far... he has literally played that part in every arc he has appeared in.

There has been no time he had been completely loyal to a side he has joined.

He acts as a Spider only to fight Chrollo.

He helps Kurapika, but also threathens him.

He helps Gon and Killua in Greed Island, but hides he is working for Chrollo.

He assists Illumi, but lies to him and is about to betray him.

In the current arc he is, as per usual, a wild card.

It is precisely this that makes him such an interesting character to observe.

8) Kurapika

Kurapika’s arcs are among my personal favourites because of the focus being on politics and planning rather than pure fights.

At the same time, Kurapika is an incredible character and I am looking forward to see where his story goes in this arc.

He is self-destroying because he is unable to overcome the grief over losing his tribe and his family.

This leads him to make violence on himself, so that he is turning into someone he is really not.

His nen power is among the most interesting because of how complex and calculated it is and because it is clearly an attempt not to lose his morality to revenge.

9) Gon Freecs

Gon’s development in the CAA is heartbreaking, but incredible and it perfectly deconstructs all those traits that had been praised up until the previous arc.

Gon’s stubborness and willingness to overcome limits are why he is able to make it this far, but the CAA shows also how they can be dangerous and destructive for both himself and others.

10) Illumi Zoldyck

Illumi is hand down a disaster.

He is a terrifying foil to Killua, but also an entertaining character to watch.

I hope his relationship with Hisoka receives more focus because it is honestly hilarious and is strangely working for me :’’’)

Thank you for the ask! It was fun and it reminded me why I love this series so much! 

[magpiing]

Hi! I Don't have an account so I can't send personal messages so please forgive me if it's a bother asking here, feel free not to answer if it is, but can I ask you your fave hxh arc, characters and wich designs you like the most? That's it, thank you and sorry again! :) stay safe!!

hello ty for dropping by!! hopefully youll be able to see this even tho ur not on an acc :"D ooh my fav arc is either hunter exam or greed island arc bc i just want the happy family together and i think the whole game concept is coolll + all the gon and killua scenes are good for my soul aaa

i dont think i can choose a fav character i love the main 4 so much but maybe? killua? just because of everything we see during CA arc and the chairman arc and his character development,, but tbh if i think for more than 3 seconds abt gon or kurapika or leorio my mind goes "nvm thats my fav now" so tbh it switches :")

oooo design-wise, i love kurapika UGH he is the prettiest femboy to exist no i dont take criticism uhh i think pouf looks rlly cool too! i love the aesthetic of white blouse/top with dark "skinny jeans" and then the cloak/wings (i think i rlly like big sweeping cloak/cloth things LOL)

and again thanks for asking and don't be sorry i literally get serotonin from seeing the ask notif symbol DHSJD i love getting to talk to yall and will lunge at any chance to babble abt my obsessions :)