Hunter x Hunter's Succession War Arc: A Masterpiece of Complexity and Ambition

The Succession War: Hunter x Hunter's New Peak

For many years, the Chimera Ant arc stood as the pinnacle of Yoshihiro Togashi's work on Hunter x Hunter. It embodied everything fans loved about the series - intricate developments in the Nen system, significant character growth, introduction of compelling new characters, experimental storytelling, and profound thematic depth. However, with the Succession War arc, Togashi has managed to surpass even those lofty heights.

Embracing the Unknown

The Succession War arc leans heavily into the mysterious elements of Hunter x Hunter's world. It follows the deadly competition among the Kakin royal family as they journey towards the New World. The concept of the world beyond has always been an underlying theme in the series, but Togashi fully embraces it as the aesthetic for this arc.

The larger plot is held together through numerous fascinating character dynamics:

• Kurapika's quest for revenge
• Hisoka's relationship with the Phantom Troupe
• Beyond Netero's planning
• The Succession War itself

All of these elements intertwine while an unsettling idea looms over everything - this exploration could potentially spell the end of humanity.

A New Focus

Interestingly, Togashi has sidelined both Gon and Killua for this arc. Yet, the story doesn't miss a beat due to how well-layered the succession conflict is. This shift in focus allows for a fresh perspective and opens up new avenues for storytelling.

Why Everyone Should Read the Succession War

Despite the hype and ambition surrounding this arc, many fans who have seen the anime have not yet ventured into the post-anime material. This is unfortunate, as over 15% of Hunter x Hunter's story is now manga-only content. Here's why everyone should consider reading the Succession War arc:

1. Depth and Complexity

The Succession War arc is incredibly dense, filled with intricate plot threads, character motivations, and world-building. Each chapter holds massive implications for the rest of the story, providing readers with plenty to analyze and discuss.

2. Togashi's Unique Writing Style

While some may find Togashi's text-heavy approach intimidating, it allows him to create situations of vast scope and unwavering tension. The detailed explanations of Nen techniques and character motivations contribute to a rich web of life-or-death situations with fantastical solutions.

3. Visual Storytelling

Despite the heavy dialogue, Togashi's visual storytelling remains strong. He excels at depicting the malice or weight of situations, often leaning into horror elements. These moments of visual impact recontextualize the story and provide a powerful contrast to the text-heavy sections.

4. Engaging Reading Experience

While the arc may require more time and attention from readers, the flow of the narrative has a way of captivating the mind. As connections between different princes and situations become clear, the reading experience becomes increasingly rewarding.

The Setup: A World Expanded

With Gon having completed his journey to find his father, Togashi pulls back the narrative focus to the greater world. Kurapika and Leorio become central to the story, while a host of other players enter the stage:

• Pariston and Ging compete on the journey to the Dark Continent
• Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe have their own conflict in the background
• Beyond Netero and his relationship with the Zodiacs
• The Kakin royal family's succession contest

The Dark Continent Expedition

Beyond Netero is leading an expedition to the Dark Continent, a place of unknown horrors that makes the Chimera Ants seem insignificant. On the massive vessel heading to this new world, the Kakin royal family engages in their succession contest - a silent death battle between 14 royal princes.

New Villains, New Depths

Togashi has always excelled at introducing compelling villains, from Hisoka in the Hunter Exam arc to Meruem and the Royal Guards in the Chimera Ant arc. In the Succession War, he outdoes himself with the introduction of the Kakin princes.

Tserriednich: The Fourth Prince

Tserriednich, the fourth prince of the Kakin royal family, is arguably the most worrisome of all the princes. He's the primary reason Kurapika gets involved in the contest, as he possesses the remaining Kurta eyes. Tserriednich embodies the dark side of humanity, killing for his "art" and seeking out intelligent victims for his twisted desires.

Benjamin: The First Prince

Benjamin, the eldest son of Kakin, is introduced wrestling a lion while on the phone. This small interaction reveals the competition and hatred between the princes and hints at their immense power levels.

The Other Princes

While not all of the princes share Tserriednich's sinister nature, they are all compelling characters. Each has a vastly different outlook on how the succession game should be approached, shaped by their upbringing in incredible wealth and power.

Nen Beasts and the Succession War

The succession war is further complicated by the introduction of Nen beasts. These are Nen creatures given to each prince within the contest, taking on the personality of the user and existing to protect them. This leads to a race to learn Nen, as many of the princes never needed to seek out this power before.

The Dark Morality of Hunter x Hunter

The dark morality within Hunter x Hunter has always been a driving force of the series, and it reaches new heights in the Succession War arc. Togashi explores the darker impulses of humanity:

• The thrill of exploration and the unknown (Ging)
• The desire for combat and challenge (Hisoka)
• The struggle between human and animal nature (Chimera Ants)

Now, in the Succession War, Togashi reveals a dark hunger within humanity - our goal to expand beyond our known world could potentially destroy us all. Or perhaps our internal destruction is already inevitable.

Kurapika: The New Protagonist

With Gon's story taking a backseat, Kurapika emerges as the de facto main character of the Succession War arc. This shift allows for a deeper exploration of Kurapika's character:

• His ongoing quest for revenge
• The erosion of his once kind and warm personality
• His struggle against the darkness that threatens to consume him

Kurapika's journey serves as an ideal vehicle to drive the story forward, as he navigates the treacherous waters of the succession contest while pursuing his own goals.

The Ambitious Scope of the Succession War

The Succession War arc takes ambition to a new level as Togashi balances about a dozen different threads, weaving together new and old characters alike. He refines the focus of what Hunter x Hunter is and can be, creating a narrative tapestry of unprecedented complexity.

This arc demonstrates Togashi's ability to convey the darker side of humanity through his world-building and visual storytelling. It builds upon the foundations laid in previous arcs, particularly the Chimera Ant arc, and raises the stakes to a staggering degree.

Why You Should Read the Succession War Arc

1. Unparalleled Complexity: The intricate plot and character dynamics offer a reading experience unlike any other in shounen manga.

2. Character Development: Witness Kurapika's evolution as he confronts the darkness within himself and the world around him.

3. World Expansion: Explore the broader Hunter x Hunter world, including the mysterious Dark Continent.

4. Thematic Depth: Engage with profound themes about human nature, ambition, and the potential consequences of unchecked expansion.

5. Unique Storytelling: Experience Togashi's distinctive blend of detailed exposition and impactful visual moments.

6. New Power Dynamics: Learn about new applications of Nen and witness the introduction of Nen beasts.

7. Political Intrigue: Immerse yourself in the complex machinations of the Kakin royal family's succession contest.

8. Returning Characters: See how familiar faces like Hisoka, the Phantom Troupe, and the Zodiacs fit into this new conflict.

9. Mystery and Horror Elements: Enjoy the tension and unease as Togashi leans into the unknown and horrific aspects of his world.

10. Ambitious Storytelling: Appreciate Togashi's willingness to push the boundaries of what a shounen manga can be.

Conclusion

The Succession War arc of Hunter x Hunter represents a new pinnacle in Yoshihiro Togashi's storytelling. It combines intricate plot threads, deep character development, and profound thematic exploration into a narrative that is both challenging and rewarding.

While the arc's complexity and text-heavy nature might seem daunting at first, readers who engage with the material will find a rich, multifaceted story that continues to reveal new layers with each reading. The Succession War arc not only builds upon the strengths of previous Hunter x Hunter arcs but also pushes the series into new territory, cementing its place as one of the most ambitious and thought-provoking works in manga.

For fans of the Hunter x Hunter anime, the Succession War arc offers a compelling reason to dive into the manga. It provides a continuation of the story that maintains the high quality and depth that made the series beloved while introducing new elements that keep the narrative fresh and exciting.

Ultimately, the Succession War arc is a testament to Togashi's skill as a storyteller and his willingness to challenge both himself and his readers. It's an arc that rewards close reading and analysis, offering a depth of content that few other manga can match. Whether you're a long-time fan of Hunter x Hunter or a newcomer to the series, the Succession War arc is an experience not to be missed.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/47j92cN3TGs?feature=shared