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Start for freeAn Enthusiast's Guide to Hunter x Hunter Arcs
Hunter x Hunter, a series celebrated for its intricate storytelling and compelling characters, spans several arcs, each contributing uniquely to the story's richness. As a fan, I've undertaken the task of ranking these arcs, not to diminish any but to appreciate their strengths and pivotal moments. Here’s my take on all nine arcs, from what I consider the least impactful to the most groundbreaking in the Hunter x Hunter saga.
The Manga-Exclusive Arcs: Dark Continent and Succession War
Starting with the Dark Continent Expedition arc, it earns the ninth spot primarily due to its brevity and role as a setup for future events. Despite its interesting introduction to new characters and concepts, the absence of fan-favorites Gon and Killua significantly impacts its engagement levels.
Following closely, the Succession War arc lands at number six. It's an arc filled with exposition and a vast array of new characters, which, while potentially intriguing, results in a complex narrative that's challenging to follow. Despite its rich development possibilities, the pacing and the introduction of numerous unfamiliar faces can make it less enjoyable.
Short but Sweet: Zoldyck Family Arc
The Zoldyck Family arc takes the eighth position. Despite its short length, the exploration of Killua's family dynamics and the group's efforts to retrieve him offers a gripping insight into his character. However, the missed opportunity to introduce Nen here is a notable inconsistency.
Middle Ground: Election and Heavens Arena Arcs
The 13th Chairman Election arc, ranked seventh, shines with the introduction of Alluka and the exploration of Killua's character arc. The presence of Hisoka and Illumi adds a layer of intrigue, although the sudden introduction of several new characters might feel jarring to anime-only viewers.
Heavens Arena, placed fifth, is pivotal for introducing Nen, enhancing the series' combat dynamics significantly. It's filled with memorable fights, particularly Gon's battle with Hisoka, making it a standout for pure entertainment value.
The Foundations: Hunter Exam and Greed Island
The Hunter Exam arc, securing the fourth spot, excellently sets up the series. It introduces the main characters and their motivations, laying the groundwork for future developments seamlessly.
Greed Island, at number three, is noted for its unique blend of adventure and strategic battles. While the video game concept and antagonist Genthru have their drawbacks, the arc's development of Gon and Killua's abilities and their teamwork make it a memorable part of their journey.
The Pinnacles: Yorknew City and Chimera Ant Arcs
Yorknew City, ranked second, is a fan-favorite for many reasons—Kurapika's focus, the Phantom Troupe's depth, and a blend of emotionally charged and visually stunning battles. It's a near-perfect arc that masterfully weaves multiple storylines together.
Finally, the Chimera Ant arc stands at the pinnacle. It's a masterpiece that excels in character development, thematic depth, and narrative complexity. The evolution of Meruem, the intense battles, and the moral quandaries presented elevate this arc to legendary status in manga and anime.
In Conclusion
Hunter x Hunter is a series that thrives on its diversity of storytelling, character development, and thematic exploration. Each arc offers something unique, contributing to the rich tapestry of the series. While rankings might differ among fans, the discussion and appreciation for each arc's impact and storytelling prowess are what make the Hunter x Hunter community so engaging.
Watch the full discussion and ranking process here: YouTube.
