World Trigger vs Hunter x Hunter: Parallel Journeys in Manga

The Intriguing Parallels Between World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter

In the vast landscape of manga and anime, certain series stand out not just for their compelling narratives, but for the unique circumstances surrounding their creation and development. Two such series that have captured the attention of fans and critics alike are World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter. While they may seem different at first glance, a closer examination reveals striking similarities that go beyond mere coincidence.

The Creators' Struggles

Both World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter have faced significant challenges due to their creators' health issues. Daisuke Ashihara, the mangaka behind World Trigger, began publishing his work in Shonen Jump in 2013. However, by 2016, Ashihara's health began to decline, leading to a two-year hiatus for the series. Even after its return, the manga has faced an inconsistent publication schedule, shifting from weekly to monthly releases with occasional breaks.

This situation bears a remarkable resemblance to the well-documented struggles of Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator of Hunter x Hunter. Togashi's series has become infamous for its frequent and lengthy hiatuses, often attributed to the author's ongoing health problems. These parallels in the creators' circumstances have had a profound impact on the publication and reception of both series.

Expanding Universes

Beyond the real-world challenges faced by their creators, World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter share fascinating similarities in their narrative structures and world-building approaches.

The Dark Continent of Hunter x Hunter

One of the most intriguing aspects of Hunter x Hunter is the introduction of the Dark Continent. This vast, unexplored region is presented as a world beyond the known world, dwarfing the areas where the main story has taken place up to that point. The Dark Continent is portrayed as an incredibly dangerous and mysterious place, home to threats that far surpass anything encountered in the series thus far.

Even the formidable Chimera Ants, which posed a significant challenge to some of the strongest characters in the series, are revealed to have originated from the Dark Continent. Yet, they are considered relatively minor threats compared to what awaits in this new world. This revelation dramatically expands the scope of the Hunter x Hunter universe, promising new adventures and challenges on an unprecedented scale.

The Neighborhood in World Trigger

In a strikingly similar vein, World Trigger introduces the concept of the Neighborhood. This alternate dimension contains multiple planets, each with its own autonomy and often engaged in conflicts over limited resources, particularly Trion. The entire premise of World Trigger revolves around the interactions between Earth and these other worlds, with some nations from the Neighborhood attempting to abduct humans for their Trion energy.

The current arc of World Trigger focuses on characters preparing for a mission into this alternate dimension. They must undergo rigorous testing to qualify for what promises to be a dangerous and prolonged expedition. This setup mirrors the boat arc of Hunter x Hunter, where characters prepare for their journey to the Dark Continent.

Narrative Similarities

While the specific details differ, both series are poised at similar junctures in their narratives. They have spent considerable time building their worlds, establishing power systems, and developing a large cast of characters. Now, they stand on the brink of expanding into vast, unknown territories that promise to dwarf everything that has come before.

World Trigger's Approach

World Trigger has dedicated much of its runtime to world-building and character development. Through an extensive tournament arc, the series has introduced a wide array of characters and thoroughly explained its power system. This methodical approach has set the stage for the upcoming away mission, which promises to be the longest and most dangerous expedition yet.

The away mission will take characters into direct conflict within the Neighborhood, without the safety net of their usual "bailout" system. This raises the stakes significantly and opens up new possibilities for danger and drama.

Hunter x Hunter's Dark Continent Arc

Similarly, Hunter x Hunter has spent years building up to its Dark Continent arc. The series has established a complex world with intricate power systems and a vast cast of characters. The Dark Continent represents a new frontier that promises to challenge everything we thought we knew about the Hunter x Hunter universe.

The Mystery of Greater Threats

Both series tantalize readers with hints of even greater threats lurking in these new worlds. In World Trigger, there's a mysterious being that nearly killed Yuma, one of the strongest characters introduced so far. This entity remains shrouded in mystery, suggesting that there are forces in the Neighborhood far beyond what we've seen so far.

Hunter x Hunter takes a similar approach with the Dark Continent, hinting at creatures and phenomena that make even the most powerful known characters seem insignificant by comparison.

Building Anticipation

The way both series have structured their narratives creates immense anticipation for these new arcs. They've spent years laying groundwork, developing characters, and hinting at greater mysteries. This methodical approach has allowed them to create rich, detailed worlds that feel lived-in and complex.

Now, as they stand on the brink of expanding into these new territories, fans are eagerly anticipating what new challenges and revelations await. The promise of these expansive new worlds serves as a powerful hook, keeping readers engaged despite the irregular publication schedules.

The Impact of Hiatuses

While the narrative similarities between World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter are fascinating, it's impossible to ignore the impact of their irregular publication schedules. Both series have faced significant delays and interruptions due to their creators' health issues.

These hiatuses have had a complex effect on the reception and popularity of the series. On one hand, they've created frustration among fans eager for new content. On the other hand, they've also contributed to a sense of anticipation and mystique around both series.

The long waits between chapters or volumes have given fans time to theorize, discuss, and analyze every aspect of the stories. This has led to the development of passionate, engaged fan communities that remain active even during long periods without new content.

The Toll on Creators

The health struggles of both Ashihara and Togashi highlight a significant issue within the manga industry. The demanding schedules and high pressure of weekly publications can take a severe toll on creators' well-being. Both World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter serve as stark reminders of the human cost behind the creation of these beloved series.

This situation has sparked discussions within the industry and among fans about the sustainability of current manga production models. There's a growing recognition of the need to balance the desire for regular content with the well-being of creators.

Differences in Popularity

Despite their similarities, it's worth noting the significant difference in popularity between World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter. Hunter x Hunter, with its longer publication history and successful anime adaptations, has achieved widespread recognition and a large, devoted fanbase.

World Trigger, while respected and loved by its fans, has a smaller following. This disparity in popularity means that while the Hunter x Hunter Dark Continent arc is highly anticipated by a large audience, the World Trigger away mission arc, despite its potential, is less widely known.

This difference in recognition doesn't diminish the quality or potential of World Trigger, but it does mean that many manga fans might be missing out on a series that could appeal to them, especially if they're fans of Hunter x Hunter.

The Power of World-Building

One of the key strengths shared by both World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter is their commitment to thorough world-building. Both series have created complex, internally consistent universes with well-defined rules and systems.

In World Trigger, the intricacies of Trigger technology, the structure of Border, and the geopolitics of Earth's interactions with the Neighborhood are all meticulously detailed. This creates a rich backdrop against which character dramas and action sequences play out.

Hunter x Hunter similarly excels in its world-building, with its complex Nen system, the structure of the Hunter Association, and the intricate political landscape of its world. The introduction of the Dark Continent serves to expand this already rich world even further.

This dedication to world-building serves multiple purposes. It creates a sense of depth and realism that draws readers in, making the fictional worlds feel alive and lived-in. It also provides a solid foundation for future story developments, allowing for complex plots that feel organic rather than contrived.

Character Development and Ensemble Casts

Another similarity between World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter is their focus on ensemble casts and detailed character development. Both series feature a wide array of characters, each with their own motivations, abilities, and arcs.

In World Trigger, while Osamu, Yuma, and Chika form the core trio, significant time and development are given to a large supporting cast. Characters like Jin, Kuga, and members of various other squads all receive substantial focus and development.

Hunter x Hunter similarly balances its focus between its main characters (Gon and Killua) and a vast supporting cast. Characters like Kurapika, Leorio, and various antagonists often take center stage, with the series not hesitating to shift its focus as the story demands.

This approach allows both series to tell more complex, interweaving stories. It also provides readers with a variety of characters to connect with and root for, enhancing the overall richness of the narrative.

The Role of Training and Growth

Both World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter place a strong emphasis on training and character growth. In World Trigger, much of the series focuses on Osamu and his team's efforts to improve their skills and rise through the ranks of Border. The detailed explanations of strategies and techniques make the characters' growth feel earned and satisfying.

Hunter x Hunter takes a similar approach, with characters constantly learning and developing new abilities. The training arcs, such as Gon and Killua's time at Heaven's Arena or with Bisky in Greed Island, are some of the most beloved parts of the series.

This focus on growth and development adds depth to the action sequences in both series. When characters unveil new abilities or strategies, it feels like a natural progression rather than a convenient power-up.

Subverting Shonen Tropes

While both World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter can be classified as shonen manga, they both frequently subvert or play with common tropes of the genre.

World Trigger subverts the typical "powerful protagonist" trope by making Osamu, the main character, consistently one of the weaker combatants. His growth comes not from sudden power-ups, but from strategic thinking and teamwork.

Hunter x Hunter is famous for its subversions, frequently setting up seemingly typical shonen scenarios only to take them in unexpected directions. The series often emphasizes strategy and psychological warfare over raw power, and isn't afraid to let its protagonists fail or face consequences for their actions.

This willingness to play with genre conventions keeps both series feeling fresh and unpredictable, even as they operate within the broader shonen framework.

The Promise of New Horizons

As both World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter stand on the brink of expanding into new territories (the Neighborhood and the Dark Continent respectively), they promise readers new horizons of adventure and discovery.

These new arcs represent not just a physical journey for the characters, but a narrative journey into unknown territory for the stories themselves. They offer the potential to recontextualize everything that's come before, to introduce new challenges that will push characters to their limits, and to expand the scope and scale of their respective universes.

For World Trigger, the away mission to the Neighborhood promises to take the series in a new direction. Moving away from the familiar setting of Mikado City and into the unknown realms of the Neighborhood opens up countless storytelling possibilities.

Similarly, the Dark Continent arc of Hunter x Hunter has been built up as a game-changing expansion of the series' world. The promise of creatures and phenomena that dwarf even the most powerful entities we've seen so far creates immense anticipation for what's to come.

The Challenges Ahead

While the potential of these new arcs is exciting, both series face significant challenges in realizing this potential. The health issues faced by both mangaka create uncertainty about the future of these stories.

For fans, there's always the lingering question of whether these ambitious arcs will be completed. The history of hiatuses and delays in both series means that readers have learned to temper their excitement with patience.

Despite these challenges, the dedication of both creators to their works shines through. The detailed world-building, complex characters, and intricate plotlines demonstrate a level of care and attention that goes beyond mere professional obligation.

Looking to the Future

As we look to the future of World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter, it's clear that both series have laid strong foundations for their upcoming arcs. The years spent developing their worlds and characters have created rich, complex universes ripe for exploration.

While the pace of publication may be uncertain, the quality and depth of storytelling in both series give fans reason to remain excited and engaged. Each new chapter or volume, whenever it may come, promises to expand these fascinating worlds further.

For those who are fans of one series but not familiar with the other, the parallels between World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter suggest that they might find a new favorite by giving the other a try. Despite their differences in popularity, both series offer deep, complex worlds, intricate power systems, and character-driven narratives that reward close reading and analysis.

Ultimately, both World Trigger and Hunter x Hunter stand as testaments to the power of thoughtful, detailed storytelling in manga. They demonstrate how rich world-building, complex characters, and ambitious narratives can create series that captivate readers and stand the test of time, even in the face of publication challenges.

As both series move forward into new territories, fans can look forward to new adventures, challenges, and discoveries. Whatever lies ahead in the Neighborhood or the Dark Continent, it's sure to be a journey worth following.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/ydhNK7RB-kA?feature=shared