Key Takeaways
- Hunter x Hunter is part of the golden age of Shōnen Jump with iconic characters and settings.
- The iconic Exam arc in Hunter x Hunter sets the stage for a legendary animanga story.
- The Hunter Exam arc is filled with challenges and tests, showcasing each character’s skills.
As a seasoned anime enthusiast with over two decades of watching under my belt, I must say that Hunter x Hunter stands out as one of the most captivating and well-crafted series I’ve ever encountered. The Hunter Exam Arc, in particular, showcases the masterful storytelling and character development that sets this anime apart from the rest.
Hunter x Hunter” stands alongside series like Dragonball, One Piece, Slam Dunk, and others as part of the Shōnen Jump’s golden era. Having been adapted into two anime versions, one in 1999 and another in 2011, it’s almost essential viewing for anyone aiming to grasp the broader animanga scene as a whole.
The unique blend of characters, power system, philosophical themes, and settings make Hunter x Hunter stand out as one of the greatest animanga stories ever told, possibly even legendary in any type of media. However, before we delve into giant ant creatures and mind-blowing displays of strength, let’s start from the beginning – the Exam arc. If you’re familiar with shōnen anime, you might recognize this trope. Many shōnen series, particularly those focused on battles, often include an exam arc in some form; think of the Chunin Exams, UA and Hero License Exams, etc. Hunter x Hunter offers one of the most memorable examples of these exam arcs. So, let’s explore this unforgettable opening to an unforgettable story.
This article is about the 2011 Hunter x Hunter animated series. There may be some differences from the 1999 animated series.
The Journey Begins
Gon Makes an Immediate Impression
| Anime Episodes | 1-26 |
|---|---|
| Manga Chapters | 1-43 |
As I stand by the river on Whale Island, my rod in hand and a burning desire in my heart, I’m about to embark on an adventure that will change my life forever. You see, I’ve made a pact with my aunt: if I manage to reel in the legendary fish that even grown men struggle to catch alone, she’ll support me in taking the Hunter exams. And so, the journey of the “Hunter” begins for me, not knowing what awaits me in this world of Hunters in Hunter x Hunter.
As a passionate gamer, I can relate to the thrill of unraveling a captivating narrative like the one in this Hunters story. Unlike others who might delve deep into the intricacies of the Hunters’ lore, I found myself drawn to Gon’s personal journey. His aunt inquired about his ambition to become a Hunter, and it was then that we flashed back to a time when Gon, much smaller than now, was near-fatally attacked by a foxbear. A man named Kite, who turned out to be a Hunter searching for his mentor, rescued him. This mentor, as you may guess, was none other than Gon’s father, a fact that had been hidden from him all along.
Presently, Gon catches the legendary fish, and in fulfillment of their agreement, his aunt Mito lets him embark on the ship bound for the renowned Hunter Exam. As Gon takes his leave from Mito and the residents of the island, he vows to come back as a distinguished Hunter one day.
“I’ll do my best. I promise to become a Hunter!” – Gon Freecss
The Test Before the Test
The Trip to the Exam Presents Its Own Challenges
Following a turbulent night at sea due to a fierce storm, only Gon and two other exam hopefuls, Leorio and Kurapika, survive after Gon had foreseen another impending storm. Strikingly similar to someone he knows, the ship captain discloses that he was acquainted with Gon’s father, Ging. As the remaining trio navigate the ship, they learn the motivations behind Leorio and Kurapika’s participation in the Hunter Exam: it turns out the captain acts as a screener for the exams, evaluating who is deserving of taking them. A disagreement arises between Leorio and Kurapika, stemming from their differing objectives – Leorio intends to exact revenge, while Kurapika appears to be after wealth. However, when an accident during a subsequent storm causes a crew member to fall overboard, the three form an alliance and collaborate to rescue the sailor. This act of unity earns them permission to move forward in the Hunter Exams.
Following a nudge from the ship’s captain, we embark on our journey towards the exam location, encountering a few unexpected hurdles along the way. Initially, a challenging riddle presents us with an agonizing choice: to sacrifice our daughter or our son. In the heat of the moment, we find ourselves speechless, a response that turns out to be the key to unlocking the answer. Interestingly, this question is neither answered nor resolved – it’s left hanging, but its implications continue to resonate as a profound philosophical conundrum in the days to come.
Approaching the final hurdle before the test, the group encounters a forest where colossal mythical beings known as Kirikos reside. After being defeated, these navigators unveil themselves and offer guidance to the exam area. As an added incentive for defeating them and revealing their true selves, the Kirikos then fly the trio directly to the test location.
The Exam Begins
1st phase
404 candidates initiate the test. Test supervisor Satotz announces that this is actually the 287th Hunter Exam, and for the initial challenge, participants must just follow him through a tunnel to the site of the next stage. However, he suddenly accelerates at an astonishing pace, causing numerous contestants to withdraw during the chase. As they trail Satotz, examinee Killua chooses to accompany Gon, who shares the same age with him.
As their 30-kilometer journey concludes, they find themselves in a marshy region. Satotz, the guide, alerts the contestants that almost everything within the swamp should be regarded as an adversary, filled with traps and tests. However, the real danger of this stage becomes apparent when one competitor, Hisoka, starts to eliminate several other participants. Our group engages in combat with him, and though they fail to defeat him, he acknowledges their bravery before slipping away.
Second phase
In this phase, we encounter a specific category of hunters known as Gourmet Hunters. Their objective is global exploration in search of increasingly exotic dishes and ingredients. For the current evaluation, these gourmet hunters set demanding criteria for the contestants, who are expected to prepare dishes that would impress even the most discerning culinary judge. However, many contestants struggle to meet the judge’s high expectations. Despite their efforts to capture legendary wild game for the necessary ingredients, they often fall short. As a result, the evaluators decide to alter the criteria for the second stage. Instead of preparing dishes, the contestants are now tasked with hunting for the eggs of a rare spider eagle.
Subsequently, we encounter Netero, head of the Hunter Association, who showcases an extraordinary ability straight away. He challenges Gon and Killua by offering to give them their Hunter licenses if they can snatch a ball from him. Regrettably, they perform poorly, but Gon feels triumphant as he eventually compels Netero to utilize his dominant hand while defending against them.
42 examinees remain.
“You just used your right hand — I did it!” — Gon Freecss
3rd phase
In the Third Phase, contestants find themselves in the Trick Tower, a place filled with additional tests as they strive to escape within a 72-hour timeframe. A barrier within the tower necessitates collaboration among five individuals to overcome it. As a result, the original four members must recruit an additional examinee to their team. They encounter a series of mental and physical challenges presented by the examiners. One particularly intense confrontation unfolds when Killua encounters a highly lethal and skilled inmate. Nevertheless, Killua manages to outmaneuver this adversary by removing his heart, allowing the group to make their daring escape with mere moments left on the clock.
24 examinees remain.
4th phase
During this stage of the test, things are quite clear-cut. In a span of seven days, participants will gather a total of six points. These points are awarded depending on the number of badges you’ve accumulated by the test’s conclusion.
The Point System is as follows:
- Examinees own badge is worth 3 points.
- Their Targets badge is worth 3 points.
- Any other badge is worth 1 point.
To win easily in a competition, it’s best if a contestant guards their emblem carefully and simultaneously tries to seize the objectives belonging to others. Other methods of scoring may exist, but they tend to be quite challenging.
As a devoted fan, I found myself thrilled when our quartet uncovered the fact that none of them were each other’s objectives. Instead, they chose to pool their knowledge and skills, aiding one another to navigate this challenging phase. This phase served as an impressive platform, showcasing the expertise and abilities of every hunter candidate. Gon’s fishing background proved invaluable, while Killua’s seemingly lethal demeanor was further highlighted.
9 examinees remain.
5th and final phase
In this decisive contest, each participant faces off individually. Those who prevail are granted permission, while those who lose have to try again. A crucial rule here is that if a contender takes the life of another, they will be immediately disqualified, and all remaining candidates will receive their licenses.
In the initial bout, Gon’s indomitable spirit forces his adversary to yield, choosing another fight rather than defeating Gon. Following his knockout, Gon learns that the decisive stage has ended, with everyone else passing their exams, except for two exceptions: Killua and the foe Gon had defeated.
In the heat of his fight, Killua’s determination to be a hunter is challenged by his brother’s sudden appearance, who criticizes him for this choice and encourages him to resume his old profession as an assassin. Initially, Killua agrees, but he later comes back into the fray to eliminate another competitor, which leads to his disqualification from receiving his Hunter license.
7 examinees receive their license.
Post Exam
We Learn About Killua and the Zoldyck Family
Gon, Lerio, and Kurapika plan to persist in their search for missing companion Killua. They discover details about the renowned family of Killua, the Zoldyck’s, and learn that he has returned to Kukuroo Mountain. Additionally, Gon becomes aware of a concept known as “cyberspace,” which is comparable to an internet within the Hunter x Hunter universe, allowing him to dig deeper for information regarding Ging. However, his investigation uncovers influential figures trying to keep a lid on Ging’s work and personal details.
The Zoldyck Family Mansion exudes an intimidating presence, and the foreboding exterior serves as a mere introduction to the potentially perilous interactions within. The gateway to this estate is virtually inaccessible, forcing those who dare to enter either to face a colossal beast that swiftly eliminates them, or the highly proficient butlers stationed on the premises who efficiently halt any intrusion attempts.
Through Gon’s tenacity, they manage to reach the estate, but discover that Killua has been subjected to torment due to his actions (apparently, he attacked his brother and mother so he could join the Hunter Exam). However, the punishment is halted, and soon Killua converses with his father about his aspirations. Upon seeing his friends arrive to visit him, and noticing his longing for them, Killua’s father grants him permission to leave. Yet, before he departs, his father shares a final word of advice: never betray your friends. However, it is uncertain whether his father genuinely supported this decision, as he confides to Killua’s mother that he allowed him to go because he believes he will return someday.
“I’m not here to be tested, I’m here to see my friend.” — Gon Freecss
In the animated series, The Hunter Exam Arc spans across 26 episodes, and though this article offers a quick summary of its events, it’s definitely an arc worth experiencing personally. It abounds with character development, intriguing conflicts, and suspenseful scenes that lay the groundwork for much more in this renowned tale.
Hunter x Hunter is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, Netflix and Hulu.
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2024-11-30 03:37