Hunter x Hunter: The Devastating Cost of Revenge

by

Summary

  • Kurapika’s revenge resulted in isolation as he pursued vengeance against the Phantom Troupe.
  • Gon’s revenge against Neferpitou led to sacrificing his future and losing his role in the story.
  • Hunter x Hunter showcases characters losing connections and facing isolation due to their pursuit of revenge.

The anime titled “Hunter x Hunter” initially appears as a standard shōnen action series, with the protagonist Gon learning hunter skills and gathering friends due to his physical prowess and cheerful disposition. Throughout the early stages of Hunter x Hunter, we witness the significance of friendships among these characters, a theme that gradually builds up to a more ominous tone that the series adopts later on.

In the captivating series “Hunter x Hunter,” diverse figures such as Kurapika and the carefree Gon find themselves engulfed by a thirst for vengeance. The narrative unfolds to reveal the agonizing journey of this revenge, which in turn strains their connections with other characters. While the destructive power of revenge on an individual is a recurring motif in many narratives, “Hunter x Hunter” masterfully lets us experience its consequences not just through personal deterioration, but also by showcasing the wreckage it causes within relationships.

Kurapika’s Revenge

A Different Goal From His Friends

Kurapika is presented as a somber, thoughtful individual who carries a heavy burden from his past. The Phantom Troupe mercilessly wiped out his entire tribe, taking their distinctive eyes in the process, with Kurapika being the lone exception. Upon seeing firsthand the devastation they left behind, including the lifeless body of his friend Pairo, Kurapika vowed to seek justice for his slain kin and eliminate the Phantom Troupe once and for all.

The one who pretends to be human (the beast) understands and appreciates human behavior better than most, because they themselves are experiencing being among humans.

Overcoming his past hardships, Kurapika rekindled friendships when he met Gon, Killua, and Leorio. However, upon completing the Hunter Exam and mastering Nen, Kurapika grew even more determined to avenge himself against the Phantom Troupe. He established strict guidelines for his enhanced abilities, primarily deploying them during confrontations with Troupe members. Unfortunately, his relentless pursuit of revenge prevented him from joining his companions on their travels after each battle. This separation eventually led Kurapika to drift away from the group and their shared narrative, as his solitary focus and divergent objectives kept him isolated for an extended period.

“I do not fear death. I fear only that my rage will fade over time.” -Kurapika

Gon’s Revenge

Losing Your Role in the Story

In a prelude to Gon’s eventual descent into a quest for vengeance, similar to Kurapika’s journey, Gon became consumed with guilt and anger following the capture of Kite by the chimera ants. Rather than seeking solace in his friends, he chose to channel his emotions internally and make a promise reminiscent of Kurapika’s. This self-imposed mission led Gon to achieve revenge against Neferpitou, but at a tremendous cost. He forfeited his future with Nen and came dangerously close to death. Upon arriving on the scene, Killua made every effort to save Gon, but the friend he once knew was effectively lost.

Despite Gon managing to heal, Killua and Gon eventually parted ways due to circumstances. Gon’s actions led to his inability to employ Nen anymore, which meant he could no longer carry on as the main character since his aspirations diverged from Killua’s. With different objectives, Gon decided to return home.

In the captivating world of “Hunter x Hunter” anime, the theme of revenge is not merely depicted through the devastation of an individual character. Instead, those who sacrifice everything for revenge, even their relationships and humanity, find themselves excluded from the narrative. They are left to endure the solitude they’ve created, searching for redemption in a world devoid of their former connections. This approach to the consequences of revenge resonates more profoundly than tales where the avenger meets an untimely death, as we, the audience, mourn the loss of the harmony they once embodied within the story.

Hunter x Hunter can be streamed on Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu.

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2025-04-19 17:38