Hunter X Hunter 2011 – 31

May 13, 2012Guardian EnzoUncategorizedAnime, Hunter x Hunter, reviews

No arm, no foul.

Considering the truly massive shadow Hisoka casts over everything and everyone in this series – our hero most especially – he’s been remarkably little in action of late. That’s the thing about Hisoka, though – he doesn’t need to fight to have an impact, his aura is sufficient to freak people the hell out and get them to effectively behave exactly as he wants them to. His true power is such that he can manipulate people with his presence, and destroy them with his talents. This is a fearsome beast, indeed. So when the time came for him to actually take the stage again, it obviously gets the adrenaline flowing for everyone concerned.

Not least of all that applies to Gon, of course. It’s no secret that Hisoka is every bit as important to Gon as Gon is to Hisoka, and it’s funny to see how they actually have the same physical reaction now when the other is mentioned (smile, uncontrollable shaking). And the thing is, Gon is afraid of Hisoka – he’s not stupid – but it’s not in spite of that fear that Gon quivers with anticipation at the thought of fighting Hisoka, it’s because of it. With Gon’s freakish talent and impeccable bravery I doubt there’s ever been much that’s scared him, and being afraid of Hisoka is the most thrilling thing he’s ever felt. I’m not sure Gon could have smiled when that fear hit him full-force for the first time, during the “final” phase of the exam, but he can now – as witness his reaction when Killua was explaining the details of Hisoka’s record in the 200s. His mouth said “I’m in trouble” – but that mouth also sported a grin I doubt the boy was even aware of. As Kil said to himself, “You don’t look like someone who thinks they’re in trouble.”

It must be said in Gon’s defense that he’s taken his promise to Wing quite seriously, and intended to honor it in spirit as well as letter. It was he who suggested that attending Hisoka’s match (more on that in a minute) might violate Wing’s prohibition of studying Nen – and indeed, Wing shows up (coincidence?) just at that moment to affirm that. When the time came and he was unobserved in his room, Gon turned the TV off – and it’s good to see that a promise given in earnest means something to him, and he has honor as well as martial spirit. He also has freakish healing ability (and appetite) too – his body having fully recovered from his injuries in a quarter of the time his doctor suggested. Gon was already a quick healer, and the knowledge of Ten and Zetsu can only have helped that.

Hisoka’s record is certainly impressive – 8-3 with 6 KOs – all kills – and all three losses by forfeit, matches he only registered for to avoid being kicked out of the 200s. What’s clear is that Hisoka only fights when it’s worth his time to fight – and that’s damn rarely – which is why Gon is such an object of fascination for him. These two really are mirror images in many ways, with Hisoka being a dark reflection of Gon – something that can’t be lost on Wing, as he trains Gon to fulfill his potential. It wouldn’t take much to nudge Gon down the dark path, and Wing surely knows this – but if he doesn’t teach him, could he end up learning from someone worse?

As for Hisoka’s opponent, that’s Kastro – who’s 9-1 record in the 200s leaves him only one win from being a Floor Master (something Hisoka seems to have no interest in whatsoever, just as Gon and Killua don’t). The only loss was to – well, you can guess – but he was also the only one to score points against Hisoka. His mysterious ability to disappear fascinates Killua, who sneaks a quick peek at him before the match – though Kastro senses the disappearance of the aura Killua is trying to hide. Kastro seems a pleasant enough fellow, and his mysterious ability seems to serve him well against Hisoka – he scores the first 4 points of the match, and even manages a knockdown.

It’s fascinating to watch this match play out, even though I have a pretty solid notion of how it’s going to end. Even Hisoka isn’t quite able to figure out Kastro’s ability at first, but as he’s taking hits and dodging he’s analyzing – and eventually susses out that it’s actually a doppelganger – Kastro is creating a double using Nen, which attacks while he hides. It’s impressive, though it does elevate the mysticism quotient in H x H to another level – and there are some inherent flaws, not least of which is that it takes energy to sustain a double’s existence. Eventually Hisoka seems to let Kastro sever his arm to learn the true nature of the trick – though I suspect this is some sort of gambit by the magician, as I can’t imagine even Hisoka surrendering an arm with such casual good humor (disdainfully using it to scratch his back was classic Hisoka). As I said, I’m pretty sure I can guess how this is going to end (nice knowin’ you, Blondie) but the interesting part will be seeing just how Hisoka finishes the job. He summed it up pretty well in his own words – “You’ll have my best shot when I deem it necessary.” Chilling, and very Hisoka – and I suppose Kastro deserves credit at least for having Hisoka decide he was worth killing.

Of Kurapika there was nary a word this week, so one assumes he’s off training in the woods somewhere. In hindsight, it does seem coincidental that both Gon (and Killua, by association) and Kurapika found teachers of Nen at just about the same moment. Is it possible, I wonder, that Wing’s master is in fact Netero, and this is all tied in to the true final phase of their Hunter exam? Given the mind games that are always at the heart of this series I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case, though I wouldn’t swear to it – though I would to the fact that Wing definitely knows a whole lot more than he’s letting on.

Gon & Killua’s Hunterpedia: “Riehlvelt”

Guardian Enzo

24 comments

l

leokiko
May 13, 2012 at 7:32 am
Reply

I don't wanna post an hateful comment towards this anime, but when Hisoka's arm…started what…glowing(?) I facepalmed.

Well, overall another good episode(they kept the fight unlike the 1999 version), I guess HxH can work as an kids show from now on.

Ouch, I didn't mean that..I mean, hmm I-… yea whatever, YS arc will suck (please, prove me wrong, Madhouse).

T.T

Well, at least the animation is still god-tier.
K

Kamen Rider Kekkaishi
May 13, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Reply

You realize HxH was already a kids show.
s

shareme
May 13, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Reply

Instead of being frustrated with the lack of blood on this episode, make fun of the man. Let me share with you some of the amusing posts on tumblr:

"HISOKA’S BLOOD IS MADE OF SPARKLES AND GLITTER
SUDDENLY EVERYTHING MAKES SENSE"

"maybe all of him is made of sparkles
that would explain glowing crotch and his fabulous and sassy attitude
man everything is solved"

"I don't know about you but I actually loved the sparkling blood
It was a nice touch. Hisoka is so special he bleeds sparkles. AND WHY NOT?"

Man, I love my fandom.
K

Kranyte
May 13, 2012 at 8:16 am
Reply

Heres my attempt to get active in the commenting of anime blogs.. followed RC since 07 but hardly comment, but I have to say i LOVE that theres someone blogging HxH.. definitely the only series I anticipate weekly atm, as the other shows dont hold my interest 🙁

As for the episode, I liked it. I love how Kastro stresses the importance of Zetsu and how he, like the other Nen users, can sense when auras disappear. I think it, in a sense, foreshadows future arcs in the importance of all the aspects of Nen.

I do admit this is probably one of my favorite mini-arcs, so I'm probably a bit biased, but I'm glad to see that Madhouse did not cut any part of the fight (thus far). To be honest I thought they'd censure the arm being cut off, so I'm glad to see it still in-tact.

@leokiko for the glowing arm, I thought it might be foreshadowing on what will happen next episode. Though I could be wrong and Madhouse simply just put it in there :s

"the interesting part will be seeing just how Hisoka finishes the job"
I'm sure you're gonna love it Enzo. Probably my favorite fight pre-YS ! 😀
admin
May 13, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Reply

That's for leaping in Kranyte – great to hear from you!

I love this arc, too – very subtle and interesting.
K

Kranyte
May 13, 2012 at 7:22 pm
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You'll definitely love the future arcs, that I can assure you. Esepcially with the introduction of more nen users and the world.

As for HxH blogging have you considered multi-blogging on RC as well as here? :O

Also, if you read the manga do you plan to blog it when it comes off hiatus?
admin
May 13, 2012 at 7:26 pm
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I'm so far behind on the manga that I doubt I'll do that. I don't want to pass where the anime is, anyway – I like seeing it fresh.

I raised the possibility of doing H x H over at RC, but the feeling there is that there wouldn't be much interest. Who knows – here I'm the boss, so I don't have to worry about it!
A

Anonymous
May 14, 2012 at 4:09 pm
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That's absurd! Who cares if it won't be a hit at first. They should give it a chance. Their doing random stuff in RC anyway so why not cover this amazing series too? They even brought back FT (Not that it's bad). Most of what they are covering are just too Random. I'm just thankful you are covering Hunter Enzo. Most of us are having fun with this series. Sharing this to the people with RC would be great.
M

M E M A
May 13, 2012 at 11:44 am
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Episode truly amazing!!!
I think that HunterxHunter has become the best .. :)!!
A

Anonymous
May 13, 2012 at 2:25 pm
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Keep doing what you do. It's truly a delight to read your blog posts on this series every week.
A

Anonymous
May 13, 2012 at 2:39 pm
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Makes me think that Hisoka had a double too by the time his arm caught off – like you said I don't think he'd sport losing an arm with that "cheerful" attitude.

o_o Doesn't the opponent thanked him for the initiation…so does that mean he gave him the same welcome as Gon and Killua which makes me think – was he someone Hisoka had his eye on and 'raised' as he's 'rasing' Gon to be his next worthwhile opponent?

I mean I've always been pretty suspecious of Wing-san…(taking in Gon and Killua as students what has he got to gain by it?)…but him showing up and not letting Gon do much though he's recovered makes me wonder what he's up to it seems
s

shareme
May 13, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Reply

o_o Doesn't the opponent thanked him for the initiation…so does that mean he gave him the same welcome as Gon and Killua which makes me think – was he someone Hisoka had his eye on and 'raised' as he's 'rasing' Gon to be his next worthwhile opponent?

You'll know next episode 😉

I mean I've always been pretty suspecious of Wing-san…(taking in Gon and Killua as students what has he got to gain by it?)…but him showing up and not letting Gon do much though he's recovered makes me wonder what he's up to it seems

He's still conflicted/disturbed that he'll be the one responsible for awakening an "incredible beast". There IS a reason why it was shown again before the episode title. Just wanted to add that someone who understand Japanese corrected that line. CR translated it as "incredible beast" but she says that Wing actually said "unstoppable beast".
A

Anonymous
May 13, 2012 at 2:43 pm
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The fight was longer than I expected. They even explained the technique, unlike in the 1999 version. I also facepalmed with the glowing blood. But it's not that bad. Though I'd like to see real blood. The next arc will need lots of them. On a side note, why can't I remember the mummie member of spider with boxing gloves. I can't recall what kind of nen he has.. A hint would be nice, but please don't spoil.
s

shareme
May 13, 2012 at 3:46 pm
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Though I'd like to see real blood.

It's either you see real blood but no actual amputation or see actual amputation but there will be sparkling fairy dust… take your pick.

Putting in real blood wasn't as necessary to the plot as the amputation is. Honestly, Hisoka didn't bleed that much or else he'll be dead from blood loss alone.

why can't I remember the mummie member of spider with boxing gloves. I can't recall what kind of nen he has.. A hint would be nice, but please don't spoil.

You can't remember him that well because he didn't actually do anything significant until the Chimera arc so don't worry about him.
A

Anonymous
May 13, 2012 at 4:16 pm
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Yey, thanks for the hint. 🙂
Like I said, It's not that bad. Much better than no amputation at all. But damn fairy dust. LOL
I know nothing about the Chimera arc. I'll just wait for it in the series. The 2011 version keeps getting better and better.
A

Anonymous
May 13, 2012 at 4:27 pm
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There was real blood shown in the same episode. When Hisoka got punched in the face. They just didn't want to show blood in the same scene as the amputation itself.
b

belatkuro
May 13, 2012 at 4:13 pm
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Well when the situation calls for blood, this show will do it, like in the Hanzo vs Gon part in the Hunter exam. I admit the pixie dust blood was stupid but at least they're showing it's amputated.
Complaining at this point is a bit pointless now.

And this is just a peek at how Nen battles go. You need to know what the opponent's ability is or you're dead meat. That's why Kastro refrained from telling Kilua his ability. Information is necessary in a Nen battle to know the weakness of the ability. But there's really no need to worry about Hisoka. He's a monster. As simple as that 😛
admin
May 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Reply

I really don't understand the importance folks place on seeing real blood in anime. Isn't the way the scene is written more important than whether we see the actual gore? It's not like we don't know exactly what just happened.
s

shareme
May 13, 2012 at 5:17 pm
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Yeah… that was disappointing to hear from HxH fans. They didn't even comment on how MadHouse totally made the time to distinguish between the 4 different nen discipline. You can tell when someone uses ten, zetsu, ren and hatsu while the '99 series just did colorful nen and the hmming sounds. =/

This series understands that each principles are important in battle and thus necessary to be depicted clearly to the audience while the old anime only glorifies the hatsu part.
K

Kranyte
May 13, 2012 at 7:19 pm
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As for the blood, I think they're justified in using "fairy dust" due to what will happen next episode (manga readers should already know).

This series understands that each principles are important in battle and thus necessary to be depicted clearly to the audience while the old anime only glorifies the hatsu part.
—
When I compared this and the 1999 series to the manga, I'm prefering this "retelling" A LOT more for the reasons you just stated. It reminds me of the "thinking" shown in the manga panels and it helps ease people into the world of nen before the next few arcs which are nen-fest battles.. at least here, its helping us ease into before the upcoming arcs.

As for the different nen disciplines I do distinctly remember the hmming, but don't recall the colors (never liked the 1999 series besides the GI arc and alwasy preferred the manga :S)
K

Kamen Rider Kekkaishi
May 13, 2012 at 8:30 pm
Reply

The colors were random. Killua was at times shown to have green and others orange.
s

shareme
May 13, 2012 at 9:38 pm
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Just wanted to add… I wouldn't be surprised if that "sparkling fairy dust" censorship style was thought up by Togashi himself. Classic Togashi trolling! Think about it.

1) Hisoka's designated "color" in this series is pink…. and not the "manly" pink either. It's more of a hello kitty pink.
2) He's wearing heels, dudes! And not the "manly" heels either.
3) The lolzy "ball" pink stomachy thingie.

Clearly, sparkling fairy dust is the thing to use to such a fabulous man. XD

Come on, people! Togashi is the same man who made Level E. If you watch/read it, you know how much of a troll he is.
A

Agustín
May 14, 2012 at 12:34 am
Reply

I find your reviews specially interesting because you haven't read the manga.
The way you analyze what happens in the chapters, and make predictions of what's going to happen, is very interesting.

Most bloggers who had read the manga only compare it with the anime, without making any interesting reflection about the plot.
admin
May 14, 2012 at 1:38 am
Reply

Yeah, thanks – that's kind of what I was going for. Generally speaking I prefer blogging series where I haven't read the source material to those where I have for those reasons, and more.

Hunter X Hunter 2011 – 31

Guardian Enzo

24 comments

leokiko

Kamen Rider Kekkaishi

shareme

Kranyte

admin

Kranyte

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Anonymous

M E M A

Anonymous

Anonymous

shareme

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shareme

Anonymous

Anonymous

belatkuro

admin

shareme

Kranyte

Kamen Rider Kekkaishi

shareme

Agustín

admin

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