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Strap in – it looks like yet another amazing ride is about to begin…
OP Sequence:
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Author’s Note: Please be very careful to avoid divulging any
information about upcoming events from the manga. When in doubt, don’t
post it, even if it’s remotely possible to view it as a minor spoiler.
Thanks for your cooperation.
When the OP alone just about makes your head explode, you know things are going to get pretty intense. That OP was a reminder that Hunter X Hunter is yet again embarking on a new phase of its illustrious history – the Election Arc is finally being animated, and it will almost surely be the last arc we see for a very long time (which is a horrible thought). The OP is an amazing sequence – it’s clear we’re not going to ever get a new song in this version of the anime, but the animation was a parade of fascinating imagery – faces old and new, building up anticipation almost to painful levels (even a new logo). We got a new ED sequence too, (and for the first time, the narrator doing the preview voice-over) though “Hyourittai” carried over from “Chimera Ant” in remixed form – a very simple but pretty montage of stills, followed by a gut-wrenching framed photo of our separated four heroes in happier times that now seem very, very far away.
It should go without saying, but it truly is astonishing how Togahsi Yoshihiro is able to shift on a dime without losing any momentum – surely, he’s the most versatile mangaka in shounen history. This episode marks a complete turnaround from “Chimera Ant” even as the transition is utterly seamless – from the death, existential despair and moral contemplation we move into a cross between a political drama and a caper flick, and with a completely new cast of characters at its center to boot. That we already feel as if we know these twelve people is a testament to the groundwork Togashi and Koujina have done setting up this story, and the faith they’ve earned that every new character we meet is worth paying close attention to.
In the interests of time (mine) I’ll direct you here for the casting of the Zodiacs, making special note of Ohtsuka Akio (who earlier played Uvogin) as Mizaistrom Nana (“The Ox”), because he utterly commands the screen every time he speaks, and Takahashi Hiroki as Pariston Hill (he played Hisoka in the 1999 version). Of course Koyama Rikiya is back as Ging (“The Boar”), and it’s he and Pariston who immediately emerge as the prime movers of the gathered Zodiacs – though it’s clear that their fellows have little love for either of them.
The atmosphere in that conference room is really something – so tense that the air is positively crackling with electricity yet run through with a sense of whimsy we haven’t seen from Hunter X Hunter in months. Togashi is superb at this sort of material – snappy dialogue laced with subtext between formidable adversaries, underhanded machinations and trickery, battles of wits and wills. It’s a glorious return to a face of the series we haven’t seen for ages, yet also takes it into a new realm that feels totally fresh. One of the first questions that pops into my mind is why the canny Netero would have included Pariston – “The Rat” – in this inner circle of trusted subordinates. Even in a group full of iconoclasts he clearly stands as the odd man out – the only one, it seems, who didn’t step into the role Netero laid out for him.
Pariston seems the villain of the piece, to be sure – a self-serving and smug “Prince of kickbacks” who’s been laying the groundwork for his own advancement. He defends himself as someone who understands the weak, whereas the other Zodiacs and Netero were too strong to do so – and there’s a well-established syndrome of field Hunters scorning anyone who sullies themselves by working in administration. So there’s more to this than meets the eye, that’s certain, and given how many moves ahead Netero could clearly see I’m certain his reasons for choosing Pariston will become clear (perhaps precisely because he’s a hedge against all the others). The one thing everyone in the group can agree on is that Pariston should be stopped from becoming Chairman – until Ging’s declaration (a bluff) that he’ll run gives them two things they can agree on.
Togashi, as ever, drops fascinating clues about the past and the future here – for example, Mizaistrom’s pointed mention of the fact that 18 Hunters have gone “missing” since Pariston became Vice-chairman. There’s also a gloriously venemous exchange between Pariston and Ging where the former digs at the latter with the fact that Gon is in critical condition, and appears to make a veiled threat against him if Ging continues his campaign – to which Ging replies with amused contempt couched in politeness. The logical and persuasive Cheadle Yorkshire (“The Dog”) proposes that the rules for the upcoming election be set by drawing lots, with each Zodiac making their own list of rules – but Ging has foreseen this development with unerring accuracy, and gamed the system by meeting with Beans ahead of time to make sure his rules are picked.
That the seemingly honest and reliable Beans – who may be the closest thing to a figure all the Zodiacs trust – should be willing to cheat on Ging’s behalf is a sort of compliment about Ging’s character, I suppose. In a series full of enigmas he’s possibly the biggest one, and his claims that he’s only interested in making sure the election process is fun can’t be taken at face value. His rules are pretty simple – 95% turnout required, runoffs if no one reaches 50% (starting with the top 16 vote-getters) and, most interestingly, that all Hunters (there are 661 in total) are candidates and that no anonymous ballots will be accepted. For someone who sees as far as Ging does, it can be safely assumed that no rule is coincidental or unimportant – and those last two are definitely worth keeping a close eye on.
The first round of the election (held on August 8, which is the anniversary of the Nagasaki bombing, possibly not a coincidence given how “Chimera Ant” ended) is a cavalcade of old friends streaming in to cast their ballots – we see pretty much every major face in the Association from the earlier arcs, with some notable exceptions like the four main cast members (Leorio’s arrival is clearly imminent). Included is the long-overdue and rapturous return of the incomparable Hisoka (in a new outfit) who makes his presence known with a “May I put it in?” (everything sounds dirty when Hisoka says it, but I’m glad Gon and Killua weren’t around for that one) about his empty ballot paper. The results show Pariston in first but with only 37% if the votes, with a few interesting tidbits like Gon receiving one vote and Bisky six – but only 87.7% turnout, which renders the entire thing invalid anyway. Start again…
As always, Hisoka’s presence is fascinating. He’s there to see Ging – presumably as a potential worthy opponent – and also for the rare opportunity to size up the vast majority of his fellow Hunters in one sitting. He ranks them, most quite harshly, but when Illumi shows up he gets 95 points. Clearly this is one of the few in the world Hisoka considers worth listening to – maybe even considers a friend – and Illumi brings interesting news on many fronts. He correctly assumes Hisoka was clueless about the entire Chimera Ant fiasco and chides him for missing an opportunity to fight (“That would require stopping to think”) while he was out “chasing Chrollo”. The most riveting bit of news for Hisoka? That Gon is in critical condition, and that Killua is racing home to talk to their father – and that “at this rate both of them will die”. This brings us that rarest of sights, Hisoka being dead-serious – and Illumi talks of “another younger Zoldyck brother… I want to get rid of him.”
Oh, my… For a Hunter X Hunter fan this episode was an orgiastic feast for the senses on so many levels. The reset button has been pushed, and we transition from the most epic of all arcs to one that’s totally different, utterly fascinating, genuinely fun and promises to take Hunter X Hunter to places it’s never gone before. I loved the way Togashi gave us “Whale Island” as a breather after “Heaven’s Arena” and before the intensity of “York Shin”, but this kind of instant transition to a new story is exhilarating and incredibly hard to pull off (for a normal writer). Just like that, the table is set with a mouth-watering display of new possibilities, and I can hardly wait for the feast to begin.
Incidentally, if you’re looking for a gift for the Hunter who has everything, check this out:
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Preview:
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Kurama Hitsugaya
July 9, 2014 at 6:09 amSo I wonder if Hisoka killed Chrollo? I can't imagine Hisoka would look for someone new to fight before things between the two of them were settled. It would be a very Togashi thing to hype up the fight between them so much only to have Chrollo die off screen.
P.S. Killua sol Dick?
admin
July 9, 2014 at 6:32 amBlame Google Translate, not me…
admin
July 9, 2014 at 6:33 amBTW, no one answer that bit about Chrollo – I sure as hell don't want to know. But I rather doubt that myself.
Potenken
July 9, 2014 at 6:12 amAt this point it would feel wrong to have a new song for OP it kinda have become a trademark.
Maybe for Hunter x Hunter v2030+…
admin
July 9, 2014 at 6:34 amYeah, I wasn't expecting Departure to be replaced, but I did think we might get a new ED song. I guess since it's only for one cour, they decided not to.
That OP sequence, though… Dayum.
Shigy Amoto
July 9, 2014 at 6:51 amAnimation-wise, this OP sequence seems to be the best, thus far, of the whole show.
It reminded a few others of the style portrayed in the movie, "Redline".
Rita
July 9, 2014 at 6:52 amIT'S HERE
I remember this arc so well BECAUSE it was such a whiplash compared to Chimera Ants. And I'm sure there were layers of subterfuge I didn't even catch in between the convoluted political shitstorm this whole thing turned into. And it was wonderful. And something I never expected to see in any shounen manga ever.
How do you essentially turn what is a glorified and balls out insane presidential election into something that works in a manga like HxH? Apparently if you're Togashi you do it in your sleep or something.
Andrew
July 9, 2014 at 8:58 amIn case you didn't notice, "five brothers" were mentioned way back in the Zoldyck arc, and the photo was included in Feitan's fight as Kalluto was going "holy fuck they are all on another level".
admin
July 9, 2014 at 9:32 amI did notice, in both instances. Though this is one of the most widely spoiled plot points in the series anyway…
Hangman
July 9, 2014 at 1:07 pmI…uh, had no idea Kalluto was supposed to be male… orz. I was wracking my brain trying to remember who the fourth Zoldyck brother was and then checked Hunterpedia. So confusing these kimono wearing kids! In my defense I did race through episodes in my effort to catch up and may have missed it mentioned in the process. My mind just decided he was a girl.
*skeptical of characters' sex in this show from now on*
zandrame
July 9, 2014 at 9:20 amWere there always animal-people in this world? Most of the Zodiac members look like they could be Chimera ants, lol.
Simone
July 9, 2014 at 10:05 amSomething was said about the members "altering their appearances" to fit in with their respective animal motif.
So in other words, the most powerful association of the world is ruled by a bunch of furry cosplayers. Have fun with that thought.
admin
July 9, 2014 at 10:54 amReposted with spoiler removed:
The Election Arc is legit my favorite arc in the series. I love everything about it, especially how the introduction of twelve powerful new characters sets up to expand so much of HxH's world in the space of a single chapter. The Zodiacs are akin to the Supernovae of One Piece in that regard. And that's not even counting some of the hunters who stand out during the election process…
elianthos80
July 9, 2014 at 11:08 amThis episode went by in a flash. So entertaining and such a rich varied menu. With so much Ging after he has been an elusive presence. Good move Togashi, good move. And Pariston looks like he knows what he's doing, sparkly bishie mojo included XD. Although Ging is seemingly outwitting everyone this week. But then Netero is likely outitting everyone from the grave hence I'm ready to be surprised. Many times. Ohohoh.
Hisoka is… such a stylish creeper. Always (glasses frame merch included oh my). Good heavens. Ahah the ballot bit killed me. —– Honestly I wouldn't say he considers Illumi (or anyone else really) a friend – ditto on mr. dead-eyes Zoldick aniki – but I guess this bond is the closest vague resemblance ha has to that.
The brunette cute kid with Killua in the OP turned into a very scary… thing straight from a horror movie for a second btw. Made me jump on my seat. More promising goodness ahead!
And Zoldyck family fuckery times are comin' it seems. Bring it all on! In Killua I trust.
P.S.: Leoriooo <3 what can I say I'm fond of this goofball as soon as he appeared in the new OP I had this big grin on my face.
elianthos80
July 9, 2014 at 11:13 amerrata corrige: 'outWitting everyone from the grave'. The -titting belongs to ms. Snake Zodiac and her delicious retro Morticia Addams looks (Carolyn Jones version please).
Alister Hagen
July 9, 2014 at 11:43 amYou said that Pariston did not seem to have stepped into the role Netero laid out for him, but I would disagree. Pariston is clearly fulfilling the role of "The Rat" perfectly. 🙂
Rita
July 9, 2014 at 4:56 pmI always assumed that was part of the reason he was assigned that role to begin with XD I doubt someone like Netero wouldn't clearly notice what a scheming bastard he seems to be.
That being said, I still think that's part of the reason Netero kept him around.
Hangman
July 9, 2014 at 11:43 amI'm liking the arc and change of pace so far. Hisika's back!! I'm always afraid to blink when the characters are internalizing their dense thought processes though, since I might just miss something crucial. I think some of the designs of new characters look a wee lame though, especially when sharing the screen with older character. And the fact that Ging was steps ahead of all of them had me wondering why they're a big deal when they're days behind like everyone else who isn't Netero (or Killua). I guess it would be nice to see why they're so prominent – I just don't see it yet.
The new OP seems to feature very little Gon, so I think he'll be playing a minor role this arc but I hope we wakes up in time to meet Ging. I would love to see Ging go toe-to-toe with Hisoka. *wink* (<—–notaspoileridon'tknowanything!!!)
Onix Franceschini
July 9, 2014 at 11:44 amI shed a tear at the last image of the OP. God, I truly LOVE HXH.
admin
July 9, 2014 at 1:29 pmYeah, that's really a killer, isn't it?
Kamen Rider Kekkaishi
July 9, 2014 at 2:58 pmFor me it was the ending
whemleh
July 9, 2014 at 11:59 amI think Killua looks older in the new OP sequence. And his newest brother looks even more like a girl than the last.
Also, I think Pariston's dress code still corresponds to his zodiac sign…
Also also, I'm super pumped for Leeorio's return! Did you catch him performing nen in the OP? Looks like he's been training..
admin
July 9, 2014 at 1:30 pmTogashi loves his androgynous males…
whemleh
July 9, 2014 at 2:00 pmI think this might be the most outright female looking male he's done so far. Of course, this one is a little kid (and absolutely adorable looking, at that) that's quite understandable.
Unknown
July 9, 2014 at 4:38 pmThis is going to stright up funny and confusing as this goes on.
Yann
July 9, 2014 at 12:16 pm"orgiastic" learned a new word… Thanks! 🙂
noodles
July 9, 2014 at 3:46 pmfinally i can post this opening here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYdmorFu9A0
hgfdsahjkl
July 9, 2014 at 9:54 pmare you spoiled about the end of this arc ?
admin
July 9, 2014 at 11:19 pmAbout 90-95% not, I would guess.
R Lawlied
July 9, 2014 at 10:33 pmDidn't expect Han Megumi to play as Cluck (chicken/bird). For a second, I thought it was HanaKana, until I saw the credit..
dirty water imp
July 10, 2014 at 2:31 amDropped this around the time of Killua's rescue during the previous arc. Would have been better for me to go from Hunter Exam->Heaven's Arena->YorkShin->Election Arc. Hindsight, time, minority opinion and all that.
Picking this up again as Hisoka's back and well there's Ging who is fantastic. Hopefully there'll be more of Leorio as well. He more evenly rounds out the anime when he's around, grounding it. He is missed.
Rita
July 10, 2014 at 10:23 amUuuhhh, I don't know how you're going to deal with the gaping PLOT that got carried over from Chimera Arc (namely the situation Gon and Killua find themselves in right now) unless you've read the manga or read spoilers.
dirty water imp
July 11, 2014 at 12:26 amI did read the wiki a while back, so I'm familiar with the plot points for good or ill.
Zeta Zero
July 12, 2014 at 12:42 pmI like the fact that my two favourite character in the whole thing are back – Hisoka and Illumi.
chendawg
July 16, 2014 at 7:07 pmOdd question as I'm just now catching back up in the series, did Hisoka's voice actor change? Maybe it has just been too long since we've seen him, but he just sounded a little off for me.
Blinky
May 16, 2020 at 12:04 pmHello! I come from the future. There’s still no more arcs here in 2020. Sorry ;-;