DVD Review: ‘Hunter X Hunter’ Volume 2

The colors may seem and the animation archaic, when compared with 2009 anime, but Hunter X Hunter is one series that is anything but dull or archaic.

When I watched the first few episodes of Hunter X Hunter Volume 1, I thought this was another kiddy anime that would make me fall asleep with a subpar plot. Once I reached the middle of Volume 1 Disc 2, Hunter X Hunter had quickly smacked me in the face and told me my first impression was dead wrong. Several scenes are gruesome and will remind you that a card-carrying psychopath can literally be just that. The first two volumes even have less filler episodes than more recent Anime like Naruto.

Hunter X Hunter stars Gon, a boy from a small village who grew up without knowing his father. Both people and animals can’t help but fall in love with his jubilant-vivacious spirit. When he discovers his father was really a Hunter, he decides to go off on a quest to become a Hunter and find his father. At the end of Volume 1, Gon and his companions were in the middle of the Hunter exam working through a dangerous-trap-filled tower on the path of “Majority Rules.” Volume 2 picks up in the middle of Leorio’s test.

Volume 2 concludes with the end of the Hunter exam. The journey is fast paced and filled with thrills that are as surprising as they are delightful to watch. Gon finally comes face to face with the one person everyone fears, Hisoka. Killua is forced to confront his shadowy assassins past. Each moment is guaranteed viewing euphoria, bolstered by the calamity of Leorio.

Much like Naruto, there are several characters with distinct personalities, all possessing a unique story worth following. You would expect that having such a happy-go-lucky lead character, like Gon, would make the story more of a children’s tale. That’s not the case. This is great Anime at its best. Just like the characters in Hunter X Hunter, you will fall in love with this child who just won’t quit. He isn’t annoying like Naruto, screaming madly every second. Instead, he is a patient problem solver who will stop at nothing to become a Hunter and help his friends.

Hunter X Hunter is one Anime DVD collection that is worth owning. The dull colors coupled with brilliant storytelling help this series to stand out from most Anime.