The Hunter test is officially over. Well sort of. “Hunter X Hunter” Volume 3 continues to chronicle the lives of Gon, Leorio, Kurapika and Killua. Now that Gon has his hunter licenece, he is hell bent on finding out why Killua really forfeited the Hunter test. Unlike most Anime collections riddled with filler episodes, “Hunter X Hunter” maintains a strong serialized story arc that you can’t help but follow.
This DVD collection features two story arcs. The first quest involves Gon, Leorio and Kurapika’s journey to Killua’s home. They try to visit their friend, Killua, at the Zaoldyecks mansion. Unfortunately, the group soon discovers that no outsider is allowed to visit any member of Zaoldyecks. Gon tries to appeal to the Zaoldyecks’ servants, claiming to be Killua’s friend, but they all claim Master Killua has no friends. After passing through a series of trials and tests, which subsequently advances each their martial prowess, the group is finally reunited with Killua. Although these episodes don’t necessarily have the tension of the Hunter test, they do help to show growth in Gon’s character. Gon continues to put himself in personal danger for the sake of his friends.
The second major story of Volume 3, involves Gon and Killua’s journey to Heavens Arena. Killua hopes that fighting will make Gon strong enough to face off against Hisoka. After breezing through 200 levels of Heavens Arena, Gon and Killua come face to face with Hisoka. Unfortunately, they cannot make it any farther on their mission to the top of Heavens Arena because Hisoka uses his own internal ki to block them from moving forward. Gon and Killua train with Master Wing to learn how to channel their inner power and use it as a projection of their own strength.
There are also a few episodes featuring Gon and Killua’s return to Whale Island, where Killua is introduced to Gon’s Aunt. Also, we learn that Kurapika has also found a master to teach him how to channel his internal ki.
“Hunter X Hunter” Volume 3 begins to move more into the darker side of the Hunter mythos. We learn that Hisoka works for a mafia type organization, and has secret ambitions of his own. If you’re looking for a jumping on point, however, it’s probably best to start with Volume 1 or even Volume 2. Unlike less serialized stories, Hunter X Hunter is one that is definitely watching from beginning to end. Outside of the standard trailers and production art, there are no memorable special features packaged with this release.
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