There are anime that stand out for their extremely cynical and fatalistic stories, with brutal scenarios whose sole purpose is to make the characters suffer and leave viewers absolutely shocked. However, while it’s much harder for an anime to contain a whirlwind of emotions and be devastating in every aspect without intentionally trying to be depressing, Hunter x Hunter manages to do just that.
While some anime aren’t afraid to go dark as a tool to boost character development, what makes Hunter x Hunter‘s Chimera Ant Arc so devastating is how it highlights the worst side of human nature, becoming a work of art from beginning to end, and leaving the audience equally satisfied and emotionally destroyed.
Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant Arc Is A Series of Tragedies
Even being aware of the reputation of the Chimera Ant arc of Hunter x Hunter, it is impossible for its beginning not to feel like a punch in the gut for viewers due to the stark contrast between the rest of the anime and what transpires in NGL.
From the outset, viewers are confronted with the stark reality that, despite their exceptional abilities, the Hunters are utterly powerless against the Chimera Ants, clearly outnumbered and outmatched by their strength. However, as the arc progresses, it instills a glimmer of hope as the Hunters plot their attack, even as all signs point to alarm.
From the despairing prospect of the Chimera Ants learning to use Nen to the birth of the King, the epitome of the species with unimaginable power and evolutionary potential, and the haunting scene of Kite, any glint of optimism is swiftly and cruelly shattered, giving viewers goosebumps and making them eager to know what will happen next.
Returning characters facing the most gruesome fates, villagers mercilessly slaughtered, and creatures poised to evolve with the ambition to dominate the world: these layers of tragedy only increase as Gon, Killua, and the other hunters have all sorts of negative experiences of guilt, trauma, anxiety, and soul-crushing fear.
The Chimera Ant Arc Showcase A Hopeless Vision of Humanity
What elevated the narrative quality of the Chimera Ants arc was the complexity of its themes, with its approach to humanity amidst monstrosity being as unsettling as it was eye-opening. There’s a thematic parallel between the Chimera Ants and the Hunters, where roles are reversed, making it challenging for viewers to define who the true villain is.
Hunter x Hunter embodies dehumanization like no other shōnen anime. The dark side of humanity is thoroughly explored, not only in backstories like Gyro’s but also in battles like Meruem against Netero. The chairman of the Hunter Association had to resort to a desperate tactic, unbecoming of an honorable warrior, achieving a bittersweet victory destined to expose the depths of human malice.
The Hero’s Journey Becomes a Slow Descent Into Despair in Hunter X Hunter
Although he showed signs of having a dark side, up until the Chimera Ant arc, Gon Freecs was simply a cheerful and innocent character. Unlike other protagonists who remain upright throughout, Gon descends into darkness and pays a heavy price. Driven by his unbridled anger, his desire for revenge, and his hatred, Gon reaches a point where he completely loses his humanity.
This is the opposite of Meruem’s evolution, who transforms from being ruthless, impassive, and unscrupulous after meeting Komugi. However, what is most striking is the heartbreaking fate of both characters, with impressive symbolism in their narrative arcs, despite never having interacted with each other.
Hunter X Hunter Has Its Own Tragic Lovers
Intrigued by her talent for gungi and willingness to risk her life in every game, Meruem engaged in several matches with Komugi. Although their interactions weren’t particularly warm and affectionate, they gradually grew closer. While far from being the typical representation of romance, Meruem and Komugi were soulmates destined to find each other.
Seeing beyond the boundaries of what it means to be human and simply enjoying spending time together, the connection between Meruem and Komugi is as touching as it is painful to watch. Full of meaning, their relationship sends chills down viewers’ spines and brought tears to many eyes with one of the most heartbreaking scenes in anime..
The Chimera Ant Arc is One Viewers Want To Forget In Order to Watch Again
The most unsettling part is that although hunters technically emerged victorious against the Chimera Ants, viewers can’t feel they truly won. These complicated emotions make the Chimera Ant Arc of Hunter x Hunter a top choice that most anime viewers would like to erase from their memories so they can experience that initial shock and be amazed all over again.
The Chimera Ant arc marked a turning point not only in the Hunter x Hunter’s story but in anime as a whole. Rightly considered one of the greatest story arcs in anime, despite being challenging to watch, the Chimera Ant arc keeps viewers in awe of its foreshadowing, symbolism, and details, making it worth experiencing more than once.
- Created by
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Yoshihiro Togashi
- First Film
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Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge
- Latest Film
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Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission
- First Episode Air Date
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October 16, 1999
Hunter × Hunter is a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers his father is a legendary Hunter, and embarks on a journey to become one himself. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes in a world filled with martial arts, adventure, and paranormal elements. The franchise spans manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and video games.
