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Hunter x Hunter is one of those anime that feels like it could have ruled the shonen world if only it had been given the chance. Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the same mind behind Yu Yu Hakusho, it had a unique story, deep character writing, and one of the best power systems in anime.
But while One Piece and Bleach went on to become massive franchises, HxH was often left in the shadows, mostly because of Togashi’s long hiatuses due to health issues. Still, fans know that if it had continued like its competitors, it could have easily been even bigger.
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Nen Is One Of The Best Power Systems In Anime
Shonen anime live and die by their power systems. Dragon Ball Z has Ki, Naruto has Chakra, and One Piece has Devil Fruits. But HxH gave us Nen, which isn’t just another energy-based power. In fact, it's more layered, strategic, and deeply personal to each character. Unlike other battle anime where power levels decide everything, in HxH, intelligence, creativity, and even psychological warfare play a big role.
For example, Hisoka, one of the most well-written characters in anime, uses Bungee Gum, which might sound silly but is deadly in his hands. The way fights unfold feels more like a chess match than a simple battle of who is stronger. If HxH had kept going, we could have seen even crazier Nen abilities, further expanding the already brilliant power system.
The Variety In Story Arcs And Characters Makes HxH Stand Out
One of the best things about Hunter x Hunter is how unpredictable it is. Most shonen follow a formula - train, fight, win, repeat. However, HXH completely breaks that mold. The Hunter Exam arc starts off like a classic adventure, but then we get Yorknew City, which feels like a mafia crime thriller. Then, Chimera Ants happens, and suddenly the show turns absolutely dark, exploring the darkest sides of happy-go-lucky characters like Gon.
Let's not forget about Meruem either, probably the best-written villain in anime. He starts as a brutal, unstoppable villain but the next moment we see him saving Komugi from the crows. Seeing the brutal and insensitive character gaining human traits like compassion and love was something no other anime has ever tried out.
Hisoka is another fan-favorite character for a reason. He’s unpredictable, powerful, and weird in his own way. But what makes him so interesting is that he’s not just a straightforward villain. He only fights people he finds exciting, which means he’s constantly hunting for the next strong opponent, even if it's his own gang members like Chrollo. Then comes his sexuality - another trait why he's so much talked about.
The Impact Of Hunter X Hunter On The Shonen Genre
Many modern anime owe a lot to Hunter x Hunter. You can see its influence in Jujutsu Kaisen, which borrows elements from Nen for its Cursed Energy system. Even My Hero Academia has some clear inspirations, especially in how abilities are structured.
Togashi wasn’t afraid to break away from the typical shonen story, and because of that, he created something that future creators looked up to. The unique power system, unique characters, and the sudden shift in the story set a new standard for storytelling in anime.
Togashi’s Health And The Heartbreaking Hiatuses
It’s impossible to talk about Hunter x Hunter without mentioning Yoshihiro Togashi’s health struggles. He has suffered from severe back problems for years, making it incredibly difficult for him to continue working on the manga. Unlike One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, who has kept his series running non-stop for over two decades, Togashi has had to take long breaks.
Despite this, fans have remained loyal. The 2011 anime adaptation breathed new life into the series, and every time new manga chapters are announced, the internet explodes. If Togashi had been able to keep up a regular release schedule, HxH would have probably been even bigger than One Piece and Bleach. The quality of storytelling was already superior in many ways - imagine what it could have become with consistent updates.
Final Verdict: The Greatest What-If In Anime
Hunter x Hunter had everything - an incredible power system, unpredictable story arcs, and unforgettable characters. If it had continued without interruptions, it could have easily surpassed Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach.
Even with its incomplete status, it still holds a special place in anime history, proving just how incredible it truly is. Maybe one day, Togashi will be able to give us the ending we all hope for, but until then, HxH remains one of the greatest 'what ifs' in anime history.
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