For a review of Hunter x Hunter (HxH), I think its important to review each of the arcs individually, and then take a look at the overall series, as I think each of the arcs has their own merits and letdowns, as well as the fact that they are all their own completely separate stories that just sit on top of the underlying story of Gon’s Journey.
Hunter Exam Arc:
The Hunter Exam Arc is an excellent arc that lasts for the first 21 episodes of the series, and I think it establishes the four main characters extremely well, however, it does not exist without its flaws. But first, the character establishment and development within this arc is amazing, for example, characters like Hisoka are written really well, and although you may want to shrivel at the sound of his name, that is merely a testament to how good the writing is. We are also presented the other main antagonist towards Gon and Killua, Illumi, and although he is not super important in the arc, he still has a memorable appearance at the end that establishes his importance relative to both Killua and Gon. However, although this arc is enjoyable to watch and is written well, I think it drags on for a bit too long. Yes, it is very entertaining to watch, however, I think that it didn’t necessarily need all the challenges within the Exam. For example, the Food Stage really wasn’t very memorable and didn’t really add much to the story, except for maybe a bit of character development when they have to collect the eggs. I think that my favourite parts of this arc would have to be the Tower Stage, or when Gon and Killua are in the Air ship with the Chairman. However, overall, as an arc, its very enjoyable to watch and skilfully written. 8.3/10
Zoldyck Family Arc:
The Zoldyck Family Arc is arguably one of the weakest arcs in the show. Although it is not really an arc, or rather an “unofficial” arc, and is pretty much just filler, I will still review it as a proper arc. In essence, all the Zoldyck Family arc really serves to do is show us, and to put it crudely, how fucked up the Zoldyck Family is, and how traumatic Killua’s past is. Yes, there is the whole thing with the door and Mike, but I don’t think that this really contributed to the character development or furthering of the story, and I think that if there was no arc whatsoever, it really would not have made a difference on the overall story. 6.2/10
Heavens Arena Arc:
I feel like the Heaven’s Arena arc is the perfect narrative vehicle for Gon and Killua’s progression and development, and especially for their exposure to nen. Personally, I think that this arc is very easy to watch, simply due to the constant progression we see in Gon and Killua, and by the time that they start learning nen from Wing, it becomes really fun and exciting to watch, simply because of the exposure to this whole new power system. However, I think that their exposure to nen, or rather their process of learning it was rather sloppily done, or probably could have been introduced to them in a better way, as the whole learning process seemed very rushed. Although this may have been due to Gon and Killua’s incredible potential, I think there could have been more depth/time given to their initial learning journey. For example, Kurapika’s introduction to nen I personally find far more interesting, and I think that it would have been good to have seen more on that. However, I understand that there had to be a lot of room for Gon and Killua to evolve, in order to show their relative inexperience in the world of nen, however, I think that it didn’t need to be rushed through the way that it was. Overall, a very enjoyable arc to watch, 8.8/10
Yorknew City Arc:
The Yorknew City Arc is a pretty fucking awesome point in the HxH story that sees all 4 main characters develop immensely. Firstly, although this is pretty much Kurapika’s arc, we also see Gon and Killua’s journey progress towards the Greed Island arc as well. The Phantom Troupe, and its individual members are arguably one of the best written antagonists ever. Apart from how all of their unique nen abilities showcase Togashi’s imaginative prowess, the relationships within the Troupe make it that much more of an interesting antagonist in comparison to having just one person. And although, by definition, the Phantom Troupe is Kurapika’s enemy, we can also see Gon, Killua and Leorio’s eventual personal involvement with the troupe. My favourite moment from this arc is Kurapika and Uvogin’s fight, which is incredibly well paced as a fight, and really showcases the development that Kurapika has undergone. Although I feel that the Shadow Beasts were a bit of a random addition to this arc that just weren’t really needed, I don’t feel like it really added or took away from the watching experience. Overall, amazing arc to watch, 9.4/10.
Greed Island Arc:
A pretty hot take, but this arc is my favourite arc in HxH. I think that the premise of the arc is really good, and furthermore, it is executed really well. I think that the training that they do with Bisky is super fun to watch and shows development in both their personalities and their nen usage. I think that the setting is really good and makes the arc that much better, and the concept of the cards is also extremely interesting, as well as the way that the game is connected to Ging, and what that means for Gon. I also think that the volleyball game against Razor is also a pretty awesome scene that lets us see Gon’s determination yet again, but also a bit of character development from Hisoka at the same time, which is nice to see. One thing that I think could probably be improved about the arc is The Bomber, who I think is a more weakly written antagonist than the others we see in the series. However, I think Gon’s fight against the Bomber was, to be honest, pretty fucking sick, and the subsequent finish to the arc was very wholesome and tied it out nicely. Overall, 9.6/10
Chimera Ant Arc:
Ah, the Chimera Ant Arc, the most contentious arc in the series, you love it or you hate it. This mammoth arc drags on for 61 episodes, and sees the realisation of the potential of Gon and Killua, Gon in his vengeance for Kite and subsequent longing for his father, and Killua in his admiration and care for Gon. We also see side characters like Knuckle, Shoot, and my personal favourite, Morel, come into play. We also see character development within the Chimera ants, in characters like Ikalgo, Meleoron and Palm. I think that the beginning and the end of the Chimera Ant Arc are extremely good, however, during the middle of the arc when they are infiltrating the base, and when Knuckle and Killua are fighting Youpi, I just don't think that it is the most enjoyable thing to watch, because there is just a constant cycling between what is currently going on, and although this is fine for a time, I think that this just goes on for too long in this case, and although there is a lack of plot progression during this time, this doesn’t really make it any less enjoyable to watch, however, it just makes the anime seem to slow down a bit. However, without giving any spoilers, I think the final quarter of the arc is AWESOME, and its really enjoyable to watch. Overall, Jam packed arc, tonnes of development in the characters, 9.4/10
Chairman Exam Arc:
The Chairman Exam Arc is a fun arc that I think is a wholesome arc that leads nicely to the ending of the series. It is light-hearted, a stark juxtaposition to the Chimera Ant Arc just before it, and easy to watch. We also see Leorio come back into the story as the arc is pretty much his, overall, we don’t really see much happen in this arc in terms of development, but it is a really nice way to round out the 4 main character’s journeys, and the final episode leaves you with a sense of fulfillment, yet also a case of brutal post-anime depression. 8.5/10
Overall, I loved watching HxH, it was the first anime I ever watched, and now looking back on it 4 years after my first watch, I think it still leaves just as clear of a mark on my mind as it did the day I finished it. It is a truly skilfully written series that pulls the viewer into the journey, and has such imaginative writing and a power system that I haven’t really seen matched by another show I have watched. I think Gon and Killua will remain with you for the rest of your lives once you watch Hunter x Hunter.
Truly a great anime, 9.5/10