Private Entry
October 15th, 2020
Friendship in Hunter x Hunter
Anime Relations: Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Despite being incomplete, Madhouse’s 2011 adaptation of Hunter x Hunter became one of the most critically acclaimed anime series of all time. It has a ginormous fan base and is currently ranked the 3rd highest rated anime of all time on MyAnimeList. While it might not be as beautifully animated like Attack on Titan or a complete epic like Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood or Avatar The Last Airbender, Hunter x Hunter contains many elements that seemingly go unnoticed upon the first viewing for most. Hunter x Hunter not only contains a superb battle system but it also holds themes that are communicated through subtlety. Themes such as friendship, empathy, redemption, and effort. These may seem like basic shonen tropes but Hunter x Hunter goes deeper when exploring these themes. They are best communicated through the friendship of Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. However, they also happen to aid the people around them.
As for Gon and Killua, Killua spent his life as an assassin being excommunicated from society and forcibly obsessed with training. Due to his family’s selfish antics, Killua never once had a single friend. This would cause Killua to oppose his family and flee from home because no one could understand him. Killua’s relatives valued him solely for his talent and not for who he was as a person. Gon was the first person to accept Killua and whether that was because of Gon’s twisted morality or not, it changed Killua’s world entirely. While Killua wasn’t drastically changed in the beginning, he gradually developed through his experiences with Gon. An example of his steady evolution would be his interaction with Ikalgo. In the past, Killua would threaten or even murder anyone who opposed him or his friends. Instead, he spares Ikalgo’s life because he knows anyone can change as he has. This isn’t only done with Ikalgo but Genthru and the bombers as well. Coincidently, because of Killua’s mercy, he unintentionally helped Welfin, Brovada, and Reina as well. It goes to show that the act of kindness has more potential to benefit the world rather than divine punishment.
Gon is not the most consistent character when communicating his morals but it does not mean that his ideas are fundamentally flawed. He convinces Kurapika not to fall into his hatred as he knows the path of vengeance will only deteriorate Kurapika. When Kurapika gets noted that the Phantom Troupe had been disposed of, he falls into a depressive state with no motive. Disappointed that his one desire in life had been taken away from him, Gon reminds Kurapika that he can now focus on recollecting the Kurta clan’s eyes. Kurapika’s linear mindset to the downfall of the Phantom Troupe was detrimental in that it was his only aspiration in life. As Kenny from Attack on Titan said “Everyone had to be drunk on something to keep pushing on. Everyone was a slave to something”. Even if Kurapika does succeed in eliminating the Phantom Troupe, what will be there for him in the end? For the most part, he’ll probably gain satisfaction momentarily, only for it to slowly fade away. Fortunately for Kurapika, he has friends that he can fall back on, as they are there to support him and remind him that there is more to living. This is why I don’t think Kurapika will have a tragic fate despite Togashi indicating otherwise.
Gon is the antithesis of Hunter x Hunter’s subject matter but it still delivers the objective that Togashi opts to present. After Gon and Killua flee from Pitou, he is determined to rescue Kite, hanging on to the hope that Kite is still alive. As well-intentioned as Gon’s motives may be, Gon commits atrocious actions to accomplish his goal. Gon’s actions were out of pure selfishness to the point where he didn’t even consider that Pitou could have a change of heart. He listened to others only if their advice benefited him. He secluded himself from his friends hellbent on Kite’s recovery and vengeance. Once Pitou informed Gon that Kite was dead, he was devastated. With no one around to aid him and a shattered motive, Gon sacrifices his nen to lash out at and murder Pitou because of his nihilistic state of mind. Ironically, Gon set out what he advised Kurapika not to do. Gon was close to ending his journey in a tragic route. Thankfully for Gon, he had Killua to assist in his recovery and reform their friendship. If Gon had never confronted or helped Killua then the remainder of his life probably would’ve ended up being catastrophic.
Leorio is the most empathetic out of the main four. As hot-headed and greedy Leorio can be, he deeply cares for others and will go out of his way to help them. Melody mentions to Leorio that his heartbeat is soft, expansive, and warm. He asks Melody to keep an eye on Kurapika, he worries about Gon’s critical condition, and he along with Kurapika attempt at consoling Killua after the battle with Illumi. During his childhood, Leorio’s friend passed away due to financial issues. Ever since that day, Leorio made it his destiny to become a doctor and treat patients free of charge. It can be inferred that because of this past trauma, Leorio naturally has the resolve to help others and has the tendency to despise people he views as heartless such as when he lashed out at Ging and Illumi. Despite being the least focused on in the story, Leorio is a crucial anchor of the main four as he is always present even at his friend’s lowest moments. For Hunter x Hunter’s positive themes, Leorio is stellar at improvising them.
As for Gon and Killua, Killua spent his life as an assassin being excommunicated from society and forcibly obsessed with training. Due to his family’s selfish antics, Killua never once had a single friend. This would cause Killua to oppose his family and flee from home because no one could understand him. Killua’s relatives valued him solely for his talent and not for who he was as a person. Gon was the first person to accept Killua and whether that was because of Gon’s twisted morality or not, it changed Killua’s world entirely. While Killua wasn’t drastically changed in the beginning, he gradually developed through his experiences with Gon. An example of his steady evolution would be his interaction with Ikalgo. In the past, Killua would threaten or even murder anyone who opposed him or his friends. Instead, he spares Ikalgo’s life because he knows anyone can change as he has. This isn’t only done with Ikalgo but Genthru and the bombers as well. Coincidently, because of Killua’s mercy, he unintentionally helped Welfin, Brovada, and Reina as well. It goes to show that the act of kindness has more potential to benefit the world rather than divine punishment.
Gon is not the most consistent character when communicating his morals but it does not mean that his ideas are fundamentally flawed. He convinces Kurapika not to fall into his hatred as he knows the path of vengeance will only deteriorate Kurapika. When Kurapika gets noted that the Phantom Troupe had been disposed of, he falls into a depressive state with no motive. Disappointed that his one desire in life had been taken away from him, Gon reminds Kurapika that he can now focus on recollecting the Kurta clan’s eyes. Kurapika’s linear mindset to the downfall of the Phantom Troupe was detrimental in that it was his only aspiration in life. As Kenny from Attack on Titan said “Everyone had to be drunk on something to keep pushing on. Everyone was a slave to something”. Even if Kurapika does succeed in eliminating the Phantom Troupe, what will be there for him in the end? For the most part, he’ll probably gain satisfaction momentarily, only for it to slowly fade away. Fortunately for Kurapika, he has friends that he can fall back on, as they are there to support him and remind him that there is more to living. This is why I don’t think Kurapika will have a tragic fate despite Togashi indicating otherwise.
Gon is the antithesis of Hunter x Hunter’s subject matter but it still delivers the objective that Togashi opts to present. After Gon and Killua flee from Pitou, he is determined to rescue Kite, hanging on to the hope that Kite is still alive. As well-intentioned as Gon’s motives may be, Gon commits atrocious actions to accomplish his goal. Gon’s actions were out of pure selfishness to the point where he didn’t even consider that Pitou could have a change of heart. He listened to others only if their advice benefited him. He secluded himself from his friends hellbent on Kite’s recovery and vengeance. Once Pitou informed Gon that Kite was dead, he was devastated. With no one around to aid him and a shattered motive, Gon sacrifices his nen to lash out at and murder Pitou because of his nihilistic state of mind. Ironically, Gon set out what he advised Kurapika not to do. Gon was close to ending his journey in a tragic route. Thankfully for Gon, he had Killua to assist in his recovery and reform their friendship. If Gon had never confronted or helped Killua then the remainder of his life probably would’ve ended up being catastrophic.
Leorio is the most empathetic out of the main four. As hot-headed and greedy Leorio can be, he deeply cares for others and will go out of his way to help them. Melody mentions to Leorio that his heartbeat is soft, expansive, and warm. He asks Melody to keep an eye on Kurapika, he worries about Gon’s critical condition, and he along with Kurapika attempt at consoling Killua after the battle with Illumi. During his childhood, Leorio’s friend passed away due to financial issues. Ever since that day, Leorio made it his destiny to become a doctor and treat patients free of charge. It can be inferred that because of this past trauma, Leorio naturally has the resolve to help others and has the tendency to despise people he views as heartless such as when he lashed out at Ging and Illumi. Despite being the least focused on in the story, Leorio is a crucial anchor of the main four as he is always present even at his friend’s lowest moments. For Hunter x Hunter’s positive themes, Leorio is stellar at improvising them.
Posted by SkullKn1ghtt | Oct 15, 2020 8:17 PM | 0 comments
July 12th, 2020
The Controversy of Envy’s Death. Justice and Vengeance
Anime Relations: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
In the palm of an alchemist's hand, the green creature struggles out of the grasp. Falling onto the floor, the green monster weeps in sorrow. He laments about being viewed as pathetic by the very creatures he resented. This green monster was named Envy and his suicide contains a melancholic tone that takes the audience by surprise. This death scene leads to a bit of controversy because Envy is the very being who murdered Maes Hughes and started the Ishvalan war. Some believe that this homunculus deserved a gruesome death rather than sympathy because of the atrocious actions it had committed. However, this would not have been a fitting end for Envy as it would have been inconsistent with the themes Fullmetal Alchemists opts to communicate. It is understandable why people despise Envy but it can’t be dismissed that this is a very flawed and one-dimensional view on the scenario. Envy may have been a despicable person however it can’t be understated that Envy is a being with emotion and an individual mentality.
Initially, Envy can be seen as the incarnation of pure evil. However, this blinds people from the consideration that Envy has a motive and an emotional drive. While this does not justify the crimes he’s performed, it is still possible to emphasize the homunculus. Unlike his brethren, Envy was fueled by the jealousy of human connection. The other homunculi had a colleague like bond with one another. Envy had never experienced a genuine friendship and observing the bonds that humans had only agitated him. To add to that, envy, the sin in which he was named, contains no form of contentment. As the incarnation of envy, he is programmed to desire anything he doesn’t possess. Keeping these facts in mind, it is understandable as to why this monster committed the cruel actions he had done.
Finally having the lizard under his boot, Mustang attempts to murder Envy. Suddenly, Hawkeye stops him as well as Edward Elric and Scar. But why do they prevent him from murdering Envy even though Envy is considered a horrible being? Two continuous themes in the Fullmetal Alchemist series are nobility and empathy. Roy Mustang finishing Envy off would have been a poor piece of writing as it is inconsistent with the main idea the narrative is trying to communicate and it would have hurt Mustang's character arc. People may argue that Mustang murdered Lust but Mustang fought for the lives of the people he valued. Mustangs' motivation to face Envy was to serve justice for the death of Maes Hughes. It may seem like a noble cause but Mustang was fueled with hatred, unnecessarily torturing Envy, and acting out of selfishness. If Mustang had finished off Envy in the state he was in, then he would have gone through a catastrophic route toward the end of life.
Edward, Scar, and Riza point out his mental state and questionable motivations. Edward and Scar mention that he will live on like a beast captivated by his hate. Riza shows that she agrees with the two alchemists and states that she’ll commit suicide once the apocalypse is over. Partly convinced by the Alchemist’s words and afraid for the women he holds dear, Mustang finally gives up on his quest for vengeance. Afterward, Envy mocks the emotional trauma the humans go through, and the support they receive seeing it was a form of weakness. He points out all of the actions each person had done that would be unforgivable because Envy believes that humans are only capable of rage and facing one another. As Envy is monologuing, Edward notices the twitching in the lizard's eyes and the slight stuttering. Moments of silence and Envy is shocked when his efforts ultimately fail. Then Edward states that he understands the homunculus and points out the motivation behind Envy’s actions. Edward utters that Envy deeply desires the comradery of humanity as they are always there to pick each other back up from the darkness. Envy realizing this breaks out of Edwards grasp and breaks down on the floor. These may seem to be simple reasonings but it goes far deeper. Envy had never received any form of love or understanding throughout the entirety of his life. He desired the same every human strives for: love, friendship, and empathy. Ironically, Envy received empathy from the very species he despised and could have been loved by them. Unfortunately, it was far too late to make up for anything and commits suicide while wishing the single soul who understood him a stroke of luck.
Once again, this doesn’t justify the distasteful actions Envy’s done but, it gives a broader perspective on the situation. Envy was a horrible person but dehumanizing an individual and unleashing one's wrath to make someone suffer is no way to settle justice. Mustang's thirst for vengeance while relatable was irrational, biased, selfish, and damaging to his psyche. His actions were unnecessary in the situation as he had purposely tortured Envy as punishment. From personal experience, vengeance is an unhealthy and self detrimental task to choose. It spreads the notion that murder, torture, or any form of harm is rational justice and helps the world. In the end, Mustang would have gained nothing from his rage as he drifted from his original motives. A world where Mustang had murdered Envy would’ve led to savagery as a sensible action to take which Envy had believed humans were only capable of. Envy did deserve empathy because, in the end, anyone can change just as Scar had. Because of Edward’s empathy toward Envy, the cycle of vengeance and hatred ceased to exist. Envy very well could be led in a different direction. Unfortunately, he had a tragic and sorrowful end. This is what makes Beyond the Inferno one of the peaks of the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood series as it brilliantly attacked a theme proven to be contentious. Justice and revenge don't lead to a beneficial outcome and eliminates the capability of redemption.
Initially, Envy can be seen as the incarnation of pure evil. However, this blinds people from the consideration that Envy has a motive and an emotional drive. While this does not justify the crimes he’s performed, it is still possible to emphasize the homunculus. Unlike his brethren, Envy was fueled by the jealousy of human connection. The other homunculi had a colleague like bond with one another. Envy had never experienced a genuine friendship and observing the bonds that humans had only agitated him. To add to that, envy, the sin in which he was named, contains no form of contentment. As the incarnation of envy, he is programmed to desire anything he doesn’t possess. Keeping these facts in mind, it is understandable as to why this monster committed the cruel actions he had done.
Finally having the lizard under his boot, Mustang attempts to murder Envy. Suddenly, Hawkeye stops him as well as Edward Elric and Scar. But why do they prevent him from murdering Envy even though Envy is considered a horrible being? Two continuous themes in the Fullmetal Alchemist series are nobility and empathy. Roy Mustang finishing Envy off would have been a poor piece of writing as it is inconsistent with the main idea the narrative is trying to communicate and it would have hurt Mustang's character arc. People may argue that Mustang murdered Lust but Mustang fought for the lives of the people he valued. Mustangs' motivation to face Envy was to serve justice for the death of Maes Hughes. It may seem like a noble cause but Mustang was fueled with hatred, unnecessarily torturing Envy, and acting out of selfishness. If Mustang had finished off Envy in the state he was in, then he would have gone through a catastrophic route toward the end of life.
Edward, Scar, and Riza point out his mental state and questionable motivations. Edward and Scar mention that he will live on like a beast captivated by his hate. Riza shows that she agrees with the two alchemists and states that she’ll commit suicide once the apocalypse is over. Partly convinced by the Alchemist’s words and afraid for the women he holds dear, Mustang finally gives up on his quest for vengeance. Afterward, Envy mocks the emotional trauma the humans go through, and the support they receive seeing it was a form of weakness. He points out all of the actions each person had done that would be unforgivable because Envy believes that humans are only capable of rage and facing one another. As Envy is monologuing, Edward notices the twitching in the lizard's eyes and the slight stuttering. Moments of silence and Envy is shocked when his efforts ultimately fail. Then Edward states that he understands the homunculus and points out the motivation behind Envy’s actions. Edward utters that Envy deeply desires the comradery of humanity as they are always there to pick each other back up from the darkness. Envy realizing this breaks out of Edwards grasp and breaks down on the floor. These may seem to be simple reasonings but it goes far deeper. Envy had never received any form of love or understanding throughout the entirety of his life. He desired the same every human strives for: love, friendship, and empathy. Ironically, Envy received empathy from the very species he despised and could have been loved by them. Unfortunately, it was far too late to make up for anything and commits suicide while wishing the single soul who understood him a stroke of luck.
Once again, this doesn’t justify the distasteful actions Envy’s done but, it gives a broader perspective on the situation. Envy was a horrible person but dehumanizing an individual and unleashing one's wrath to make someone suffer is no way to settle justice. Mustang's thirst for vengeance while relatable was irrational, biased, selfish, and damaging to his psyche. His actions were unnecessary in the situation as he had purposely tortured Envy as punishment. From personal experience, vengeance is an unhealthy and self detrimental task to choose. It spreads the notion that murder, torture, or any form of harm is rational justice and helps the world. In the end, Mustang would have gained nothing from his rage as he drifted from his original motives. A world where Mustang had murdered Envy would’ve led to savagery as a sensible action to take which Envy had believed humans were only capable of. Envy did deserve empathy because, in the end, anyone can change just as Scar had. Because of Edward’s empathy toward Envy, the cycle of vengeance and hatred ceased to exist. Envy very well could be led in a different direction. Unfortunately, he had a tragic and sorrowful end. This is what makes Beyond the Inferno one of the peaks of the Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood series as it brilliantly attacked a theme proven to be contentious. Justice and revenge don't lead to a beneficial outcome and eliminates the capability of redemption.
Posted by SkullKn1ghtt | Jul 12, 2020 1:04 AM | 0 comments