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The broadcast series of Hunter X Hunter (1999) was the first adaptation of the long-running manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, the creator of Yu Yu Hakusho; three OVA sequels and stage versions came later. Gon, the 12-year-old hero of the popular adventure, wants to follow in the footsteps of his absent father and become a Hunter. To obtain the requisite license for this demanding profession, he and hundreds of other applicants must undergo a rigorous and often deadly battery of tests that demand stamina, dexterity, intelligence, and imagination. As he begins the exams, Gon makes three friends with complimentary skills that enable them to overcome the obstacles. Aspiring doctor Leorio provides first aid; Kurapika carefully analyzes situations; the scion of a family of assassins, Killua possesses deadly knowledge. What half-pint Gon lacks in size, he makes up in speed, agility and pluck. His father’s old fishing rod is the only weapon he needs. In the first episodes, the mismatched quartet tackles challenges that range from seeing through an elaborate ruse to killing and roasting gigantic wild pigs. The endless squabbles between Leorio and Kurapika provide comic relief. Unlike the brawling Yusuke in Yu Yu Hakusho, Gon has a reflective side that balances his enthusiasm. He’s not as funny as Yusuke, but he’s more likable. Gon recognizes that a hypothetical question on a test could pose a serious ethical dilemma in the real world, a thought that would never occur to Yusuke. Hunter X Hunter has been eagerly awaited in the US, and otaku will find this highly entertaining series was worth the wait. (Rated T+ Older Teen: violence, grotesque imagery, alcohol use) –Charles Solomon

(1. Boy Setting Out for a Journey x Leaving Behind the Sound of the Wind, 2. Encounter x Hesitation x Departure, 3. Pride x Stormy Waters x Duel, 4. Decision x Shortcut x Detour, 5. Lie x Truth? x Kiriko, 6. Steak x Marathon x Exam Begins, 7. Trauma x Limit x Sweet Trap, 8. Conjurer x Smile x Beasts Beware, 9. Menchi x Furious x Second Phase? 10. Failing x Panic x Heavenly Voice, 11. Exploration x Guts x Stowaway, 12. Good Boy? x Bad Boy? x Killua, 13. Pro x Con x Trap, 14. Candles x Policy x Dispute, 15. Transient x Life x MajitanI)

Product Description

Hunters are a special breed, dedicated to tracking down treasure, magical beasts, and even humans. But such pursuits require a license, and less than one in a hundred thousand can pass the grueling qualification exam. Gon might be a country boy, but he has high aspirations. Despite his aunt’s protest, Gon decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a legendary Hunter. The journey begins on the long, arduous road to the Exam Hall, where he meets Leorio and Kurapika, two applicants with the same determination. Gon and his two companions must now prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters!

Contains episodes 1-15/ Bilingual (English and Japanese) with optional English subtitles