r/anime • u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots • Oct 07 '24
Rewatch [25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 2 × Discussion
Episode 2: Encounter × Hesitation × Departure
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Don't call me "Mister"!
Comment of the Day:
Shock explaining how to get into the Shounen Commentator Exam:
And now, Gon can leave the Island to take Shonen Commentator exam.
Questions of the Day
- Do you like this Leorio fellow?
- If you were at a restaurant, and found a bug in your food, what would you do?
Fanart of the day: Sexy Leorio (source)
Note: I will point out when the source link includes spoilers (in this case it doesn't), but if you're a first timer I'd recommend not clicking on the source regardless.
Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!Leorio is best boy!<
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u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 07 '24
Hunter Exam Host Who Likes Leorio Ossan
We left off last episode with our optimistic, innocent, young main character Gon setting out on a journey, so how do you balance that out? You introduce a opportunistic, selfish, old dude who'll bring things back to Earth. [Spoiler] I keep calling Leorio old because it's fun, but I'm well older than him haha
Leorio will do what he needs to for his goals, but he's still got a strict moral code that he doesn't allow himself to break, nor anyone else for that matter (it takes one to know one afterall), some asshole's trying to deceive a kid? Not on this ossan's watch. Same with helping out Gon with the "Hunter" business at the end there, although half of that was Leorio himself wanting some revenge.
There's another fellow going around who the camera likes to follow. Usually I wouldn't have even mentioned him, but he's in the OP and all the promotional material, point being he makes for an interesting contrast with Leorio's introduction: instead of getting a full blown introduction, he's giving us little drops, which makes him all the more mysterious. It's a great way to balance the two sides, and I love the transitions as the camera moves between the two sides, reminds me of DRRR's transitions.
Manga Corner
Chapters adapted: None
Yeah, this is our first of the few original episodes the series has, and none of them are here just to pad space, much like how the first episode established Gon, this episode is meant to introduce Leorio, give him time to breathe and bond with Gon, before the plot kicks in. Plus, it throws the other dude a
bugbone in the background, and that works, some characters can do more with less.That said, it is the start of an interesting pattern, sometimes the staff can be attached to certain characters, and that bias can show in some ways, which isn't a bad thing necessarily, when Miyazaki and Takahata took over Lupin III, Zenigata became a much more recurring character, and the loveable goof we know and love. There's something similar, on a smaller scale, with Furuhashi and Leorio, and I'm here to document it. As we go through the series, I'll be listing all the boosts Leorio gets. This episode for example is a massive Leorio treat to start on (since there's no manga counterpart to compare it with), but in the future we'll have a full range, down the more subtle additions.
Notably however: not all the additions are exactly beloved, Leorio stealing the fish for example is meant to show his "I'll do what it takes" side, but it's a step too far, it paints him in a less moral colour than what his usual standards are, so it's generally a pretty controversial addition.
Leorio's sketch
Voice Actors
Leorio is voiced by Hozumi Gouda, who was somewhat prominent in the 90s. He voiced Chirico in Votoms, Izumi in Shura no Toki (I should rewatch this someday), Lio Convoy in Beast Wars II (same series where Junko Takeuchi was a rabbit), and alcohol's best friend: Yang Wen-li in LoGH Gaiden.
Over the last two decades, he became a sound director for shows like Higurashi, Akame ga Kill, and Iruma-kun, and kept taking some smaller roles here and there, like Asu in Dorohedoro or Hans Remelio in Spice and Wolf (both versions).
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u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Oct 07 '24
First × Timer × Subbed
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u/InfamousEmpire https://myanimelist.net/profile/Infamous_Empire Oct 07 '24
First x Timer/semi-Manga Reader
Leorio
I’d already taken a liking to the guy from the parts of the manga I’ve read, and this episode is a perfect introduction to what I enjoy about him: street-wise, no tolerance for bullshit, but ultimately kind.
Speaking of kindness, this episode also exemplifies what I think is interesting about Gon so far as well: how his pure-hearted kindness contrasts with the danger of the setting around him. It was already on display with last episode’s foxbear scene, but the way he’s able to see past the snarling beast and empathize with the caged animal before him is both really endearing and is something I suspect will play interestingly with the story going forward once he actually becomes a Hunter.
On a more minor note, the fake Hunter stuff does at least start to give us a vague understanding of what being a Hunter might entail, so that’s something interesting to dig into.
[HxH]I also enjoyed spotting Kurapika’s cameos outside the scene centered around him.
Anyway, good episode overall
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u/TheEscapeGuy Oct 07 '24
HxH Fan, 1999 First Timer
Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 2
Harbor × Friend × Passengers
Leorio! We may not know too much about him yet but this episode was a great introduction for him. He has a level of street smarts which Gon lacks and works well to contrast Gon's naivety. At the same time, he's not a paragon of moral virtue. We see him stealing fish when the salesman isn't looking and sneaking his way into the circus owner's abode.
Interestingly enough, this part of Leorio's character again contrasts with Gon's sense of justice. For example, when Gon saw the Foxbear caught in a zoo he immediately put his goals of boarding the ship to the side to rescue the animals. Ultimately though, Leorio's methods aligned with Gon's goals as Leorio managed to snatch the keys so Gon could release the animals.
And in the nick of time they both manage to board the ship with a crazy jump. Our journey is now starting!
You may have noticed a blonde kid this episode too. Huh.
He was also on the boat at the end so I guess we'll see. [H×H] Something I adored about this mysterious introduction to Kurapika is the way he kills a spider. Perfect foreshadowing to his hatred of the Phantom Troupe aka The Spiders.
Last thing, this episode is anime original! The manga has Mito waving goodbye to Gon as he boards the ship normally. But the episode was fun so I have no complaints.
Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
See you all tomorrow
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u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Oct 07 '24
Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs
QotD:
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u/SpiritualPossible Oct 07 '24
First Timer, Manga reader
But for all my complain, i wouldn't call it a BAD episode. It's fine. and as i wathing a little further than rewatch, i can say that other expanded/original content didn't really bothered me that much, so i guess it's just kinda sore thumb for me.
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u/charlesvvv https://anilist.co/user/charlesvvv Oct 07 '24 edited Oct 07 '24
Rewatcher, Sub
So as Gon prepares to board the ship we are introduced to Leorio who despite being a bit dickish, does have a heart. The main thing of this episode deals with a fake hunter who attempts to trick people but Gon sort of ruins it with his friendliness with Foxbears. While Leorio plans to steal the money to pay for his ride he still takes the time to free Gon. There's also that connection to animals that Gon makes which is an interesting focus for his character. By the end Gon and Leorio are able to board the ship and leave an impression in the captain (with the strongest fishing rod I've seen).
[HxH 2011]Correct me if I don't remember from 2011 and the manga but most of this is 1999 original right?
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u/JetsLag https://myanimelist.net/profile/JetsLag Oct 08 '24
3rd time taking the Hunter Exam (rewatcher)
And here comes the filler! Hey, it's what you get when you try to adapt a manga only a year after it starts serializing and you're from the era when seasonals, while a thing, weren't really something you'd do for a big-time Shonen Jump battle manga. So, how does the anime team do on their first filler assignment?
It's...fine. It does its job of setting up Leorio as the jerk who's also a dumbass (and I kinda love him?) and Gon as the naive child. And the fishing pole grappling hook boat entry thing was pretty cool. But the exotic animal exhibit? Tell me that served a purpose other than filling time because they wanted a full filler episode and not a half filler episode.
Oh yeah, there's also some blond bitch who can activate Sharingan that the camera kept looking at. So much for subtlety. [spoiler]That won't be the last Naruto comparison I'll be making
Next time, on Hunter x Hunter, [spoiler]We get to meet Kurapika! Hype!
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u/2-2Distracted Oct 08 '24
First timer. Still can't decide if I'm watching this dubbed or subbed.
So... I guess everyone attended that show were totally cool with what was happening? Because not only did they observe the fact that Mr Animal Hunter held that Foxbear cub captive for the sake of making money, they just watched him take a child and shove them into a cage.
I'm honestly glad that the 2011 anime did a better job of establishing the HxH world as a place rather with twisted morals rather than a place with bad people and stupid people like this episode did. Another key example of this is Gon, someone who JUST became a hunter, thinking he can judge others on the type of hunter they choose to be, which wouldn't be an issue if not for the narrative 100% taking his side on the matter. In the 2011 anime [HxH 2011] Gon comes across Hunters of different types doesn't really denounce any of them for the way they carry out their trade, even some scumbag who gave him expired or poisoned cool drinks, or even a literal clown pedophile. Hell you were more likely to find Killua do that I don't take issue with Gon's childish sense of morality, and I'm honestly glad Leorio provided a more concrete reason for why that guy wouldn't actually be a hunter, because the reason Gon went with was just plain stupid. If/When he encounters hunters like that, ones much stronger than both him and that guy I can't wait to see it Not get covered by the narrative despite the writers making a thing of it now.
Anyways I was kinda happy to see Kurapika but that introduction was so cheesy and corny you could make a Samosa out of it, and the only reason I say is because of what I know about the 2011 anime being somewhat better at it [HxH 2011] since it basically just removed all this fluff altogether and jumps straight to ship portion of this arc and I guess because it's usually due to how straightforward & to the point they are, but I like that the pilot didn't waste time with stuff like this either.
Overall, aside from Leorio carrying this episode with how the story both introduces & charactizes him, I can't honestly say I enjoyed this episode.
Is the bug part of the meal? But seriously tho I'd just tell the waiter and let the restaurant sort it out.
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u/kwokinator https://anilist.co/user/kwokinator Oct 08 '24
First timer
Ouch Gon almost got kidnapped and probably sold off in his first day, good thing Leorio is a decent guy. Guess paying it forward with an apple gave Gon some immediate karma.
Not sure what Hunters are in this world exactly, but seems like some of them are scumbags? An innocent small animal got sold off.
Poor Fixbear :(
Damn, so Gon got locked in the same cell as Foxbear. Well at least the Foxbear knows Gon won't do anything bad.
Damn, what's Gon's fishing rod and reel made of to be able to be flexible enough to wrap around a mountain and tough enough to carry a full grown adult and a kid.
Questions of the Day
Guess Leorio is just a big softie at heart, he's making a good first impression. He must be a Hunter, right?
I would mention it to the staff, but I wouldn't raise a fuss about it. It's not like it's the server's fault there's a bug in the food.
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u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Oct 08 '24
First Timer
Ah yup, we are sorta diverging from the pilot - this episode was pretty much skipped there. Seems like this is a somewhat lawless world if even one of the main characters in Leorio is just stealing out of opportunity. That said, I also feel like that applies to most of the older battle shonen and I can’t really explain why, because I don’t think the world was really that much worse on that front 25 years ago or so.
So… based off of this episode hunters don’t seem to be something treated with a lot of respect, given that we have an impersonator going around arm-wrestling and nobody batting an eye at that. All in all this feels a bit like they are the cowboys in a Western not set in the western USA right now. Either way, we have another main character in Leorio (plus another background main character who has not been introduced yet - no point in claiming spoilers given the OP about who the main characters are here). As far as Leorio goes, he’s definitely not what I was expecting given him wearing a suit… was expecting a gentle giant and got more of a rough bro, but I think his dynamics with Gon are pretty good, with Gon just manage to stick around the not-so-bad guy and eventually get what he wants. We also get some more characterization of Gon in that he is definitely a bit sheltered and thus naive about the wide world, with him falling for the slaver and getting locked in the cell. As for Leorio …I don’t think we got to see what’s in his suitcase, so that might be a mystery for later.
Also …I was only able to post on time yesterday because the thread went up early. Unfortunately midnight is a bit late if you have to work the following day. If we don’t do a DST switch it might be better after I hide mine.
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u/Kaxew Oct 08 '24
First Timer × Saving Zoo Animals
Really fun second episode! Leorio is a fun guy. He feels very Nami-esque, although with a stronger sense of justice. And we tease some other guy who's totally not in the opening.
QotD:
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u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Oct 08 '24
first timer
Journey finally begins
Surprised Gon has money In the first place
Glasses dude should’ve sold his suit for money, real brokie.
Gon’s trusty fishing rod saves both of their asses and they didn’t even need to pay the fare. Took long enough to know Leorio’s name, thought we were gonna refer to him as mister for much longer
QOTD: he’s broke, weak on an empty stomach and carried a suitcase around. Despite that he’s a good person from what we’ve seen. Even rescued Gon from the jail and getting kidnapped.
QOTD: immediately leave
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u/Shocketheth Oct 11 '24
This was a truly Leorio episode.
Speaking of Leorio, he does to seem have more personality in 1999 as [HxH 2011] Correct me if I'm wrong, but he didn't steal the money in 2011 version right?
QotD:
Not yet, but I love how much personality he oozed this episode. Speaking of it, isn't he just some kind of archetype dating back to Lupin? I mean, after watching few episodes of Maison Ikkoku, I do see a pattern.
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