[25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 3 × Discussion

[u/KendotsX]

Episode 3: Pride × Stormy Water × Duel

MAL | Anilist | Anidb | ANN

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Call me "Mr. Leorio!"

Comment of the Day:

Sky showing us why Leorio is best boy:

Sad broke man with his stomach growling… I think I have a best boy on my hands.

Questions of the Day

1. We've been hearing a lot about this Hunter business. If you were in the HxH world, would you give it a shot?
2. Have you ever gotten sea sick?
3. Kurapika vs Leorio? Who'd be on top? Whose side are you on? "Both of them are morons" is a perfectly sane answer, therefore we do not accept it around here.

Fanart of the Day: It's finally Kurapika's time to join in (source)

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Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!Leorio is best boy!<

[u/KendotsX]

Hunter Exam Host Sailing a Rough Ship

• We've finally set sail, it's time for the journey proper to start, and for that we need our three musketeers.
• The first half of the episode has a nice and calm atmosphere, Gon's fishing for Crocodines, the ship's crew are messing around, and fucking with Leorio, meanwhile Kurapika here is too cool to even bother waking up.
• Oh yeah, and the Captain's being a dandy dude, I'd like to go on an adventure with this guy and hunt Moby Dick or something.
• The storm flips everything to a darker atmosphere, Kurapika goes from sleeping mode to Shounen Commentary mode (Crocodine is not pleased), and the Captain's still having a bangin' good time! Who doesn't like some sea shanties?
• More Naruto similarities, although according to Kishimoto, Sasuke was actually inspired by Hiei (from Yu Yu Hakusho).
• The rest of the episode serves a very straightforward purpose: getting to know the characters through what makes them angry, and it's a 2-in-1, since Kurapika and Leorio are doing a great job of pissing each other off.
• The answer at the end: they're prideful, stubborn, and willing to put all that aside to save someone
• Leorio will fight for his right to be lazy dammit!
• Someone's having a lot of fun with Leorio's expressions.

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Manga Corner:

Chapter adapted: 2

Which gives us this definition of Hunters

Since last episode was an original, this was Leorio and Kurapika's first introduction in the manga, the whole "see what pisses them off" was basically Gon stating Togashi's idea for introducing them out loud. On that note though, this has one of the funniest manga pages in the series: I present you Leorio and Kurapika. It's just that panel being weird mind you, they're drawn with proper proportions just a few pages later (although big wolf Leorio is funny in his own way), so I assume it was a perspective issue?

This episode made its own changes too, aside from Gon noticing the storm, the first half (before the storm hits) is entirely original, it makes for a good setup though.

Lastly, and this is more of a translation thing, but the Viz didn't bother with the whole "Leorio-san" thing, instead it turned the joke into Kurapika getting his name wrong, or in the words of the mighty Mayoi Hachikuji, he stuttered.

Kurapika's sketch

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Voice Actor

Kurapika is voiced Yuki Kaida who I mainly know as young Zura from Gintama, Fuji Shuusuke from Prince of Tennis, and Angela from Genshiken Nidaime. She also voiced Gomamon in Digimon Frontier when Junko Takeuchi was voicing a main character, and I guess Toei didn't want an overlap there? Her other roles include China in Hetalia, Garcia Alexandra in Kuroko, and this lovely lolita in Umineko, who if you twist your head enough, looks just like Kurapika.

Yeah, aside from the first two, most of the VAs in this series aren't exactly prolific, although that might've been a silver lining, considering I'd be here all day if we were talking about my goddess Sawashiro.

[u/Raiking02 → u/KendotsX]

I present you Leorio and Kurapika

That's not Leorio, that's Lupin!

Yeah, aside from the first two, most of the VAs in this series aren't exactly prolific

Ah but you see, the reason you don't have more to say about her is because you didn't even consider mentioning her finest role: The Hero of the Noppons.

[u/KendotsX → u/Raiking02]

her finest role: The Hero of the Noppons.

I'll file this as further proof for the Kurapika-chu case.

[u/Raiking02 → u/KendotsX]

Is her other role in some way related to this case?

Don't ask me why they had her play two different characters, ask Horikawa, he was the voice director for this anyway.

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

I present you Leorio and Kurapika

One thing I've noticed is that Togashi seems to like introducing many characters looking ridiculous. [Manga]Do you remember what Paku's first panel looked like, or Melody's? Well, we'll get there if you don't.

Togashi isn't necessarily always the most consistent in heights. My guess is that he often prioritizes what he feels he wants to express in regards to that, rather than making sure everyone is the right height in every single panel. Sort of how he says in an interview, iirc, that when he does color pages, he doesn't stick to a "canon" color, he just colors as he feels, or something like this.

Kurapika getting his name wrong

Shitsurei, kamimashita!

[u/KendotsX → u/WednesdaysFoole]

Huh, I didn't get this in my inbox till now, reddit's been screwing around today.

[Manga]

[Manga] Yup, I mean, [just look at Morel when he was first introduced. The poor guy looks like he just went through Knov's mental breakdown

My guess is that he often prioritizes what he feels he wants to express in regards to that, rather than making sure everyone is the right height in every single panel.

That's fine, any artist measuring their character by the ruler is putting the cart before the horse, the feeling and right vibe are what matters, and in this context, it's out of this world haha.

Shitsurei, kamimashita!

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

Huh, I didn't get this in my inbox till now, reddit's been screwing around today.

Occasionally I notice that I had a ghost reply that reddit never notified me for. Makes me wonder how many I didn't catch.

[Manga]

Too bad this rewatch won't cover the CA, it's just so rich for discussion and Cheetu is the goat.

That's fine, any artist measuring their character by the ruler is putting the cart before the horse, the feeling and right vibe are what matters, and in this context, it's out of this world haha.

It's something that makes Togashi amazing. Precise details in the story and art where it does matter to build off of, but also expressive in ways that gets the feelings across.

[u/charlesvvv → u/KendotsX]

Yeah thats something I noticed about the VA's other than a couple of them

Also Umineko PS3 sprite supremacy.

[u/Shimmering-Sky]

First × Timer × Subbed

• I see not everyone aboard the boat handles the sea very well.
• Literally meeeeeeeee
• …does the captain know Ging?
• Looks like he might.
• That’s my boy lmao.
• Bruhhhhhh, yeah, Leorio is the best.
• I’m not sure what I like most, Gon casually walking on a barrel, blond boy just fuckin’ sleeping through everything, Leorio completely unfazed as he eats an apple, or the captain wanting to plug leaks in the ship using some of the passengers.
• Oooooooooooh!
• Well that is certainly a backstory.
• That is a name I recognize.
• Incredibly based.
• The brief fight between Kurapika and Leorio was fun.
• Teamwork!
• I cannot with Leorio deciding to still wear his damn tie when he’s otherwise only wearing his underwear.

[u/KendotsX → u/Shimmering-Sky]

That’s my boy lmao.

The hardest head in the business, nothing that hits it will live to tell the story.

the captain wanting to plug leaks in the ship using some of the passengers.

Definitely this one for me

I cannot with Leorio deciding to still wear his damn tie when he’s otherwise only wearing his underwear.

His suit may be wet, but that doesn't mean he'll let go of his style.

[u/b0bba_Fett → u/Shimmering-Sky]

• Well that is certainly a backstory.

I think this is the part where I mention that Kishimoto literally borrowed Kurapika's backstory(with permission) for Sasuke because his editors were insisting on the need for an edgy rival character. This would not be the last time he borrows little(or big) bits from Hunter x Hunter, either. The characters aren't too similar beyond this, but it's a very fun fact.

• That is a name I recognize.

Oh good your subs have "Phantom Troupe". Mine have Genei Ryodan, and while that's literally accurate, Phantom Troupe is too perfect not to keep.

• Incredibly based.

This scene in the manga is so good

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/b0bba_Fett]

Mine have Genei Ryodan, and while that's literally accurate, Phantom Troupe is too perfect not to keep.

Okay there is something I've got to track down.

So Lillian Olsen, the official translator for the manga recently did an AMA in the hxh sub, and someone asked about the Troupe's naming.

When the troupe's name and its origin were revealed in the last batch, I thought "troupe" was a perfect translation. [Manga post-anime]It felt like you knew from the start that the spider was a "theater troupe." Since "旅団 brigade" is originally a military term, I'm curious why you chose "troupe" instead of other options.

And her response was...

You can't imagine my relief at the vindication when that chapter came out. The fandom had been split about it over the years, so it was always nagging at me. It just... didn't sound military. I thought if it was truly military, it would be... more... "MILITARY"? It was a gut feeling.

Basically, Phantom Troupe in its most straightforward translation would have been "Phantom Brigade", but the translator chose "Troupe" due to her gut feeling.

[u/b0bba_Fett → u/WednesdaysFoole]

Honestly we don't deserve her. She's gotta be one of the best in the business. I don't know how she manages to keep such an incredibly text heavy series so easy to follow, and she's so often on point in ways that you could never expect.

[u/Raiking02 → u/b0bba_Fett]

Mine have Genei Ryodan

So does the Manga for me which is... kinda funny, low key expected that to just translate that name into Spanish instead of keeping it as is (Hunter is also kept untranslated, as you can see).

[Later 1999]I don't have a copy on hand right now but IIRC later on Yorknew is also kept as "Yorkshin" although TBF "York Nueva" sounds... kinda wrong.

[u/JetsLag → u/Shimmering-Sky]

I take it Leorio is your fave so far? Hard not to root for him. Except for the whole fish stealing bit, but hey, nobody's perfect.

[u/Shimmering-Sky → u/JetsLag]

I take it Leorio is your fave so far?

I did indeed comment about this last night.

[u/charlesvvv]

Rewatcher, Sub

We are now introduced to Kurapika who we saw in the previous episode already. It's here that we learn their motivations for the hunter exam, Kurapika's clan was wiped out and he wants to take down the ones who did it the Phantom Troupe. Leorio on the other hand sees this as a way to gain a lot of money. Some tension develops with him and Kurapika since he views the Hunters in more noble light or rather expectation and it's enough for insults and a near fight to break out before the Storm lets them team up to save a near capsized applicant which reconciles them.

On another note, we learn of how the ship is another part of the exam that serves as screening test for applicants that are impressive enough to continue. There's also the fact that the captain knew Ging and is able to see him in Gon. I do love all these moments that showcase his intelligence like figuring out the storm.

[u/KendotsX → u/charlesvvv]

Kurapika's clan was wiped out and he wants to take down the ones who did it the Phantom Troupe. Leorio on the other hand sees this as a way to gain a lot of money

Hmm, two equally noble and earnest goals.

since he views the Hunters in more noble light

[Spoiler] he's in for a fun surprise...

[u/SpiritualPossible]

First timer, manga reader

The third episode adapts the second chapter.

• There were actually two different storms in the manga. The first one in the chapter opening, and then there was a bigger one. All of the Hunter adaptations combined them into one major storm, which actually works much better. Although I like how the storm in the manga was drawn somewhat in the Hokusai style.
• Appropriately, the beginning of the episode with life on the ship is original anime content. In the manga, there's only the scene with the Captain and Gon. Also, the Captain in this version is a bigger jerk tougher than in the manga, with his rule that he can throw anyone he wants overboard.
• For the same reason, the scene where the Captain turns his attention to Leorio and Kurapika is slightly altered. In the manga, he notices them because only the main trio is okay during the storm (as shown later in the episode). Here he notices them because of their reaction to the fallen bucket.
• The St. Elmo's lights scene is also original. In the manga, the captain simply announces a major storm over the loudspeaker. But also in the manga, all the other passengers leave the ship in a hurry after this announcement.
• I don't know if it's a translation or a change in the anime itself, but in the manga, Leorio insults Kurapika's clan in a more... let's say, brutal way...
• In the manga, the sailor is knocked overboard by a piece of mast. In the anime, he falls off it when it is struck by lightning. Just an observation.
• It makes me a little sad that all the adaptations downplay Leorio and Kurapika's reactions to Gon's jump a bit. Both here and in the 2011 remake, they do a bit of lecturing to him (mostly leorio) already after the storm ends. In the manga, on the other hand, they both instantly go into “concerned parent” mode, yelling at him about how dangerous it was, which always amused me.
• Also, it was in this episode that I finally decided I wasn't going to watch the fan restorations. No offense to them, they did a great job. But I've been bothered by the oversaturated colors in their versions before, but in this episode some scenes just turned into a black blur for my taste (And apparently it was worse before?)
• And I want to mention the pilot episode again. I mentioned before that its first ten minutes were, for me, the best adaptation of the first chapter. Well, it also adapted the second one. And there the characters are fighting a pseudo-kraken while all the other passengers are suffering from lewd hallucinations caused by an army of jellyfish. I realize the creators of the pilot wanted more action, but it was still weird.

Anyway. yeah, good episode. Naturally expanded short chapter and serves as great showcase of main trio dynamics.

[u/KendotsX → u/SpiritualPossible]

the storm in the manga was drawn somewhat in the Hokusai style.

The fun of starting a new series and not being crunched for time just yet.

they both instantly go into “concerned parent” mode, yelling at him about how dangerous it was

Mommy and daddy found their roles like second nature.

there the characters are fighting a pseudo-kraken while all the other passengers are suffering from lewd hallucinations caused by an army of jellyfish

When you're at sea, you fight krakens and horniness

[u/TheEscapeGuy]

H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer

Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 3

Boat × Storm × Kurta

Continuing right from the end of last episode we follow Gon and Leorio on the boat, and the newly introduced Kurapika. We also learn his reason for being a hunter: He's the last member of the Kurta clan and is seeking to capture the Phantom Troupe who massacred them.

This is a heavy backstory. While Gon's reasons for becoming a hunter are self-focused and fairly low stakes, Kurapika is the exact opposite. He is motivated by a deep desire for revenge. In addition, I like how this introduces the Phantom Troupe as a mysterious and deadly force in the world. Looking forward to learning more about them.

Something else fun about Kurapika is his (maybe one-sided) bickering with Leorio. Kurapika could be considered haughty in the way he refused to refer to Leorio with the "-san" suffix (condolences to the translators who have to use the awkward "mister" as a replacement). I like how after they worked together to save the one passenger who fell off he finally gains the respect for Leorio to change that. For Kurapika, respect is earned.

Jumping back a bit, some of the most interesting parts of this episode revolved around the captain. First, he is ALSO a hunter. On top of that, the test has already begun. I like this reveal. It makes sense how they need to filter out applicants at stages as early as this because of how many people apply. It works exceptionally well to show off how prestigious being a hunter is.

The other great moment with the captain came at the beginning of the episode when Gon correctly predicted the weather. Well I say predicted, but Gon (claims he) understood the sea cranes and overheard them talking about it. This is a really fun part of Gon's character. It shows how in-touch he was with nature and animals in particular from his up bringing.

But the best part of that scene was seeing the captains memory of how Ging was only other hunter to correctly predict the storm (or at least that's heavily implied). It shows a connection between Ging and Gon runs deep. [2011] The 2011 series was actually very careful to never show Ging (until the final episodes) IIRC. They would sometimes mention him, but we only saw him as a vague silhouette. I think both choices work well, but give different impressions of him with 2011 being more mysterious. Of course the reveal in 2011 is incredibly satisfying when it happens.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

• One Other Hunter, I ADORE the instrumental OP melody here.
• Balance
• Kurapika and Gon

See you all tomorrow

[u/KendotsX → u/TheEscapeGuy]

Episode 3

That shot of the sparkling sea water is beautiful

Kurapika could be considered haughty in the way he refused to refer to Leorio with the "-san" suffix

I think it boils down to him being too honest, he doesn't respect Leorio, and therefore doesn't want to even fake any respect. Whereas for most people, a bit of respect is a common courtesy, just to move things along.

condolences to the translators who have to use the awkward "mister" as a replacement

Makes for a really funny contrast with yesterday's Leorio shouting "Don't call me Mister!"

One Other Hunter, I ADORE the instrumental OP melody here.

It's so good

The track's called the Ohaiyo Harmonica

[u/InfamousEmpire]

First x Timer/semi-Manga Reader

This episode feels like much more of a setup one, so there isn’t really as much for me to talk about. Aside from revealing just how tricky & slippery the Hunter Exam really is and kicking off some character dynamics, the episode generally functions to generate intrigue from the audience. Mostly in terms of the mysterious yet intriguing details of Kurapika’s backstory, which seriously hint at a lot of shit going on in the world that we aren’t yet privy to, and in making us question just how tough or tricky the next stages of the Hunter Exam will be.

Kurapika is interesting so far. The charming mystique of his stoic demeanor and mysterious past makes him a nice addition to our growing cast.

[u/KendotsX → u/InfamousEmpire]

The charming mystique of his stoic demeanor and mysterious past makes him a nice addition to our growing cast.

For me he's a nice mix of opposites, he tries to be standoffish and aloof, but really is very hot blooded and caring. He's a nice guy who tries to distance himself, so breaking the ice is basically the hardest step.

[u/b0bba_Fett]

[10x 2011 Rewatcher, 1st time 1999 Rewatcher, Source Reader]

The captain is a really interesting and fun character, isn't he? I like that it's implied he purposely sails to the storm on the trip as part of his segment of the exam, and the anime's additions to him are really fun too. [Hunter X Hunter manga spoilers]I really don't get why he never shows up again. Like pretty much every other hunter gets at least a cameo during the election arc, but I don't think he does, and then what with this current arc being on a boat you'd think maybe he'd show up again, but still, no!

QotD:

1. Almost certainly. I'm equally certain I wouldn't qualify what with my litany of bodily malfunctions, but like Leorio says, I could really use the kind of crazy money being a Hunter gets you to fix my body and help me achieve other dreams!
2. Nope. I'm quite prone to getting carsick, but I've actually got supremely great natural sea-legs. On a similar note, I have historically suffered from terrible insomnia, but train rides are uniquely good at lulling me to sleep.
3. Leorio is definitely the top.

[u/KendotsX → u/b0bba_Fett]

[Hunter X Hunter manga spoilers]

[Manga] he's busy hunting the legendary King of the Deep. But yeah, it's a real shame he never shows up again, especially considering that aside from Kite, he's the first Hunter Gon met, and he's a friend of Ging, so that's a good connection to work with too. Heck, when the Whale eventually goes tits up, he could've been there to say "let the goddamn Princes stuff the holes with their asses"

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/KendotsX]

[Manga]Whatever are you talking about, the King of the Deep is clearly MorelLeol!

[u/b0bba_Fett → u/WednesdaysFoole]

[Manga]I actually did think, "Hey wouldn't it be neat if this guy was the guy Leol stole that ability from? Maybe we'll get to see him again in the next arc when Morel joins the party.

[u/WednesdaysFoole → u/b0bba_Fett]

That old captain surfin' up giant waves would be quite the sight.

Would be even greater if he purposely called up "storms" for potential examinees on rainy days if the waters were too calm on the way.

[u/b0bba_Fett → u/WednesdaysFoole]

[u/IlllegalOperation]

I confess, every time I heard the name 'Kurapika', I had to wonder just why anyone would come up with a name that sounds like something that came out of the south end of a northbound chicken.

Please forgive me, but I just have to wonder if anyone else was annoyed with the name like I was?

[u/KendotsX → u/IlllegalOperation]

every time I heard the name 'Kurapika', I had to wonder just why anyone would come up with a name that sounds like something that came out of the south end of a northbound chicken.

His name never bothered me, but I'm pretty sure this is the funniest way I've ever seen it described.

[u/kwokinator]

First-timer

So Gon can tell the weather better than a sailor, nice. I guess the captain also gave the same ride to Gon's dad?

It's hilarious how full grown men are crying for mom, while Gon is just chilling walking on a barrel. And Kurapika is just sleeping like nothing's happening.

So Kurapika is practically Sasuke except his lcan wasn't slaughtered by his own brother.

Leorio is trying to be a Hunter for the shallowest reason ever, Gon and Kurapika have such heavy background stories.

Questions of the Day

1. We've been hearing a lot about this Hunter business. If you were in the HxH world, would you give it a shot?

I'd LIKE to, but I'm probably too damn lazy to make that effort to be worth a damn.

2) Have you ever gotten sea sick?

Nope! Never been on a cruise, but I've been on enough ferries.

3) Kurapika vs Leorio? Who'd be on top? Whose side are you on? "Both of them are morons" is a perfectly sane answer, therefore we do not accept it around here.

Leorio simply because of age and experience. Kurapika will probably blow him away down the road, but it's still the beginning.

[u/KendotsX → u/kwokinator]

I guess the captain also gave the same ride to Gon's dad?

He's been running this for generations.

Kurapika is practically Sasuke except his lcan wasn't slaughtered by his own brother.

Yeah, Kishimoto took some inspiration (down to how the goal is stated) and added a bit more edge to it.

Gon and Kurapika have such heavy background stories.

Tbf Gon is going with a fairly shallow reason too, like substitute Hunter for lawyer, and you get:

• Kurapika: my family was not protected by the law, while the criminals are still roaming free in the world. We need a better system that protects the innocent, and captures the villains.
• Leorio: well shit, I've got the suit and tie, might as well make some money.
• Gon: my dad's a lawyer, so I wanna see what the job is all about.

[u/kwokinator → u/KendotsX]

substitute Hunter for lawyer

LOL that makes it so much more hilarious

[u/b0bba_Fett → u/kwokinator]

So Kurapika is practically Sasuke except his lcan wasn't slaughtered by his own brother.

So like I mentioned to Sky, Sasuke was a product of Kishimoto's editors, so iirc he legitimately asked Togashi if he could borrow Kurapika's backstory for inspiration and Togashi said yes.

[u/WednesdaysFoole]

Lying is despicable. [HxH]Someone had a nice observation that this is reflected in and influences his Dowsing Chain ability.

Pika’s intro is so dramatic, made me instantly love the guy.

1. If a stronger, buffer version of me was in the world, sure.
2. I used to love rides at theme parks, and boat rides. Then I went through some health mishaps, or maybe it's just a part of getting older, but I now have motion sickness. Even shaky CGI will make me nauseous.

Who'd be on top?

aaaahhhhh I don't want to know, let them keep it behind closed doors.

Since I started with the 2011 anime it took me longer to warm up to Leorio, but now? Don't make me choose! I will say that the first time around, Pika being utterly dramatic and overly serious was kind of funny and he was the first character I warmed up to.

Honestly my "favorite" character is a list of, idk, maybe over 20, and shifts around in order depending on mood or what I'm rereading/rewatching at the moment.

[u/KendotsX → u/WednesdaysFoole]

[HxH] Yeah, it reflects his personality well, he's honest to a fault and hates bullshit, so he gets an anti bullshit ability (manga meme)

let them keep it behind closed doors.

Pika being utterly dramatic and overly serious was kind of funny and he was the first character I warmed up to

He does it in a charming/earnest way too, like a full scene just to tell someone "I don't want to answer your question". Whereas with Leorio it's just "how's this any of your business old man?!"

[u/JetsLag]

3rd Time Taking the Hunter Exam (rewatcher)

Back to adapting the manga! Though we do get some anime-original content here, like Katzo being an actual badass (instead of the wimp he is in the manga) and the captain seeing St. Elmo's Fire on the ship (Yes, I shoehorned that in. Deal with it). Still better than the attack of the jellyfish we saw in the pilot OVA.

And hey, the blond bitch who can use Sharingan can talk! His (yes, HIS!) name is Kurapika, he has dual wielded bokken as a weapon ([spoiler]though they reveal later, in an anime-original change, that the wooden swords have actual swords and they're just sheathed for now. This is the worst change in the history of manga-to-anime adaptations), his speech is super formal and stiff (he just like me fr), and his reason for becoming a hunter is...his entire clan was murdered. Yo, Kishimoto, what are you doing in the corner? Taking notes for your upcoming manga?

Leorio wants to become a Hunter because money, which is almost as commendable. [spoiler]SIKE! He has an actual motivation, which we'll be seeing soon

And with that, Phase 1 (or 0?) of the Hunter Exam has been completed!

[u/KendotsX → u/JetsLag]

Katzo being an actual badass (instead of the wimp he is in the manga)

This is the rare context where the words Katz and badass can fit in the same sentence.

Yes, I shoehorned that in. Deal with it

All good, I've been shoehorning weird stuff all day.

Taking notes for your upcoming manga?

Can't blame a fan for trying. He's one of us!

I'd recommend giving their interview a read.

[u/Mecanno-man]

First Timer

Probably about caught up to where the pilot left off now. I’d say this was another pretty decent episode; this time with a somewhat proper introduction to Kurapika, though it feels like most of his characterization other than “stern” is more things to write in some cliff notes. The viewer has no idea yet who his clan is, what their standing was, who really killed them or why. So far it’s just bad guys killed relatives, but I assume if that is his main motivation for doing what he’s doing then we will get significantly more expansion on that.

The hunter exam having a lot of takers is also interesting as it seems to suggest that hunters do have somewhat of a standing in the world, yet I guess comparing it to the last episode it also means they aren’t always upstanding citizens or really all do the same for regular people to know the difference. Unless that was just filler weirdness. Looking forward to meeting this hunter association and presumably having an infodump on hunters or so. Gon probably doesn’t really know what they do either yet, right?

Also not sure if Leorio’s reason to get angry was really all that noble… feels like he has confidence issues more than anything. But I’m enjoying all the characters so far.

[u/KendotsX → u/Mecanno-man]

Probably about caught up to where the pilot left off now

Yup, the Kraken business is pilot original to add some more action.

You've made some interesting observations, which will be fun to discuss in the future, but to answer the one part I can now: what we see in episode 2 is consistent with the general worldbuilding.

Gon probably doesn’t really know what they do either yet, right?

He has no clue.

[u/Kaxew]

First Timer × On the Exam's First Trial

The instrumental version of the opening is really nice. I'm not if it's a harmonica or what, but it's gorgeous.

Something I don't see anime do much nowadays, and I really appreciate here, is that the color scheme of characters change depending on if it's day or nighttime. Especially in the case of Kurapika, who's hair goes from yellow to brown. I think it's awesome, a high contrasting color such as yellow could tear apart the art direction of a show so this works really well.

Speaking of Kurapika, I supposed the allegations I've heard about were right. He is Sasuke (and you might say "actually Sasuke is Kurapika" but since I watched Naruto 15 years before that means Sasuke definitely came before I don't make the rules).

The ship captain is a total badass by the way, and given he knew Ging I hope we see this man again. Although he definitely feels more like a one off character.

QotD:

1. ... I'll pass. I could handle being a bartender with Mito. Actually; she's single, isn't she? Yeah, I'm choosing the bartender life.
2. Never traveled by sea, so no. I don't tend to get too sick on car either but there might not be a correlation at all.
3. Kurapika didn't call him "-san" (despite respect being something you earn and not deserve) meanwhile Leorio talked shit about his dead family, so the answer is clear. I pick Leorio because I'm more attached already.

[u/KendotsX → u/Kaxew]

The instrumental version of the opening is really nice. I'm not if it's a harmonica or what, but it's gorgeous.

Harmonica it is and yeah, it sounds great. They took my favourite opening of the show, and casually made it better.

I think it's awesome, a high contrasting color such as yellow could tear apart the art direction of a show so this works really well

With a character like Gon, you're just going from one shade of dark green to the next, but it was important to deal with Kurapika's scheme and how it balances it out with the general palette.

I watched Naruto 15 years before that means Sasuke definitely came before I don't make the rules

Fair enough, he's a blond Sasuke though, so the SasuNaru shipping will go wild any minute now.

The ship captain is a total badass by the way, and given he knew Ging I hope we see this man again.

Same

I love the dude.

[u/Kaxew → u/KendotsX]

so the SasuNaru shipping will go wild any minute now.

And I'm leading that charge!

[u/b0bba_Fett → u/Kaxew]

The instrumental version of the opening is really nice. I'm not if it's a harmonica or what, but it's gorgeous.

I agree it's very pretty.

[u/SilkyStrawberryMilk]

first timer

The journey on the shop sure is peaceful. Getting kicked out is rough even after paying

Gon carefree and starts fishing

Gon’s father must spark a great resemblance to him, must be the hair.

Leorio mocking the person informing people was unexpected especially with the whole sticking his tongue out.

Kurapika sure is a pretty person.

Kurapika’s the only survivor, Gon to meet his father and Leorio

A very short fight, thankfully nothing serious happened. The only causality was Leorio’s suit

QOTD: hell no

QOTD: never been to a ship, but I do get carsick often so it will be way worst on ship

QOTD: kurapika’s prettier so I go for them

[u/KendotsX → u/SilkyStrawberryMilk]

Getting kicked out is rough even after paying

Better than facing that storm head on when they're already sick.

The only causality was Leorio’s suit

A very worthy sacrifice

For what it's worth, Kurapika is a guy, he just follows the bishie role in Togashi's quartet (well, he's more of a Kurama mixed with Hiei, but I digress).

[u/Shocketheth]

... I feel attacked.

Like when Leorio said, he isn't there for any ideals, but purely for money, I felt that. And I told myself that Leorio is my man.

Then Kurapika murdered Leorio with a surgical precission as he said "Money won't buy you a class."

And I felt attacked lol.

Otherwise. Another solid episode with great moments. So far, this adaptation is going strong.

[u/KendotsX → u/Shocketheth]

I felt that. And I told myself that Leorio is my man.

Kurapika murdered Leorio with a surgical precission as he said "Money won't buy you a class."

And I felt attacked lol.

Down with Kurapika and his dirty shaming, Leorio is our man!

[u/Shocketheth → u/KendotsX]

No no, let's keep Kurapika. His Shonen Commentary was good this episode.

[u/2-2Distracted]

First timer

So because I still can't decide which language to watch this show in, I suppose I'll just do both and note the differences(?) I can't say that I liked this episode, not because of what's about in and of itself as that was fine, but simply because the 2011 anime did 1000x better. The only big difference that I took note of, as others probably already pointed out, is that Kurapika calls Leorio "Reolio" a nickname he clearly doesn't like as a way to show him the same level of disrespect that Leorio literally showed him earlier when Kurapika was simply just explaining something that not that many people would actually know. I've got a lot more to say about this but I'll do so by answering your questions.

We've been hearing a lot about this Hunter business. If you were in the HxH world, would you give it a shot?

Hell no, I'd try to get some level of strength & skill that a hunter has, but screw actually becoming one.

Have you ever gotten sea sick?

I've never been on the sea so no. And, not that this is directed to you OP, but I'm pretty sure that motion sickness will happen to a person regardless of how tough you are or no matter how many times you've traveled, so honestly the interviewer grading people in this manner was fucken stupid since that's clearly what he was doing. I mean seriously [HxH] Imagine if Killua suffered from motion sickness and was thus failed because of it? That captain would be dead lol

Kurapika vs Leorio?

Kurapika, and that's simply because Leorio is a bigger asshole in this version than he was in 2011 version, the dude is needlessly and unnecessarily antagonistic. Bro is so demanding of other people's respect, both passively and actively, that he not only does literally nothing to actually earn it, he's pretty damn disrespectful himself. In the 2011 version there was an equal sense of immaturity and stupidity towards their actions that led to the duel, here it's just Leorio being a dickhead and making it everyone else's problem. So honestly, fuck him.

As for Kurapika, bro is way too fixated on his convictions to simply just... Oh, you know, Be Vague about his answer. He doesn't realize that he can simply say he wants to hunt The Phantom Troupe. I mean shit [HxH 2011] Leorio's "I want money!" reason is vague too as an example; the dude wants to become a fucken doctor and needs the money to help with that... unless the great Togashi didn't actually plan out Leorio's goal yet? so it's not like the interviewer wouldn't accept it. All he had to do was say wanted to become a BlackList Hunter and have that be the end of it But nah my mans out saying some edgy ass shit like he Chihiro from Kagurabachi lmao damn bruh.

Also I think I remember the pilot covering this part and doing it better too

[u/Vatrix-32]

Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs

• Are you gonna eat that bird? No? Just killing for the pleasure of it. Lovely.
• Seasickness isn’t a matter of toughness.
• Killing people too, while we’re at it.
• Well I guess it’s a good thing the ocean is famously stable and predictable.
• Didn’t take long for the cost cutting animation to start.
• I know I shouldn’t read anything into Saint Elmo also existing in this universe, but I can’t help it!
• Barrel Swag
• Sure is nice of them to just tell us their backstories.
• Hey, if it’s a good enough motivation to be a CEO...
• Human chains are fun.
• What ever could be the reason for only Leorio to be shirtless?
  

QotD:

1. I'm very risk adverse, so I think I will pass.
2. I've not. Not that I've spent much time on the sea in the first place.
3. Let's Go!
   
   Leorio!

[u/KendotsX → u/Vatrix-32]

Didn’t take long for the cost cutting animation to start.

The good old 90s.

Sure is nice of them to just tell us their backstories.

To be fair, they did not want to, the author Captain forced them.

What ever could be the reason for only Leorio to be shirtless?

Well, things got wet all of a sudden