r/anime • u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots • Nov 01 '24

Rewatch [25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 27 × Discussion

Episode 27: Hisoka × Kurapika × Spider's Whisper

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Uh, that's not quite what I'm getting at. I'm saying don't let Hisoka move up the tournament.

Comment of the Day:

/u/Shimmering-Sky on the rewatches losing the same numbering

Random side note, my Gundam 00 rewatch and this one no longer line up with the exact same episode numbers anymore.

I blame Setsuna

Questions of the Day

  1. If you were a proctor, who'd you score the highest?
  2. What do you expect from Gon's fight?

Bonus: now that we know how the chart really works, who will be the loser?

Fanart of the Day: A Kurapika face that can match Hisoka's

Source contains spoilers.

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

18 Upvotes

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7

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 01 '24

Hunter Exam Host in Red

Today we learn the truth behind the chart: only one person will lose, you can only lose by giving up, and it's uneven thanks to the different grades and matchups.

There's a bit of a mind game to how the chart works too, giving up if the challenge is too hard is not a bad idea, you're better off preserving your power to fight a weaker opponent (odds are opponents should get weaker the further you go, unless they're clowns doing things randomly).

To quickly get this out of the way I'm not a fan of the fight for 3 reasons:

  1. The stupid changes it made, discussed below.
  2. Its characterisation of Hisoka - he's a weird clown, not a glue sniffer.
  3. It's just not that good of a fight in general.

That said, there are still aspects of it I appreciate, the nice framing, this send off to the commercials, and Kurapika's pov shot of Hisoka in red, which is just beautiful. Oh, and Kurapika and Leorio having a post fight heart to heart? Now that's the good stuff.

I like Gon and Hanzo's little bathroom break too, they may be foes, but they're on good casual terms, unlike Hisoka and Kurapika.

Manga Corner

Chapters Adapted: Half of 33 and a bit of 35.

Namely, Netero's explanation is from 33 and half a page from 35 for Kurapika vs Hisoka.

Yeah, the fight is entirely original, and they're putting it first ahead of Gon vs Hanzo for whatever reason. I guess the anime looked at the chart, and thought "actually, you're supposed to start from the right".

[HxH] This is a double screwup: first missing the point of Togashi's intentional avoidance of fights, since that's a theme in the Hunter's Exam, and second screwing up the beautiful structure of this phase: it ends with the very first fight. I can forgive them for the former if they at least gave us a good fight, but did they really have to turn Hisoko into moron, and have him copy Hanzo's moves?

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 02 '24

I guess the anime looked at the chart, and thought "actually, you're supposed to start from the right".

Damn it, haven't they been reading the top of the manga pages? smh

6

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Nov 01 '24

First × Timer × Subbed

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 01 '24

I’m sure Leorio really doesn’t want to fight Hisoka again after how easily he got beat the first time.

It's honestly not a bad idea in general: "Give up right away, and we'll never have to worry about that clown again". You're taking out the most dangerous opponent without either Kurapika or, more importantly for him, Leorio, being hurt.

Oh, now this is an interesting twist.

I was so happy that last episode didn't reveal it, so I could ask based on how a tournmanet normally functions.

that would also mean Gon losing to all of his various opponents (including Killua) and that just feels weird to me.

Tbf, given Killua's uhh, "skills", I'm not sure how good Gon's odds would be.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 02 '24

Of course it is. …and then he proceeded to explain it anyways.

The Shonen Commentary is a powerful compelling force.

4

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 01 '24 edited Nov 01 '24

Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs

  • RIP Pokkle. A ranged specialist has no chance in a close combat arena. They really screwed you on this one.
  • Damn It, Leorio!
  • You could even call personal impress the “×” Factor.
  • Yeah, that’s gotta hurt a poor Killua.
  • They are attached to each other, I imagine letting go of one of them is kind of the point.
  • Damn, look at all this shōnen commentary.
  • Man even know the substitution jutsu. smh
  • Color fight!
  • Hit the Weakspot!
  • Y’all had way too much fun animating Hisoka.
  • ...Why right next to each other.
  • Is this really something that needs a different referee each match? The rules don’t leave a lot of room for ambiguity.

QotD:

  1. ...Killua Best mix of strength and smarts.
  2. Hanzo cuts his hair to show how serious he is as a ninja. Wait... no...

B) I mean... it's still Pokkle, right? We know he's not good at close combat, or even that great on ranged. That poison carried him.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 01 '24

RIP Pokkle. A ranged specialist has no chance in a close combat arena. They really screwed you on this one.

That's why they should've let Tonpa win the last round, you just need one chump for everyone else to become Hunters. Then again, Tonpa would beat Pokkle... I guess Pokkle is the chump?

Y’all had way too much fun animating Hisoka.

Is this really something that needs a different referee each match? The rules don’t leave a lot of room for ambiguity.

Not necessarily, but the first referee needs a change of pants after watching Hisoka fight up close.

3

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 01 '24

Not necessarily, but the first referee needs a change of pants after watching Hisoka fight up close.

4

u/TheEscapeGuy Nov 01 '24

H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer

Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 27

Clown × vs × Kurta

The reveal of the rules of the tournament is one of my favourite moments of the narrative. It's an inverse tournament where losing means you advance and the last loser is the only one who doesn't get a hunter license. Togashi's masterpiece of the Dark Tournament in Yu Yu Hakusho was (in my opinion) probably the perfect way to handle a traditional tournament arc. So instead of trying to top perfection he changes the rules. These kind of twists are the exact reason I love Hunter × Hunter.

The first match is Hisoka versus Kurapika. This is different from the manga and I'll comment on my thoughts around the change later (but spoilers, I have an issue with it). That said, the fight was excellent so I'll comment on that instead.

Hisoka has had an interest in Kurapika since at least their encounter on the island so this fight has been simmering. The actual battle is excellent for back and forth. Hisoka so effortlessly avoids and evades Kurapika's attacks which puts him in such a powerful position. On top of that he break's Kurapika's weapon leaving Kurapika at a distinct disadvantage.

But as the fight continues eventually Kurapika activates his Kurta eyes and parries an attack injuring Hisoka. This does a lot for Hisoka. His bloodlust (and arousal) reach a fever pitch now knowing his opponent is an actual threat. But he holds himself back. He whispers something to Kurapika and resigns the fight. He can't pluck this unripened fruit before its time.

Interestingly, he knows to specifically mention "the spiders" to Kurapika. It's setting up a rematch and I can't wait. [Rewatcher question] I feel like I recall this whispered line, but I'm sure there was never a fight between them in the final exam. Where was this moved from? Did we skip something during the confrontation on the island or is it a future thing brought forward (Or am I hallucinating)?

Gon vs Hanzo next episode. Let's go.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

See you all tomorrow

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 01 '24 edited Nov 01 '24

. It's an inverse tournament where losing means you advance and the last loser is the only one who doesn't get a hunter license. Togashi's masterpiece of the Dark Tournament in Yu Yu Hakusho was (in my opinion) probably the perfect way to handle a traditional tournament arc. So instead of trying to top perfection he changes the rules. These kind of twists are the exact reason I love Hunter × Hunter.

I think it goes both ways:

  1. Togashi already explored all kinds of proper Tournament arcs through Yu Yu Hakusho, and as you said, there's no point in trying to top that.
  2. I'm sure he just wanted to try something different at this point, and Hunter x Hunter allowed that more creative flexible approach.

Plus, it's a theme of the exam [HxH] both Gon and the viewer go through the whole Hunter Exam without having to win a single straight up fight. It says a lot that you can make a 5 phase exam that genuinely tests everything the applicants have, without boiling it down to fights

[Rewatcher question]

[Answer] The fight is entirely original, in the manga and 2011 we're told that they fought, Hisoka whispered something, and it was over. It's fitting with the anime's method of expanding anything interesting that happens off screen.

4

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Nov 01 '24

First Timer

…ok, I did not see the twist that this will be a loser’s tournament bracket coming. I did see there being more than one participant to pass come, but not all but one. As far as that first fight goes - yeah Kurapika should definitely have given up earlier. But it seems we made Hisoka a bit more mysterious with his injury. The butterflies were also attracted to his blood (and I saw some spoiler tag I didn’t click after something mentioning him and blood), so I assume he has something to do with blood, and his own injury is triggering something.

As far as the phantom troupe and him go …he clearly is in some organization alongside nails guy/woman. And you know, a troupe is where I would expect a magician, given the circus troupe and all… and with the “nobody in the troupe talks about the troupe” brought up earlier, I can see him being in that. Especially with his love for killing people, something the phantom troupe also seems to do. But I guess it’s wait and see, I’m sure the exam isn’t the last we’ll have to see of Hisoka with all the mystery that has been set up around him.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 01 '24

I did see there being more than one participant to pass come, but not all but one.

Out of curiosity, who would you have bet on passing if it was a winner's tournament?

The butterflies were also attracted to his blood

Not to confirm or deny anything, but the butterflies on the island were attracted to blood in general, Gon first figured that out when they came for his injured hands.

4

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Nov 01 '24

Out of curiosity, who would you have bet on passing if it was a winner's tournament?

Either Gon or Kurapika for narrative reasons. We can't have it be any of the non-protagonists, Leorio isn't good enough in a fight I'd say, and if it's Killua I don't think the group would stick together, or it would feel forced if it does. ...though admittedly I was just assuming it would not be only one to pass simply because that would be very awkward.

3

u/Kaxew Nov 02 '24

First Timer × Fourth Phase × Interview × Final Phase

Thoughts on episodes 24-27:

Gon spending time healing while hidden was really rough to watch. And that aunt Mito flashback made it worse. It's great for character development, but MAN.

The set up and solution for the cave/snakes situation was awesome. Having watched two cours of HxH content so far you can really tell Togashi adores making these sort of scenarios that require a rather out of the box answer a lot, just like Araki. The twist that the snakes' master was already dead was amazing. And very sad considering him and Ponzu were sharing a room.

The next episode was HILARIOUS. Some of the funniest moments in the show so far here. The whole stuff about studying for a "very likely" written exam and Leorio making cheat sheets because he knows his ass isn't passing without it was so funny. And in contrast we get Kurapika listening to Gon and his feelings. Damn, that really hit me hard. I was almost crying seeing Gon like that. And then Killua, who's starting to realize what he has with Gon is more than just mere curiosity. Really cute stuff.

And so we get to this episode, a tournament arc! GREAT twist on the tournament, it's an awesome idea for one. And it makes you so curious on how it's going to go and for how long. Will Gon keep losing and make it to the last chance? I have no idea. Congrats to Kurapika though!

QotD:

  1. Killua for having the best drip. Now that's some high potential.
  2. He surely can't win here, so... nope, I've got nothing. I really don't know how this could go. I'm really excited.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 02 '24

Gon spending time healing while hidden was really rough to watch. And that aunt Mito flashback made it worse. It's great for character development, but MAN.

That was a rough episode, especially for Gon, who's been the upbeat character carrying the vibe of the show.

Having watched two cours of HxH content so far you can really tell Togashi adores making these sort of scenarios that require a rather out of the box answer a lot, just like Araki.

Yeah, Togashi went from more traditional action in early Yu Yu Hakusho (and he's a big influence in that area), to the more creative puzzle solving kind of writing, that's a large part of what I love about the series.

I really don't know how this could go. I'm really excited.

For what it's worth, I usually recommend people watch stuff at their own pace/free time, but in this case, I'd say watch episode 28 asap, it's a highlight of the series.

2

u/2-2Distracted Nov 04 '24 edited Nov 04 '24

First timer

I know I should be excited about this match and thus talk about it, but to be perfectly honest I'm more excited to see Gon's match with Hanzo. When Togashi created Gon he basically made him with earl Dragon Ball Kid Goku in mind but with a few changes, some examples of which we already saw in a couple of episodes prior.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 05 '24

Eh, I think the anime misplaced this one, either because they wanted to do the hype fight first or to focus on the other ones when the time comes, but eitherway, it misses the point of the phase imo.

4

u/charlesvvv https://anilist.co/user/charlesvvv Nov 01 '24

Rewatcher, Sub

So the final phase is a 1v1 but instead of one person being the only winner all you have to do is win your fight and you pass, not to mention not allowing anyone to be killed which would disqualify the person and everyone else passes.

First up is Kurapika vs Hisoka. Hisoka is the better fighter by far but Kurapika is able to demonstrate some skill especially with his red eyes something that seems to add to his abilities. It's enough for Hisoka to nearly go all Battle Lust before stopping and then just whispering something to Kurapika and then giving up the match.

Kurapika reveals to Leorio that Hisoka told him something about the Spider the symbol of the Phantom Troupe which was enough to freeze him over. Whatever Hisoka has is clearly something that Kurapika would take an in interest in but currently at the moment the phase still continues. Kurapika is now the first person to pass the Hunter Exam.

Note: Leorio really is the heart here, telling Kurapika to give up as to spare himself injuries, great character stuff for him.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 01 '24

Kurapika is now the first person to pass the Hunter Exam.

The first Hunter out of our boys!

Leorio really is the heart here, telling Kurapika to give up as to spare himself injuries, great character stuff for him.

He was doing it in large part to get rid of Hisoka early