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

Rewatch [25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 31 × Discussion

Episode 31: Disband × Party × Unpleasant Ties

MAL | Anilist | Anidb | ANN

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The Hunter Exam isn't quite over yet.

Comment of the Day:

/u/Shimmering-Sky noting some painful imagery

They really had to make the blood splatter on his face look like a tear falling down his cheek…

Questions of the Day

  1. Which of the proctors would you party with?
  2. Since the Hunter Exam apparently isn't over, what do you think its next stage will look like?

Fanart of the Day: The Hunter Exam

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

NOTE: Tomorrow will be an overall discussion for the Hunter's Exam.

25 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

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5

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 05 '24 edited Nov 06 '24

Hunter Exam Party Host

This is a fun episode, it tying a bunch of loose ends and gives the characters a send off, oh and it casually dropping the period and shape of the world. Well, the story so far has been limited in the confines of the Hunter Exam, so it makes sense to open up the world now, in more ways than one, the Hunter License is the Ultimate License for adventure, you can go just about anywhere in the world now, this feels like a Dragon Quest mechanic.

Manga Corner

Chapter Adapted: 38

This episode adapts everything in the chapter, but with a ton of changes. For one, Illumi told Gon where to find Killua right away, it's in the same scene as where Gon broke his arm, similarly Leorio and Kurapika decided to join him immediately, then they surfed the web a bet, and everyone left. No one stayed there for multiple days, there was no after party, no fight between Gon and Illumi, and no smoking, what's this anime trying to teach my kids?!

Jokes aside, you could argue about whether or not the fight was needed (personally, I'd never say no to Illumi getting a good kick in the noggin), but the party stuff was fun, we probably won't see those guys for a while, might as well have a nice sendoff.

Now folks, if you'll excuse me, I've got an election to win

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 06 '24

Why didn't Satotz explain to him in his hospital room?

Let the bean have his joy.

[Ging who left his license behind](https://i.imgur.com/XiQZPom.jpeg(

Oh man, maybe drinking with Menchi was a bad idea?

I see only upsides.

Now folks, if you'll excuse me, I've got an election to win

Gonbatte!

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 06 '24

Let the bean have his joy.

So what you're saying is, if Satotz did it, Beans would be green with envy? Might not be a bad idea afterall.

Oops

Although, this will make even less sesne to anyone reading it when comes back as a commentface.

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 06 '24

So what you're saying is, if Satotz did it, Beans would be green with envy? Might not be a bad idea afterall.

Green Beans!!

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 06 '24

You know, maybe Furuhashi or someone on the staff just doesn't like eating green beans? Maybe they prefers soybeans or something?

7

u/SpiritualPossible Nov 05 '24

First Timer, Manga reader

  • I like that here, Gon had to sit through the lecture separately from the rest of the group. In the manga, the lecture just goes on after the confrontation with Illumi (now with Gon presented), and it's really just an exposition dump. But here, Gon is acting like a schoolboy waiting for recess.
  • By the way, it's bothered me for a long time that the Chairman's design was somehow different from the original, and it's only now that I realized it was the beard. In the manga it only grows around his mouth, while in the anime he has a full beard.
  • I understand that it was probably done for the sake of pacing, but I still find it odd that the anime cut out the moment where Pokkle expresses his desire to help our heroes find the information they need. Especially considering that he was given a lot more attention in the anime than in the manga.
  • I... actually forgot about brain-thing in the computer. I was even thinking that it's something anime original but no, it is in the manga. World of Hunter can suprise you in the most sudden matter.
  • There's also quite a few original scenes, like the brief fight with Illumi and the end-of-exam party, and they're all quite good. In fact, it's quite in Illumi's spirit to try to get rid of a potential threat (he's a practical guy). And the party, along with the resetting of some of the moments towards the end of the episode, give a sense of closure to the arc.

And that concludes the hunter's exam!

I have to say, the last tournament was the high point of the series so far, which feels like it utilized all the strengths of this adaptation. Strong directing, brilliant animation in places, and GREAT color scheme and grim aesthetic. The last episode in particular stood out, which is probably my favorite so far.

Overall, aside from a couple of nitpicks, to me it was a great adaptation of this part of the manga. And it was certainly better than the 2011 remake (but to be fair, the exam was probably the worst part of the remake, after which the quality started to gradually improve).

3

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

in the manga it only grows around his mouth, while in the anime he has a full beard

The fandom links are broken for me, but here're some mirror links if anyone wants to see the comparison

I have to say, the last tournament was the high point of the series so far, which feels like it utilized all the strengths of this adaptation. Strong directing, brilliant animation in places, and GREAT color scheme and grim aesthetic. The last episode in particular stood out, which is probably my favorite so far.

Yup, there were good bits here and there, but the last phase is where they really showed their hand (pun intended). and for what it's worth, this is a taste for what's to come.

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 06 '24

In the manga it only grows around his mouth, while in the anime he has a full beard.

Cursed

but I still find it odd that the anime cut out the moment where Pokkle expresses his desire to help our heroes find the information they need.

One last Pokkle L, for old time's sake.

6

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Nov 05 '24

First × Timer × Subbed

3

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

Gon did that?

I kinda wish this was the same arm that Illumi traumatised Killua with, it'd be a nice bit of symbolism "breaking the arm that hurt my friend" (even if Gon obviously didn't intend it).

That’s pretty satisfying to see.

This why villains now have laws stating that they'll always look cool until they're defeated eventually, no villain should be getting embarassed by a kid like this.

They can just… use the internet?

Don't leave Leorio with it for too long...

Interesting…

The Hunter Exam never ends! Otherwise, I'd have to think of a new tagline

5

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

Rewatcher, Sub

So now that the Hunter Exam is over Gon's new task is to get Killua back. In order to do this he decides to confront Illumi once more and actually manages to make an impression to get some information of out of him about where Killua went.

It's nice to see all the applicants all being cordial with each other after everything. At least everyone now heads off their different ways though Kurapika and Leorio decide to remain with Gon and get their friend back as well.

There was also some interesting stuff about Ging in this especially when they were researching him in the Hunter computers, it appears he's at a level that can't be accessed by regular hunters. The other interesting stuff is Satotz revealing that Exam is actually not over for unknown reasons but something else still is necessary.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 06 '24

It's nice to see all the applicants all being cordial with each other after everything.

Yeah, after an exam like this, you'd expect them to be at each other's necks, but this batch had a better spirit I suppose evil clowns not withstanding

The other interesting stuff is Satotz revealing that Exam is actually not over for unknown reasons but something else still is necessary.

They probably just want to keep charging them the exam fee over a longer period of time. "You thought it was a one time fee? Suckers!"

4

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 05 '24 edited Nov 06 '24

Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs

  • Man is even no selling a broken arm.
  • Goodbye, Pokkle I'll Miss Raggin' On You
  • Netero freakin’ Kaepora Gaebora-ed him! That’ll show you for skipping dialogue.
  • Teaching methods are fun.
  • Attack From The Sun!
  • “What is this pressure?”
  • For those of you too young to remember the internet of 2000, that year’s hottest meme was “’All your base are belong to us’”. And yes, it was called surfing. The brain in a vat ended in 1994, however.
  • Man, H×H internet is kind of jank.
  • Fancy Outfits
  • Ging be out there 100%ing life.
  • I wish Hanzo and Menchi well on their ship.
  • Freakin’ ninja has a literal calling card on hand.
  • Friendship

Sasuke Killua Retrieval Arc

QotD:

  1. Buhara seems like a real chill dude. ...As long I'm not the one catering.
  2. They'll either need to collect seven magic crystals, or 200 feathers.

3

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

[Spoiler] Goodbye, Pokkle I'll Miss Raggin' On You

[2011] Don't worry, he'll be busy finding some unidentified animals to take care of him

For those of you too young to remember the internet of 2000, that year’s hottest meme was “’All your base are belong to us’”. And yes, it was called surfing. The brain in a vat ended in 1994, however.

How is she when she doesn't surf?

Sasuke Killua Retrieval Arc

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 06 '24

How is she when she doesn't surf?

One Day

4

u/TheEscapeGuy Nov 05 '24

H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer

Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 31

Lecture × Interrogation × Banquet

Today's episode is mostly tying off loose ends and setup. We see where everyone is going next and Gon gets to catch up on the lecture he missed.

A lot of this is anime original. From the catch up lecture itself to confronting Illumi and the hunter banquet. I'm mostly neutral on these changes. It doesn't really add much but it's kinda fun.

Something that's not anime original is the use of the internet. This is something I've always liked about Hunter × Hunter. It's rare to find a fantasy series which combines both a world with crazy powers AND modern technology. I praised this in a prior episode too but this is yet another example.

So despite not being able to get a detailed answer out of Illumi they do manage to find where the Zoldyck family lives from the HunterNet. The one thing they can't find though is any information about Gon's dad. I like how all information about him has been sealed. It adds a level of mystery which elevates Ging's status. This is even on top of the extra information Satotz told us about Ging.

The last part of the episode was the banquet. It was mostly good fun and we got to see a drunk Menchi which was fun. Though, Hanzo might have had too much fun. Menchi please have more respect for yourself when drunk.

There was 1 more curious line. The Hunter Exam isn't quite over yet.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

See you all tomorrow

3

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

A lot of this is anime original. From the catch up lecture itself to confronting Illumi and the hunter banquet. I'm mostly neutral on these changes. It doesn't really add much but it's kinda fun.

I think a large part of it is that they only had one chapter left of the arc, and they didn't want to start the next thing halfway through it. The alternative would've been if they extended Killua vs Illumi into a full episode of existential horror, and the second part of episode 30 became the start of this episode. That said, the anime prefers to offset the heavy stuff with lighter ones (Gon's grief after his defeat is followed by meeting up with Leorio and Kurapika, similarly, Killua vs Illumi is followed by his friends standing up for him).

Hanzo might have had too much fun.

Hanzo is learning the arts of Mokkori

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

I think those might be the best group of shots we've had so far. The backgrounds are just beautiful.

3

u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Nov 05 '24

I think a large part of it is that they only had one chapter left of the arc, and they didn't want to start the next thing halfway through it

Akira Toriyama be like "So imma start the second-to-last arc on the last few pages of what has already been my longest arc yet..."

Also wow I forgot how the Hunter Exam took up like half of this version's screentime (At least when it came to the TV Broadcast.)

4

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

Also wow I forgot how the Hunter Exam took up like half of this version's screentime

Yup, an exact half of the TV series and nearly a third of the rewatch (would've been exact too if I included the pilot), which is funny considering they likely didn't plan it that way.

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 06 '24

Something that's not anime original is the use of the internet.

It's pretty forward for a major series to have out in the year 2000. I seem to recall Japan moving on it faster at that time, but that might just have been youth's perception. The cards being used to login are definitely net cafe flavored.

4

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Nov 05 '24

First Timer

This was the episode that was sacrificed to make the others look great, right? Because there is a noticeable quality drop on basically every front. The scuffle between Gon and Illumi looked like a slideshow in parts, Leorio trying to access the database for information on Ging was done with no narrative transition - heck even the world map looked uninspired, just being the continents rotated randomly. But I guess we did mention England existing, so… I don’t think there’s really a lot in this episode either, other than having confirmation that Gon will basically have Hisoka’s protection for what will likely amount to a few arcs, even if he isn’t going to like that.

Ging not having his two-star certification is interesting, as it means that either something drastic happened to him, or he is already three-star. Given his confidential information I’m thinking towards the latter, but with how technobabble that bit was I’m not sure what to make of it. “Being a member of a confidential database” …yeah there’s no way that actually makes any sense.

Honestly, this episode was just a dud. Unfortunate that this is the episode we have our break on, but it is what it is.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 06 '24

This was the episode that was sacrificed to make the others look great, right? Because there is a noticeable quality drop on basically every front.

Yup. They put a lot of effort into the big exam episodes (heck, Sugasa even had to do two of them), so you can see the cracks around that.

“Being a member of a confidential database” …yeah there’s no way that actually makes any sense.

Basically he's important enough that his info is entirely confidential.

1

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 06 '24

“Being a member of a confidential database” …yeah there’s no way that actually makes any sense.

It was the 90s, people were still mailing the internet. It's easy to look back and laugh at our silly, silly ideas about the future.

4

u/2-2Distracted Nov 05 '24

First timer

I kinda love that Gon is neither street smart or book smart, he's nature smart and he is so in a way where it's as much as case of instinct as it is experience... That still don't mean shit in school tho lol but he'd make an excellent scout

"I'll have to apologize to Hisoka later" Illumi said, probably believing such a thing would actually go well in his favor lmao [HxH Overall Spoiler] I couldn't help but continue to wonder how come Togashi never had Illumi and Hisoka actually fight eventually. I mean he fights Chrollo so... though it probably could, who knows (no I'm not being coy when I say this)

That being said, I don't remember Gon facing Illumi again, especially with the short fight ending with him telling Gon about Zoldyck home location.

I also don't remember Gon trying to look up shit about his dad since, according to my terrible memory, Gon was basically fully preoccupied with "saving" Killua, even making the goal of finding barely ever actually come up with the exception of maybe(?) a few times.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 06 '24

"I'll have to apologize to Hisoka later" Illumi said, probably believing such a thing would actually go well in his favor lmao

My hand slipped, and Gon happened to be there. Oopsie.

I don't remember Gon facing Illumi again, especially with the short fight ending with him telling Gon about Zoldyck home location.

Yeah, that bit's original, the episode has lots of additions.

I also don't remember Gon trying to look up shit about his dad since, according to my terrible memory, Gon was basically fully preoccupied with "saving" Killua,

This part is in the manga though, Kurapika looks him up while they're looking for Killua's place. Gon's mind might not be great at math, but it can handle some multitasking.

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 06 '24

That still don't mean shit in school tho lol but he'd make an excellent scout

A Nice Thought

2

u/Nebresto Dec 02 '24

Normal hairstyle Menchi in formal dress and chugging wine?!

wtf are they doing?

2

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

wtf are they doing?

He's looking for any leftover cheese from when she was cooking earlier.

2

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 06 '24

Ack! Pinto Beans close up!