Highlights
- Hunter x Hunter focuses on the journey of Gon and Killua, but fans argue that more screen time should have been dedicated to Kurapika’s story.
- Kurapika’s tragic backstory involves the massacre of his clan by the Phantom Troupe, and his quest for revenge drives his character arc.
- While Gon and Killua explore their Nen abilities in depth, there is room for further exploration of Kurapika’s unique abilities and how he developed them.
Hunter x Hunter follows the journey of Gon Freecss, a young fisherman aspiring to become a Hunter. His goal is to get closer to finding his father, Ging, a renowned Hunter who abandoned Gon as a baby. Throughout his quest, Gon forms lasting friendships with several characters who support him on his journey, each with goals of their own. Killua Zoldyck, a child assassin from a legendary family, wants to break free of his family and live a life that is free. Leorio aims to become a doctor, amass wealth, and provide medical services without charge, making healthcare more accessible to those in need. Kurapika, a young man seeking revenge for his clan, is also on a personal quest.
While the main focus is on the journey of Gon and Killua, who successfully fulfill their goals, Leorio’s aspiration to become a doctor and contribute to healthcare remains unfulfilled throughout the series. In contrast, Kurapika does make progress in retrieving some of his goals; however, fans argue that more screen time should have been dedicated to his story in Hunter x Hunter.
Kurapika has One of Hunter x Hunter’s Most Tragic Backstories
Kurapika is a member of the Kurta Clan. The clan possesses a unique and distinctive trait: their eyes turn a vibrant scarlet color when they experience intense emotions. These eyes are known as the Scarlet Eyes of the Kurta Clan and are highly coveted in the underground market due to their rarity. This drew the attention of many collectors and criminals, namely the Phantom Troupe. The Phantom Troupe, also known as the Spider, is led by the cunning and powerful Chrollo Lucilfer. The group has 13 members, each bearing a numbered tattoo. The Phantom Troupe’s involvement in theft, assassination, and massacre makes them one of the most formidable and infamous groups in the Hunter x Hunter universe.
The Phantom Troupe massacred the entire Kurta Clan to collect their Scarlet Eyes and sell them for a significant profit. Kurapika is the last known survivor of the Kurta Clan, and his quest for revenge against the Phantom Troupe is a central aspect of his character arc in Hunter x Hunter. He aims to retrieve the stolen Scarlet Eyes and bring justice to his fallen people. The tragic history of the Kurta Clan and the significance of the Scarlet Eyes play a crucial role in shaping Kurapika’s motivations and actions throughout the series. The revelation about Kurapika’s clan, the Kurta Clan, and the circumstances of their massacre by the Phantom Troupe occurs pretty early in the series. Despite the intensity of his backstory, more time could have been dedicated to exploring the depth of Kurapika’s experiences.
Kurapika’s Unique Nen Ability Could Have Been Explored More
While the series explores Gon and Killua delving into the complexities of their Nen abilities and mastering various techniques, the same cannot be said for Kurapika. Although his Nen technique, the Judgment Chain, proves instrumental in countering Chrollo’s ability, there is room for further exploration of Kurapika’s unique abilities. The Judgment Chain involves a blade on the end of the chain that enters the victim’s body, wrapping around the heart. Kurapika establishes two conditions, and if the victim breaches either one, the chain crushes their heart, resulting in death. Notably, this ability can only be activated when Kurapika’s eyes are scarlet.
Kurapika himself bears a blade wrapped around his heart, a crucial component in setting the limitations for his Chain Jail ability. During the confrontation with Pakunoda and Chrollo during the Yorknew City Arc, Kurapika employs the Judgment Chain on both, imposing two conditions for each – Chrollo is forbidden from using Nen and communicating with other Troupe members.
It would have been enriching to witness more detailed insights into how Kurapika discovered and developed his Nen abilities, showcasing the training and progression that shaped him into the proficient Conjurer turned Specialist he has become.
Kurapika Is Missing After Yorknew City Arc
After the Yorknew City arc in Hunter x Hunter, Kurapika pretty much goes missing from the story. Following the successful acquisition of Scarlet Eyes at the Underground Auction for Neon, it’s later revealed that the eyes obtained were copies created by Kortopi, a member of the Phantom Troupe. The actual Scarlet Eyes are traced by Chrollo, leading to the death of Squala, who was guarding them, and the theft of the genuine Scarlet Eyes. In the subsequent Greed Island arc, Melody informs Kurapika that the Scarlet Eyes were stolen on the night Squala died. During the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc, Kurapika is only shown for a brief time.
Kurapika Didn’t Get Enough Time with His Friends
Kurapika’s limited time spent with friends stands out amidst the focus on Gon and Killua’s dynamic throughout the series. While the bond among Gon, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika is crucial during the early stages, particularly in the Hunter Exams and the Yorknew City arc, subsequent story arcs witness the absence of Kurapika and, to a lesser extent, Leorio.
The 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc sheds light on Kurapika’s solitude as he sits before multiple sets of Scarlet Eyes, symbolizing the profound impact of the tragedy that befell his clan. Notably, he ignores calls from Leorio, suggesting a deliberate distancing, possibly driven by the weight of past events and the irreplaceable loss of his clan members. This absence is not merely a narrative choice but adds a layer of longing for those who hoped to witness a reunion among Gon, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika.
The unfolding narrative of Hunter x Hunter is shadowed by the challenges presented by Yoshihiro Togashi’s health, sparking both excitement and uncertainty among fans with recent attempts to revive the series. The revelation of multiple potential endings adds complexity, showcasing the author’s contemplation of diverse conclusions. Amidst this uncertainty, there is hope for closure in the journeys of Gon, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika. Kurapika’s story, marked by tragedy, revenge, and unique Nen abilities, has made a lasting impact on the series, fueling a strong desire to explore his character further and witness a resolution.
Hunter x Hunter is available to stream on Netflix.
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