Please enjoy this discussion of the first arc (Hunter exam) of Hunter x Hunter by Yoshiro Togashi, a series beloved by both of us that we’ve discussed at length before but will now embark on an arc-by-arc breakdown.

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

1:08 Enzo’s and Samu’s histories with Hunter x Hunter; initial impressions of the Hunter Exam arc’s tone

4:53 When did we realise this was something special? (Spoilers)

9:47 Comparisons to Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’s First-Class Mage Exam; how does it compare?

16:37 Togashi twisting expectations and ending arcs with an anticlimax

19:03 Togashi’s reputation and his spot in Weekly Shounen Jump

21:33 Our thoughts on the current Weekly Shounen Jump; next generation of battle shounen; diverse vs orthodox series

31:15 Samu’s Recommendation: Naruto by Masashi Kishimoto

32:38 Enzo Recommendation: Made in Abyss by Akihito Tsukushi

34:45 Overview and final score