Hunter x Hunter: Unpacking Hisoka’s Resurrection, Phantom Troupe Mayhem, and More Burning Questions
Hunter x Hunter, the anime and manga that grips you tight, throws curveballs like dodgeballs. If you feel lost in the twisty plot, especially regarding a clownish magician or morally flexible characters, this is the right place. Let’s delve into burning questions that keep fans awake.
The Great Hisoka Resurrection Act
Did Hisoka really die? Well, somewhat. In a legendary battle against Chrollo Lucilfer, the Phantom Troupe leader, Hisoka seemed to meet his end. Chrollo’s cunning plan and crazy Nen abilities outsmarted him. It looked pretty bad, folks.
But wait! This is Hisoka we’re discussing. For him, death is a suggestion. In a move that redefined ‘thinking outside the box,’ Hisoka used Bungee Gum to restart his heart and lungs. Yes, you read that right. Bungee Gum has the properties of both rubber and gum, and somehow, a defibrillator too. He had pre-set this command, just in case. Talk about foresight!
Fueled by humiliation and bloodlust, Hisoka rose from the ashes, not just alive, but furious. His first revenge? Taking out Phantom Troupe members Shalnark and Kortopi. Their abilities were key for Chrollo, so eliminating them crippled his plans. Guess what? Hisoka declared open season on all Phantom Troupe members. Spiders watch out.
Hisoka vs. Chrollo: A Rivalry for the Ages
Their fight was a chess match at lightning speed, with Nen abilities as pieces. Chrollo used Heaven’s Arena’s environment cleverly, layering abilities and traps. Hisoka relied on raw power and unpredictability. Ultimately, Chrollo’s planning gave him the edge, leading to Hisoka’s ‘defeat.’
Now with Hisoka’s comeback and revenge spree, the Phantom Troupe hunts him down. Chrollo is particularly angry about losing two valuable members. He’s on the hunt to eliminate Hisoka for good. “For good” likely means another epic battle and unexpected twist. Don’t count Hisoka out yet.
How Old IS This Clown Anyway? The Mystery of Hisoka’s Age
Ever wondered if Hisoka is eternally youthful or just has amazing skincare? You aren’t alone. The series is vague about Hisoka’s age. No official number appears in the manga or anime. Fan speculation often puts him in his late 20s, which fits his stamina and mayhem.
If you check the Hunter x Hunter databook, you might find a hint. It suggests Hisoka is around 28 during the Hunter Exam arc. This puts him in the same age range as Illumi Zoldyck, mentioned to be about 24 at that time. So, late 20s seems reasonable at least from semi-official sources. Still young enough to cause chaos.
Who Will Land the Final Blow on Chrollo Lucilfer?
The million-dollar question: Who will take down Chrollo? Hisoka is certainly interested. Their history is complicated, driven by Hisoka’s desire to fight strong opponents, and Chrollo fits that bill. Hisoka’s pursuit of Chrollo isn’t just revenge; it’s about thrill.
While their first major confrontation ended with Chrollo’s victory (though bittersweet), the stage is set for a rematch. Will Hisoka kill Chrollo this time? Or will another player enter the fray? Kurapika, with his vendetta against the Troupe, might have something to say. Only time (and Togashi’s pen) will tell.
Hisoka’s… Interesting Relationship Portfolio
Hisoka’s relationships are as twisted as he is. Let’s explore a couple of notable ones:
Illumi Zoldyck: It’s Complicated (and Maybe a Little Deadly)
Hisoka and Illumi are… engaged? Or married? It’s unclear even for Hunter x Hunter standards. The supposed “engagement” seems more about mutual gain than romance. One theory suggests they are “married” so Illumi would inherit Hisoka’s wealth upon death. Fun fact: Hisoka supposedly contracted Illumi to *kill him*. Their relationship is less hearts and flowers, more like Nen needles and bungee gum – sharp and dangerous.
Machi: A Slightly Less Explosive Dynamic
Compared to Illumi, Hisoka’s interactions with Machi seem almost normal? Almost. He invites her to dinner (romantic?), teams up with her (practical?), even spares her life (merciful?). Machi seems to tolerate him, maybe even respect his power despite the creepiness. Their dynamic is less hostile and more conditionally cooperative. Don’t expect love poems soon, but in this world, it’s practically a friendship.
Hisoka’s Power Level: Where Does He Stack Up?
Let’s stack Hisoka against other heavy hitters in the Hunter x Hunter universe:
Hisoka vs. Adult Gon: A Glimpse into the Future
Remember Adult Gon from the Chimera Ant arc? The one who aged up and gained immense power to avenge Kite? Most would agree that Adult Gon would wipe the floor with Hisoka. That surge of Nen power Gon unleashed was on another level. While Hisoka is strong, Adult Gon is in the “break the scale” category.
Hisoka vs. Feitan: Speed vs. Raw Power
This matchup is close. Physically, Hisoka probably has an edge in strength. Yet, Feitan’s speed feats are insane. He might be one of the fastest characters in series, possibly faster than Hisoka. It likely comes down to who lands the decisive blow first – a high-speed, high-stakes contest with no clear winner.
Hisoka vs. Meruem: No Contest
Let’s be honest. Meruem, the King of Chimera Ants, is in another league entirely. He’s practically a different species of Nen user. Meruem is significantly stronger than Hisoka. It would be no fight; it would be… an extermination. Poor Hisoka wouldn’t stand a chance.
Phantom Troupe Down: Who’s Kicking the Bucket?
The Phantom Troupe isn’t immune to casualties. Several members have met their end during Hunter x Hunter.
- Uvogin: Marked as Troupe powerhouse, taken down by Kurapika in a revenge showdown.
- Pakunoda: Loyal to a fault, she sacrificed herself to convey information.
- Shizuku: Her fate is ambiguous. While assumed dead after Palace Invasion arc in anime, her status is less clear in manga.
- Shalnark and Kortopi: Recently added to deceased list, victims of Hisoka’s rampage.
Kurapika’s vendetta against Troupe drives some of these deaths. His relentless pursuit of justice for his clan has led to Uvogin’s demise and threatens other members.
Chrollo’s reaction to Shalnark’s and Kortopi’s deaths shows his fury and determination for revenge against Hisoka. The Troupe faces losses and external threats, making their future uncertain.
Nen Afterlife: The Power of Post-Mortem Nen
Nen is a wild power system, but Hunter x Hunter adds another twist: Post-Mortem Nen. Essentially, when a Nen user dies with strong emotions or will, their Nen powers can grow stronger.
Hisoka’s revival showcases this principle. By pre-programming his…
Bungee Gum activates after death. It weaponizes post-mortem Nen to restart the body. This shows a key aspect of Nen. Death may not be the end for determined users. This adds unpredictability and danger to battles in Hunter x Hunter.
Leorio: The Durable One
There is chaos and character deaths. Yet, one member of the original quartet remains alive: Leorio. Leorio Paladiknight loves money and dreams of being a doctor. He is not a front-line fighter like Gon, Killua, or Kurapika. But he is remarkably resilient.
Leorio is a key group member. He provides support and common sense. For those who worry about Leorio’s fate, rest easy. He is still in the game and likely to stay.
Kalluto Zoldyck: The New Spider
Kalluto Zoldyck is Killua’s younger sibling. He has been busy. Kalluto joined the Phantom Troupe. He took Hisoka’s place as member number 4 during the Greed Island arc. His motivations for joining remain unclear. It adds to the Zoldyck family intrigue.
The Kurta Clan Massacre
The Phantom Troupe’s dark past connects deeply to the Kurta Clan massacre. They were greedy and fascinated with the Kurta Clan’s Scarlet Eyes. They mercilessly slaughtered Kurapika’s entire clan. They sought the Scarlet Eyes for their beauty and market value.
This horrific event sparked Kurapika’s quest for revenge. It shaped his character and drove much of the Phantom Troupe plot.
Gon’s Mother: A Mystery
Gon’s mother is a high-ranking mystery in Hunter x Hunter. Her name, appearance, and whereabouts are unknown. The series gives zero concrete details beyond the fact that Ging, Gon’s father, and Gon’s mother separated. This intentional omission fuels fan theories.
It adds to the enigma of Ging and Gon’s family history. Perhaps Togashi will unveil the truth someday. For now, Gon’s mother is one of the series’ enduring secrets.
Killua vs. Shaiapouf
During the Chimera Ant arc, Killua Zoldyck faced Shaiapouf, a Royal Guard of Meruem. Killua used his Godspeed ability. He managed to overpower and defeat Pouf. This victory showcased Killua’s growth and Nen mastery. It solidified his position as a top young character.
