Why Gon is Undeniably a Side Character in Hunter x Hunter

I absolutely adore Gon’s character and his Naruto-like determination. But while binge-watching the show, I couldn’t help but wonder, “Why is he the main character?”. Let’s delve into why the amazing Gon Freecss is undeniably a side character.

Hunter X Hunter AKA The Adventures of Gon and Killua AKA A Boy who Looks for His Father, has explored different plot arcs throughout the seasons. The main storyline follows Gon, who strives to become an exceptional hunter while searching for his father. Along the way, he’s joined by friends with their own goals, as well as foes he must face.

Main Character Energy

Don’t get me wrong, Gon’s motivation and fighting spirit are admirable. And these are certainly traits that we see in many main characters across various anime. However, there’s something else that these main characters possess, and that is a certain level of bad-assery. They have a certain swagger, an air of invincibility, that makes them stand out from the rest of the cast.

While Gon has had his fair share of impressive moments in the series and has accomplished his goals as expected of a main character, I can’t help but feel that he lacks that certain Goku-ness that other main characters have. Wouldn’t it be more exciting if another, more powerful or mysterious character were to star in the series?

I mean, in an anime world where great main characters like Naruto, Goku, and Saitama exist, it’s hard to see Gon as being on the same level. Naruto has the Nine-Tailed Fox, Goku has his Super Saiyan transformations, and Saitama can defeat anyone with a single punch. While Gon has certainly shown growth and development over the course of the series, he doesn’t have that one defining trait that makes him truly stand out from the crowd. 

Other Captivating Character Arcs

The one thing I appreciate about Hunter X Hunter is its ability to explore different plot lines and arcs. There are probably even more arcs that the show could delve into. It makes me wonder why the anime creators chose to focus so heavily on the “Boy meets world” arc with Gon at the center. I honestly think that 30 episodes would have been enough to fully understand Gon’s character, and from there, the show could have moved on to exploring other characters and arcs with ease and enjoyment.

Chimera Arc

The Chimera arc alone, as strange as it was, was incredibly interesting to watch develop. It’s still my favourite arc in the show, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

Gon and his friends must stop a dangerous species of ant-like creatures from taking over the world. In this arc, Killua got a bit of a starring moment and was met with a number of personal challenges, including his complicated relationships with his family, his growing feelings for his friend and ally, Gon, and his role in the mission to stop the Chimera Ants.

This plot was a great example of the amazing entertainment that can be developed when the focus is shifted from a character like Gon. It also showed that the other characters in the series are just as compelling and deserving of their own spotlight.

Zoldyck Family Arc

The Zoldyck family arc, although very brief, got me hooked and interested for the few episodes we got. Gon visits his friend Killua’s home, where he meets the other members of the Zoldyck family, who are a family of infamous assassins. The arc serves as an introduction to the Zoldyck family and their very very very unique abilities.

A part of me wished they spent more time with the Zoldyck family so we could learn more about their abilities and lifestyle. Just exploring one member of the Zoldyck family could provide 10 interesting episodes. They are not a typical family and have no real moral compass. The hero-antagonist arc is something I wish more anime would explore!

Phantom Troupe Arc

The Phantom Troupe arc, also known as the Yorknew City arc, was very entertaining for me. The Phantom Troupe, a group of notorious thieves, arrives in the city and steals the items up for auction, leading to a violent conflict between the Troupe and the mafia. We got to see more of Hisoka in this arc, and it still wasn’t enough. His strength, overall strangeness, and fondness for explaining his Bungee Gum power left me wanting more.

Chrollo’s character alone is enough to create a new series branching off from Hunter X Hunter, not to mention the involvement of the other Phantom Troupe members. Even Kurapika’s desire for revenge could be explored in depth, and a new show could be created that spans more than just a few episodes.

This Character Exists

I call this section, “This character exists” for the main point of showing that the existence of each of these characters shows that Gon should be one of the side characters.

Killua

The main character we deserved? Killua has an awesome backstory, an incredibly exciting family, and also has his electric Nen going for him. He is known to have the “not nice, but good” type of personality that gives off a real main character vibe.

Zoldyck family

The Zoldyck family is considered badass due to their reputation as skilled and ruthless assassins. Each member possesses unique abilities and skills that make them formidable opponents.

Chrollo 

I could watch 50 episodes starring Chrollo! Chrollo is considered a badass by many fans due to his intelligence, strategic thinking, and combat skills. He is the leader of the Phantom Troupe, a group of notorious thieves, and is known for his ability to steal other people’s powers and use them as his own. He is also calm, collected, and unafraid to face powerful opponents, which adds to his intimidating aura.

Phantom Troupe

A great spinoff in the making! Each member of the Troupe has their own distinct personality, backstory, and fighting style, which makes them all the more intriguing to watch. They also have a strong sense of loyalty towards each other, which is rare for a group of criminals.

Ging Freecss  AKA World’s Best Dad

Is he the best dad in the world? Nope. Is he one of the most powerful hunters in the world? Yes! Ging is respected for his unique Nen ability, which allows him to manipulate reality and control his surroundings in ways that few other Hunters can. Ging is also known for his independent and adventurous spirit, having gone on many dangerous expeditions and quests throughout his life. All of these factors combined make him a highly respected and feared figure in the Hunter X Hunter world. “The Adventures of Ging!” The show practically writes itself!

Final Thoughts

As great as Gon is, there are many other characters who could replace him, and there are far more interesting plot arcs without him as the central character. This gives him undeniable side character energy. I hope future versions of Hunter X Hunter realize this and explore more diverse character perspectives.

So what do you think? Are you convinced that Gon should be a side character? Or is he still the main in your eyes? Let us know in the comments!

Hunter X Hunter can be watched on Netflix or Crunchyroll!