HXH Characters: Every Iconic Face That Made Hunter x Hunter Legendary

Introduction

Hunter x Hunter (HXH) is more than just a battle anime—it’s a deep, character-driven narrative that redefines shonen storytelling. Each character evolves dramatically, morally, and emotionally across arcs. Whether hero or villain, everyone in HXH leaves a lasting mark.

Main HXH Characters You Must Know

Gon Freecss

Energetic, fearless, and driven by the search for his father, Gon’s transformation during the Chimera Ant arc—from cheerful to vengeful—is one of the most shocking and heartbreaking in anime history.

Killua Zoldyck

Killua's journey from assassin to friend is central to HXH. He’s smart, strategic, and deeply loyal to Gon. His growth and emotional depth make him one of the most beloved anime characters ever.

Kurapika

Cold yet righteous, Kurapika seeks vengeance against the Phantom Troupe for massacring his clan. His chains, his eyes, and his sense of justice make him a fan-favorite antihero.

Leorio Paradinight

Often underestimated, Leorio is the heart of the group. His determination to become a doctor and stand up for the powerless makes him a symbol of grounded heroism.

Most Popular Villains and Antiheroes

Hisoka Morow

Unpredictable, flamboyant, and lethal—Hisoka thrives on chaos and craves strong opponents. He’s creepy, charismatic, and impossible to ignore.

Chrollo Lucilfer and the Phantom Troupe

The Phantom Troupe is a criminal group like no other. Led by the calm and cultured Chrollo, each member has their own flair. They're terrifying—and fascinatingly human.

Illumi Zoldyck

Killua’s brother and psychological tormentor, Illumi represents control, manipulation, and the dark side of family bonds. He’s silent but chilling.

Chimera Ant Arc Characters

Meruem

Starting as a genocidal king and ending as a thoughtful soul in love with a blind girl—Meruem's arc is a masterclass in villain evolution.

Komugi

Gentle, blind, and a Gungi prodigy, Komugi softens Meruem’s cruelty with her innocence. Their bond becomes the heart of the arc.

Neferpitou

Pitou’s unsettling presence as a Royal Guard and their role in Gon’s breakdown make them one of the most impactful characters in the series.

Zoldyck Family Members

Silva, Kikyo, and Zeno

Killua’s family is terrifying. Silva is calm and deadly, Kikyo is overbearing and obsessive, and Zeno—the grandfather—is oddly wise for an assassin.

Alluka and Nanika

Alluka’s connection to the wish-granting Nanika adds mystery and danger. Her bond with Killua brings out his most protective side.

Mentors and Side Characters Worth Mentioning

Biscuit Krueger (Bisky)

Appears like a cute little girl, but is actually a ripped martial artist. She trains Gon and Killua and provides some of the funniest and toughest moments in the Greed Island arc.

Wing and Knuckle

Wing teaches Nen basics. Knuckle is a soft-hearted brawler who teaches Gon about restraint, humility, and empathy.

Character Themes in HxH

Moral Ambiguity

No one in HXH is completely good or evil. Gon shows flashes of cruelty. Chrollo shows compassion. Kurapika sacrifices morals for vengeance. The line between hero and villain is always blurred.

Friendship and Betrayal

Gon and Killua’s friendship is the soul of the series. But betrayal lurks everywhere—whether it’s Illumi manipulating Killua or Kurapika sacrificing himself to avenge his clan.

Power and Purpose

Characters seek power for different reasons: survival, revenge, freedom, understanding. HxH uses Nen not just as a tool, but a reflection of one’s true self and goals.

Conclusion

Hunter x Hunter thrives because its characters are more than tropes—they’re dynamic, morally gray, and painfully human. Whether you're drawn to Gon’s light or Meruem’s fall, these characters are why HXH continues to resonate with fans worldwide.

FAQs About HXH Characters

• Who is the strongest character in HXH? Meruem is widely regarded as the most powerful in terms of Nen abilities.
• Is Killua in love with Gon? Their bond is portrayed as deep friendship, though fans interpret it in various ways.
• Why is Hisoka so popular? His chaotic energy, style, and unpredictability make him captivating.
• Is Kurapika a boy or girl? Kurapika is male, though his androgynous look often causes confusion.
• Why did Gon lose his Nen? Gon used up his life energy to defeat Pitou, losing his Nen in the process.
• Is Leorio weak? No—while not flashy, his strength and Nen usage in the Election Arc prove his worth.
• What is Nen? Nen is a technique that allows a person to use and manipulate their life energy.
• Will we see more of the Phantom Troupe? Yes—especially in the manga’s Succession War arc.
• Is Alluka a boy or girl? Alluka is canonically female, according to Togashi.
• Is Hunter x Hunter over? No. The anime is on hiatus, but the manga continues with irregular updates.