Hunter x Hunter is a popular manga about hunters that is serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. The main character is Gon Freecss, whose goal is to become a great hunter and find his father. Hunter x Hunter's appeal lies in its combat and Nen abilities, which combine with extremely deep psychological warfare. The series also features many characters with strong personalities, and the fact that the story's developments are completely unpredictable is another key to its popularity. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal of Kurapika, a particularly popular Hunter x Hunter character who holds a protagonist-like position in the battle for the throne.
A lone hunter searching for the Scarlet Eyes! Who is Kurapika?
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Kurapika is a male character in Hunter x Hunter with androgynous features and blonde hair. He is the sole survivor of a rare race known as the Kurta. Although he has a very gentle and calm personality, he also has a merciless side to him towards rude people and those he perceives as his enemies, such as the Phantom Troupe. He is also the type who will sacrifice himself for his goals, and often loses his usual composure.
Kurapika's goal is to retrieve the eyes of his fellow Kurta clan members.
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
As mentioned earlier, Kurapika is the sole survivor of a rare race known as the Kurta clan. The Kurta are famous for their eyes turning scarlet when excited, and they have been targeted by the Phantom Troupe, a band of thieves, and all of them except Kurapika have been killed. As a result, Kurapika is motivated to take revenge on the Phantom Troupe, who are taking the lives of his comrades and making money by selling their eyes. He has also joined the mafia in order to recover the stolen eyes of his fellow Kurta, and is exploring human trafficking routes.
Kurapika is a Materialization user
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
In the world of Hunter x Hunter, there is a concept called Nen, which allows characters to use various special abilities. There are several types of Nen abilities: Enhancement, Transformation, Manipulation, Materialization, Emission, and Specialization. Kurapika is a Materialization user, and he materializes chains that he uses as weapons. Each chain wrapped around his finger has its own ability, and he uses these to overwhelm the Phantom Troupe.
Kurapika's Nen ability is the most powerful, allowing him to use all of his abilities!!
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Kurapika's Nen ability is primarily a Materialization-type ability. However, when he enters a state of arousal, unique to the Kurta clan, and activates his Scarlet Eyes, his ability becomes a Special-Type ability. This time is called Absolute Time (Emperor Time), and allows the ability of all systems to be drawn out at 100%. However, this only means that the individual is able to unleash 100% of their full potential, and does not mean that they have mastered the abilities 100%. Therefore, there are of course some Nen abilities that the individual is not good at.
A chain specialized in healing! The Holy Chain
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
The Holy Chain is a powerful chain attached to the thumb. During Emperor Time, it can instantly heal broken bones and other injuries. Additionally, there are no risks involved, making it an easy-to-use and versatile ability. However, it is not an enhancement type unless used during Emperor Time, so it cannot provide significant healing.
A Powerful, Risky Move! Stealing Index Finger Chain (Steel Chain)
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
The Stealing Index Finger Chain (Steel Chain) is a powerful move that can only be used during Emperor Time. He can continuously absorb the aura from his enemies and temporarily steal their Nen abilities at the same time. This allows him to learn his enemies' abilities. However, this has a major drawback: it can only be used during Emperor Time, and while it is in use, one hour of his lifespan is lost for every second.
A Restraint Move for the Phantom Troupe! Chain Jail
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Chain Jail is a move that can only be used against the Phantom Troupe. It binds the opponent and forces them into a state of "Zetsu" where they cannot use their Nen abilities. This means that the chains cannot be broken by human power, no matter how hard you try to break them. Therefore, if used against the Phantom Troupe, it will almost certainly stop their movements.
A handy ability useful for both defense and exploration! The Dowsing Chain
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
The Dowsing Chain is an ability that excels at detecting lies and finding targets. It can be used outside of Emperor Time and can be used to block enemy attacks. However, using it during Emperor Time allows for more accurate detection of lies.
A compulsive ability to control opponents! Judgment Chain
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Kurapika's final ability, the Judgment Chain, is also extremely powerful. This ability can only be used during Emperor Time, allowing him to impose restrictions on his opponents, and if they break them, he can forcefully pierce their heart with the chains, killing them.
What are the fascinating characters related to Kurapika?
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
So far, we've introduced Kurapika's personal profile and characteristics. So, who are the characters who have a close relationship with Kurapika? Of the many characters, let's take a look at the relationships between Kurapika and some particularly important characters.
Kurapika's enemy and the leader of the Phantom Troupe! Chrollo Lucilfer
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Chrollo Lucilfer is the leader of the Phantom Troupe, and he's also the person Kurapika most wants to kill. Given that Chrollo Lucilfer killed the Kurta Clan while he was the leader of the Phantom Troupe, it is believed that Chrollo is the mastermind behind the killings. He has black hair that he wears slicked back, and is a very calm and dangerous person. However, he is also a gentle person most of the time. He has excellent leadership skills and is well-liked by the members of the Phantom Troupe, bringing them together. His Nen abilities were once sealed by Kurapika, but were restored by an exorcist.
Gon Freecss, the Hunter Worried About Kurapika
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Gon Freecss is the protagonist of Hunter x Hunter. He and Kurapika took the same Hunter Exam and have been working together ever since. After the Hunter Exam, they went their separate ways, but they reunite at an auction in the town of Yorkshin. He is one of Kurapika's friends who worries about him, and helps him defeat the Phantom Troupe.
A former assassin turned skilled hunter! Killua Zoldyck
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Like Gon Freecss, Killua Zoldyck and Kurapika are close friends, having taken the same Hunter Exam. Since Killua has been hanging out with Gon since the Hunter Exam, they reunited at the same Yorkshin auction. He was once captured by the Phantom Troupe and taken hostage, but was rescued by Kurapika. Like Gon, he is concerned about Kurapika's selfless behavior.
Leorio, the Kind Hunter Who Aspirs to Be a Doctor!
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Leorio is like Gon and Killua. He is a Hunter who took the same Hunter Exam as Kurapika. During the Hunter Exam, he often acts together with Kurapika, and despite their fights, they are also close friends. Leorio has hardly seen Kurapika again since the Hunter Exam, but he knows about Kurapika's current situation through Gon and Killua, and is one of the comrades who is worried about him.
The Charm of Kurapika, a Caring Avenger!
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
Kurapika's charm lies in his androgynous, handsome appearance and his calm, dependable nature. He's quick-witted and adept at providing support and coming up with strategies. As a result, Kurapika has quickly distinguished himself by joining a mafia group called the Nostrade Family and becoming a central figure. He is also struggling to protect the 14th prince in the battle for the throne, fighting in harsh conditions. Although he is usually calm and thinks things through before acting, he becomes reckless when it comes to his own problems related to the Phantom Troupe. For this reason, readers are likely fascinated by the gap between Kurapika's fragile nature and his true nature, and watch over him with concern.
[Hunter x Hunter] The lone hunter searching for the Scarlet Eyes! A thorough summary of Kurapika's appeal
Source: HUNTER×HUNTER ©POT (Yoshihiro Togashi) VAP, Nippon Television, Shueisha, Madhouse
This time, we've thoroughly explained the appeal of Kurapika, a character from Hunter x Hunter. Kurapika is an extremely skilled and powerful hunter, but he is also a dangerous character, taking many risks and fighting alone. He is also known for sacrificing himself when it comes to his friends, making him a character to watch. As of July 2018, Hunter x Hunter is on hiatus, and the battle for the throne is in progress. Furthermore, Kurapika's ship is also carrying his arch-enemy, the Phantom Troupe, so it's likely that even more challenges await him in the future, so keep an eye out.
