Hunter X Hunter

Hunter X Hunter, a Japanese anime produced by Madhouse and aired on NTV between 2011 and 2014, is an adventurous and engrossing series that captures the essence of the manga written by Yoshihiro Togashi. The series smartly blends various elements such as action, adventure, fantasy, and even slices of life that provide a thoroughly pleasurable viewing experience for both young and adult audiences.

The plot revolves around a young, energetic boy named Gon Freecss who embarks on an exceptional journey filled with adventures and challenges. Gon's initial goal is to become a Hunter, a special breed of individuals who are licensed to track secret treasures, rare beasts, or even other individuals, simply to find his father, Ging Freecss. Ging, apart from being one of the world’s most elusive Hunters, is quite an enigma and has essentially been absent Gon's life. However, Gon is of the firm belief that his father being a Hunter implies the profession to be something incredible. Therefore, he decides to follow in his father's footsteps and hopes to ultimately meet him someday.

Gon's expedition isn't exclusively his. Along his journey, he befriends different characters, each bringing a unique mix to the plot and character dynamics. Among them are Leorio, a future doctor driven by the ambition to help others, Kurapika, the last surviving member of a particular tribe seeking vengeance for his massacred clan, and Killua, a prodigy from a family of assassins seeking escape from his predetermined fate. The anime introduces these individuals and their backgrounds brilliantly, displaying the shared bond between them and their shared objectives.

The series is brimming with multi-dimensional characters that add depth to the story. Notwithstanding the prime focus on the central quartet, Hunter X Hunter succeeds in developing even the supporting characters, snubbing the shallow approach of their existence. The main antagonist, Hisoka, is particularly intriguing. Despite having malevolent intent, he does not follow the predictable trajectory of a typical villain, making him unpredictable and thus much more fascinating.

What truly sets Hunter X Hunter apart is its unfaltering ability to balance lighter moments with darker themes. The show is grounded firmly in its dark reality, but the core characters bring an essential levity to the narrative, breaking the grim undertones with their camaraderie, humor, or plain innocence. The thematic, character, and plot diversity make it near-impossible to box the series into one specific genre.

In terms of the visual appeal, Hunter X Hunter delivers an elegant and vivid viewing experience. The animation quality is brilliant, and each character is designed distinctively, reflecting their personalities. The use of vibrant color schemes enhances the visual depth and emphasizes the eclectic essence of the series.

Hunter X Hunter also stands out due to its arc-based storyline, each bringing a unique flavor to the show. Ranging from the suspense-filled Hunter Exam, to the sinister Yorknew City arc and the high-stakes, adrenaline-pumping Chimera Ant arc, the series continually reinvents itself, keeping viewers hooked with its unpredictability.

Additionally, the soundtracks and score used throughout the series do an exceptional job of amplifying the scenes' mood. Whether it is the calm and soothing melodies during poignant moments or the high-octane beats during thrilling fights, the audio design stands out and compliments the storytelling of the series.

In essence, Hunter X Hunter (2011-2014) manages to encapsulate the viewer's attention with a well-rounded approach that effectively combines elements of adventure, character-driven narratives wrapped around multi-layered, morally complex characters, punctuated with gripping arcs. The show’s thematic depth and execution make it more than an ordinary, surface-level kiddish adventure series. It is a nod to the exciting world brought to life by Yoshihiro Togashi and a delight for anime enthusiasts and newcomers alike, leaving the viewers enticed, intrigued, and craving for more.