Meruem: Hunter x Hunter's Lesson in Power

[@Aleczandxr]

SPOILER WARNING: Please note that the video contains visuals from Yu Yu Hakusho, Gintama, My Hero Academia, Death Note and Persona 5. I don’t think that any of these sequences spoil anything beyond generic fight stuff, but someone has told me that they were able to correctly guess the entire ending of Persona 5 using just the clip I included (that clip is indeed from the ending, I just thought it was vague enough to include). I don’t know how that’s possible but hey, I suppose it is! So for full disclosure, you’re at risk of that happening to you and if you don’t want to take that risk, don’t watch from 2:00-2:40. Sorry for not mentioning that in the spoiler warning, but like I said, I just never really thought it was a spoiler. Still, I respect those who disagree, so here is your warning! Also, since I created this video months and months ago, the Patreon information here is outdated, so please ignore it. The correct Patreon information will be in one of the next couple of videos I release. Also, please note that I don’t take requests from comments, only from Patreon! Thanks. A list of sources for this video: Shonen Ronin's channel: kzbin.info/door/JZ7iekOTVsfzrnvAsN5hPw Article 1 (Appreciating An Aesthetic: The Aura of Shounen): elevenxheaven.wordpress.com/2019/08/23/appreciating-an-aesthetic-the-aura-of-shounen-updated-adapted-vers/ Article 2 (Shonen Trope Talk: Power and Strength Absolute): uzerfriendly.com/shonen-trope-talk-power-and-strength-absolute/

[@sakeriyasaleh4820]

Kl

[@rushpatriot2866]

Make more video like these your a great youtuber,very philosophical and intelligent and talk about hunterxhunter. Which is very rare

[@TheDoomsday28]

are you gonna tackle vinland saga? i enjoy your takes on series and im curious if you get anything unique from it

[@Aleczandxr]

@Doomsday 2028 Nope.

[@cabal4171]

Aleczandxr: There's potential spoilers for the ending of Persona 5 in this time-code. Me: Goes to that time-code to try and figure out the ending of a game I've never played or know anything about

[@aesthetic_cup6586]

Netero: "I must make this fast before my heart is swayed" I never caught on the metaphorical and literal sense of this line. Metaphorical being he doesn't want to have a change of heart and agreeing with meruem and literally not want to stop his heart to detonate the bomb.

[@kylo0053]

aesthetic_cup holy.shit. Thank you for pointing this out

[@hankjones7054]

Oh shit. You blew my mind. And my dick.

[@zbuilder4664]

@Godwin BBC nice

[@tom100ify]

@@hankjones7054 nice

[@interius8635]

@@tom100ify nice

[@SamTheGumMan117]

A Bug's life: Meruem

[@sakurakou2009]

chimra ant king life not bug you insolent pleasant .

[@brandoncutler09]

A bug's life on crack and steroids

[@iceenderman-fm4kb]

Togashi Yoshihiro, born April 27, 1966

[@BigmoneyBrickwall]

Wrong masterpiece

[@coleintheville117]

Ant life

[@thewarriorlegend5186]

Damn, you know this guy got good grades on his research papers

[@jaiden2974]

brought this up to 69 likes

[@swapneilmishra5510]

@@jaiden2974 hehe you said sex number hehe

[@famou_sowl7818]

@@swapneilmishra5510 ....

[@feliz2892]

@@swapneilmishra5510 *Hurh...hehe

[@concept5631]

@@swapneilmishra5510 ...

[@rokuburuu]

Meruem knows we live in a society

[@Mazzy774i]

Meruem confirmed incel

[@HxH2011DRA]

Rise up

[@awaaahe]

The real reason they had to deal with him

[@Archonsx]

Lmao

[@xxx1x47x41x3]

Rise up gamers

[@Sakaki98]

Aleczandxr: “Hisoka desperately strives to get his nut” Me, a man of culture: This... THIS is what I come here for!

[@chuwyjoe8808]

Hisoka is looking at the bigger picture here.

[@RangerJosey]

Hisoka would hunt down whoever came up with NNN and slay him.

[@revolvingworld2676]

While I dont agree with his actions, I respect this mans goals.

[@themanwholaugh2805]

Hisoka has enter the chat.....

[@transforgoku]

Hisoka the perfect hedonist

[@quicksilver446]

Meruem's characterization and progression is just perfection in my eyes, it hits me how impressive Togashi's talent really is every time I think about Hunter x Hunter. Even his initial ambitions and personality are perfectly established. Due to Meruem's inital belief that power is the only true measure of strength, Togashi seems to have gone out of his way to give him a similar design sense to that of Frieza and Cell from Dragon Ball (a series so focused on "power" being important that it even charts it out). This gave me an impression that Togashi had an expert understanding both writing in general and wirting within his own field. Yet another thing to appreciate about this genius of a man. Another thing to appreiciate is how well made this video is yet again. Beautifully edited and scripted, nice work Alec!

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks so much!

[@HxH2011DRA]

Couldn't have said it better

[@rkldr]

yij

[@rkldr]

hgh

[@grandarkfang_1482]

Every time I see Meruem and Komugi's last scene together, I can't help but tear up.

[@omegacroc2928]

Literally was crying for like 20 minutes straight

[@rosariograceroldan8165]

Same. I cry evrytime. Even how many times i see it.

[@reapermaster1233]

Same Only scene ever that made me really CRY not just make my eyes well up Cry

[@wastelesslearning1245]

As did I. Beautiful

[@divyanshuanand1721]

Bro that scene has a stranglehold on my heart

[@Link-ji7kx]

I’m a grown ass man and I cry like a baby every time he plays that last game with snot girl.

[@reapermaster1233]

Snot girl

[@enevy3165]

Snot girl

[@oscarma15]

Snot girl

[@ytasdemir11]

Snot girl

[@anosuk]

snot girl

[@ilovecody7514]

Hunter X Hunter is just a modern classic for this decade in my eyes. No debate.

[@MrHayada]

Can't argue with that. Anime ended years ago and people still eat it like crack candy. Also, Manga readers are getting abused and they don't mind it. You wont find many Manga so good that you don't mind waiting years to read it.

[@ilovecody7514]

@@MrHayada Yup, and the latest arc is a real treat too.

[@livetochange974]

Tbh fmab villains were done better than meureum, a great example would be king Bradley and here's why he's better than meureum so read carefully Look at his face right before he stabs the guy in training when he was being trained to be the perfect king. Bradley had his own wrath, his own fury at the system he was brought up in. Seeing his dead peers right before being experimented upon against his will may have been the tipping point. I believe Bradly was only able to survive because his own hatred overwhelmed Fathers wrath and the anger of all the wrathful souls in the philosophers stone. Bradley is the only one of the Homunculi who 'owns' his own sin. A wrathful life, from start to end. Bradley doesn't embody wrath as the act of violence, he embodies wrath as the emotion. He seems the most human of them all because wrath, in its worst forms, comes from the most normal of people. So instead of appearing as a slobbering monster or explosive maniac, he appears as an otherwise ordinary man - a man who, however quietly, hates, and hates, and hates. For some further reference try reading some books of Nietzsche, especially Thus spoke Zarathustra. His thoughts on the overhuman are present in wraths character often. He does not care about the humans he creates his own path Bradley is the most human. Wrath, anger, and violence. It is when we are at our most basic. Most men, don't learn from the past, don't face the darkness behind the masks we create for ourselves. Bradley isn't most men, he was laid down an extraordinary path, and was set to follow it. He follows his role, but doesn't follow it to a fault like his brothers and sisters. While Lust, Envy, Pride, and Father look down on humans. This is mostly due to them being artificial beings. Father may not be entirely human, but only gave birth to this world through human blood. But he decided to deny his origins and follow his path of godhood, even if it isn't what he really wants. Wrath being the most human, is why Bradley has a very quiet contemplative sense of wrath, it's a rather interesting side to him. He has a begrudging respect for humanity, a very small sum of humanity. Because the vast majority of humanity, is largely made up of fools. And I also loved how he wasn't a selfish villain who cared about no one like meureum who only cares about 1 person and every else is noting to him, trully loved his wife, in the end he says that there is no need to say final words to her, because she knows how much he loves her. The rage he shows wheen greed puts her in danger is very different from other wrath scenes, much more personall. Another thing I found interesting was i find the ultimate eye so fitting for rage, have you never experienced pure wrath? how it BLOCKS your attention from everything else? i wouldn't say rage "blinds" people, more that it just makes them see things in a focus, almost tunnel like vision, and i loved the manifestation of such situation in Wrath's power, not much in a way of character analysis i know but just another stroke of genius i found when examining him. It's also fitting because wrath is something that is built up. Once it is unleashed it is extremely dangerous. Someone who is wrathful knows the exact spot/way to do the most damage Bradley is the PERFECT representation of wrath. There is nothing scarier in a fight or an argument than a person who stays absolutely calm, collected, and measured. That Bradley is so chill all the time despite the fact he is the literal embodiment of absolute anger/rage/wrath/ire just makes him even more of a threatening presence. The military saying of: "the quietest man in the room is always the most dangerous" is multiplied by a factor of ten when applied to Bradley, only once in the series is his rage unmasked, the rest of the time he remains in full control of his power and abilities, causing everyone to underestimate him constantly only to be cut apart by him with ease. Bradley in my opinion was one of the best examples of a sin, alongside Greed and Envy. Lust and Gluttony were probably the weakest representations. I always liked that aspect about King Bradley, his predisposed nature conflating with his false persona of being a loving husband and father, his conviction of being self-reliant makes him a compelling character and one of my favourites. Also I think the reason why he was never a true personification of Wrath is because he wasn't a pure homunculi like the rest of the Deadly Sins, but a human turned into one and furthermore I think he does genuinely care for his wife, if I'm remembering this correctly during his death scene he mention he does, but I could be wrong. I bloody love Fullmetal Alchemist. Sorry if you had to read all that about me worshipping Bradley but all I said is the truth and that's just a portion of why Bradley is such a well written villain and possibly the best one in history, I hope your point of view as changed after reading all that since it took me about 13 min to come up with all this

[@MaxPower-cm6ie]

@@livetochange974 not a single word was read

[@livetochange974]

@@MaxPower-cm6ie obviously since your thick brain can't comprehend paragraphs....

[@lazarlemajic4926]

The reason why he is my personal favorite character in all of fiction is that we expirienced his whole life and growth, found his meaning in this world and realised that his duty is to protect his own species and do everything that is needed to be done just so his species could live, in other words, he really is a real life meaning of true king, using that power that he has to protect his weaker people

[@HxH2011DRA]

Big same

[@lazarlemajic4926]

@@HxH2011DRA Mom I made it, THxH2011DA agrees with me

[@ThePillsburyJewboy]

And he did it all in like less than 2 months lol

[@lazarlemajic4926]

@@ThePillsburyJewboy well they do develop quick hah

[@HxH2011DRA]

@@lazarlemajic4926 ya done gud kid

[@eliack95]

I'll take this as Alecz's official endorsement for Meruem 2020

[@paulbracamonte2334]

He died we'd have to go with the next ant up POUF 2020

[@ded4lyfe1]

@@paulbracamonte2334 no, I'd give it to Neferpitou. Sexiest president ever!

[@dddmemaybe]

@@paulbracamonte2334 Pouf is like omega uber bag guy though. I'd put my vote in for Leorio every day. He'd be the man to take down biggoo fahrmuh

[@enevy3165]

@@paulbracamonte2334 Naw I think Kurapika would be a pretty chill prez/leader tho

[@luciussakura5031]

Honestly would have done better than certain people in power.

[@Mr30Louzi]

Me: There is no way to make me cry with two words!! Togashi: Oyasuminasei, Meruem Me: *Dies crying

[@majidoujaa5592]

I started tearing up just reading those words ...

[@cristianpadilla9820]

Im not crying you're crying .....

[@jeterpilled_memester]

Same here, never thought I would cry so hard but then I effing did

[@aaronavila6813]

bruh literally

[@ChezzaOuttaNowhere]

Yep

[@HxH2011DRA]

The central concept in Meruem's arc is that of responsibility, which of course is contrasted with Gon's childishness & recklessness. This is even reflected in there very names to an extent, although less so for gon for obvious reasons. Responsibility requires care in the place of blundering, overwhelming force. Responsibility requires competence & effectiveness; it presupposes empathy & the inherent value of others. Meruem has been and always will be my favorite character of all time, alongside Ceasar from the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy. He embodies everything I could admire in others, & everything I could strive for as a being.

[@UmbraHand]

The Hunter x Hunter 2011 Dickriding Association I agree it's you, but Lain and Shinji still top my list but the thematic is close

[@anarcopablo]

I always thought your name was "HxH dickWRITING association" kkk

[@HxH2011DRA]

@@filipferencak2717 Always

[@etienneement]

So true. But then there's also this very specific ending of Meruem. I think it's clear that the anonymity, the intimacy of this sequence is what gives it its perfection in the eyes of Meruem. What I mean is that, on one side Meruem struggles with concepts of power, responsibility, potential, leadership... but then he finds bliss through the 'false', childish struggle of a game. And through the sole knowledge of its own name.

[@HxH2011DRA]

@@etienneement it's just as (real) Diego said

[@FrffyVsBoredom]

Beautiful. Meruem remains one of my favourite characters in fiction & his growth throughout the Chimera Ant arc is truly special. Great work!

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks mate!

[@bishopofeternity48]

In another words a perfect ruler is a philosopher king.

[@akoda8887]

Yup, seems like Plato was right all along

[@03e-210a]

k

[@HxH2011DRA]

👌

[@cabal4171]

Idealistically not realistically, which is why he dies at the hands of Netero (technically speaking)

[@bishopofeternity48]

@@cabal4171 While true, he was making Netero falter. Made him waver in his duty with just a meeting and a few words. That speaks volumes.

[@hisoka9068]

Whoever is jealous of Togashi’s genius raise your hand 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@majidoujaa5592]

I wish i was there to see how he crafted such a character

[@MrHayada]

@@majidoujaa5592 He was playing DQ in his boxers while eating cup noodles. Sure u wanna see that?

[@Oznerock]

@@MrHayada I do, actually. DQ is pretty good, and cup noddles are... fine I guess.

[@livetochange974]

Fmab author is also a genius, sadly I don't know her name lol, she could make a good wife for togashi and they can collab to make a better story than hxh or fmab

[@majidoujaa5592]

@@livetochange974 togashi's wife made sailor moon

[@demonman905]

"And Hisoka constantly strives to get his nut." Hisoka is a squirrel confirmed

[@sivanlevi3867]

Komugi taught Meruem many things, but one thing I've grasped from another video is that the king learns about vulnerability. Komugi gets wounded in battle and Meruem becomes a hollow, empty shell, like a piece of him was removed. He relied on Pitou to heal her, in that learns how to keep people close if he needs them for something important. Meruem becomes emotional. He can also represent the wrath of nature on humanity in which the worst of humanity's crimes against nature are often negative in impact and the consequences nature gives us are immense. His death is also kind of heartbreaking, for even if he's a character not considered to be honorable, he matured so much by that point I can still sympathize with him. Komugi also dies with him, showing a kind of care and love, going beyond playing their games. Long live the king. Long live the Meruem that never was.

[@noelhann5262]

“The light that illuminates all” isn’t only talking about Meruem being a beacon of hope, but a light shined into the human condition, illuminating all. The best, and worst of humanity all come to light in, or because of, Meruem.

[@reubenfromow4854]

In another anime, he would be the main character.

[@blasterixx1]

Let's be honest, in the Chimera Arc Meruem was the main character!

[@dadaeeaeeadada3301]

@@blasterixx1 you're wrong

[@hypocritelife8018]

@@dadaeeaeeadada3301 you're wrong.

[@AverageBrethren]

@@hypocritelife8018 you're wrong..

[@glim9879]

@@blasterixx1 you're right

[@AkiyaA2]

Talk about timing, just finished the Chimera ant arc today as well as the rest of the show, 5 days ago I decided I'd give Hunter x Hunter a shot cause I was bored, and damn did the show live up to the hype and exceed it 100000 fold. Loved the entirety of it but the Chimera Ant arc in particular was breathtaking, nothing short of brilliance, it has easily sealed its place as one of my all time favourite arcs alongside the Shogun Assassination arc from Gintama, incidentally they both ended with alot of tears being shed, and never did I expect upon first meeting Meruem that those tears would be falling for him... that was one of the most masterful developments of a character I've ever bared witness to, not to mention the character development that everyone else went through. Without a doubt Meruem has become one of my favourite antagonists, great video!!

[@MaxPower-cm6ie]

Goat tbh ngl

[@justinokraski3796]

I started watching it because I wanted to see Tsuyu. It wasn't until I'd gone through about 20 episodes that I realized she's from a different anime.

[@geryldpina7091]

Once again, you’ve done my favorite HxH character justice. Meruem was well on his way toward being an ideal leader. Thanks for another truly insightful analysis

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks very much for watching, glad it was valuable again!

[@BlytzNetwork]

You've done it now Alec. Now we need a full vocal cover of Hyori Ittai from you.

[@mr.nobody6392]

25 min Video Essay by *Aleczandxr* is it Christmas already?

[@Rectiifyy]

Hxh video as well

[@mr.nobody6392]

@@Rectiifyy that count for NEW YEAR to, I guess..

[@brunocesarm.m9632]

I see Meruem, I click.

[@smilingowl4773]

You see, this essays constantly remind me of the reason why Togashi takes his time to develop the HxH story. He really wants to create an entertaining yet realistic story, not just with the main characters but with whole world he created.

[@xKateshi]

I don't care how long it takes,I just hope that I'll be able to know the whole story before I die. To be honest I prefer high quality story made slowly rather than the opposite

[@benefitlumberjacks9964]

Then try to read Succession arc. That arc is particularly a goddamn essay.

[@macromondo8026]

IF i may add: One of the GREATEST aspects of Meruem is how flexible his perspectives are, near the end of the arc before he retained his memories he was willing to do anything in order to become whole again, but the more he used his powers the more he realized how fleeting his life had become because of the Poor Man's Rose poisonous effect, and once he remembered everything...his perspective shifted into finding Komugi, he realized he had no more time left to acomplish his vision of a fair world, and his perspective shifted from that of a king, to that of a human seeking meaning and more importantly: closure to his final moments, with the one person that helped his ideology grow up so much to that point, this flexibility shows Meruem is not an all perfect god-like mary-sue without a single shed of interests, but rather an incredibly deep character that has an ego that allows him to seek out some inner peace and solace, to become a little selfish after everything he could have done to continue with his mission was well out of his reach, he could no longer save the world, so he choose to save his last moments with the girl he loved, if that isn't humanity then idk what the hell it is other than utter beauty.

[@marlom7882]

Imagine the original plan of the chimera and queen and there being multiple beings like meruem and the royal guards

[@livetochange974]

@Dino Nuggets don't compare trash dbz childish writing anime to this masterpiece anime please

[@livetochange974]

@Gio 1 imagine if they are a good written character unlike goku

[@ghosthand9109]

Nuke everyone

[@hartmut30plus]

@@livetochange974 What are you so mad at Dragon Ball about?

[@livetochange974]

@@hartmut30plus because it's a trash generic super overrated show and is being compared to hxh? Is this a joke, if it is its nowhere near funny

[@ariskaraihan3965]

meruem's great capacity and will to learn more and to open his eyes to understand humanity along with his monstrous power is just insane. he can be a saving grace for all living beings. yet he still has so much to develop, he's still a little too far for being "the perfect leader" though absolutely he has the most potential out of anyone in hxh to be exactly that. when i first saw that episode where meruem died, i cried a lot, like i bawled my eyes out, for 3 hours, and i still thought about it for a few days after. i just can't see how unfair that world is.

[@kaichen3830]

Its insane that Gon's peak potential is literally equal to before post rose Meruem. Wonder how powerful he can get? Like Freeza level?

[@tsunamininja]

I would love to see a side story where Meruem "won" and started to shape the world into a perfect place :d

[@HarveyMeadowlark]

Man! Your comedic timing on “hisoka constantly strives to get his nut” I had to stop the video until I was done laughing lol. I was so engrossed with your words I didn’t see that “coming” at all haha

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

The depth of one such as Meruem is, let us face it, extremely rare throughout the history of the medium that is manga. Such is the display of writing that Togashi showcase in this arc. And because of that fans like you and others are able to continue to "peel off the layers of the onion" that is this masterpiece. Thank you so much for this video Alex!

[@jannelmaiquez2438]

I admire Meruem so much, his character development was such an amazing thing to see. I'm not going to lie the Chimera ant arc at the beginning was slow in my taste, but when Pitou was born everything changed, I freaking love this arc and HxH as a whole!

[@belafeldbusch3397]

One of the most complex and best written characters in all of Fiction

[@hankjones7054]

I love the moment that he revels in his physical strength, exclaiming that it is the ultimate form of power above all others. Then a minute later he's saving Komugi from that bird attack. Feeling the need to protect the weak. His character growth is so gradual and realistic.

[@yeehaw7362]

I also love how it was meruem’s own power that sent the bird flying to komugi.

[@mikeice38]

Another masterpiece. I ultimately agree with Netero decision to pierce his heart and use of the Rose. Humanity is chaos live in Avatar no matter how ambitious Meruem dreams are is Utopia / Empire is destined to fail. Humanity is the perfect vehicle for chaos and if the ant king Taps into his Humanity and The Duality of Chaos in control. As a seasoned professional Netero can't take the time to wait for the aunt came to figure things out

[@edwardshalash2607]

I disagree ... Lack of humanity is the perfect vehicle for chaos or rather chaos itself

[@mikeice38]

@@edwardshalash2607 I will have to disagree chaos will happen whether it's in a perfect Society or flawed one. Chaos is neither good or bad it's just the energy of change

[@WhitePerson-]

18:10 Meruem was so happy that she found why she was born because he never did. He was also in wonders like a child if he can ever reach that point of life. He was happy that if someone could say these words that it was possible for him too. The author is a beast.

[@Rustypoo]

I wanna know how many times you had to say the line about hisoka’s ambitions without laughing 😂I died

[@Aleczandxr]

First take!

[@thenoicemango1827]

Aleczandxr Amazing power.

[@MrHayada]

The way Togashi introduced Meruem, and the settings he had in place for deconstructing him, will remain one of the best masterful things I've ever experienced. I just love how I keep on learning new things about this character!

[@solitary2]

One of the things I love most about your videos is how you incorporate light humor so effortlessly in a fashion where it now comes across as an identifiable trait you have. From singing “Hiyori Ittai” and stating how Hisoka is just tryna get a nut off 😂👏🏿

[@kennethshaw2619]

Another FANTASTIC analysis of Hunter × Hunter! I personally had no prior knowledge of what the show was like when I started watching it a few years ago (other than it's a shonen). I thought it was great up until the Chimera Ant Arc. My first thoughts were "What the hell is going on here, did they just jump the shark?" But little did I know that I was about to witness the best story ever told. And to this day, I still feel that Meruem is the best character ever made in all of fiction.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks v much!

[@eonstar]

I just want to say that I really really really love your videos. You help me understand the intricacies of HxH and make it even more special than it was my first times watching and reading. Not only that, but your videos allow me to still keep in touch with the show despite these painful hiatuses.

[@buggyyuji851]

Great videos on one my favorite villain of all time

[@slevinchannel7589]

Meruem is a terrible Leader as in 'Leader' though. His first Action of being alive was so strategically bad that How-to-beat-KZbinrs would get a Heart-Attack, seeing how he didnt even sacrificed the Queen for Anything but just decided 'Nah, lets have her Die. We dont need more Soldiers.' Not Learning Nen was maybe his Worst Decision and people try to excuse it, but they fail making good Excuses.

[@funghiciabatta551]

23:51 the moment you said this made me realize that the people in power in the current arc (succession war) are mostly the opposite of meruem! While his intentions (conquer the world and using human as lifestock) where driven by his biology and nature he was also cabeable to understand that his powers can be and should be used for the greater good! Meanwhile the princes and the king of kakin have different but selfish intentions while their are still HUMANS! Its still questionable if any of those people will use there powers for any good cause!

[@HxH2011DRA]

Yep, quite poetic

[@ace6897]

"Hisoka constantly strives to get his nut" That caught me so off guard lmao

[@Nakama4Forever]

You the man! Always appreciate Hunter x Hunter videos.

[@gabrielsanchesprado9915]

What a beautiful anime and video, this channel is one of the best things I found on the internet

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@Leinad97]

What really gets me everytime is that if Meruem was given more life to live, he had the potential to grow so much, even into an Iroh kind of character. He had the most potential to be human out of everyone in the show. Hes easily one of if not my favorite character in fiction all time.

[@raythemankit]

Everytime you make a video it makes me realizes more and more how much of an amazing series hunter hunter is the animators and togashi really made one of best shonen ever.

[@slayer6225]

Rewatching this brilliant analysis after your GOATED antagonist ranking stream. Mereum really deserves #1 position.

[@wayward4657]

This is why Meruem is my favorite villain in anime

[@LordBaktor]

My favorite stories tend to be by authors who try to keep themselves distanced from the story and let the characters act how they logically would, given the rules of that particular world. I feel Hunter X Hunter excels in that for the most part.

[@Joyboy0101]

I cried a bit. As always, you provide a great analysis of my favourite anime, keep it up man!

[@WillCorvinus]

When you videos come out, I remember how crazy good and enjoyable they are. Thank you.

[@Aleczandxr]

You're very welcome!

[@muskie2543]

Legendary video, I think you might have gotten deeper into the heart of hxh than you ever have before. Thank you, once again

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks very much for watching!

[@noalarsen2954]

this video does not have enough views for how good it is

[@based4560]

Exactly!!!

[@kvaezar8013]

I love everything about Meruem and your video perfectly sums it up. I never cried so hard except in his final moment. Oyasuminasai, Meruem.

[@aaronrowell6943]

After finally finishing this bad boy, I can say it's fascinating despite the cutting condemnation of humanity it has with the Rose scene, it ends with Meruem and komogie in love and dying together and the scene with the little girl ant returning home and the village showing mercy to the lobster man despite the pain and suffering the ants caused. It's very powerful

[@Lukely-wp9iz]

Just finished rewatching the series with my dad since it has finally been dubbed in italian and now I feel empty once again. Everytime I miss hxh I come here and listen to some of your beautifully explained analysis. Such brilliant videos.🙏

[@Aleczandxr]

So glad you’re enjoying them! I hope that continues :)

[@niwona_]

That final scene was the first time I ugly cried during a shounen

[@morgandfreeman4488]

Meruem is truly a beautiful character that potrays what humanity can be and should be, we have the ability to do anything but that doesn't justify if we should. Btw this video is criminally underrated.

[@isaiascanete6651]

A video about my favorite character in fiction from one of my favorite youtubers? this is a blessing Also, is imposible to say Hiori Ittai (however you spell it) without starting to sing hahaha

[@artsparkeast]

Ive always agreed with your beautiful essays, but never have you been more relatable than being unable to say "Hyori Ittai" without singing it

[@lucasguzzi9329]

This reminds me of the parallels between gon and meruem, and how they have opposite arcs, while meruem learns to use power properly, gon just wastes it because of his hatred

[@sadtotorotototoro9640]

Well, this wasthe first video of yours i've ever seen and i have to say; That was fucking amazing. Great work dude, keep it up!

[@JaeLee_Kim]

If you were standing right next to Meruem, he would feel both so distant and close. So much depth and substance as a character.

[@Oznerock]

Alec and HxH... always a good day to see more of this wondrous combo.

[@majidoujaa5592]

I love this character so much i never get enough of analysing him

[@akitadakid6326]

That intro is a hell of a pep talk

[@claireclapp6939]

I think that we could all learn a few things from Meruem.

[@slevinchannel7589]

Meruem is a terrible Leader as in 'Leader' though. His first Action of being alive was so strategically bad that How-to-beat-KZbinrs would get a Heart-Attack, seeing how he didnt even sacrificed the Queen for Anything but just decided 'Nah, lets have her Die. We dont need more Soldiers.' Not Learning Nen was maybe his Worst Decision and people try to excuse it, but they fail making good Excuses. But what i find is most jarring re-watching the CA-Arc is just the sheer Amount of his Minions that just 'walked-off' cause 'why not; nothing holds me here.' You cant explain this away with 'oh, this colony has human-emotions'! Its totally terrible that almost the Whole Colony just became Dessatours in one way or another! It was BIG LUCK that Pouf had the Power to make more Minions, or Meruem would have literally led an Army of 3 or 4 Ants only.

[@ValforDragoon]

Aleczandxr, thank you so much for these videos. I really appreciate your insightful willingness to tear into the meatier, philosophical bits of HxH. I revisit your HxH series fairly often, and each time I feel like I come away with a new, stronger appreciation for Togashi’s work, as well as this incredible series. Keep up the incredible work my friend.

[@Aleczandxr]

You’re very welcome, and I’m glad you find them so valuable. I hope I can keep it up, though with this COPPA stuff it’s kinda out of my hands.

[@ValforDragoon]

Yeah :/ I hope everything works out ok in the end. What are the best ways to show support to you or voice our opposition to COPPA in these coming times?

[@gingermenace8056]

*Aleczander beautifully describes the duties each character achieves with their power. Perfectly encapsulating the beauty of HxH characterization* Also Aleczander: “Hisoka just wants to get his rocks off.”

[@Aleczandxr]

I speak no lies.

[@TheZoan007]

One of the best character analysis I´ve seen on youtube. Congratulations

[@Aleczandxr]

Much appreciated!

[@sahilpandya3165]

Meruem must be one of the very few or only one to overcome most cognitive biases and see the world as it is. Saying that, Togashi must have done this to make a character like this.

[@YourBoiKwams]

The last few of chimera ant episodes and Meruems character growth during that time was nothing short of amazing. A real masterpiece of an arc. To the point where he starts to sway everyone, when he almost kneeled to Palm.. and his last game with Komugi. All of it was a masterpiece, I damn near cried, the OST almost pushed me over the edge as well. So beautiful. Thanks for this video man.

[@bromleywalker9221]

This show captured me when the narrator said "we're no different from the ants."

[@daviddeharo39]

So glad to see so.mamy people understanding this concept. And thank you for deconstructing it. You are using the KZbin power to change this world to the better with philosophy. Please continue. Subscribed!!!

[@seeker4it]

Well thanks to this awesome video made by you, I realized Meruem has some relatable qualities and ideals that I hold myself!

[@pumeluh]

thank you for the wonderful video. i've just finished the season and i gotta say Meruem is my favorite character of all time, from the character design to development, from his first appearance to his last!

[@Aleczandxr]

My pleasure, thanks for checking it out.

[@8bitmagic]

Absolutely empathized with Meruem because for me it was self-evident that a being of his magnitude would come to his conclusions about power, compassion, and humanity. Once he started to talk to Netero I was so torn, I didn't want to see either lose or die. It made the ensuing battle more tense than any other shounen battle I've seen. It was such an emotional journey that I can't say is rivaled for me personally. It made me elated to see Meruem brought back because I wanted to see more of him and I thought it was over. I have shown the show to friends and nobody seems to get this about Meruem. "Still too ant-like, was still going to still consume some humans." They struggled to empathize with him and move past viewing him as a shounen antagonist to be defeated. One friend sees some of this in retrospect, but it saddens me the initial emotional impact was lost because they weren't open to the story. I don't think that they saw he was on the correct path and that he was smart and philosophical enough to get there. I wanted Meruem to be king by the end of the arc, which aided to how hard the final moments with Komugi hit me. I cried for the entire duration of that episode. It was so beautiful seeing him being content and absolutely happy with his little corner of life, when he had all the potential.

[@ratthapol249]

Another MASTERPIECE from Aleczandxr!

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@blasterixx1]

Wonderful essay as always! Meruem is my 3rd favorite character of all time, the 2nd beeing L from Death Note and 1st beeing Guts from Berserk, Meruem was without a doubt the main character in the Chimera Arc, his potential was infinite, i would have loved to see him live and continue his journey into becoming the king of the world, He was the perfect king, but alas.. No king rules forever.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@gizel4376]

i was reading and i was like : what? 3rd? ah, ok, yeah, L and Guts, same for me i guess, but L first and Guts 3rd

[@tacioob2337]

What can i say, everytime you post something i see things in a diferent tottally unexpected way, you honestly make me feel like a blind baby when it comes to understanding stuff, great job bro 👏👏👏👏👏

[@younggooni14]

I saw Meruem and I immediately clicked.. I'm ready to cry again

[@obscure_genesis]

23:40 The way you concluded this video was amazing.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thank you!

[@brunohirschmann]

It's funny how Meruem's plans for humanity sound just like our plans for other animals (our food)

[@beastvicious8672]

It's not the same. Meruem wants to let people live who are of higher quality and morale.

[@MrHayada]

@@beastvicious8672 My cat is a high quality bitch with no morale. We are doing it wrong.

[@daisyaustin6723]

I JUST REALIZED THIS MAN MAKES HIS OWN SUBTITLES IM SITTING THERE 4TH PERIOD MATH CLASS BORED ASF, WE'RE ALLOWED COMPUTERS BUT NO HEADPHONES IM GOING THROUGH ALL THESE VIDEOS AND THEY ONLY HAVE AUTO SUBTITLES WHICH MAKE NO SENSE AND THEN, THE HOLY LIGHT, OUT OF THE DARKNESS: ALECZANDXR. THE WORLD NEEDS MORE HEROES LIKE THIS

[@caiopatric]

18:59 WHEEEZE

[@HxH2011DRA]

Got em

[@josephapsey9965]

Brilliant video as always keep up the good work

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks!

[@GinkgoPete]

Its great how well Netero shows what humans are capable of. There are plenty of animals stronger, but a humans ability to understand and prepare for a situation is unparalled and Meruem finds that out the hard way. He would never make he plan for being physically overpowered, simply because he wouldnt consider that possible. Netero had him at check mate from the very start.

[@WeebRevolution]

Thanks for the shoutout! Ill watch when I get back from my Thanksgiving trip. What a video to be grateful for

[@christhechilled]

Meruem is such a good character. However, all good things have to come to an end!

[@zainy_inc154]

Man togashi even did a good job at dissecting the human condition as well as putting in the perspective of someone inhuman coming to understand it and coming to his own conclusion. Very cool. Great video as always man, I learned so much watching ❤️💯

[@abdrachid1129]

Aleczandxr: i wont make a video about the seven deadly sins Escanor: who decide that! And about Boku no hero a video about mirio togata will be worth it

[@Aleczandxr]

Uhh well sorry to be a buzzkill I’m definitely not doing 7DS and probably not doing Mirio no matter what Escanor says, lol. Sorry!

[@abdrachid1129]

@@Aleczandxr but why :o

[@desty4030]

@@abdrachid1129 Maybe 'cause they're bad animes? Who knows what his reasons are

[@abdrachid1129]

@@desty4030 that's why I asked 🙃

[@Aleczandxr]

I don’t like 7DS and I don’t have anything much to say about Mirio right now.

[@Grazetheplantboi]

Hate me all you want but Meruem had more humanity than a lot of humans today

[@MJ-pd2gc]

Sucks the way that villain took him out with his underhanded tricks

[@MrGregory777]

Netero is a HERO.

[@MJ-pd2gc]

@@MrGregory777 Hell nah

[@manuelquintana3401]

That’s humanity for you

[@03e-210a]

underhanded? dafuq?

[@angeluriel2725]

@@03e-210a underHANDed, that's Netero for you

[@shoobzy3431]

I already loved Meruem as a character but man did this video help cement that, he really was on a path to possibly becoming more and more human.

[@22freedom33]

I'm a simple man, I see Aleczandxr upload regarding hunterxhunter I click it

[@NerdySatyr]

Honestly, one of your best videos yet.

[@Aleczandxr]

Thanks very much.