Hunter X Hunter: The Dark Reality Behind Gon and Killua

Hunter X Hunter's primary relationship dynamic is between Gon and Killua. It's both beneficial and hurtful to them both, here's why you should care.
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Hunter X Hunter: The True Story of Gon and Killua's Complex Relationship
• Hunter X Hunter: The D...
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#anime #hunterxhunter #retro

[@BonsaiPop]

Welcome back! We’re dealing with some YT back-end BS lately so please, if you can, leaving a like and any kind of comment makes a huge difference in video performance! We’re headed into the busy season for us which means faster production and more videos, exciting stuff 👍 you’ll be hearing from us more often for sure. We would like to have our view velocity back up by the start, so if you want to help us, a simple comment goes a long way. Couple notes, I pronounced Ging wrong, “whoops.” G in Japanese makes a “guh” sound, so blame the translators who turned “Jin” into Ging. Second, I wanted to point out how Killua protecting Gon the way he does at a certain point is extremely reminiscent of the way his brother sought to protect him. It’s interesting how that conditioning made its way into Gon and Killua’s friendship as well and how Killua was able to break it inevitably. That’s it from me! Thanks for watching and continuing to support the mania that is KZbin content creation! We’ll see you sooner than you think 😉 -Mike

[@MyJourneyConcludes]

Keep up the good work, my dude.

[@MyJourneyConcludes]

On a sidenote, when you dropped that FFX soundtrack at 17:20 I think I lost my shit. I was hitting levels of nostalgia I didnt think were possible. I literally teared up, so thank you for being the catalyst that provided that moment for me. Like I said, keep up the good work!!!

[@Coolgamer..]

Togashi you were amazing and deserve to have gratitude. Gon and Killua are amazing characters.

[@AdmiralWindy]

Really love this nuanced look at HxH, the dynamic between the murderchildren has always been mega interesting, glad someone broke it down longform like this

[@RL-go2lp]

Israel did 9/11

[@acidwizard6528]

That comparison of Gon as young Togashi working on Yu Yu Hakusho all bright eyed and innocent, and Killua as older Togashi working on Hunter x Hunter jaded from past experiences and just trying to be able to feel and enjoy life again was very insightful. Interesting analysis.

[@murdockfiles9406]

In line with Togashi's eastern themes (particularly Buddhism), Gon and Killua are quite literally yin and yang (black hair and white hair). Like yin and yang, Killua and Gon are alternating energies of positivity and negativity. Killua starts off as negative energy at the beginning, while Gon is positive energy. But by the end, their roles are reversed, and Gon loses control while Killua can do nothing. It's the dangers of not balancing the two energies, and only clinging to one. Gon's innate goodness is dangerous because his overtly righteous tendencies could turn into monstrous vengeance.

[@majinmanbhakun6540]

Yin and yang symbolises the capacity of good in evil and capacity of evil in good. Which perfectly shows in gon and killua since gon a good hearted boy ended up to the point to just destroy while killua who was raised as an assassin ended up doing good to the point where their roles was reversed. Gon ended up cold blooded what killua was raised to become yet killua ended up very soft hearted which gon was raised

[@Liliquan]

@@majinmanbhakun6540 Yin Yang is a naturalistic classification method. Good and Evil are artificial, arbitrary human constructs. They are not natural entities and such are not suited to Yin Yang classification. Yin Yang is a particular classification method in the sense that it's absolutely relative (not oxymoronic). It's not a scientific classification method that classifies each into a category which statically the thing remains in such a classification over time. Instead, Yin Yang is temporally and spatially relative to the extant that only in this moment at this place with this particular contrast can we claim that this is Yin and that is Yang. But due to the movement of time and hence space (if everything is simultaneously moving through time then nothing can stay in the exact same space even if they remain completely still). Yin Yang is the most dynamic and anti-static classification system. Its logic can only be grasped through the ontological position of processism. (look up Process Philosophy on Wiki for a modern account of the type of philosophy that drove the development of Yin Yang theory.)

[@majinmanbhakun6540]

@@Liliquan why would I read this

[@TecTitan]

The show might as well be called Gon X Killua Hunter X hunter It's clear to me that the best part of the show is their bond

[@walterbutler4151]

@@majinmanbhakun6540 aaa

[@straighttothedisco]

I think Killua trying to get rid of Nanika was a great example of him slipping back into his unhealthy behaviour and trying to treat Alluka like Gon before the Chimera Ant arc. I’m so happy Alluka called him out on it and Killua immediately listened, regretted his action and apologized to her and Nanika.

[@B1ackKingStar]

Something I've always said about Gon is that by his nature he is extremely logical. Everything should make sense and Gon is willing to understand everyone and everything. He decided to not hate his father because he wanted to first understand why his father left. However, Gon detests things that can't be broken down and processed for him to understand so when he saw that Pitou would kill Kite with no care or remorse but also so staunchly protect Komugi he couldn't understand why and thus he broke down and snapped.

[@onesnazzyboizero8034]

Also makes sense considering gon is an enchancer

[@NTWoo95]

Thanks for posting this! It helped me put into words why Gon’s breakdown is so tragic

[@alvariuztheplug5728]

So you could also say that Gon is more of a masculine energy and Killua as a feminine one

[@pinelopiliraki3660]

@@alvariuztheplug5728 Do you mean that in the sense of Killua being more in touch with his emotional(more reasonable than Gon's) side?

[@GLEN515]

@@pinelopiliraki3660 Killua is only emotional when it comes to Gon or his Family . When it comes to him he's very logically the chimera ant arch they switched places.

[@salvsays]

There’s nothing more terrifying to me than the dodge ball match in greed island. Gon essentially asking killua to sacrifice hid hands to win. Killua agreeing to sacrifice bc he believes in gon. No matter the cost. I fear how dangerous that relationship could have gone if killua didnt meet the ants. Gon never knew he was asking too much. He was just askin. And killua giving bc of how much he values gon, not realizing he should value himself too

[@Scarethelocals]

I remember watching that thinking WTF just happened?!?...it was jarring and I get it that it's fantasy and overly dramatic but having a kiddo that's in that age group I just laughed at the thought of someone asking my son to sacrifice a body part for anything lol and the confusion on his facing walking away from that person. I love shonen but sometimes they do make huge HUGE logic jumps ...some characters are just Logic and common sense black holes or voids...whatever you prefer to describe their lack of logic. I hate to sound like that cynical hypocrite that watches things but hates them(I don't!) but I have to also bring up the crazy escalation of action then reaction...I'm having a hard time getting my thought into words for some reason , probably lack of sleep...okay we have a character that something happens to and skips all the appropriate/realistic emotions and reactions that a real person would go through to be pushed to the edge. It's like the joke about a spider in your house that disappears and you immediately burn the house down . It's funny but doesn't make sense and maybe it's just that I'm older or that plots are forced forward extremely fast now or the studios (not the creators) think viewers are dumb or don't care about the development and go straight to the action. I feel like we don't get Berserk, Bleach,Naruto and many others that build worlds, relationships,families and fans with the slower moving but meaningful stories. Sure there is filler but I'd rather have more content than less. I don't what I'm talking about at all,I'm not an expert but just relaying what I think sometimes. Cheers

[@erockbaby3000]

@@Scarethelocals the issue with a lot of older anime having filler was because they would churn out episodes & entire seasons way too fast so the anime would catch up with the Manga faster than the creators could get new chapters & stories out. So the studios would either have to create filler episodes & stretch out moments way longer than they are in the source material in order to give the mangaka time to go further into the manga. (DragonBall, One Piece, Naruto) OR the studio would just have to create their own story and diverge from canon (the original fullmetal alchemist anime, etc.) Not saying it’s always bad, cause some filler episodes gave amazing characterization & some divergences are actually better than the manga storylines. But yeah a lot of newer anime being shorter isn’t studios or creators trying to dumb it down for fans it’s just that more studios are waiting long enough to follow the manga more faithfully

[@user-wy8ve5nr2n]

Makes me sad, reminds me of irl mother I know. She always gives her child even tho he is bad luck and self centered , really he made full advantage of that kindness with zero remorse to point of gaslighting

[@Scarethelocals]

@@erockbaby3000 You make a great point and I agree completely. I enjoy Animes that aren't always waiting on the Manga. I still like those animes but would prefer that they allow the Manga to naturally run it's course and when it's finished or toward the end make the anime. I'm sure creating/writing a manga with the pressure of a studio animating almost simultaneously has an effect on the creator and the quality of their work. Possibly leading to the story being changed , parts left out, and the world and characters becoming shallow (motivations/actions unclear or nonsensical). Maybe it doesn't an effect at all on some. I'm a writer myself and sometimes I'll spend days or weeks on some detail, character background, character perspective, the way the story moves from point A to Point B....And I'm no perfection. Sometimes I just need to see things from another perspective. Many times I've had interaction with friends or strangers and thinking back on it (driving home or something like most of us probably do) I find what I was looking for in my story/character. Many things like that can take place, those are just two examples. I can't imagine being rushed or forced to publish something I feel is unfinished or simply bad/unthought out writing. I feel for the creators and imagine they've had to put out things unfinished or cheapened by shallow plot. The terrible part is that they have probably fought tooth and nail against putting out something inferior to their original idea or what they feel is unfinished/shortsighted shit. Then of course they get all the backlash from fans wondering why their being fed shit. I really appreciate the enjoyment I get from Jojo's, Baki, Dororo, and others that are finished before being animated. The story already has a beginning, middle and end with thought out plot and characters that evolve. Second benefit being the release schedule. We don't end up waiting several years for the next part to release. When you have a show releasing 10-24 episodes each year (sometimes more) you grow a considerable fan base and catch momentum that can seem unstoppable. I've rambled on again. Have a great day my friend. Question Everything and Trust Nothing.

[@affable8696]

Gon knew he was asking too much. He was aware how badly hurt Killua was. That's the whole point. He can be incredibly selfish.

[@muleyamwiinga3988]

It is "almost" incorrect to assume or classify Killua as monstrous because we learn that (from Zeno & Silvia) Killua is inherintly kind hence he gets along really well with the servants and Nanaka... Which is one of the reasons why his Brother thinks "his not fit to be an assassin"... Meeting Gon made Killua to accept himself or understand himself... Unlike Gon who started learning the dark side of life and his failure to manage them... Which I am glad it was written that way.. A 12 year old should be unhinged and imbalanced emotionally and in his psyche when dealing with trauma

[@yungogm9642]

nice saturday morning surprise

[@ProjektBurn]

Agreed

[@ThaPhilabustah]

I've always loved how Gon and Killua's relationship develops. Can't wait to see more from the story. Really want to see the rest of Kurapika's journey hunting the Spiders as well.

[@SonGoku-uv4pk]

If you can wait 10 years

[@gwendellaugello7372]

@@SonGoku-uv4pk as sad as I am to say this but I doubt hunter x hunter will actually end in Togashi’s lifetime potentially, I hope I’m actually wrong

[@AqwDragulum]

Pika gave up on hunting the Spiders since York New. It’s his clan’s eyes that he’s hunting.

[@YaHomiez]

I think one of the beautiful things about HxH is how it masterfully displays the dichotomy between what is good and what is evil. Toward the end of the chimera ant arc the monsters started to feel more human than the humans. I felt for the ants on many occasions .

[@gsgaming6976]

One of my favorite expressions ever is "What is good for the fox is evil for the chicken. What is good for the chicken is evil for the fox."

[@ankoku3475]

Bro that's what Netero said

[@understanding77]

Yeah it kind of reminded me on the anime shiki about a village that gets overrun by vampires. As the story progresses, the humans and their goal of getting rid of the vampires start to blur the lines of morality, and they become just as bad if not worse than the vampires

[@danielx7077]

It's very refreshing to see a channel take the outside circumstances such as the authors life and past into consideration when analyzing a series. Much appreciated

[@jmc2830]

gon and killua's theme is the yin yang symbol. a child that represents light with a hidden dark side, and a child that represents the dark with a hidden light side. people always seem to forget that the yinyang symbol isn't just a half black half white circle. each side also has a small portion of the opposing shade within it. once you understand that, it's easy to see what togashi was going for when he created these two.

[@vontegooden1689]

yall think every duo character in shonen is yin and yang and dont even really understand yin nd yang

[@jmc2830]

@@vontegooden1689 ..mhm, it's thematic inspiration... it doesn't need to entirely represent it's meaning. inspiration doesn't mean a direct comparison.. and since you can't even write competently.. I'm pretty sure you have no right to criticize anyone's understanding of anything..

[@vontegooden1689]

@@jmc2830 actually I can I just choose not to lol I been in school just like u kid and anyone else. trying to throw insults because your butthurt says alot the only real yin and yang duo in Shonen is Naruto and Sasuke and by the way yang is not the opposite of yin if u really knew what it is not what u heard.. lol

[@jmc2830]

@@vontegooden1689 your school failed. that is evident.

[@jmc2830]

@@vontegooden1689 it's not abatrary observation.. gon is described as "light incarnate" by killua, on top of having black hair representing the small dark spot in the light half of the symbol. killua is a literal assassin child.. so it's pretty easy to make the connection to darkness.. on top of having white hair.. like the light spot in the dark half of the symbol. Togashi has admitted that eastern mythology and belief systems have had major influence on his work. like a lot of mangaka. Buddhism, Daoism, Hinduism and Shinto are heavily referenced in the vast majority of manga. before you open your mouth, maybe ask yourself whether your knowledge on the subject is sufficient enough to speak on it... otherwise.. your just making a fool of yourself.

[@Farris2K]

My fear is that the ending will be Gon dying in some brutal way, and Killua finding happiness despite this. That would be great for Killua, and that may be the proper ending to the story by the time we get there, but it's heartbreaking to see innocence lost completely. Even seeing Gons current transformations are heartbreaking. I teared up when Gon was confronted by Morel, just seeing where his mind goes and the instant blood lust. We've seen worse already, but in that moment you see how quickly he can become unhinged. How much his experiences so far have broken him. You're forced into seeing Gon as all that's good, and then you're made to watch him lose it all. I just hope it's a happy ending for Gon, even if that ending is just him moving back to Whale Island to live a quiet and happy existence. In the meantime, I'm just happy to watch. Definitely one of my favorite anime of all time, even before it's done. Right up there with Trigun.

[@alvariuztheplug5728]

Given the thought that Gon is a masculine energy, he'll probably endure and grow throughout his experience only to come back stronger. Either that or he'll die, or he'll be a farmer or something like that

[@alexgarcia8365]

Whoa having gon die to be the last couple episodes of the anime without him being revived sounds chilling

[@akazienoel2009]

Optimistically speaking here, I don t think so (though I might just be in denial), Hxh already had every chancentl end as a tragedy in CAA, Gon could have easily died there (with or w/h Killua) and it could have ended. But he chose for Gon‘s character arc to go from a loss of innocence to the start of a redemption/second chance. The whole arc is just a starting over for Gon, he got to meet his dad, he apologized for his actions to do better and now he s again with his parental figure and going to school and just being a normal kid. Wouldn t anything that could possibly end tragically(?) for Gon be a repetition, and kind of just be like Kurapika‘s? If anyone dies, it might be him (though I m really hoping not ofc)

[@nightslasher9384]

I don’t think innocent would be lost but rather slowly restore to another party that had once lost theirs. Weird way of me saying this but possibly giving someone the life they wished they have.

[@nightslasher9384]

But my fear is saying good friends fight each other.

[@drakunauger3324]

With Togashi's situation, I believe I can understand wanting to finish one's own work, but I don't want it to devolve to the Miura situation where a loved one has to pick it up to finish it, even though Togashi is partially at that stage with his wife helping him through it. While I really enjoyed HxH alongside the understanding that mangaka's live in a toxic environment that further exacerbates degradation that comes with aging, the solutions I can think of are start/join a mangaka union that'd fight for better living standards, hire apprentices and take a back seat to write scripts, or take an extended break/quit entirely.

[@revolution2762]

How does any of this toxic environment stuff you are talking about apply to togashi?

[@nevermore3055]

@@revolution2762 did you even watch the video? These manga artist are working overtime for so long and frequently they're killing themselves pursuing their goal/dream. This over working has crippled, and has killed. It'll effect them for the rest of their life and the people who review these mangas seems to care about the deadline of project not the well-being of the creator. Even these creators disregard their health for their projects vision, it's an incredibly toxic work environment that is dystopian, abusive if you will. All in all a self destructive pursuit brings damaged fruit and suicide.

[@revolution2762]

@@nevermore3055 togashi doesn’t even get overworked though. He writes manga when he wants to. Why else do you think we only get more hunter hunter like every couple years. In any case, the work environment you describe is just a normal thing in Japan. It’s not exclusive to manga artists.

[@jimihendrix23456]

@@revolution2762 But he, specifically, gets that treatment because he already proved to his employers that people very much enjoy his stories. As an up-and-coming mangaka, he destroyed his health to meet deadlines for YYH. And as for your comment about it being normal in Japan, a lot of people criticize Japanese working culture as very toxic and unhealthy. So you're validating their point.

[@HaxeRain]

@@revolution2762 do you know the condition in which Togashi has to draw? he's talked and mentioned how his back pain is so huge tht he cant maintain a seated position and has to lay down to be able to draw, coupled with his own sense of perfectionism, it makes it incredibly taxing to do, also, just because its a norm, doesnt mean its good, people been criticizing a lot mangakas and animators work conditions despite them being considered the norm because they are that bad

[@powerofanime1]

Transformative as always! Makes me think that the next step of these two is gonna be a reflection of the first - Gon will finally learn the lessons he accidentally taught Killua.

[@nkanyisoinnocentkhwane3752]

Togashi was doing well for awhile, 10 new chapters. Hope he takes it easy for the rest of the year at least. I’ve been thinking through not being able to draw because of tendinitis so I know how much it sucks physically not being able to draw, judging from his statement he’s desperate to keep going

[@Shaathurray]

I had read somewhere that he was going to head the narrative and his wife was going to take over the art. Not sure how reliable it is but if true, would be a great comprise i think.

[@thats4thebirds]

@@Shaathurray if he finally accepts that it would blow me away. That’s been a rumor for like 3 years.

[@Shaathurray]

@@thats4thebirds ooo i wasnt aware it had been around that long..

[@TerrorOfTalos]

@@Shaathurray That would only happen as a last resort if Togashi is *completely* unable to draw manuscripts on his own outside of storyboards.

[@termindterguta3514]

@@TerrorOfTalos he's already drawing on his bed...he is already at his limit. Let's hope it's not going to happen a new Miura

[@cameronwing1144]

The "EMOTIONAL DAMAGE" clip had me actually LOLing

[@saraha.3057]

I really liked this video and the connections made to Togashi's life. I've read a few commentaries where the person has a clear disdain for Gon and it overshadows how they characterize his and Killua's friendship. They're children, not monsters so they're obviously not always going to do the right thing. Gon can be shortsighted and too forward thinking that he's prone to overlooking his companions but it's not from a place of malice. I'm a Gon Freecs defender so maybe I'm too sensitive. But, I truly believe that Killua would not have gone through even a shred of the development he did without Gon being there. These two are probably my favorite anime duo of all time so any time someone mentions them, I get excited.

[@AshleyHope4More]

Gosh, your perspective on healthy and unhealthy emotions, and how bottling things up is a destructive process, really hit me as a trauma survivor. My therapist has said the same thing to me, anger isn't bad, it's just an emotion. Thank you for sharing this take

[@SergioAlvarez45]

The bonsai boys talking about hunter x hunter is the best! The series focus on Killua and Gon is one of the best aspects of the show. Their friendship is so complex and dependant at times. I want nothing but for the boys to stick together and be their best selves and watch them grow but eventually their relationship requires them to separate and go their own ways and it's such a wonderful example of friendship cause man, sometimes friendships need to take breaks and give space or just end. It's unfortunate but it's not something that needs to be necessarily bad. Sometimes people just need to go their own ways. My hope for the manga is to see Gon and Killua one more time and see where they are before the series ends. Love you Bonsai boys keep up the awesome work!!

[@jessehenderson2967]

I remember a convo with my mom, about 2 years after the death of my brother, were she said "You didn't always used to be like this. What changed you?" I kinda feel for Gon and I aint even watched the Anime. I didn't get lost in rage or Shonen fights either, just work. Working myself to death. Still haven't stopped.

[@SamTheGumMan117]

Killua with Gon have such a great bromance helping each other through tough struggles not to mention Hisoka out here also Togashi bringing not just 10 but 20 new chaps coming jeezus

[@kavrioneltroume027]

I didn't pick up the dark part of their relationship until the Greed Island arc. At the scene where Killua was revealed to be enduring Gon's attacks for the sake of holding the ball, the way Gon casually accepted it and still insisted that Killua holds the ball because he's his friend and trusts him just put me off so badly. If your friend gets hurt because of you, wouldn't you feel guilty or ashamed? Especially if they tried to hide it from you in order not to worry you? But Gon's selfish nature was sugarcoated over him talking about their bond as friends, so I decided not to let it bug me too much. Fast forward to a couple more arcs later, and oh boy, Chimera Ant did a number on me making me realize how flawed their "friendship" was. Gon saying Killua had it easy despite knowing he came from a family of assassins, completely disregarding Killua's feelings in the pursuit of revenge, etc. And near at the shows finale when Killua talked about Gon making him feel miserable, Gon merely whined, not because he felt guilty, but mainly because Killua was making him feel bad still even though he already 'apologized'.

[@kavrioneltroume027]

"Killua is a kind natured boy but was raised to kill. Gon has a nature for killing but was raised to be kind." I saw this quote on another video which makes sense since it explains how their friendship was okay at first then eventually fell apart.

[@kandymae]

Dang…this is making Gon sound like a psychopath/sociopath in a sense, which is something you’d really expect from Killua given his circumstances.

[@m8kki]

@Kavrion Eltroume i had the same process as you. in greed island arc i didn't really understand the meaning behind gon's words and action, but when i finished the anime and came back i realized that their "friendship" in some ways was always unhealthy because of gon and killua's intrinsic actions and thoughts. i also think that quote represents gon and killua very well!

[@ahnhyungseobhaveyoulearnth8286]

@@kandymae he would almost be there if he didn’t have the natural tendency to be kind. he doesn’t try to assimilate with the crowd either. i definitely feel like if someone was there who would clearly call out gon (i feel like leorio would have if he had been there for the chimera ant arc tbh) things wouldn’t have been so bad. their time apart would definitely teach them, hopefully gon mostly, a lot. sometimes you gotta be told you’re wrong to know you’re wrong.

[@Arcad1010]

I was totally turned off at gon by ant arc.😒

[@watchforever1724]

Glad to see your back bonsai pop and better way to talk about Hunter x Hunter

[@sagittariusseiya8310]

Yep.

[@mekalunia]

I love HxH's take on upbringing, Gon had a good childhood so he never hated his father and in the end after the chimera ant arc he had a home to go back and heal. Killua's childhood in reverse severely stunted his emotional side, Gon was his emotional pillar so while he could see something was wrong Killua was unable to help or take charge when Gon's grief turned to homicidal anger ( i like to imagine if Leorio had been there he would have recognized that and taken both out of there, consequences be damned, but alas he was not there)

[@AqwDragulum]

I used to think Gon was the glue of the main 4, given that he was the main reason they all became friends in the first place. Turns out it was Leorio, who is more of an older brother and dad than Killua’s and Gon’s

[@Elamado97]

​@@AqwDragulumleorio is the heart of the series while gon is the spirit of th3 show.

[@AqwDragulum]

@@Elamado97 I agree. Melody said it well too

[@Ner0mancer]

I was there with Gon, doesn't feel good. There was a time I was walking around just waiting to hurt or be hurt. Nowadays I learned how to process and express emotions. It's all about balance, don't be all light but don't be all dark. And if there's darkness all around you, you very well may be the light you are looking for.

[@Ner0mancer]

Btw whats the song at 27:13? It's epic!!

[@individualywrappedcheeseslices]

That FF8 track in the backround was just perfect placement. Set the mood but also reminded me how incredibly underrated FF8 was even with all its shortcoming. Killer video as always!

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

As the year have passed and recent events occured in my life, i realized how much this story has had effect on my view of friendship. I've been a Killua for so many years without realizing it. I've only viewed friendship as a sacrifice that i need to do in order to compensate my wretchedness and the people i attach myself to tend to play that role of "being a light in my life". Today i'm 25 years old and i finally realized all of my flaws and detached myself from that person, that image i've construted of them being perfect adn just like the sun. It's not really an enjoyable feeling but more of a liberating surge of emotions which have been represed for so long. Overall what i'm trying to say is that i can't wait to see thel boys in the future of the series and witness their new self. Thanks for the video guys it's always nice to have some of my fave youtubers speak about one if not the most defining manga/anime of my life so yeah... Many thanks !

[@ColdGrills]

I feel with you on that. HunterxHunter has had a big impact on me in understanding myself as well, with some of the most relatable characters and character arcs I've had the pleasure of seeing. I've always felt like Gon is more relatable than killua though. When I was younger I learned to bottle up all my negative emotions and focus my frustration and anger in a way that would give me energy when doing heavy tasks, but as I kept doing it I started loosing control and ended up breaking things, and in some cases I've both physically and mentally hurt family and friends because my poor emotional state took control over me, kinda like the scene with Morel where Gon would have killed him if Killua wasn't there to restrain Gon. Not that I'm on the verge of hurting anyone though, I'd be more likely to break down and cry uncontrolably now that I've learned how not to project those feelings onto others, but the terrible emotional state Gon was in to reach that point feels so familiar to me. I remember when "teenage me" saw how selfdestructive Gon had gotten during the chimera ant arc and got scared I was heading down a similar path, where I eventually would lose myself until I'd reach a point where I couldn't go back anymore. As a kid who never really made any real social connections or figured out how to rely on others, the media I consumed was such a big part in discovering myself, what I was and what I wanted to be. I just hope I one day get to see Gon and Killua reconnect as more mature, well rounded adults. That would tie up their story with a neat little bow for me!

[@JoshuaHenelyThornhill]

@@ColdGrills Thanks a lot for sharing your story with me or anyone reading this. I feel akin to lots of what you're saying. I hope with the recent return of the manga we can come closer to that impending end and to see our boys reunited as older and wiser kindred spirits.

[@subhadramahanta452]

I was looking at my own relationship with my bestie of all time while watching HxH, I also had Killua like mindset tbh. (I also used to have the internal monologues like: "You're my Sun" etc, but I got treated much better than what Killua got from Gon) Fortunately, over the years I realised the flaws in my viewpoint and gradually healed. She's still my bestie, we are in different cities rn, don't interact much, but deep down I know, if it ever comes down who to trust in the most crucial time, she'll be it. She feels more of an eternal bond now, which is always gonna be there, we are like a family member to each other who chose each other which it feels really special.

[@cww2490]

Great video. It's a great take on Gon and Killua. I appreciate video that dive into how Gon thinks and how he isn't actually a standard manga protagonist, and this video gives another side to Gon as he enters a bigger world.

[@animatedmeaning5734]

Masive props for beautifully implementing all the research into this video. I am sure it took you guys a lot of work.

[@kristianhughes3746]

I've heard a lot of takes on the progression of Gon's character, and they've all hit at bits and pieces of the truth. It's always fun to see another take on such a complex character (especially because he seems so simple at the beginning). I've heard people compare Gon's arc to Meruems, and suggesting that Meruem went from Monster to Human and Gon did the opposite. So this emotional version of the back and forth is insightful. It's also neat to point out that like real relationships, the two boys were affected by each other's proximity and learned some of the other's habits, good and bad.

[@marcellolucas7160]

Absolutely adoring the soundtrack/music choices for this one boss. Also the essay and video content is eye opening like always. glad to take it all in

[@Parietal-Polymath]

Togashi truly is the greatest for having 2 anime in my top 5. YYH and HxH, being a good hardworking reclusive guy married to the mangaka of Sailor Moon. Gotta respect him.

[@welshmansays14]

I really feel like this deep dive break down of both these 2 characters and their relationship is y'alls best video to date. keep up the wonderful work.

[@Esskaden]

This was beautifully written. Thanks for you time making this.

[@ProjektBurn]

So looking forward to this one. Thank you for the Saturday morning gift. Got a bowl of cereal and still in my pajamas in my bedroom fort ready to go! Love you guys. Stay awesome

[@WowSuchPerfectWorld]

Their relationship isn't toxic or bad just because they go through things sometimes 💁‍♂️

[@mrm9570]

I agree. I don't think its toxic, flawed in some places but definitely balances out.

[@GudetamaSit]

@@mrm9570 Same here. I think a break from each other was necessary, but at the end of the day they're just kids who appreciate each other's company. They're fairly good people but not morally rock solid, which is a given when they've been through traumatic experiences as kids.

[@TaiWanWaf]

Beautiful use of the background music, and the deep look at their relationship has made me want to watch this show

[@DragonballBlack]

Missed your uploads bro keep them coming!

[@Bortxer]

Togashi is one of my favorite mangaka. Great video guys! BTW if you aren't in the bonsai pop patreon discord, you are majorly missing out! Been nothing but a good time since I joined. Everyone is so nice, fun and supportive.

[@Caliginous333]

Ah yeah, another upload from the boys. I’m already liking it before watching it as I know it’ll be a quality upload with all the heart put into each video by you both and your team. I’ll be looking forward to watching this as soon as I can.

[@omega_shalow]

I loved this video for so many reasons. Every creator puts some pieces of themselves in their work...

[@danielleheart6434]

I almost cried when you finished explaining Killua’s Hell upbringing. He is one of my favorite characters. He definitely had it rough. So happy he met Gon

[@TheMemeXp1]

I gotta love the selection of music for your video🖤 you got yourself a new subscriber

[@matthewjones1627]

Couldn’t be happier with this channel making hunter X hunter content hope you guys have a wonderful day thank you so much

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

This was excellent! I love in-depth analyses! Great message to creatives to take breaks and take care of yourself, so you can continue to do what you love!

[@oliverlangrall2014]

Awesome video, I wouldn't have guessed how much the breakdown revolves around emotional understanding.

[@GuyKage]

Hey, sorry to bother you but I created a hxh vid about Gon in the Chimera arc. check it if you have some time on your hands. Thank you in advance.

[@ghostsaibu8849]

Yasss new bpop vid!!

[@Shjon_]

I thought this was gonna be a boring video but this made me rewatch the show and enjoy it differently, great project!

[@Vvvvvvvvv731]

Another sick video. Now I actually want to watch this, so thanks for that. 🙌🏼

[@takusaka3667]

Wow your so awesome!! I really loved learning a lot more about Gon and Killua

[@RadarFinsR]

12:14 more accurate to say he would have to maim a child, but the way it's laid out hanzo even says it, there's no way I can make you give up without killing you, and killing your opponent was a instant fail in that round of the exam. Essentially it was made out that gon's determination was so strong that hanzo realized he had no win condition, either he tortures gon to death and loses or admits defeat and goes to the next round. Good video just thought it was a good point since Gon's determination even to his own detriment is very soft forshadowing for things like him giving up his life for revenge on pitou after they reveal kite can't be healed which was gon's driving ambition since the moment they were seperated.

[@mrm9570]

Togashi foreshadowed a lot of things throughout the anime since the beginning that you don't even realise until you start thinking deeply. Another good thing foreshadowed in the show is Netero's true nature.

[@RexMckinnis]

Big respect for the GZA track- As someone who deals with depression and it waivers. I exercised the entire year of 21’ I stopped this year because I was still pounding beers. I wasn’t in the right frame and at days I wanna give up but I still push and I’m here! I appreciate you talking on your mental health! It’s a conversation that needs to be talked about!

[@1234fakerstreet]

Man, I'm always so excited to get these videos. I save them for when I have time to enjoy them in one sitting. Another banger!

[@paulmaloney4387]

Your early video on HxH put me on to the series back in 2020 - I genuinely think the series features the coolest fantasy world ever created (and Im all caught up on the manga now). Thanks alot 🙌

[@OandMalibu]

This is such a good video. Hunter x Hunter and anime aside this video is actually so educational about emotions and oneself. Very nice to be pleasantly educated and entertained at the same time. Nice Video!

[@blackanimequeen253]

Thank you for the video Mike and your health issues are important be safe and stay healthy 🙏❤

[@popcornparker5390]

very cool video. I just finished the series. great insights!

[@richardfabian2613]

How insightful and deep. Thanks for sharing your personal experience to make this case and making yourself so vulnerable to discuss mental health - super important topic. Brilliant essay take good care of yourselves!

[@taly533]

Amazing video! This was super helpful not only for my understanding of Hunter X Hunter but this showed me my own "aha" moment for my own mental health and neurodiversity. You are so right in that emotions sure are complicated but they aren't inherently bad. Thank your for all your hard work and awesome videos and I hope your own mental health continues to improve!

[@kaleidefries5645]

Thanks for releasing this video.

[@brontesaurusrex7235]

WELP that broke my heart, time to watch the whole video again

[@Rolling_Thunder93]

I was WAITING for you to make a video on this.

[@Shaggyone]

Woke up this Saturday morning and I knew I'd see a new Bonsai Pop video! Just had a classic Bonsai Pop video kind of a feel... And here we are, together, on a Saturday morning!!! Thanks man (Guys)! Love what you do!!!!

[@Deadlift4chips]

Gon and killua are a demon duo. Hxh 2011 created an American fan base and I’m glad. From people not knowing what it was in 05 when I mentioned it to being a worldwide loved series. Now if yyh could be remade I’d be even happier.

[@monicanicole738]

I just wanted to comment that I used to watch your channel in 2018-2020 but when I lost my job in 2020 due to Covid. My new job was more hands on and I fell off your channel. So I wanted to say this was fire! I relate to Gon because I grew up in a small town where we could keep car and house doors unlocked while away for weekends bevause everyone knew you and looked out for you. I used to even call my neighbors my cousins cause we were so close! Anyway I recently moved our or my town into a big city and it’s a culture shock lol. My now ex boyfriend used to make fun of my naive and happy nature. He prayed on my innocence and trust. Over time I became like the Gon who started to understand the world is not nice and people will hurt you. Whereas my ex was Killua in that everyone can’t be trusted and survival mode is on lock. I slowly started to become cynical and mean due to my ex. He was an emotional abuser and I one day started snapping at him for the way he was treating me. That’s when my “dark side” unlocked. Yeah you do eventually react and much like Gon I had finally had enough. Needless to say we aren’t together anymore but I am thankful to my ex for teaching me about rhe real world and people since mt parents only sheltered me. I appreciate him helping me learn safety and taking myself serious and having my guard up. I tried to show him love but all he wanted was someone to self gratification him and I wasn’t feeling it after 3 years. We aren’t friends but I’ll always be thankful for him showing me not everyone deserves my love and kindness without earning it and also how to not turn bitter bevause I’m too nice. I love my nature and I’ll simply be more discerning from now on but I won’t turn into what he tried to make me (paranoid). Glad to be back on your channel dude!

[@nkryum0047]

Another great video, love the analysis of the emotional aspects of their relationship

[@theboyfromneighbourhood8998]

Thanks for this awesome video! It was great to watch!

[@happilyevernever4289]

I love the analysis. That makes me excited for their reunion even more, to see how they've changed and their growth in character. I hope they communicate better eventually.

[@thabokgwele5268]

Really cool that Togashi got back to working on this series

[@tykep1009]

Great and unique work, as always. I hope you stay healthy.

[@rainingekam2323]

Great video guys! Always look forward to your releases.

[@renisgreg9140]

Amazing. Had me thinking about emotions and how I'm handling them. Also made me think about my own work ethic (making my own comic + a full time job = not a really healthy schedule). Made me chuckle as well. Favorite video of the year.

[@jadesalas8320]

Appreciated the use of GZA here. Great video :)

[@chowrites6179]

The pills or roof comment hurt me immensely. I have dealt with those thoughts for the majority of my life and to hear someone who one of my all time favorite anime has had to deal with that hurts to hear. I think its safe to assume we want our favorite creators to be and do well in life, they've given us happiness and excitement through their content so of course we wish them well.

[@Sbthegod]

This was beautiful. Thank you I personally needed this

[@grosslyDese2060]

Very nice video, I’ll help you keep your lights on

[@tking6206]

Love the videos man I've went back and watched so many because of the influence ty!

[@kenzz9682]

Love the video!

[@tmantheawesome22]

That was a fantastic perspective on Gon and Killua! I thoroughly enjoyed, so thank you.

[@wrlk636]

awesome video. started feeling super easy to cruise through and never went back.

[@nathanbumgarner7061]

Love everything you guys do! And another amazing one in the books 👍

[@Nakama4Forever]

This really is such a touching video. I really hope more people can watch this

[@kubobetterrelax7435]

This is my favorite anime channel of all time. I love this man.

[@Qbryan4]

Big fan of the vid! Wasn’t Muira taking huge breaks and living healthily for some time right around the infamous boat arc? I remember eyepatch wolf covering the “work killed miura” discussion in his berserk video recently. Hope y’all are doing well, stay safe, keep up the great work

[@thatfloridakid]

Glad to see you back. Great video like always. This two really did make a great pair and the build up/change was really intense. Can't wait for more the story to continue.. Looking forward to that yuyu hakusho video you mentioned you might do in this one. Stay healthy and keep being awesome.

[@bluejay.27]

This is video is super dope! It definitely gives a good perspective on how I view others or myself. And I appreciate how you broke down how emotions should be looked at!!

[@thibaultl1956]

This is my favorite analysis of their relationship and more. Well done.

[@SuperSlowMotion91]

Commenting for the algorithm gods. Another great breakdown of a very deep and unique bond , bpop.

[@deaddhianna]

Great job guys. This was a great video.

[@esteban5628]

Always nice seeing you posted

[@Rawkr57]

Always love seeing the notification from you guys pop up! Love you guys!

[@TheCreepypro]

captured the genius of the show and the man behind it perfectly this is truly a top notch video

[@herbbaines1909]

This was truly amazing

[@cbaderivado]

You really give me a new perspective to this anime and manga, excelent work guys, it was worth the waiting👍👏👏👏👌

[@awolanonymous2935]

Great Vid! hits close to home

[@paperboy1116]

Not even two minutes in and you used the classic “Emotional Damage” meme. This is gonna be good, already hit like.

[@Blacknarock]

A well made video and a well needed summary. Thank you.

[@bcloyd18]

Awesome vid!! The FFX theme music in the backround has me wanting to play it again though lol

[@KVROACEGG]

Ys OST caught me off guard! Excellent analysis of the duo