As I mentioned last week, even though there is a Tolkien level amount of detail surrounding Nen in the universe of Hunter x Hunter, I was often a bit disappointed by the abilities themselves. They are often not particularly well defined and some have changed quite a bit throughout the series. Seriously, how did Hisoka make someone’s arms turn into little pink flowers?
- How did you find HxH?
- Favorite main character
- Favorite supporting character
- Favorite Chimera ant
- Least favorite character
- Favorite Zoldyck Member
- Favorite Villain
- Favorite Nen type
- Favorite Nen ability
- Favorite episode
- Favorite scene
- Favorite opening animation
- Do you ship anyone
- Saddest scene
- Favorite non-nen ability
- Favorite ark
- Least favorite ark
- Favorite type of Hunter
- Favorite character outfit
- Funniest scene
- Who would you cosplay as
- Friendliest character
- Least friendly character
- Best main character family member
- Favorite character backstory
- Worse main character family member
- Manga or Anime
- Most relatable character
- What got you hooked on the show
- Why do you love HxH
Favorite Nen Ability
If we’re being honest, the “best” abilities, as in the most useful ones, aren’t that impressive to look at. Sure you could argue the Chrollo’s book of stealing magic is pretty useful but he’s just copying others so that would be like saying the best ability is ALL abilities and that’s lazy.
So this week, I’m going to go with the two – I know I’m bad at this – that I though were both a bit more unusual while still entertaining to look at.
First Kalluto. For some reason I am very attracted to paper based powers. I love them in Natsume as well. I also have this odd fascination with the word Kami meaning both essentially god (little g) and paper. For some reason that seems perfectly natural to me as the notion of paper is so intricately linked with writing and the idea of writing/communicating seems like proof of some divine master plan. Well that went all over the place. Short version, I like magic paper.
Also, the use of Kalluto’s ability implies an actual dance and when you combine it with his delicate and beautiful character design, it’s simply gorgeous to look at. It is slightly reminiscent of a magical girl transformation sequence, you can never have enough of those.
The other ability that has always stood out for me is Shoot’s Hotel Rafflesia. It’s a great name. Shoots ability looks super weird and seems very difficult to use. It’s probably never going to make him a top hunter but it sure was interesting to watch. He managed to adapt it quite a bit to fit different situations which was impressive. Aside from the disembodied flying hands what his ability actually does is allow him shrink and seal any body part he touches in a little cage. How’s that for weird? He will often target an opponent’s eyes, to create more blind spots. Eventually, either the enemy’s entire body is in the cage or Shoot has gained enough mental and physical to simply win. Apparently he created this ability because he does not like hurting others, he wanted a weapon that could be used only when he really must hurt someone, so he would have no qualms about it. I never really got that but it’s still a cute sentiment.
I’m curious, do you have favorite ability?
Friends don’t let friends drink by themselves
Suggested drink: Paper Plane
- Every time we hear a new ability name – drink
- Every time the origin of an ability is explained – snack
- Every time Chrollo uses a new ability – drink
- Every time someone makes fun of an ability name – smirk
- Every time someone has an unexplained extra ability – drink
- Every time your favorite ability is use – drink
- Every time someone has a redundant ability – drink
