Unpacking Speed in Hunter x Hunter: Why Characters Seem Slow

In Hunter x Hunter, the perception of character speed, especially in relation to abilities and combat, is intricately influenced by several factors that contribute to the story's narrative and thematic depth. This article delves into these aspects, using examples from the series to illustrate the reasoning behind why certain characters appear slow despite their formidable abilities.

Power Scaling and Strategic Thinking

The series often emphasizes strategic thinking and the use of abilities over sheer speed. This is exemplified by powerful characters like Meruem, who showcase incredible power and intelligence but are portrayed in a manner that focuses on tactical advantage rather than raw speed. Meruem, despite his immense power, cannot react to sounds traveling faster than the speed of sound. Instead, he relies on his strategic prowess and intuition to outmaneuver his opponents effectively without the need for overt speed.

Nen Abilities: A Multi-Faceted Combat Mechanism

Many characters in Hunter x Hunter utilize Nen, a complex system of different abilities that can significantly affect combat dynamics. These abilities allow characters to outmaneuver or outsmart opponents without needing to be faster than sound. For instance, Pitou's Nen abilities enable her to cross vast distances in a fraction of a second, crossing from 2000 meters away in the blink of an eye. This showcases how Nen can compensate for traditional speed, allowing characters like Pitou to stay ahead of their enemies in terms of strategic engagement rather than physical speed.

Narrative Focus on Depth Over Action

The story often prioritizes character development, strategic battles, and the psychological aspects of combat over high-speed action sequences. This narrative choice ensures that battles are dynamic and engaging, even when not based on extreme speed. For example, in the palace invasion scene, Pitou's speed is such that she can cover a distance of 2050 meters almost instantaneously. This speed is relative to her opponents, highlighting how even perceived slowness can be a strategic advantage.

Realism in Combat

Creator Yoshihiro Togashi often grounds the battles in a more realistic depiction of how fights unfold. Characters, even the most powerful, may struggle with reaction times due to the complexities of combat, which adds to the dramatic and engaging storytelling. This realism is evident in the interplay between Pitou and Kite, where the speed of their interactions is more about multitasking and timing than pure speed metrics. Additionally, Adult Gon's ability to dodge Pitou's attacks effortlessly demonstrates that speed is not always the defining factor in combat, especially when the combatants are on multiple scales above ordinary speed.

Lightning speed, for reference, is Mach 352. In Hunter x Hunter, Pitou surpasses this speed, but even before Meruem's massive buff post the Rose Bomb, Gon was already on multiple scales above lightning speed, easily and effortlessly dodging attacks from Pitou.

Conclusion: Strategy and Character Depth

In summary, the portrayal of speed in Hunter x Hunter serves the narrative and thematic elements of the story. It emphasizes strategy, character depth, and psychological aspects over pure speed. While certain characters may not appear as fast as one might expect based on their power, this is due to strategic advantages and the narrative focus on more than just physical speed.