Episode 8: Conjurer × Smile × Beasts Beware
Previous Episode | Index | Next Episode
…You look the same as usual
Comment of the Day:
/u/Shimmering-Sky giving us last episode in a nutshell
Questions of the Day
1) How would you deal with a nearby Hisoka?
2) The first exam is over! What kind of exams do you expect to see?
Fanart of the Day: Run Leorio!
Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!Leorio is best boy!<
by KendotsX
10 Comments
**First × Timer × Subbed**
– [Aha, of course Gon would notice something like this.](https://i.imgur.com/z2MGt69.png)
– [And of course Kurapika suggests *this*…](https://i.imgur.com/ii4VsKA.png) though [the supposed real proctor has an answer to that too…](https://i.imgur.com/b5SzkUT.png)
– [Oh damn.](https://i.imgur.com/buySbL1.png) [](#suddenshock) Hisoka’s playing cards must be made of the same ridiculously strong cardstock Yu-Gi-Oh! cards are.
– [Welp, that’ll do it.](https://i.imgur.com/zaPD7HJ.png)
– [Ahahahahahahahahaha](https://i.imgur.com/zktcIU4.png) [](#laughter)
– [Wow…](https://i.imgur.com/ZcN1TtI.png)
– [Leorio vs. Hisoka, huh?](https://i.imgur.com/k6PUFOf.png)
– …that was as much of a non-fight as I was expecting it to be. [](#cantbehelped)
– [Phew, perfect timing Gon.](https://i.imgur.com/q0ylzqZ.png)
– [Ouch.](https://i.imgur.com/hfyfZz5.png)
– [That’s one way to track them.](https://i.imgur.com/KZneCFg.png) [](#azusalaugh)
– [Gon “sore demo”!](https://files.catbox.moe/ui3bjp.mp4)
– [And *another* Gon “sore demo” less than a minute later, sweet.](https://files.catbox.moe/iighep.mp4)
### H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer
## Hunter × Hunter 1999 – [Episode 8](https://imgur.com/czA5yxy)
_Cards × Fog × Clown_
The resolution of who the “real” proctor is something I really like. Any non-hunter should pose absolutely no threat to a real hunters. So of course the simplest way to test this is for Hisoka to attack both of them.
It also gives us a new perspective on the mysterious clown. He is not following the same moral code as the other examinees. For him, murder is but another tool to achieve his goals. And that becomes so much more threatening once they head into the marsh.
As we see, the fauna and flora itself is dangerous. But on top of that, once Hisoka separates from the rest of the group, he begins attacking the other candidates. While it’s absolutely villainous behaviour, it makes a lot of sense. The more candidates there are the harder it will be to earn your hunter license. Thus, killing the other candidates _now_ is an effective strategy. [Later Spoilers] >!And it’s something we may also see Kilua do IIRC, depending on how much of Greed Island is adapted.!<
What I really love is how Gon comes back and lands an attack on Hisoka. Hisoka has, up to now, been a matchless candidate. Perhaps already on a Hunter level. Gon’s attack brings him down a peg. [Spoilers] >!It also marks the beginning of their incredible rivalry. It’s this attack that proves to Hisoka that Gon is someone worth considering.!<. It’s interesting that Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio could each “prove” their worth to Hisoka to stop his attack. Hisoka’s beliefs and philosophy are something we still need to learn more about.
The last thing I wanted to mention is [technology](https://imgur.com/u28nsTs)! Something I kind of hate about story setting tropes is the way that authors restrict themselves. “Oh, I’m writing fantasy so we can’t have technology”, “Oh, I am writing sci-fi so we can’t have magic”. NO! It’s so much more interesting to explore worlds which have both! I really appreciate Hunter × Hunter including this and I’ll probably get more into it in later episodes.
The best world building in my mind is when the setting is completely unique to a series. Sure, contemporary stuff can be set in the real world, but if you are going write a fantasy or sci-fi story please don’t artificially limit yourself. As a few small examples, shout out to shows like FMA for including automail, One Piece for the transponder snails, and Gundam for newtype telepathy. Even Togashi’s previous series Yu Yu Hakusho has a unique implementation of fantasy elements intersecting with the (at the time) modern day world.
### Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
* [Monkey Man](https://imgur.com/tgQAtJG)
* [Ace of Spades](https://imgur.com/YFnQeeW)
* [Card Trick](https://imgur.com/vzXmffn)
* [Piercings](https://imgur.com/pktpS7b)
* [Sword in the Bog](https://imgur.com/8DaYlLo)
* [Challengers](https://imgur.com/dx4qGZV)
* [Skate](https://imgur.com/9wSD3Qg), I feel like the marsh wouldn’t be good for skateboarding
* [Leorio, The Fighter](https://imgur.com/IH8EirE)
* [Patient](https://imgur.com/w3pzJJk)
See you all tomorrow
**Hunter Exam Host Here to Congratulate Everyone Who Made It**
Especially Tonpa, I always knew you could do it.
* On the off chance that [Mr. Bloody](https://i.imgur.com/u9oUOmB.jpeg) was telling the truth, I’d rather have [a monkey man who ran 100km+](https://i.imgur.com/OxgT4Ng.jpeg) without breaking a sweet, over the “proctor” who lost to that monkey.
* [Hanzo, out immediately!](https://i.imgur.com/g164UfL.jpeg)
* [Yup, whoever lives is the proctor, that’s nice, simple, and easy to cover up](https://i.imgur.com/VnayqCj.jpeg)
* Oh no, [Hisoka’s getting horny](https://i.imgur.com/9lu0IpB.jpeg) [](#schwing)
* Note to self: [never tell Gon a secret](https://i.imgur.com/wpHUmBT.jpeg)
* [Oh my](https://i.imgur.com/5iHbNdL.jpeg) [](#forbiddenlove)
* Where’s Leorio, and [who’s this sexy hunk?](https://i.imgur.com/3FOGc0p.jpeg) His [proportions are all over the place though](https://i.imgur.com/d3QjUTi.jpeg), wrong movie Rambp.
* I always appreciate the use of reflection to show someone who’s off screen, [and this is a beautiful way to do it](https://i.imgur.com/vJlBZFT.jpeg)
* The first hit on the crazy clown has been landed, and [it’s by Gon!](https://i.imgur.com/7EWsKvu.jpeg) [](#grandhype)
* To make up for that, [Hisoka punches the lights out of our good boy](https://i.imgur.com/4Gctii8.jpeg)
* [I love Kurapika’s face here](https://i.imgur.com/cExqNjG.jpeg), he’s giving us [some great comedy today](https://i.imgur.com/1s3PKJi.jpeg)
***
#Manga Corner
**Chapters adapter:** 8, 9, and about half of 10.
They’re adapted more or less to the point, the notable differences are:
When the fake proctor accuses Satotz, there’s no confusion between the group, Hisoka simply throws his cards immediately at both of them to see who’d make it.
[Spoiler] >, I guess they wanted to start focusing on those who’ll make it!<
[Satotz Sketch](https://i.imgur.com/GyPpXl4.jpeg)
**Rewatcher, Sub**
We finally left the tunnel though the first phase isn’t quite over as they now have to run through a densely fogged jungle while being careful of any creatures that might attack them.
Hisoka takes a bit of a stage this episode. We know he was kicked out one time for attacking a proctor and he has no qualms about doing it again seeing as when everyone suspects Satotz is suspected of being a fake and he just shoots at him to prove he’s real. Many applicants try to take care of him which ends about as well as you would expect while Gon, Kurapika, Leorio and another applicant run. It’s here however that we see more complexity, Leorio returns and tries to fight which also ends as you would expect, then Gon arrives and tries to fight as well and though he loses however Hisoka declares that they have “passed” and even takes the time to take Leorio to the end of the phase. Hisoka seems to have his own game here and seems to respect those who at least Strength, the exam is still not over though but the first phase is done so let’s see what will come next.
**Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs**
* …I’m not seeing the resemblance.
* This is why photo ID is generally preferred.
* [A Face Only a**Mother Could Love**](#sideeyes)
* A glorious Killua face to grace so early in the run.
* What’s the point of having a turtle shell if you’re just going to have fleshy bits sticking out of it?
* It’s not an easy life being a jobber. And these guys have to do it to a clown.
* Oh sure, *these* guys get praised for retreating.
* Landing a punch with the end of a fishing lure is quite the feat.
* 1999 would be pretty early for cell phones use. Now I can’t help but wonder about early manga depictions of them.
* Of course the guy who wears a suit to a marathon uses cologne.
* I am delightfully pleased to find out this version won’t be skimping out on Killua face.
* That’s one hungry building.
**QotD:**
1) You’re best bet is to blend into the crowd by being as nondescript as possible.
2) Human Chess.
> The first exam is over! What kind of exams do you expect to see?
[An exam about cooking](https://www.reddit.com/r/iamverysmart/) 🙂
**First Timer × At the Circus-Swamp**
So Hisoka’s gimmick is slashing cards, that’s really fun. I wonder if he has other magician-like tricks up his sleeve.
The confrontation was good, and cool set up for when we eventually face him in a fight. Probably for the third exam or something.
QotD:
1. “Wait! Umm, do you like playing card games? I like them too, so let me live…?”
2. A fighting one for sure. It could be 1v1, group battles, or even with some kind of gimmick. But I feel like it’s too soon for that, so before it there should be another test… can’t tell you what it could be about. Maybe related to animal hunting. It could tie into Kite’s test of having to “hunt” Ging, but a lot easier.
**10x 2011 Rewatcher 1x 1999 Rewatcher, Source Reader**
Bit late today because I was busy consuming the new chapter. Spoilers, it was super good.
[](#ilovethiskindofshit)
Anyway, this episode was a relatively straightforward adaptation of the manga. Some small changes regarding Killua and a jobber got Pokkle shoved into his spot, but that’s about it.
With that said, as we finally get some time with Hisoka, I finally feel comfortable mentioning that this entire time I’ve been getting jumpscared by the [ED](https://v.animethemes.moe/HunterHunter-ED1.webm), whose lead in reminds me of the beginning of [Hisoka’s theme from 2011](https://youtu.be/900AzBnnhjU?si=w-QdOVraxdELBh2A).
[](#terror)
**QotD:** Pray his bloodlust is sated and as such I’m not worth killing.
**3rd Time Taking the Hunter Exam (rewatcher)**
[Killua funny faces collection I made for this episode back in 2015!](https://imgur.com/a/killua-makes-funny-faces-Hvbtg)
After a brief scare involving a fake Hunter Exam proctor, it’s time for Phase 1.5 of the Hunter Exam, where the goal is to travel to the next phase successfully. Of course, said expedition will involve going through a swamp filled with magical creatures not unlike the ones that the gang saw signs warning them about during their trip to the Hunter Exam site.
And it’s another marathon, because they’re super imaginative when it comes to creating tests. Oh, you completed ONE marathon? Well, how about another, except it’s through a swamp filled with things that can kill you! Like Hisoka!
[spoiler]>!First appearance of fake Illumi with those needles stuck in his head! In the manga, he was introduced as part of the first phase, but I guess hallucinogenic tree sap took priority over that!<
We get our first extended look at Hisoka. He’s a ~~clown~~ MAGICIAN that loves to murder people when he’s bored, because who doesn’t love a good ol’ murdery ~~clown~~ magician character. Look at him cut those background characters down with a deck of playing cards!
After the Hisoka incident, the rest of this phase is kinda skipped over, because we’ve got more important things to focus on, like Phase 2 of the Hunter Exam! Sounds like it’s gonna be a difficult one according to Satotz.
NEXT TIME, ON HUNTER X HUNTER, [spoiler]>!the comedic break where everyone fails the exam. We’ve got Hisoka catching fish with his mouth, Killua being a master chef, and everyone failing to grasp the concept of sushi except Hanzo. I LOVE this episode.!<
**First Timer**
Yup, I heard about this murder clown before and that he is supposedly a rather complex character – and so far I’d agree, as carrying some strangers to safety while murdering others doesn’t really make a lot of sense. I suppose his test was seeing who would come to help their friends? But the question of why is looking over that observation.
Killua being an assassin seems more likely with him supposedly having the same …what did he call it, smell? Aura? As Hisoka.