Hunter x Hunter’snew fighting game,Nen x Impacthas been banned in Australia due to suggestions of sexual violence against minors according to a recent report. ThoughHunter x Hunteris a believed series among anime fans, one of the series' main antagonists, Hisoka, remains a controversial aspect. It seems that controversy has now boiled over, with Hisoka’s disquieting antics meaning thatBushiroad and Eighting’sHunter x Hunter: Nen x Impactwon’t receive classification in Australia, effectively banning the game.
In a report byAutomaton Media, the Australian Classification board specifically said that it wouldn’t classify the new game with its rating system due to “sexual violence against characters under the age of 18 by an adult male character.” While the board doesn’t clarify, anyone familiar with the series will know that the likely culprit is Hisoka. While this is obviously disappointing for Australian fans ofHunter x Hunterwho were looking forward to the new game, the ban is sparking wider discussions about Hisoka’s place in the series.
Hunter x Hunter’s Australian Ban Puts the Spotlight On Hisoka
Old Debates About the Popular Villain Have Been Reignited
As seen in the comments of an X post about the ban by X userManga Mogura, fans mostly are taking the side of the franchise. Yoshihiro Togashi’sHunter x Huntermight not be as big asDragon BallorNaruto, but it still has a sizable fanbase who are largely passionate about the work. Given this, it’s easy to see why many would be hurt or offended by the suggestion that a staple character like Hisoka should lead to an entire game being banned from a country. In the same comment section though are fans who are more understanding.
Hunter x Hunter’sHisoka is certainly a divisive character, so it makes sense that some would be more sympathetic to the ban. ThroughoutHunter x Hunterthere are repeated suggestions that Hisoka (whose age is unknown but is clearly presented as an adult) is attracted to series protagonist Gon Freecs (who is around 11 or 12 during his interactions with Hisoka). Hisoka is of course a villain, so the series never portrays Hisoka’s attraction to Gon as good, but it’s easy to understand why his behavior would put some off.
So is Hisoka Ultimately a Benefit or Hindrance to Hunter x Hunter?
Hisoka is a tough character to analyze, as it’s left vague whether Hisoka is attracted to Gon, or if he’s excited about the prospect of fighting someone as powerful as Gon. Regardless of why Hisoka is interested in Gon though, at no point doesHunter x Hunterapprove of Hisoka’s actions. He might beone ofHunter x Hunter’sstrongest characters, but he’s also one of the most comically evil characters. With a cast as morally gray asHunter x Hunter’s,Hisoka stands firmly on the side of bad, despite a handful of times where he helps the protagonists.
So, ultimately, though it’s understandable why some would have a problem with Hisoka and feel uncomfortable about his remarks, the game being banned in Australia is something of an overreach. Hisoka’s actions are clearly intended to be problematic, and that makes a big difference in how fans are supposed to see the villain. Still, regardless, as long as there are discussions aboutHunter x Hunter, there’s bound to be controversy surrounding Hisoka.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter × Hunteris a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers his father is a legendary Hunter, and embarks on a journey to become one himself. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes in a world filled with martial arts, adventure, and paranormal elements. The franchise spans manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and video games.
