Hunter x Hunter No. 420: Encounter

The art this chapter is something else. Togashi puts his heart and soul into the backgrounds, brilliantly realising the Casino area with a flair only the Hunter x Hunter world can provide. In that space, Tserreidnich finds many of his royal guards murdered. He’s confused as to why the guards have seemingly been killed by slashing rather than gunfire. At this point I knew for certain Hisoka would be right around the corner, I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say I was extremely excited for him to return, he’s a fascinating, evil, deplorable, compelling and charismatic character. This chapter really demonstrates Togashi’s mastery of the page-turn. As we flip over, we see Hisoka, enjoying himself on the slots, the next page a close-up of his face, hair down, makeup removed, sporting what seems to be a stereotypical Casino employee or gambler outfit.

Tserreidnich thinks Hisoka is a degenerate gambler, not putting the trail of bodies and this man together. Hisoka quickly appears behind the Fourth Prince. He’s disappointed that he isn’t a member of the Phantom Troupe, as we must remember his mission is to eradicate the Spiders. Hisoka kills Tserreidnich in the vision, snapping him back to the present. Hisoka isn’t particularly interested in killing the princes as it doesn’t provide much thrill, however Tserreidnich’s ability does seem to catch his eye as he tries to slip away. This is a great encounter, and I’m so happy that Hisoka is going to be tied into the main plot going forward, as I’m sure his curiosity will need to be sated eventually. Similarly, Tserreidnich is utterly entranced by Hisoka’s power saying he’ll have to surpass him in the future. I’m not sure about that, I don’t know if it’s right to say the prince has delusions of grandeur but he certainly has a lot of misplaced self belief when monsters like Hisoka exist.

Tserreidnich realises that all the soldiers were killed the exact same way he saw himself killed by Hisoka. He’s excited by this, much like Hisoka is during the heat of battle… I’m not sure if he actually wet his pants but he certainly got some sick pleasure out of it. The prince finds the yacht surrounded, but still believes he can complete his plan, after all he doesn’t know when to quit! This was probably one of the most ‘hype’ chapters in a long time, it’s great to have some real 1v1 combat again, even if it didn’t last incredibly long. I’m sure the two will cross paths again, and the complex web of character relationships will continue to grow. I think this link between the old and new is really important for the story. As much as I love the current cast, the previously established bring a lot of weight and gravitas to things that couldn’t be done otherwise. It makes my mind race with the possibilities of where things will go next.