Hunter x Hunter: Meruem or Gon, who is the true main character of the Chimera Ant arc?

Hunter x Hunter by Yoshihiro Togashi is a series known for spirited battles and an engaging narrative that has become popular in the shonen genre of anime and manga series. Among all of its arcs, one stands out the most, and it is the Chimera Ant arc. It is beautifully written and can be seen as a monumental turning point in the series.

It gives a better idea of the Hunter x Hunter world by diverging from the usual battle tournament type fights to dives into questions of humanity, morality, and the blurred lines between good and evil. While Gon Freecss is the main protagonist of the series, the Chimera Ant Arc challenges that notion.

All because the philosophical core in this arc is not in Gon’s journey but in Meruem, the king of the Chimera Ants. Because in the traditional format of storytelling, the main character is not someone who has appeared for a long time, but whom the story’s core themes are explored. By this standard, Meruem fits these criteria perfectly.

Meruem’s character has a drastic shift when he meets Komugi, a blind girl who was excellent in Gungi. She is the only person who challenges Meruem mentally, but also the first to treat him as something more than a monster or a king. She addresses him as an equal, even when she doesn't realize his nature.

Through their interactions, he was able to understand complex human emotions. By the arc’s end, Meruem no longer cares for power or rule. He only wants to spend his final moments with Komugi.

In contrast, we have Gon, the main protagonist of Hunter x Hunter, is largely sidelined. He is notably absent from having major development like he did before. When Gon reappears, his role takes on a much darker tone.

His character in Chimera Ant arc, follows Gon to be handing feels of grief, rage and betrayal after discovering what happened to Kite. This emotional turmoil drives him to the brink of self-destruction.

Interestingly, his character's spiraling gives a new edge to Gon as a person. Most of this arc, he is impulsive, irrational, and self-absorbed, not like the cheerful, morally anchored protagonist fans had known.

We cannot deny the heavy contrast between these characters as Meruem, who evolves toward humanity, and Gon regresses into rage and revenge. This is a bold narrative choice that again proves that Gon’s character arc serves more as a subplot than the main narrative driver. The broader questions posed by the arc are answered through Meruem’s journey, not Gon’s.

A philosophical conflict: humanity vs. monstrosity in Hunter x Hunter

One of the most amazing aspects about the Chimera Ant arc in Hunter x Hunter is how beautifully it flipped the formulated dynamics in its story. The one seen as a monster learns to love and reflect on his actions, while it is the humans who descend into cruelty, and their moral compass is compromised.

This contrasts with the supposed hero and villain of the arc, only reinforcing Meruem’s role as the moral center of the story. The audience is invited to question whether the humans are truly the good guys in this war. Meruem’s end makes the audience empathise with his demise, Meanwhile, Gon’s arc ends with devastation and regret.

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Finally, Meruem takes the lead of being the main character of the Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter x Hunter. His character is more than just being the lead antagonist. While Gon suffers and deals with rage and vengeance, Meruem reflects, grows, and changes.

His interactions with Komugi in Hunter x Hunter bring out a side of him that surpasses his monstrous roots and pose complex questions. Such as what makes one human, or can monsters be more than what is perceived of them? He was born to destroy but died understanding what it meant to love. His short life is a complete narrative arc in itself, with a beginning, middle, and an unforgettable end.

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