Spread a little thin this week because of conventions, so I don’t have
time to cover the usual five-episode-chunk. Frankly, we had more plot in this one episode
than that entire, interminable mini-arc with Knuckle, so it works out just as
well…
Anyway, it’s episodes like this which make me wonder if we’re due for
some PLUTO-style reinterpretation of this story arc in twenty years or so. That manga found more mature significance lying in some ASTRO BOY story from
long ago, and I can’t help but feel like there’s plenty of deeper thematic material
bubbling beneath the surface here. Granted, that feeling is largely the result
of Togashi employing a number of intentionally mollifying conceits that let him
get away with a lot of dark stuff in a show that’s labeled for young boys, but...
As several of you have observed, Gon and Killua are basically adult
leads who are dressed as kids. That’s abundantly clear when they have that
tearful scene about finally understanding weakness. I'm sorry, but even by fantasy standards, that's a thought that's simply beyond the ken of a 10-year-old. Likewise, the villains can commit
any number of horrific atrocities without going too far because, at all times,
they just look patently ridiculous. The scene
where the King casually murders a whole family hits a little softer because he’s
wearing this silly turtleshell bowler hat.
Still, there’s something about the… nature of the Chimera
Ants. There’s this whole procession of how they’re born, fully-sentient, with
distinct personalities that constantly clash on ideologies. Why is it that Colt
has a sense of restraint and honor that the others don’t? Why do some swear allegiance
to the King, while others remain loyal to the Queen? Would they be having these
argument if they didn’t suddenly choose to give themselves names? And so on…
The short answer is that Togashi knows that conflict holds interest,
and having the villains argue among themselves leads to more drama and complications. However, he probably didn’t want to bother with working out some
involved reason for how they came together, so here you are. Whether he
stumbled upon on them, or slyly wanted to hint at them, the questions are there…
…and they’re far more interesting than watching another training round
with Knuckle.
Watch "The
Strong X and X the Week” and decide for yourself, then read my comments about
the previous episode.
About the Author
 | Tom Pinchuk’s a writer and personality with a large number of comics, videos and features like this to his credit. Visit his website - - tompinchuk.com - - and follow his Twitter: @tompinchuk |
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