Gon Freecss

{{Short description|Fictional character from Hunter × Hunter manga}}

{{Infobox character

| name =

| series = Hunter × Hunter

| image = GonFreecsmanga.png

| alt =

| caption = Gon, as illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi

| first = Hunter × Hunter manga chapter 1: "The Day of Departure" (1998)

| creator = Yoshihiro Togashi

| voice = {{Plainlist|{{Collapsible list|title=Japanese|Rica Matsumoto (1998 film)|Junko Takeuchi (1999 series)|Megumi Han (2011 series)}}{{Collapsible list|title=English|Elinor Holt (1999 series)|Erica Mendez (2011 series)}}}}

| family = Unnamed great-grandmother
Ging Freecss (father)
Mito (aunt)

}}

{{nihongo|Gon Freecss|ゴン{{=}}フリークス|Gon Furīkusu|lead=yes}} is the protagonist of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga series Hunter × Hunter. Gon is a young boy who discovers his father, Ging, who left Gon at a young age, is actually a world-renowned Hunter, a licensed professional who specializes in locating rare or unidentified animal species, treasure hunting, surveying unexplored enclaves, and hunting criminals. Gon departs on a journey to become a Hunter and find his father: along the way, Gon meets other Hunters and encounters paranormal phenomena.

Togashi originally created Gon as an ideal son but after seeing the character's backstory, Togashi changed Gon's characterization to appear as a selfish teenager due to the way he starts his quest. Several voice actors have played Gon in animated adaptations of Hunter × Hunter; the character appears in two film adaptations, helping his friend Kurapika recover his eyes in the first one and protect an arena in the second one.

Despite initial mixed reviews about the character's simplicity, Gon has been well received by critics, who praised his likability and close relationship with Killua Zoldyck. This friendship, however, resulted in several critics expressing multiple opinions about his character development in the Chimera story arc of the series, where Gon's rage makes a less sympathetic lead than Killua's.

Creation and development

When creating the protagonist of the manga series Hunter × Hunter, Yoshihiro Togashi initially thought Gon Freecss should be an ideal son who would easily become the series' most popular character. As he elaborated on the story, his idea of Gon changed; he did not see Gon as the nice person he originally envisioned because Gon abandons his foster mother Mito just to learn to be a Hunter like his father Ging. Gon and Ging were intended to be similar characters, with Gon often feeling nervous. This led to a major change in the series' main character of the series and left his scrapped nature to another unspecified member from the series instead. Togashi had a rough idea of the setting, and felt he could continue the story as long as he started with Gon taking the Hunter Examinations. Togashi planned storyboards in which Gon's Hunter Exam ended in failure. After he discussed it with his editor, the idea of Gon failing the exam was rejected. When planning the manga, two important aspects of Gon were decided; Killua Zoldyck would be his friend and Hisoka Morow would be his enemy. Killua's personality was then shaped by his constant interactions with Gon.{{cite episode |title= Togashi's Q&A |access-date= August 19, 2024|series=イワクラと吉住の番組 |url=https://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/iwakura_yoshizumi/ |first=Yoshihiro |last= Togashi |network=TV Asahi |station=Fuji TV |date=November 2023 |language=ja}}

Togashi addressed Gon's personality during fight scenes; he scrapped Gon's sensitive nature and gave the manga a more entertaining aspect. Togashi feels glad he transformed Gon into the series' protagonist because he could deal with Gon's personality. Instead Togoshi gave Gon's calmness to the character Leorio.{{cite web|url=https://atamashi.org/el-autor-de-hunter-x-hunter-revela-que-gon-iba-a-ser-muy-distinto-pesima-idea/|title=El autor de Hunter x Hunter revela que Gon iba a ser muy distinto ¿Pésima idea?|website=Atamashi|date=September 6, 2018|access-date=January 14, 2022|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114130537/https://atamashi.org/el-autor-de-hunter-x-hunter-revela-que-gon-iba-a-ser-muy-distinto-pesima-idea/|url-status=live}} Togashi had the idea of having the characters' abilities connect with their personalities; Kurapika's chains are connected with his tragic backstory. Gon's abilities were also connected with his abilities and instincts. Originally, the series' plot would involve the use of trading cards as weapons. However, similarities with Kazuki Takahashi's Yu-Gi-Oh led to this being scrapped. Examples of fights using cards can be seen during the Greed Island story arc, in which Gon and Killua often use cards to use magic spells.{{cite web|url=https://latam.ign.com/hunter-x-hunter-1/88398/news/hunter-x-hunter-pudo-ser-muy-diferente-pero-yu-gi-oh-lo-evito|title=Hunter x Hunter pudo ser muy diferente, pero Yu-Gi-Oh! lo evitó|website=IGN|date=September 27, 2022|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114130536/https://latam.ign.com/hunter-x-hunter-1/88398/news/hunter-x-hunter-pudo-ser-muy-diferente-pero-yu-gi-oh-lo-evito|url-status=live}}

In the first animated adaptation of Hunter x Hunter by Nippon Animation, the staff was catching up to the printed adaptation and thus planned their own original ending. In this original scenario, Killua and Gon split after Kurapika's death while facing criminals and there is a timeskip of 7 years until the final episode. In the final episode, a now adult Killua returns to Gon's home in Whale Island alongside his father under a job which would result into him killing Gon in the process. Upon being notified of this scenario, Togashi rejected the story and the 1999 television series instead ended with Kurapika's reunion with his friends which is followed in original video animations that follow the manga instead.{{cite web|url=https://gamerant.com/hunter-x-hunter-anime-ending-togashi-rejected-surfaces/#:~:text=Gon%2C%20of%20course%2C%20stood%20against,obviously%20goes%20against%20his%20vision.|title=Shocking Hunter x Hunter Anime Ending That Togashi Rejected Surfaces|author=Penber, Rei|access-date=February 18, 2025|work=GameRabt}} In 2023, Togashi showed planned ending of the manga in a Japanese TV show. Following a time skip, years into the future, it features Gon's granddaughter Gin while the older Gon was absent from home. Togashi wanted to create a satisfying-enough conclusion so he would not have to resort to endings he called A, B, or C. Togashi stated the readers' reactions but it reached mixed opinions from the audience.{{cite web|last=Tai|first=Anita|title=Togashi Yoshihiro Reveals Hunter x Hunter Manga's Possible Ending in Case He Passes Away|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-21/togashi-yoshihiro-reveals-hunter-x-hunter-manga-possible-ending-in-case-he-passes-away/.204708|website=Anime News Network|access-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122030720/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-11-21/togashi-yoshihiro-reveals-hunter-x-hunter-manga-possible-ending-in-case-he-passes-away/.204708|archive-date=November 22, 2023|date=November 21, 2023|url-status=live}}

=Casting=

{{multiple image

| total_width = 350

| align = right

| image1 = Megumi Han (潘めぐみ) at Anime Expo 2013.jpg

| image2 = Erica Mendez by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| footer =Megumi Han (left/top) and Erica Mendez (right/bottom), the respective Japanese and English voice actresses for Gon in the 2011 anime.

}}

In a 1999 Japanese adaptation of Hunter x Hunter, Gon was voiced by Rica Matsumoto, and in a 1999 television series by Junko Takeuchi.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2011-11-01/interview-junko-takeuchi|title=Interview: Junko Takeuchi|work=Anime News Network|date=November 1, 2011|access-date=January 3, 2023|archive-date=February 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200217204048/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2011-11-01/interview-junko-takeuchi|url-status=live}} Elinor Holt voiced him in the English dub of the 1999 series.{{cite web|last=Green|first=Scott|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/03/19-1/viz-announces-hunter-x-hunter-english-dub-cast|title=Viz Announces "Hunter x Hunter" English Dub Cast|work=Crunchyroll|date=March 19, 2016|access-date=January 3, 2023|archive-date=March 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322083557/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/03/19-1/viz-announces-hunter-x-hunter-english-dub-cast|url-status=live}} Takeuchi enjoyed working with Killua's and Biscuit's voice actor during this anime production.{{cite video|medium =DVD|title=Hunter x Hunter Greed Island Final|publisher=Nippon|date=December 1999 |volume=3}}

In the Madhouse adaptation of the series, Gon is voiced by Megumi Han.{{cite web|last=Santos|first=Carlo|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2013-07-12/interview-megumi-han|title=Interview: Megumi Han|website=Anime News Network|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114145613/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2013-07-12/interview-megumi-han|url-status=live}} During casting, the voice actor Erica Mendez originally read for Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Menchi; she enjoyed Gon's personality and how well he judges others but did not like Gon's penchant for danger and lack of regard for his own well-being. While voicing the character, Mendez adds raspiness to sound more believable to the audience, but Gon's voice is not very raspy unless he is in a tense situation and sometimes seems feminine, naïve, and happy.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2017-01-03/hunter-x-hunter-voice-actress-erica-mendez/.110581|title=Hunter x Hunter pudo ser muy diferente, pero Yu-Gi-Oh! lo evitó|website=IGN|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114133525/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2017-01-03/hunter-x-hunter-voice-actress-erica-mendez/.110581|url-status=live}}

Appearances

=In the ''Hunter × Hunter'' manga=

Gon Freecss is an athletic, naïve, and friendly boy who was raised on Whale Island by his aunt Mito. Gon spent much time in the woods as a child, giving him heightened senses and an affinity for animals. A chance encounter with the Hunter Kite, the disciple of Gon's father Ging, inspires Gon to become a Hunter and find Ging. During the Hunter Exam, Gon befriends Killua Zoldyck, Kurapika, and Leorio Paradinight while being antagonised by the magician Hisoka. After becoming licensed Hunters, Gon and Killua learn about the power of Nen from a man named Wing. Gon competes in a tournament to test his new powers against Hisoka.{{gnr|ch|47|, |48|, |137}} Gon's Nen type is Enhancement, which gives him great strength and recuperative abilities.{{gnr|ch|60}} Although Gon loses the match, he repays a debt to Hisoka for helping him pass the Hunter Exam. Gon and Killua return to Whale Island to visit Mito, who reveals to Gon a recorded message from Ging that prompts Gon to trying his Greed Island video game which Ging created alongside several Hunters.{{gnr|ch|69}}

While searching for copies of Greed Island in Yorknew City, Gon and Killua are sidetracked while helping Kurapika fight the criminal Phantom Troupe to avenge his massacred clan. After helping Kurapika seal the Nen powers of Troupe leader Chrollo Lucilfer,{{gnr|ch|166}} Gon and Killua an entrance to the "video game" Greed Island which is actually an island coordinated by Ging's friends and can give them the idea of using magic card. THere, they train under Biscuit Krueger, Wing's mentor. Gon develops his Nen's special technique, the "Hatsu" {{nihongo|Ja Jan Ken|ジャジャン拳}}, a play on "Janken", the Japanese word for rock-paper-scissors.{{gnr|ch|207}} When Gon throws out "Rock", it enhances his punch, "Scissors" transmutes a sword from his fingers for mid-range attacks and "Paper" emits a ball of aura for long-range attacks.{{gnr|ch|145|, |193|, |209}} Gon develops and uses this technique while facing other players of Greed Island, including Razor, a criminal hired by Ging, and Genthuru, a game founder who has been killing multiple players.{{gnr|ch|145|, |182|}}

After Gon, Killua and Biscuit become the first players to beat Greed Island, Gon returns to the outside world with Killua and reunites with Kite.{{gnr|ch|184|, |185}} They discover the hostile Chimera Ants, who eat powerful creatures to gain their characteristics. When the Chimera Ant Neferpitou attacks them, Kite covers Gon's and Killua's escape, and goes missing in action.{{gnr|ch|199}} After training his Ja Jan Ken again, Gon and a group of Hunters go to fight the Ants but are horrified when Kite's body is recovered, and is re-animated as a puppet by Neferpitou. During the Hunters' raid on Chimera Ant King Meruem's palace, Gon confronts Neferpitou, who pleads with him to wait while they heal a human named Komugi of whom Meruem had grown fond. Gon forces them to quickly complete the surgery and takes them to revive Kite. In an outburst of rage, Gon vents his anger on Killua, which hurts his feelings. Kite is revealed killed by Neferpitou and his body rebuilt into a manipulated puppet to train the Chimera Ants.{{gnr|ch|222}} When Neferpitou reveals they cannot heal Kite and declares their intent to kill Gon, Gon is angered and enters into a Nen Contract to acquire "all the power [he]'ll ever have". This temporarily transforms him into an adult to kill Neferpitou but almost kills Gon.{{gnr|ch|305|, |306|, |324}}

Killua rescues Gon and takes him to a hospital until finding a way to treat him. After being healed by Killua's sister Alluka Zoldyck's ability, Gon meets Ging in an election and expresses his sadness for letting Kite be defeated and having him reincarnate into a young Chimera. Ging and the reborn Kite scold Gon for taking responsibility but make peace with him.{{gnr|ch|335}} After Gon apologizes to Killua for his actions, the two split and Gon meets with his father in the world's tallest tree. Upon meeting Ging, Gon asks why he became a Hunter, to which his father replies to discover new lands and treasures with his friends.{{gnr|ch|333|, |338|}} Gon returns to Whale Island and reunites with Mito, feeling unfit for a relationship with a father. As a consequence of his contract, Gon has lost the ability to use Nen.{{gnr|ch|345}}

=Other appearances=

Beside appearing in the manga and its anime adaptations, Gon appears in two animated movies. In Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge (2013), Gon and Killua search to restore Kurapika's missing eyes. Gon meets and befriending a young puppeteer called Retsu. Uvogin, who was presumed to be dead and saved by Nobunaga and Machi who defeat him, attack Gon and the others. It is then revealed Uvogin was revived as a puppet by Omokage, a former member of the Phantom Troupe who was defeated and replaced by Hisoka. The next day, Retsu leads Gon and Killua to the mansion from Kurapika's vision and after leaving her behind for her safety, they meet another puppet, now based on Illumi, who attacks them. Gon's eyes are stolen. Omokage sends the Pairo and Illumi dolls to attack the Hunters, but Gon and Kurapika defeat them with Leorio and Killua's help, and retrieve their eyes.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/hunter-hunter/phantom-rouge/bd/dvd/.130493 |title=Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge BD/DVD |website=Anime News Network |access-date=August 21, 2024}}

In Hunter × Hunter: The Last Mission, Gon and Killua take a break from their expeditions with Kite to visit Heaven's Arena, and cheer for their friend Zushi in the Battle Olympia Tournament with Wing and Biscuit. Gon and Killua visit Netero, who is also at the building, but mysterious men take over the arena. Gon and his allies protect the arena and people are trapped.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/hunter-hunter-the-last-mission/.142820 |title=Hunter × Hunter -The Last Mission- |date=February 1, 2019 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=January 12, 2025 |author=Creamer, Nick}}

Gon has also appeared in several video games based on the anime.{{cite web |title=ハンター×ハンター ~幻のグリードアイランド~ PS one Books |trans-title=Hunter × Hunter: Vision of Greed Island |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00006RIGV/ |language=ja |access-date=July 6, 2020 |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404160424/https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00006RIGV/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Hunter×Hunter 龍脈の祭壇 |trans-title=Hunter × Hunter: Altar of Dragon Vein |url=https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005QBMH/ |language=ja |access-date=July 6, 2020 |archive-date=July 2, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070702224114/http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00005QBMH |url-status=live}}{{cite web |author=Spencer |date=March 30, 2012 |title=Hunter X Hunter Wonder Adventure Lets You Switch Fight With Fists Or A Skateboard |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/30/hunter-x-hunter-wonder-adventure-lets-you-switch-fight-with-fists-or-a-skateboard/ |publisher=Siliconera |access-date=April 3, 2012 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402194915/http://www.siliconera.com/2012/03/30/hunter-x-hunter-wonder-adventure-lets-you-switch-fight-with-fists-or-a-skateboard/ |url-status=live}} He is also playable in the crossover games Jump Ultimate Stars and Jump Force.{{cite web |script-title=ja:キャラクター紹介 |trans-title=Character Index |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajsj/char12.html |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja |access-date=July 6, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306092750/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajsj/char12.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=JUMP ULTIMATE STARS |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajuj/character/chara_26.html |publisher=Nintendo |language=ja |access-date=July 6, 2020 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306105551/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/ajuj/character/chara_26.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Pineda |first=Rafael Antonio |title=Jump Force Adds Gon, Hisoka, Sanji, Blackbeard as Playable Characters |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-08-20/jump-force-adds-gon-hisoka-sanji-blackbeard-as-playable-characters/.135614 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=September 15, 2018 |date=August 21, 2018 |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915122334/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-08-20/jump-force-adds-gon-hisoka-sanji-blackbeard-as-playable-characters/.135614 |url-status=live}}

Reception

Gon Freecss appeared third in the series' first two popularity polls.{{Cite book |last=Togashi |first=Yoshihiro |title=Hunter × Hunter, Volume 7 |publisher=Viz Media |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-4215-0332-5 |pages=27–28}}{{Cite book |last=Togashi |first=Yoshihiro |title=Hunter × Hunter, Volume 12 |publisher=Viz Media|year=2007 |isbn=978-1-4215-0647-0 |pages=184–185}} An IGN article listed Gon as one of the best anime characters of all time; comments focused on how the father's absence affects the character.{{cite web |title=The Top 25 Greatest Anime Characters of All Time |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/best-anime-characters |access-date=January 13, 2022 |website=IGN |archive-date=November 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101210705/https://www.ign.com/articles/best-anime-characters |url-status=live }} In an Anitrendz poll, Gon was voted one of the best male characters from the 2010s.{{cite web|url=https://anitrendz.net/news/2020/05/20/decade-awards-hunter-x-hunter-wins-fall-2011-run-off-polls/|title=DECADE AWARDS: Hunter x Hunter wins Fall 2011 Run-off Polls|website=Anitrendz|date=May 20, 2020|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115154238/https://anitrendz.net/news/2020/05/20/decade-awards-hunter-x-hunter-wins-fall-2011-run-off-polls/|url-status=live}} Gon's image was used in merchandising, most notably at a café called Animate Café in 2023.{{cite web|url=https://collabo-cafe.com/events/collabo/hunter-hunter-huskoa-animate-cafe2023/|title=ハンターハンター奇術師ヒソカフェ in 東京/大阪/名古屋でコラボ開催!|website=Collab Cafe|date=April 25, 2023|language=Japanese|access-date=January 13, 2024}} Gon's adult appearance when confronting the enemy Neferpitou was the subject of jokes due to exaggerated design, most notably its long hair, and it was used for merchandising.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/article/202412/28421|title=『ハンターハンター』ゴンさんが全長60cmのボールペンに。"ゴン-ありったけのペン-フィギュア"が2025年6月にプライズで登場|magazine=Famitsu|language=Japanese|access-date=December 21, 2024}}

Gon initially garnered a negative reception because he appeared to be a common archetype comparable to Goku, Naruto Uzumaki and others similar characters due to his youthful behavior and simplistic design.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/hunter-x-hunter/dvd-set-1|title=Hunter x Hunter DVD - Set 1|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 17, 2023|archive-date=July 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707025554/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/hunter-x-hunter/dvd-set-1|url-status=live}} Charles Solomon, a writer for The New York Times and Los Angeles Times, praised the moral seriousness of Gon, a quality that gives the protagonist "an appeal his relentlessly upbeat counterparts lack".{{cite news|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|author=Solomon, Charles|date=July 24, 2005|title=It's only natural for them to be superheroes|location=Los Angeles, CA|page=R7|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/871400751.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+24%2C+2005&author=Charles+Solomon&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=R.7&desc=It%27s+only+natural+for+them+to+be+superheroes%3B+Fullmetal+Alchemist+Volumes+1-2+Hiromu+Arakawa+Viz%3A+192+pp.%2C+paper%2C+%249.99+each+Negima!+Volumes+1-6+Ken+Akamatsu+Del+Rey%3A+224+pp.%2C+paper%2C+%2410.95+each+Hunter+X+Hunter+Volumes+1-3+Yoshihiro+Togashi+Viz%3A+184+pp.%2C+paper%2C+%247.99+each|access-date=January 14, 2023|archive-date=July 18, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718134715/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/871400751.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+24,+2005&author=Charles+Solomon&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&edition=&startpage=R.7&desc=It's+only+natural+for+them+to+be+superheroes;+Fullmetal+Alchemist+Volumes+1-2+Hiromu+Arakawa+Viz:+192+pp.,+paper,+$9.99+each+Negima!+Volumes+1-6+Ken+Akamatsu+Del+Rey:+224+pp.,+paper,+$10.95+each+Hunter+X+Hunter+Volumes+1-3+Yoshihiro+Togashi+Viz:+184+pp.,+paper,+$7.99+each}}{{cite magazine|date=July 26, 2005|title=Anime & Manga in NY, Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7267.html|magazine=ICV2|access-date=June 11, 2011|archive-date=October 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003160126/http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/7267.html|url-status=live}} DVD Talk said Gon is one-dimensional when compared to the other protagonists because he does not have a deep reason to become a Hunter.{{cite web |title=Hunter x Hunter, Vol. 1 |url=https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/35825 |access-date=January 14, 2022 |website=DVD Talk |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522164435/https://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/review/35825 |url-status=live }} On the other hand, there were positive comments about Gon's friendship with Killua by The Fandom Post. The Fandom Post said Gon but finds this difficult due to Gon's martyre-like behavior when his mentor is introduced.{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Kestrel |date=October 4, 2021 |title=Ten Years Later: Hunter x Hunter Anime |url=https://www.fandompost.com/2021/10/04/ten-years-later-hunter-x-hunter-anime/ |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=The Fandom Post |language=en-US |archive-date=August 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230816205553/https://www.fandompost.com/2021/10/04/ten-years-later-hunter-x-hunter-anime/ |url-status=live }} Derrick L. Tucker of THEM Anime Reviews praised the writing of Gon due to his offbeat personality, which contrasts with Killua's dark side and his drive to improve himself rather than become the strongest character, which sets him apart from other main characters of the series.{{cite web|author=Tucker, Derrick L.|title=Hunter X Hunter|url=http://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=609|publisher=THEM Anime Reviews|access-date=June 11, 2011|archive-date=June 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611082352/http://www.themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=609|url-status=live}} Digital Fox Media noted his bond with Killua is engaging. The Madhouse adaptation of the series received praise for Erica Mendez's portrayal of Gon.{{cite web|last=Basile|first=Michael|title=Hunter x Hunter 2011 – The Triumph of Long-Running Shounen|url=https://digitalfox.media/anime-dragon/hunter-x-hunter-2011-triumph-long-running-shounen/|website=DigitalMediaFox|access-date=August 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818090948/https://digitalfox.media/anime-dragon/hunter-x-hunter-2011-triumph-long-running-shounen/|archive-date=August 18, 2017|url-status=usurped|date=March 11, 2016}} Among other connections, Carl Kimlinger from Anime News Network found the relationship between Gon and his nemesis Hisoka strange due to the latter's interest in Gon and his growth. Kimlinger also praised the voice acting of Elinor Holt in the English dub.{{cite web |last=Kimlinger |first=Carl |date=May 7, 2009 |title=Hunter X Hunter DVD - Set 2 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/hunter-x-hunter/dvd-set-2 |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705030500/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/hunter-x-hunter/dvd-set-2 |url-status=live }}

Several writers were divided when Gon's character darkens when fighting Chimeras in order to save Kite. During this story arc of the series, Gon was criticized for offending Killua's feelings in his emotional outbursts. Polygon said the training the characters are into continuously tests Gon's and Killua's relationship as the former becomes selfish in his quest to save Kite until it is made impossible for the duo to be together.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22619955/hunter-x-hunter-chimera-ant-fans-netflix|title=Explaining Hunter x Hunter’s wildest arc is a rite of passage|website=Polygon|date=August 11, 2021|access-date=January 11, 2025|author=Radulovic, Petrana}} In Anime News Network{{'s}} article "Hunter x Hunter & Dragon Ball Z: the Fall of the Shounen Hero," Gon was compared with Goku. Anime News Network noted Goku feels like he has something "prototypical not-Snyder Superman doesn't" through his self-centered obsession with fighting and getting stronger. The drawbacks of Goku's obsession is briefly explored in Dragon Ball but while sharing many similarities with Goku, Gon appears as a much-darker character. Anime News Network also found Gon's characterization darkens when his mentor Kite is seemingly killed by the Chimera Ant Neferpitou. Gon's actions and demands shown in latter chapters make the protagonist seem more like a villain.{{cite web |author=((ZeroReq011)) |date=August 17, 2022 |title=Hunter x Hunter & Dragon Ball Z: the Fall of the Shounen Hero |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2022-08-17/hunter-x-hunter-and-dragon-ball-z-the-fall-of-the-shounen-hero/.188433 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=Anime News Network |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114134446/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2022-08-17/hunter-x-hunter-and-dragon-ball-z-the-fall-of-the-shounen-hero/.188433 |url-status=live }} Comic Book Resources shared several comments about Gon's traits, such as his ruthless revenge against Neferpitou, ruining his likeable traits.{{Cite web |last=Tefft |first=Andrew |date=August 9, 2021 |title=Hunter X Hunter: 10 Ways Gon Ruined His Likability |url=https://www.cbr.com/hunter-x-hunter-gon-ruined-likability/ |access-date=January 17, 2023 |website=Comic Book Resources |language=en |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117102117/https://www.cbr.com/hunter-x-hunter-gon-ruined-likability/ |url-status=live }} Despite the negative response to Gon's rude behavior, Polygon still regarded his forced transformation against Pitou as one of the most iconic forms ever seen in anime because someone innocent becomes ruthless and delivers a brutal defeat to Neferpitou.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/23815416/best-anime-power-ups-dragon-ball-z-one-piece|title=The most iconic anime power-ups of all time|website=Polygon|access-date=December 27, 2024|date=August 6, 2023|author=Dockery, Daniel}}

Michaela Bakker of Victoria University of Wellington noted in the Chimera arc, Gon is put into one of the most complex situations of shonen manga heroes after several story arcs that test his moral compass. In contrast to his innocent persona, Gon becomes angered when wanting to restore Kite's health and he hurts Killua's feelings when angrily interacting, and later wanting violent vengeance against Pitou. In retrospect, Gon's simplicity appears to test the way Togashi decided to write such an innocent hero until his mental breakdown, when he wants to save Kite. Bakker said in the rivalry between Gon and Hisoka, Togashi positively handles ideas involving Hisoka's apparent homosexual feelings whenever he faces Gon. Despite the aggressive encounters, Gon comes to respect Hisoka as the story progresses, most notably in the Greed Island story arc, which is notable in manga history for the speed at which the early enemies becomes teammates.{{cite thesis|url=https://openaccess.wgtn.ac.nz/articles/thesis/Getting_into_the_Schwing_of_Things_Hunter_x_Hunter_s_Progressive_Gender_Depictions_and_Exploration_of_Non-Binary_Possibilities/17132198/1|title=Getting into the Schwing of Things: Hunter x Hunter's Progressive Gender Depictions and Exploration of Non-Binary Possibilities|website=Victoria University of Wellington|date=2018 |doi=10.26686/wgtn.17132198.v1 |access-date=March 1, 2024|type=thesis |last1=Bakker |first1=Michaela }}

References

=''Hunter × Hunter'' manga=

Entire series

Togashi, Yoshihiro. ハンター×ハンター [Hunter × Hunter] (in Japanese). 38 vols. Tokyo: Shueisha, 1998–present.
Togashi, Yoshihiro. Hunter × Hunter. 37 vols. San Francisco: Viz Media, 2005–present.

Individual volumes

{{gnn|ref=The Day of Departure. April 2005. {{ISBN|978-1-59116-753-2}}. and 出発の日 (in Japanese). June 1998. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872571-0}}.|vol=1|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8}}
{{gnn|ref=A Struggle in the Mist. May 2005. {{ISBN|978-1-59116-785-3}}. and 霧の中の攻防 (in Japanese). September 1998. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872606-9}}.|vol=2|9|10|11|12|13|14|15|16|17}}
{{gnn|ref=Resolution. July 2005. {{ISBN|978-1-59116-849-2}}. and 決着 (in Japanese). November 1998. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872630-4}}.|vol=3|18|19|20|21|22|23|24|25|26}}
{{gnn|ref=End Game. September 2005. {{ISBN|978-1-59116-992-5}}. and 最終試験開始! (in Japanese). February 1999. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872672-4}}.|vol=4|27|28|29|30|31|32|33|34|35}}
{{gnn|ref=Family Matters. November 2005. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0184-0}}. and ジン=フリークス (in Japanese). April 1999. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872713-4}}.|vol=5|36|37|38|39|40|41|42|43|44}}
{{gnn|ref=Nen Sense. January 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0185-7}}. and ヒソカの条件 (in Japanese). October 1999. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872749-3}}.|vol=6|45|46|47|48|49|50|51|52|53|54}}
{{gnn|ref=Nen Combatant. March 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0332-5}}. and これから (in Japanese). December 1999. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872788-2}}.|vol=7|55|56|57|58|59|60|61|62|63}}
{{gnn|ref=The Island. May 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0643-2}}. and オークション開催!! (in Japanese). April 2000. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872847-6}}.|vol=8|64|65|66|67|68|69|70|71|72|73}}
{{gnn|ref=Shadow Beasts. July 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0644-9}}. and 9月1日 (in Japanese). July 2000. {{ISBN|978-4-08-872890-2}}.|vol=9|74|75|76|77|78|79|80|81|82|83}}
{{gnn|ref=Fakes, Swindles, and the Old Switcheroo. September 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0645-6}}. and 9月3日 (in Japanese). November 2000. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873021-9}}.|vol=10|84|85|86|87|88|89|90|91|92|93}}
{{gnn|ref=Next Stop: Meteor City—The Junkyard of the World. November 2006. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0646-3}}. and 9月4日 (in Japanese). March 2001. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873087-5}}.|vol=11|94|95|96|97|98|99|100|101|102|103}}
{{gnn|ref=September 4th: Part 2. January 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-0647-0}}. and 9月4日その2 (in Japanese). July 2001. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873135-3}}.|vol=12|104|105|106|107|108|109|110|111|112|113|114|115}}
{{gnn|ref=September 10th. March 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1069-9}}. and 9月10日 (in Japanese). November 2001. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873180-3}}.|vol=13|116|117|118|119|120|121|122|123|124|125|126|127}}
{{gnn|ref=The Secret of Greed Island. May 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1070-5}}. and 島の秘密 (in Japanese). April 2002. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873262-6}}.|vol=14|128|129|130|131|132|133|134|135|136|137|138|139}}
{{gnn|ref=Progress. July 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1071-2}}. and 躍進 (in Japanese). October 2002. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873314-2}}.|vol=15|140|141|142|143|144|145|146|147|148|149|150|151}}
{{gnn|ref=Face-Off. September 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1072-9}}. and 対決 (in Japanese). February 2003. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873382-1}}.|vol=16|152|153|154|155|156|157|158|159|160|161|162|163}}
{{gnn|ref=A Fierce Three-Way Struggle. November 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1073-6}}. and 三つ巴の攻防 (in Japanese). June 2003. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873443-9}}.|vol=17|164|165|166|167|168|169|170|171|172|173|174|175}}
{{gnn|ref=Chance Encounter. January 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1471-0}}. and 邂逅 (in Japanese). October 2003. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873516-0}}.|vol=18|176|177|178|179|180|181|182|183|184|185|186|187}}
{{gnn|ref=N.G.L.. March 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1786-5}}. and NGL (in Japanese). February 2004. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873562-7}}.|vol=19|188|189|190|191|192|193|194|195|196|197|198|199}}
{{gnn|ref=Weakness. May 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1787-2}}. and 弱点 (in Japanese). June 2004. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873607-5}}.|vol=20|200|201|202|203|204|205|206|207|208|209|210|211}}
{{gnn|ref=Reunion. July 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1788-9}}. and 再会 (in Japanese). February 2005. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873661-7}}.|vol=21|212|213|214|215|216|217|218|219|220|221|222|223}}
{{gnn|ref=8: Part 1. September 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1789-6}}. and 8-① (in Japanese). July 2005. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873792-8}}.|vol=22|224|225|226|227|228|229|230|231|232|233|234|235}}
{{gnn|ref=6: Part 1. November 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-1790-2}}. and 6-① (in Japanese). March 2006. {{ISBN|978-4-08-873882-6}}.|vol=23|236|237|238|239|240|241|242|243|244|245|246|247}}
{{gnn|ref=1: Part 4. January 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-2216-6}}. and 1-④ (in Japanese). October 2007. {{ISBN|978-4-08-874453-7}}.|vol=24|248|249|250|251|252|253|254|255|256|257|258|259|260}}
{{gnn|ref=Charge. March 2009. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-2588-4}}. and 突入 (in Japanese). March 2008. {{ISBN|978-4-08-874535-0}}.|vol=25|261|262|263|264|265|266|267|268|269|270}}
{{gnn|ref=We Meet Again. January 2010. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-3068-0}}. and 再会 (in Japanese). October 2008. {{ISBN|978-4-08-874610-4}}.|vol=26|271|272|273|274|275|276|277|278|279|280}}
{{gnn|ref=Name. March 2011. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-3862-4}}. and 名前 (in Japanese). December 2009. {{ISBN|978-4-08-870065-6}}.|vol=27|281|282|283|284|285|286|287|288|289|290}}
{{gnn|ref=Regeneration. September 2012. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-4260-7}}. and 再生 (in Japanese). July 2011. {{ISBN|978-4-08-870326-8}}.|vol=28|291|292|293|294|295|296|297|298|299|300}}
{{gnn|ref=Memory. January 2013. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-4261-4}}. and 記憶 (in Japanese). August 2011. {{ISBN|978-4-08-870327-5}}.|vol=29|301|302|303|304|305|306|307|308|309|310}}
{{gnn|ref=Answer. May 2013. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-5267-5}}. and 返答 (in Japanese). April 2012. {{ISBN|978-4-08-870450-0}}.|vol=30|311|312|313|314|315|316|317|318|319|320}}
{{gnn|ref=Joining the Fray. December 2013. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-5887-5}}. and 参戦 (in Japanese). December 2012. {{ISBN|978-4-08-870697-9}}.|vol=31|321|322|323|324|325|326|327|328|329|330}}
{{gnn|ref=Crushing Defeat. April 2014. {{ISBN|978-1-4215-5912-4}}. and 完敗 (in Japanese). December 2012. {{ISBN|978-4-08-870698-6}}.|vol=32|331|332|333|334|335|336|337|338|339|340}}
{{gnn|ref=Threats. March 2017. {{ISBN|978-1-42-159264-0}}. and 厄災 (in Japanese). June 2016. {{ISBN|978-4-08-880352-4}}.|vol=33|341|342|343|344|345|346|347|348|349|350}}
{{gnn|ref=Battle to the Death. March 2018. {{ISBN|978-1-42-159948-9}}. and 死闘 (in Japanese). June 2017. {{ISBN|978-4-08-881248-9}}.|vol=34|351|352|353|354|355|356|357|358|359|360}}
{{gnn|ref=Ship of Fools. March 2019. {{ISBN|978-1-9747-0306-7}}. and 念獣 (in Japanese). February 2018. {{ISBN|978-4-08-881455-1}}.|vol=35|361|362|363|364|365|366|367|368|369|370}}
{{gnn|ref=Balance. August 2019. {{ISBN|978-1-9747-0841-3}}. and 均衡 (in Japanese). October 2018. {{ISBN|978-4-08-881640-1}}.|vol=36|371|372|373|374|375|376|377|378|379|380}}
{{gnn|ref=Escape. October 2023. {{ISBN|978-1-9747-1540-4}}. and 脱出 (in Japanese). November 2022. {{ISBN|978-4-08-883365-1}}.|vol=37|381|382|383|384|385|386|387|388|389|390}}
{{gnn|ref=Founding. and 結成 (in Japanese). September 2024. {{ISBN|978-4-08-884279-0}}.|vol=38|391|392|393|394|395|396|397|398|399|400}}