Why Do Hunter x Hunter’s Color Schemes Differ Between Adaptations? Togashi’s Art Direction Explained
Yoshihiro Togashi thinks in black and white when crafting his hit shōnen manga, Hunter x Hunter. The series, an enduring classic, inspired two anime adaptations with similar yet distinct visual styles. The color palettes of key characters notably differ between the 1999 and 2011 adaptations, with frequent swaps of pink and blue tones. Though these stylistic choices don’t impact the plot, they create occasional confusion regarding the “correct” colors for Hunter x Hunter’s iconic characters. This color variance has become a curious trademark of the series, blending Togashi’s artistic freedom with each adaptation’s unique vision.
Hunter x Hunter follows elite individuals with the talents to hunt treasure, magical beasts, or whatever their hearts desire. Nippon Animation’s 1999 adaptation is more slowly paced, with a muted color scheme contrasting Madhouse’s vibrant 2011 remake. Madhouse’s take, while grounded, embraces the series’ fantastical nature through bold colors, priming the audience for extravagant characters later in the series, like the Chimera Ants and Zodiacs. This maximalist approach gives Hunter x Hunter a cheerful aesthetic, camouflaging a world filled with violence and bloodshed.
Togashi Thinks in Black and White When Designing Characters
The Mangaka’s Art Direction Allows for Flexibility
Since manga is traditionally black and white to reduce costs, color pages are often reserved for special occasions, such as milestones or anniversaries. Togashi designs in black and white by default but selects colors for covers and artwork based on his mood. This flexibility results in characters like Hisoka and Machi appearing with blue hair in some depictions and pink in others. Even the 1999 anime gives Hisoka blue hair in the first arc, then switches to red for the remainder. Togashi’s choices add a layer of fluidity that allows color to reflect mood rather than strict canon.
“I don’t have any rules at all when it comes to choosing colors. Even for skin tones, I just go with whatever I feel like using at the time.” –
Yoshihiro Togashi interview, Jump Ryu vol.21, 2016
Several characters’ hair, eyes, and clothing colors differ significantly between the two adaptations. For instance, Biscuit Krueger and Shalnark have slightly darker blonde hair, while characters like Neon Nostrade and Kite have completely reversed palettes. Kite’s 2011 version has pale skin, white hair, and a blue hat, contrasting with 1999’s Kite, who has tan skin, brunette hair, and a more rugged look. Pokkle, a fellow Hunter, sports ash-blonde hair in one version and red hair with a pink hat in another, showcasing each adaptation’s freedom in interpreting Togashi’s designs.
The Anime’s Color Variations Are in the Spirit of Togashi’s Relaxed Attitude
Characters Don’t Have Canonical Color Schemes Unless Explicitly Stated
Togashi’s relaxed attitude toward color schemes allows each adaptation to explore unique aesthetics. Nippon Animation’s Hunter x Hunter is gritty, with realistic characters and muted tones that create a lived-in, grunge aesthetic, similar to anime like Cowboy Bebop and Trigun. Vibrant colors are reserved for eccentric villains like Hisoka or the lush settings the Hunters visit. The action is intense but occasionally repetitive, using rapid movements without much variation. This restrained style suits its tone, emphasizing the grounded feel and amplifying tension when characters clash in the grim, muted world they inhabit.
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Madhouse’s 2011 adaptation, in contrast, is bombastic and colorful, with choreographed fight scenes that showcase a variety of techniques and fluid movements. The balance between internal monologue and action flows smoothly, with bursts of tension giving way to dramatic moments. Colors match the characters’ intense personalities; Hisoka’s skin has a pale, purple hue, his hair is neon pink, and his clown costumes are bold and dramatic. Neon Nostrade’s hair changes from pink to blue, and Menchi’s hair shifts from violet to fuchsia. The 2011 anime’s colorful, surreal aesthetic heightens the fantastical aspects of Hunter x Hunter.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter × Hunter is 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.
- Created by
- Yoshihiro Togashi
- First Film
- Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge
- Latest Film
- Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission
- First Episode Air Date
- October 16, 1999
- Cast
- Megumi Han , Mariya Ise , Keiji Fujiwara , Daisuke Namikawa , Miyuki Sawashiro , Kazuhiro Yamaji , Ichirô Nagai , Hiroshi Kamiya , Hisao Egawa , Maaya Uchida
- Character(s)
- Gon Freecss , Killua Zoldyck , Kurapika , Leorio Paradinight , Hisoka Morow , Biscuit Krueger , Chrollo Lucilfer , Kite , Ging Freecss , Meruem
- Video Game(s)
- Hunter x Hunter: Nen x Impact
Summary
Hunter × Hunter is 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.
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