Major foreshadowing from the Gon vs Netero Ball scene where the chairman would only use one arm and one leg, which incidentally happened vs Meruem too

The Darkest shit he did was definitely not telling Knov and Morel he was dropping the Dragon Dive on the castle and nearly literally killing everyone

The scene where Netero claims he wouldn’t talk with Meruem because he’s afraid they may come to an understanding. Is when I realized this series is one of the greatest things ever made.

The most telling moment is his final, legandary words. "Meruem, you know nothing, of humanities infinite potential for malice/evolution". So much depth in that *1* sentence! If I was going to suggest a video you might not already have planned, I'd be ecstatic for a video on that line or just the rose in general.

When meruem observed how insane netereo truly was in order to achieve such a power is one of my favourite scenes in anime period. It was at that point he realised that he wasn't fighting a human but instead was fighting a monster.

I have a bias to Netero because he laughs and acts like my grandpa

If you compare Neteros face from the exam arc to when he fights Meruem, it becomes much more defined and darker

He's enlightened. He essentializes both the best and worst aspects of humanity. Even his Nen ability reflects this multiple times: A goddess of mercy used as an instrument of death; Hand Zero embraces a person with unconditional love and compassion, yet blasts them with the power of a sun. And even that is oversimplifying--like Guanyin, he's a man of 1,000 faces and 1,000 hands. No one is truly simple. It's precisely that duality that makes us human, and it's exactly why his fight with Meruem is so thematically resonant. The /fight itself/ is the conversation Meruem wasn't willing to have. There was no way to show him what humanity truly meant otherwise--what it was and what it could be in its best and worst. And for every assumption Meruem has, it's soon broken, and he's addressed (in a rather cliched kung-fu master manner) as an "ant." Fittingly, after showing the most exceptional, positive aspects, it's precisely the most cruel aspects of humanity that end up "winning" the fight. This goes over Meruem's head at the time, but it sows the seeds for later. It's precisely that arrogance in your power that leads you to commit atrocious things So as counter-intuitive as it seems, it's then fitting that as powerful as he is, his nen takes the form of the goddess of compassion/mercy. Strength/power is used to save people--and in the end I argue that it saves Meruem, even the worst of it. "Good" or "bad"/"light" or "dark" oversimplifies things at this point. He's human, nothing more or less.

25 minutes on one of my favourite anime characters ever. Love you.

Togashi said "it's going to take 8 years and 10 hiatuses, i'll write dozens of chapters that take place in the same 2 minutes of time, and I don't feel like finishing most of the drawings." and he wrote the greatest story of all time.

The term "Neteru" means an angel / god in ancient Egypt. Look up the details behind its definition, and contemplate the correlation of how Netero's character unfolded during the Chimera Arc. Brilliant.

"For the colony, if you will." Mind blown

I've gotta say, the way you start off videos with a broader topic and transition to the character at hand has really gotten very good. I thought Id mention it because its something that can be overlooked

Isaac Netero, to Meruem[1] When? When did I start waiting for my opponent to make the first move? When, indeed? It became a routine. The loser held out his hands in gratitude for the lesson and I graciously accepted without skipping a beat. As if that was what I wanted!! That's not how it should be!! For so long, I sought the height of perfection. I dreamed of giving my heart and soul to battle an unstoppable adversary!! I'm a lucky man. I'm thankful for everything that led me to this point...that led me to you!!

"If there is hell. I'll see you there." ~Isaac Netoro.

I recently came across your channel, and started checking our some of your videos. I must say these videos are extremely impressive, thought provoking, and overall very informative. Your content is very underrated and I have a feeling your channel will become very big over the course of 2017. I can tell you put a lot of time and effort into every single video you make, and that is something I'm rarely seeing anymore. So needless to say I've gained some major respect for you, and I hope to see you achieve some big things :) And above all else you've gained yourself a new fan, and my support if you ever need anything!

I just noticed from the description that you finally have a Patreon. About fucking time. As soon as my finances improve a little I'm supporting the hell out of you, you deserve it my man.

Been waiting forever for the realest nigga Netero!!

For me Netero's use of the bomb.wasn't an act of altruism. Tho he did that for human race as well, the most important part there for him was that he won't let Neruem live because he was too proud for that. He is an ultimate hunter and he can't let his prey get away from him. He'll do everything needed, but he'll achieve his goal, he will finish the hunt. In the end he was like "Bravo Meruem, you are stronger than me, I admit that, but you are not surviving the battle with me. From the moment we became opponents, you were fated to die"

One thing I noticed: after using Zero Hand, Netero lowers his right hand toward the earth-- a gesture representing Buddha's awakening with the earth as his witness.

You didn't just gave him justice, you've dressed a magnificent depictation of one of the most interesting and profound character of this series. As always i cannot thank you more for your amazing work on this channel ❤ If i can put words on Netero, i would say that he is that kind crazy grampa who does stupid and obnoxious things for whatever reason but who has also live for a long time so he can come up with some pretty deep thoughts and lessons about life. And without you ever fully realize, he's gone and it's just when you final grow up both mentally and physically that you understand these words that he gave you back then. Deep, Mad, devoted, amused but mostly beautiful in a lot of views : Isaac Netero.

Dude you put me in tears explaining this series.

I liked how in the chimera ant arc, the enemy had a different reaction to all the main cast. Gon lost himself, Killua was sad, Netero became something that can not be described, but can fully understand when seeing it.

Not just any bodhisattva, it's Guan Yin in her thousand arms form. If you ever read the old tales, it talks how she vows to liberate "all beings" from their own karmic woes and/or the cycle of rebirth. That's how she got those 10000 arms and eyes. How much perseverance do you need to have in order to liberate "all beings" from their own karmic cycle? To me, bodhisattva Guan yin symbolizes unlimited perseverance to achieve great thing. A human without significant talent like Netero can achieve great thing.

Neteros character mirrors the character of the series huh? So the series is dead? xD Just joking I hope it´s not.

Zeno: should we check if any friendlies are down there? Netero: just summon the fucking dragon

Netero can't die of age so understandably he gets board of life His life is a tragedy as he trained for ultimate power but never could use it. He trained to protect friends and family but will out live them all and sea them die. To him death is a joke he lives to test his power against strong people and that's why he suicid bombs meruem he does it because his one dream has been forfilled and his life is complete

Can we grab a beer some time? Honestly, I have always wished to give some of my favorite anime a comprehensive literary analysis and I find it hard to find other passionate fans who can do as much. I have a degree in literature and writing so it's tough to turn off, but I think that a lot of folks miss how well this medium is used to examine and mirror the human experience.

I promise I won't mention Chrollo anymore, especially when you're providing such interesting and well presented content. As you've said before, just let his analysis come naturally to you. Don't worry about a schedule.

Netero's whole existence was poetry. May he rest in power and love.

These videos are always so insightful. Very true Netero died like and ant would and Meruem died like a human.

I totally agree with you about how hard it is to describe this anime to others. In the end, just like you, I end up saying something along the lines of it's just awesome and you should watch it.

Still waiting for that chrollo video. But good stuff

I always knew that I loved Netero as a character, but I never quite realized just how complex he was thematically to the overall story of Hunter x Hunter. If you're looking for the next topic, might I suggest Leorio or Kurapika? Maybe there isn't enough there to target Leorio, but he stands out to me as a rare exception to the "non-fighter characters are typically irrelevant to a fighting series" notion. As for Kurapika, I've been especially interested in his arc after his first bout with the Phantom Troupe, because while his actions/the fallout of that arc are very atypical for a "vengeance-seeking" anime character, he hasn't completely forgone his quest to kill the Phantom Troupe. I always compare him to Sasuke Uchiha in that regard, as, while both are in many ways the same, their ideals are vastly different.

Thank you so much for another incredible HxH video. Every time I watch one of your videos it makes me want to go back and reread the series all over again

i cant wait till we know enough to break down Pariston's character

I can relate to trying to recommend this series to others and not really knowing what to say.. It's a fucking great show, just watch it

Considering that the video is 25 minutes, and so much is covered, it'll have to do with saying: yes, I think you did the topic justice.

Spectacular.. just spectacular. Thank you so much for your insights and the illumination they bring to these characters and their concepts.

I kinda want to know what would happen if netero decided to reason with meruem

YOU JUST CANT EXPLAIN WHAT HXH IS

Your channel is absolutely amazing I can only deeply thank you for these videos which are so interesting. I'm always captivated from 0 to the end and I found your parralel between Netero and Humanity in general mind blowing ! Keep it up I don't have any suggestion else than do what you like ^^

Thank you for your work. I'm more grateful than I could ever express myself probably. I am passionate about story-telling and to see through your work is a benediction. Listening to a passionate guy about the beauty of those stories makes me undoubtebly feel grateful. I was thinking about translating into french if that's okay with you. I really want a maximum of people to enjoy your work.

so happy to see your channel back

Some call the hunter exam cruel... *I call it natural selection.*

So, Netero = Badass?

Your ability to deconstruct characters, isolate each trait and thematic undertone, and then be able to articulately analyze and compile them in a much more digestible format is astounding to me. This isn't the first time I've watched one of your videos and been blown away, and it most definitely will not be the last. You have earned a subscriber. Great job on the video.

You know my favorite scene from HxH is when Netero points over to where Pitou is to Gon, that smug smirk lmao

Your analysis videos of Hunter x hunter always bring a smile to my heart

Who went outside and killed an ant without dying just to flex on Netero

I enjoyed the video. Good work on the video.

Thank you so much for doing such in depth/beautifully intricated character analysis. I'll definitely keep tabs on watching your future videos.

thank you for doing a video on my fav character Love your Vids

I feel that the character studies of fictional characters leads to a better understanding of the real world. These character analysis are a beautiful work art that will be successful in the future or for however long you wish to grace your audience with more content. KZfaq is ugly beautiful thing and I love it. ❤️

Thank you for making these wonderful analyses and for reminding us everytime how amazing this anime is!

I am grateful for this channel.

You're my favorite analyzer on youtube!

I hope the channel grows and same for the patreon!

This was extremely good! I always feel intellectual when watching your videos

Mannnn,thank you very much,incredible video

A lot of people overlook the moment netero uses his en. It literally shows his resolve to the point that he built all of his power on gratitude and being at piece and that was the only time he showed any malice the whole series

It's interesting, I recently pondered the nature of HxH's arc structure and storytelling techniques. The conclusion I came to takes roots in Togashi's "Yu Yu Hakusho". Originally, YYH was supposed to be episodic until Togashi's editor saw that no one liked that structure leading to the more linear story we got. My guess is that he decided to tackle the episodic idea in a very original way that took advantage of the unique existence of arcs in anime and manga. Personally, I found this very inspiring, it shows that no matter how long a genre or medium exists, you can always find new ways to write your stories.

Your analysis on various characters are very in-depth. It's great that you can spend nearly half an hour talking and yet I don't get bored or tired listening part-way through. Keep up the good work. You earned yourself a sub and a like.

Your videos are amazing man this is the kinda content I wanna see

I love listening to these videos always so nostalgic

The irony of what Netero did in the end with the Miniature Rose is what I find actually fascinating about him. He poured his heart and soul to completely master what his body, mind and soul can do and beyond, yet he would at the end resort on something he even didn't create. That moment when Meruem was ended not because of Netero's strength alone, but his resolve. In the end, Netero decided to show what he is capable of, but he resorted on representing on what humanity, the thing he represents, can do as a collective. I really liked how you analyze and explore ideas about characters and situations in a very balanced fashion. You're not too flamboyant with your words just to show you know more than anyone, nor you're not pointing obvious thoughts that spoonfeed ideas. You do deserve a Patreon, too bad I'm poor to even contribute. But thank you for inspiring me to find the kind of videos I really want to make in the near future. Keep it up.

Really dope videos man. I find it weird that only know have I found your channel!

Thanks for your profound HxH analysis videos, they're giving so much insight and offering so many details I never would have discovered myself. And they really make me wanna watch the whole series again. Keep it up!

Great video. But as for the fight, I personally think that Netero was using one arm and one leg in order to challenge himself, not to train the boys. We saw in the Chimera Ant arc that he was searching for a long time for a worthy opponent. He just wanted to be challenged in some way, so he put limits on himself.

Sees video title *Liked*

beautiful video as always! liked right away

The video essay is a growing trend. I am watching as many of these as I can before I start trying to make my own. Keep up the great work!

So many of Netero's actions and emotions both surprised and drew me in to Hunter x Hunter in its entirety. Hearing how strong your passion for Hunter x Hunter is, is wonderful as well.

spectacular video as usual ! For the next one how about a breakdown of Gons journey from a light hearted to a more dark and mature theme.

This video was awesome just like other vids of yours! I love the way you passionately and intelligently analyse anime/manga in a way that allows other passionate and intelligent fans to see what deep understanding and emotional experiences might have been missed! Pure Genius!

Another masterpiece of a video. Just amazing. Thank you.

hit like before i even watched the video.

if I could I would support you on patreon :) but awesome vid make sure to keep rolling out great vids like this one and you've got yourself a pretty big channel.

Alexzandxr... I love your videos, and insight! They keep me happy when I’m not able to be actively watching the show. Thank you!

I love how that when i searched up an analysis i still see this as the top result. I saulte you, my friend.

There is some thing really fun about doing a heart hand sign thing while having a nuke attached to your heart

I see Netero as a representation of human nature in Hunter x Hunter. Its beauty and its malice. It’s love and it’s cruelty. It’s capacity for selfish and ruthless actions for it own survival. As well as it’s appreciation for love. Netero in a way is as Aleczandxr said is a microcosm of the story’s thematic development. While he does some questionable actions like letting a psychopath like Hisoka continue to participate in the Hunter Exam, having Killiua face his evil brother and having the exam be a darwinist landscape in only whose with potential can survive. He definitely is not a noble man by any means, but he died for his people and is beloved by many characters in series including someone as vile as Pariston. It’s just that the people he is fighting for are the apart of a species that build unjust hierarchy, commit genocide and create weapons of mass destruction like the Poor Man’s Rose. In the incredible fight with Meruem, his dedication and passion for the martial arts is why Meruem has so much respect, being as important to Meruem’s transformation into a being with empathy towards others as his love for Komungi. Netero’s shocked expression upon seeing the Ant King carrying the injured blind girl show passion for someone he was oppress was proof that Netero was not a monster just a who in heinous actions Humanity created. Hunter x Hunter to me is (to quote George R.R. Martin) a story about the human heart in conflict with itself. Both Netero and Meruem are excellent characters grapple with their evil and their empathy and both two the many characters who this series so brilliant.

Bro all of your videos are so perfecf

I’m genuinely so happy I stumbled across your channel. I love you work keep it up man.

I hate it when they compare HxH to other shounen with shallow story and characters.

Oh man that was lovely. I've always had the sneaking suspicion that Netero was my favourite character, but could never seem to find many convincing reasons why other than "Meruem Fight" repeated sixteen times. This solves that problem and much more! That said, though... _Meruem Fight_. Holy shit I remember watching that thing over so many times trying to pick apart all of the tangled philosophical implications and mixed emotions. The problem was, there was just _so much_ being said in so little time that it meshed into the feeling of the arc absolutely beautifully, but still left me not knowing what to think or feel. With all the context you offer in this video, it's a lot easier to digest. I think you really put a finger on the crux of the issue when you mentioned Netero becoming antlike and Meruem becoming human. You have Netero, a character who superficially represents the pinnacle of human physical and spiritual attainment (at least, that's how I perceived him during the battle), pitted against a foe who, in turn, superficially represents the antithesis of humanity. Throughout the action of the fight, Netero only seems more and more saintly, until the final moments when- _Surprise!_ -he does a heel-face-turn and channels the most appalling aspects of humanity to achieve victory. It was a truly magnificent way to inflate the viewer's sense of morality before knocking them flat on their backs, where they would then be primed to swallow the whole great bittersweet, ambiguous pill of the arc's conclusion. As you said, Netero works so bloody well as a model for the whole arc.

Thank you for your work, it's quite refreshing!

Totally trippy that I ended up watching this exactly one year after it was released! Congrats on how much your Patreon has grown in the past year. :D

The first thing that came to mind when you mentioned Meruem’s enlightenment was the resemblance between Netero and a shepherd-like bodhisattva (one who aspires to delay buddhahood until all other sentient beings achieve buddhahood.) We can picture Meruem as a sentient being who achieves buddhahood after the fight against Netero. And Netero can be seen as a shepherd-like bodhisattva, this is due to the fact that all his life Netero has been waiting for someone worthy enough to fight against (he delays his death until achieving this goal of his). And after fighting against that person Netero finally fulfills his role as a shepherd by helping Meruem achieving buddhahood and therefore rises into the heavens as a sentient being. Later on Meruem joins him after achieving full buddhahood thanks to Netero. I think I read somewhere that people who achieve buddhahood become sentient beings that don’t go through rebirth and also that they rise into the heavens as they achieve buddhahood. I may be wrong though, correct me if I am.

Love your work! I would argue that Netero's nature is kind at its core but the world and all he has endured taught him that weakness has a price humans must pay. Also I would love a look at the relationship between Hisoka and Ilumi. They are, if I may uses a DND reference, an interesting look on the relationship between chaotic evil and lawful evil

An amazing analysis! Love the work you have done :)

thank god your videos are back up, I was worried I wouldnt ever be able to watch them again.

That Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal OST tho 😍🔥

Yes!! A new Hunter x hunter video! (I haven't watched it yet so back to the video, I might comment later again ;))

You just made me want to read the manga! Thank you and your amazing effort in this video!

watching your hunter x hunter videos is pure enjoyment!

Netero is one of my favorite Characters in all anime.

When I finished watching the Chimera arc and seeing his own perspective to the ant king, I could see that Netero was a very power-hungry type of individual - I had wondered why was it Netero didn't want to try to be friendly to the Ant King, but he kept being playful but at the same time, condescending, showing his pride, self-confidence and ego taking higher priority in his thinking. He felt his way and decisions were for the best for him in the name of humanity, but above all, to test himself against stronger opponents, similar logic in character likely can reflect to Goku from DBZ where they'll do things that may not be in everyones' interest but it'll be based on pride or a selfish desire. Netero projected that the Ant King, even if he was wise, even if strong, even if merciful, should never be King and he perceived the scenario that the Ant King would face constant rebellion against humans that would never accept being ruled by something Non-Human, so he dared not give the Ant King even a chance to rule. That, and he understood the parallels of people that remind him of himself. The Ant King presented himself as a strong thinker and one who is rationalizing as a sentient creature - but he knew that one day the darker side of the Ant King would likely take over and become what causes the most problems. As Gon is the descent into losing his humanity, and the Ant King is the ascent to gaining humanity. Netero continued seeing that the 'Inner-animal' would be what comes out when the Ant King decides that he's tired of humans not accepting his rule, that his rational and 'Humanity' would be lost. Likewise, Netero himself understands what it means to rule and have a darker side and fights with the intent to kill, that he understands humanity is dualistic and full of unlimited potential that should not be subjected to being ruled by a being that likely would hamper that growth. With that in mind, as complex as Netero was, deep down he was a narcissistic old man who hated seeing anyone stronger than him who didn't sacrifice as much as he did to gain the power he had - as the Ant King theorized, to gain the powers that Netero had, he must've trained to the point of insanity to gain his power, what would you think of that kind of man, who then sees the Ant King who simply was 'born' with greatness? It greatly frustrates Netero, Netero just wants to no doubt put him in his place, but does so 'in the name of humanity' but also subtly, because it'd make him feel better. That's what I saw in Netero, he was a playful old man, and while it isn't fake, it was to hide that inner-bloodlust and thrill of fighting, winning, being the best. Time catches up to everyone and he'd be one who refuses to let old age stop him from feeling like he's on top.

This was your best video by far, next to your Meruem video (which was touching as hell). What I really love about your videos is that you dont only touch the subject you mentioned in your title. You completely engulf in it, you search for the deepest meanings and find many other things in the show/game/character along the way, without swaying to much from the subject. This video struck me so hard when you started talking about the black-rose and how mass destrucion weapons can be mankinds doom and saviour at the same time. Great job, I really F*CKING enjoyed your video!!! I hope you're having fun making them. I wrote once a comment where I said that we'll enjoy your videos as long as you enjoy the things you talk about, Im sure thats the case here. Again thanks! Keep it up!

I really do appreciate the time and effort you put into these videos, I re watch them because each time I listen for something else and try to play out my own analysis I'm my head. keep up the great work !