Fact Check: Are hxh films canon?

Are Hunter x Hunter Films Canon?

The question of whether the Hunter x Hunter films are considered canon to the main storyline has been a topic of discussion among fans of the series. The films in question are Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission. This article will explore the available evidence regarding their status in relation to the original manga and anime series.

What We Know

1. Film Overview: Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge was released in 2013 and focuses on the character Kurapika, providing some background on his story. Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission, also released in 2013, features a different narrative that does not directly tie into the main story arcs of the manga or anime 12.

2. Canon Definition: In the context of anime and manga, "canon" refers to content that is officially recognized as part of the original storyline, typically created or approved by the original author. In this case, Yoshihiro Togashi is the original creator of Hunter x Hunter 2.

3. Expert Opinions: Various sources indicate that neither of the Hunter x Hunter films is considered canon. For instance, a post on The Nerds Junction states that the films do not fit into the official timeline of the series, suggesting they are more akin to filler content 2. Similarly, Playbite confirms that the films are not part of the main storyline but are enjoyable for fans 9.

4. Community Insights: Discussions on forums such as MyAnimeList reveal mixed opinions. Some users argue that while Phantom Rouge contains elements related to Kurapika's backstory, much of its content is not referenced in the manga, leading to its classification as non-canon 47.

5. Additional Context: The films were produced by different studios and were not directly overseen by Togashi, which raises questions about their authenticity as part of the Hunter x Hunter universe 38.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

• Wikipedia: The entry on Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge provides a general overview but may lack depth in discussing the canon status. Wikipedia is a useful starting point but should be cross-referenced with more authoritative sources 1.

• The Nerds Junction: This source offers a clear explanation of the films' non-canon status but does not provide citations or detailed evidence to support its claims. The lack of sourcing raises questions about its reliability 2.

• MyAnimeList Forums: User-generated content can provide insights into community perceptions but may also reflect personal opinions rather than factual information. The variability in user experience can lead to conflicting interpretations 47.

• Playbite: This source explicitly states that the films are not part of the main storyline, aligning with other sources. However, it lacks detailed citations or references to authoritative materials 9.

Conflicts of Interest

None of the sources appear to have overt conflicts of interest, as they are primarily fan-driven or informational in nature. However, the subjective nature of fan discussions can lead to biased interpretations of what constitutes canon.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence regarding the canon status of the films largely comes from fan discussions and articles summarizing community consensus. More robust evidence could include direct statements from the original creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, or official publications from the production companies involved in the films.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The assertion that the Hunter x Hunter films are canon to the main storyline is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes expert opinions and community consensus indicating that both Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge and Hunter x Hunter: The Last Mission do not align with the official timeline or narrative established by the original creator, Yoshihiro Togashi. The films are generally regarded as filler content rather than integral parts of the Hunter x Hunter universe.

It is important to note that while the films may contain enjoyable elements for fans, their lack of direct oversight by Togashi and their production by different studios contribute to their classification as non-canon. Additionally, the evidence primarily stems from fan discussions and articles, which may not always reflect definitive statements from authoritative sources.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information regarding canon status and consider the nuances of fan interpretations versus official content. As with many topics in fandoms, opinions may vary, and it is beneficial to seek out multiple perspectives before forming a conclusion.

Sources

1. Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge - Wikipedia. Link
2. Are Hunter x Hunter Movies Canon To The Main Story? - The Nerds Junction. Link
3. Hunter X Hunter Order of Watching: The Complete Guide - Voice Film. Link
4. Is The Last Mission, really canon? - Forums - MyAnimeList.net. Link
5. Hunter × Hunter: Phantom Rouge | Hunterpedia | Fandom. Link
6. How to watch Hunter x Hunter in order - Radio Times. Link
7. what is the chronological/watch order for hunter x hunter? - Forums - MyAnimeList.net. Link
8. Hunter x Hunter Gets an Exciting Netflix Update - CBR. Link
9. Are Any of the Hunter x Hunter Movies Canon? - Playbite. Link
10. HXH in Order: Hunter x Hunter Watch Order With Movies - Twinfinite. Link