Series: 2011 (Subtitles)
Episode: 1
Chapter(s) Encompassed: Chapters 1-2
Introduction to Whale Island:
Manga: The story begins with Whale Island from a distance, followed by a showcasing of the Island’s wildlife and biome.
Anime: The story begins with Whale Island from a distance, before cutting to an overview of its city, followed by its citizens and fish market.
Gon Fishing:
Manga: Gon is seen fishing with a rabbit, several butterflies, birds, a bug, and two cat-like creatures.
Anime: Gon is seen fishing with multiple rabbits, butterflies, birds, and squirrels.
Anime: Gon catches a giant fish known as the Lord of the Lake. The Lord is too much for Gon to simply pull out, so Gon uses strategy by wrapping his fishing pole string around a tree and pulling down hard while falling.
Aunt Mito’s Promise:
Anime: Gon’s fishing scene is interrupted by a cut to his Aunt Mito working in town. She's asked by two workers if Gon's still fishing for the Lord of the Lake. Mito replies how Gon’s been at it for a week, non-stop. The short worker confirms that Mito promised Gon he can take the Hunter Exam if he catches the fish. The tall worker calls Gon a fool (baka!)—stating how five adults couldn't reel in the Lord together, and that it’s impossible for a child to catch such a large fish (noting how Mito doesn't want Gon to take the Exam). The short worker counters how Gon's father caught the Lord at the same age, but the tall worker laughs and reaffirms that Gon can't do it.
After Gon catches the Lord of the Lake, the scene immediately jumps to the island's town square, where Gon has brought the fish. Gon is not shown carrying the Lord of the Lake into town. The scene takes place nowhere near Gon's house. Gon’s great-grandmother is not present in the town square to see the Lord of the Lake. The townsfolk remark how it’s been twenty years since the Lord’s been caught, that it was Gon's father who caught it, and that Gon is his father’s son. Gon is empty-handed when asking Mito to keep her promise. Mito gives in to the promise without a word.
The Fish's Fate:
Manga: It's heavily implied that the Master of the Swamp is dead.Anime: The Lord of the Lake is clearly seen moving after Gon brought it to the town square. Since Ging caught the Lord years ago (which is never stated in the manga), its implied that the fish will be returned to its Lake so others may try catching it in the future. There is, however, another possibility that Gon's Lord of the Lake is an offspring of Ging's catch.
Gon's Delivery Hat:
Manga: Gon puts on a delivery hat and sprints away from Mito to deliver the Hunter Exam application card.
Anime: Gon simply runs off hat-less and application-less.
Mito's Reaction:
Manga: At home, Mito slams her fists on the table in frustration. To the point of tears, Mito exclaims her confusion over why Gon wishes to be a Hunter despite never telling, nor Gon ever asking, about Ging. Gon’s great-grandmother remarks how it was never a deep secret and that she expected this day to come.
Anime: At home, Mito sits quietly and solemnly at the table while Gon's great-grandmother talks. Gon's great-grandmother does not remark about keeping Ging a secret and expecting this day to come. Gon's great grandmother remarks about Gon catching the Lord at the same age as Ging.
Gon's Age:
Manga: Gon’s age is not yet mentioned, but it will later be confirmed as eleven (albeit, close to becoming twelve).
Kon:
Manga: While delivering the letter, Gon thinks to himself how despite Mito’s secrecy, he was able to figure out the truth about Ging long ago. After the delivery, Gon bounces away to a forest area with a small waterfall. Gon whistles, summoning a large foxbear named Kon who, after a brief fake-out, is revealed to be Gon’s friend. Kon playfully pounces on Gon, toppling the two into a creek. A nude Gon is shown fishing while his clothes dry, and fish cook, over a fire. Gon looks at his happy companion eating a fish, then at an old Hunter license in his hand. The scene then ominously transitions into a flashback.
Anime: These events never occur in the 2011 series.
Gon's Flashback:
Manga: Three years ago, Gon was attacked and nearly killed by an enraged foxbear mom. Yet thanks to a speckled squirrel warning, a nearby Hunter named Kite was able to swoop in and save Gon—slicing the foxbear in two with his sword. Kite asks Gon if he can stand, which Gon does, only to get punched right back down. An angry Kite, frustrated over the avoidable kill, berates Gon for foolishly wandering into a mother foxbear’s area despite the warning territorial markings. He asks why Gon’s father never taught him such logic, to which Gon explains how his mom and dad died right after he was born. Kite calms down from the realization and offers Gon some antiseptic for his wounds.
Kite walks towards the foxbear’s cub to put it down, telling Gon that without a mother it’ll most likely starve—or worse, survive and bear a grudge against humans for its mother’s death. Gon quickly picks up the violently scratching cub, exclaiming that he will take care of it. Kite notices the similarities between Ging and Gon’s determined eyes, and asks if Ging is Gon’s dad. Gon confirms and asks if Kite knew his dad (using proper etiquette for older men, which momentarily flusters Kite). Kite introduces himself as a Hunter and student to the much alive Ging. Time passes as Kite tells Gon all about Ging—praising him as a top-notch Hunter and explaining how Kite's final test of approval is to find Ging (the student's most difficult challenge yet). Kite leaves after telling Gon how "All good Hunters...get along well with animals."—the nearby foxbear cub now following the young boy. On the ground lies an unidentified Hunter's license that fell during Kite's battle with the mother foxbear. The scene changes back to present day with Gon staring at said license.
Anime: The flashback is moved much later to episode 76, the same episode Kite’s introduced in the 2011 series. The flashback is severely edited and much briefer.
Kon's Farewell:
Manga: Gon continues staring at the Hunter's license, then sits up and tells Kon that he’s going to become a Hunter. Gon explains to Kon how Hunters sometimes have to do stuff animals dislike, even hate at times, and that an animal who is king of the forest can't be friends with a Hunter. Kon is king of the forest, and Gon doesn't want that to change—inferring to the animal that they can no longer be friends. Kon appears to leave, before returning with a large number of forest animals (including a possible mate) to wave Gon farewell. Gon cheerfully returns the wave exclaiming "Bye, Kon!! You rule, y'hear?!" while running back home.
Anime: These events never occur in the 2011 series.
Gon and Mito's Discussion:
Manga: Gon comes home to see Mito drinking alone. Mito asks Gon when he leaves, to which Gon replies "First of next week." Mito confirms with Gon that he knew about Ging’s occupation, before asking if he knew Ging abandoned him as a kid—her face turned away from Gon's. Gon pauses for a moment before calmly answering “Being a Hunter must be an important job. So important…that family comes second.” Mito turns sharply towards Gon, who confidently states that being a Hunter isn’t for weaklings. Mito angrily storms to her room, shouting back to Gon how he is definitely Ging’s son before slamming the door. Gon internally apologizes to Mito while cleaning up her mess, yet agrees that he is Ging’s son and that it’s about time for them to meet.
Anime: Mito goes to Gon’s room while he’s packing for tomorrow’s trip. She asks if Gon’s sure about taking the Exam, which he confirms. Mito reinforces how Ging abandoned him as a kid to become a Hunter, which Gon thinks is amazing; “Being a Hunter is so great, he was willing to abandon his own kid!” Mito argues how being a Hunter is a dangerous job where Gon may lose his life, but Gon fiercely counters how he wants to discover why being a Hunter was so important to his dad. Mito pauses for a moment, before smiling ever so slightly and stating how Gon is definitely Ging’s son.
Gon's Departure:
Anime: Mito goes to Gon’s room while he’s packing for tomorrow’s trip. She asks if Gon’s sure about taking the Exam, which he confirms. Mito reinforces how Ging abandoned him as a kid to become a Hunter, which Gon thinks is amazing; “Being a Hunter is so great, he was willing to abandon his own kid!” Mito argues how being a Hunter is a dangerous job where Gon may lose his life, but Gon fiercely counters how he wants to discover why being a Hunter was so important to his dad. Mito pauses for a moment, before smiling ever so slightly and stating how Gon is definitely Ging’s son.
Gon's Departure:
Manga: Gon is greeted by the Whale Island townsfolk while going to board the Exam ship. The townsfolk are shown saying their goodbyes and giving parting gifts to Gon. One of them notes Gon to look behind, who turns to see Mito there. Gon walks over and awkwardly thanks her for everything. Mito pauses before confessing she’s lied to Gon again, stating through teary eyes that she made Ging give him up. Gon admits he knew, stating how Mito never looks him in the eye when lying. Gon drops his gifts and the two affectionately hug. Gon then boards the ship, cheerfully waving goodbye to Mito while shouting "You watch! I'll come back as a great Hunter!!" Mito returns the wave as Gon departs.
Anime: Gon prepares to depart to the Exam ship. Outside the house, Gon promises Mito he will pass the Exam, yet Mito only asks him to promise to return home safely. Gon promises and the two make a unique pinky swear where they will swallow a thousand needles if the promise is broken. The pinky swear is sealed with a “kiss” (aka, both thumbs contacting), with Gon extending the kiss sound (chuuuuuuuuuuuu). The promise gets Mito teary-eyed as she pulls Gon in for an affectionate hug, which Gon returns while thanking Mito. The scene pans out from the hug, then cuts to a cheerful Gon running towards Whale Island’s port. Gon's great-grandmother is present for Mito's farewell to Gon. The scene cuts again to Gon already on the moving ship as the Whale Island townsfolk wave goodbye, telling him to “Knock ‘em dead!” Gon cheerfully waves back, shouting that he will only return once he's "become the best Hunter in the world!"
Anime: Gon prepares to depart to the Exam ship. Outside the house, Gon promises Mito he will pass the Exam, yet Mito only asks him to promise to return home safely. Gon promises and the two make a unique pinky swear where they will swallow a thousand needles if the promise is broken. The pinky swear is sealed with a “kiss” (aka, both thumbs contacting), with Gon extending the kiss sound (chuuuuuuuuuuuu). The promise gets Mito teary-eyed as she pulls Gon in for an affectionate hug, which Gon returns while thanking Mito. The scene pans out from the hug, then cuts to a cheerful Gon running towards Whale Island’s port. Gon's great-grandmother is present for Mito's farewell to Gon. The scene cuts again to Gon already on the moving ship as the Whale Island townsfolk wave goodbye, telling him to “Knock ‘em dead!” Gon cheerfully waves back, shouting that he will only return once he's "become the best Hunter in the world!"
The Other Whale Island Child:
Anime: The only other child on Whale Island is shown watching Gon depart. She has orange hair and is shown tearing up at Gon's departure.
Kurapika and Leorio:
Manga: Kurapika and Leorio's first appearance is after the first storm when the captain checks up on the Hunter applicants.Anime: Kurapika and Leorio make earlier appearances on the ship’s deck just after it has left Whale Island. Leorio is shown reading a dirty magazine while Kurapika is staring out into the ocean.
The Storms:
Manga: Chapter 2 immediately begins with a wicked storm hitting the ship. Another storm occurs later in the chapter.
Anime: Episode 1 spends some time showing Gon explore the ship before getting to the storm. The first storm's events are combined with the manga's second storm to create one big, continuous storm.
Katzo/Katsuo:
Manga: Katzo is a generic-looking background character who Gon, Leorio and Kurapika save near the end of the chapter. He has no lines and no personality aside from being shocked at the broken mast flying at him.
Anime: Katsuo is given a unique character design complete with a sailor’s bandanna. The character is introduced almost immediately after Gon has left Whale Island. Katsuo is given a personality as a clumsy, jittery, yet kind-hearted sailor who the other workers berate, make fun of, and kick around. Katsuo is given multiple lines throughout the episode. Gon is shown helping Katsuo pick up some dropped apples.
The Captain’s Introduction:
Anime: The ship's captain is introduced directly after Katsuo’s anime introduction, telling his men to stop slacking off. The captain is shown drinking from his flask earlier then he does in the manga.
The Captain vs. the Storm:
Manga: During the first storm, a sailor informs the captain of a hole in the hull, to which the captain replies “Plug it with the butts of a few a’ them worthless passengers!” The captain is shown smoking a pipe while steering through the storm. The scene cuts to after the storm, showing a happy dolphin leaping as the clouds part and the sun shines. The ship’s crew appear fine from the massive storm: responding rather casually about it to the captain and even lightly mocking their passengers’s inability to handle the roughness.
Anime: During the only storm, a sailor informs the captain that the mast won’t last much longer and they should lower the sails, to which the captain replies “Don’t be stupid! The fun’s about to start.” The captain is no longer smoking a pipe while battling the storm, however, he is shown smoking his pipe in later adapted scenes, making such change a purposeful omission rather than censorship. The scene where the ship is tossed into the air by a tidal wave is extended—now showing the captain steering it up the massive wall of water before flying off the top. By the next scene the waves have settled down some, though the storm still continues. The ship’s crew do not appear to have their sea legs yet: being in slightly better shape than the average Hunter applicant (with one nearly throwing up). The captain even remarks to himself “Damn, this is one lousy crew.”
Checking on the Applicants:
Manga: The captain goes below deck to check on the “super cargo”. There he finds most of the Hunter applicants passed out from the storm. The captain then notices an active Gon helping out the seasick with fresh water, medicinal herbs, and towels. The captain also notices Kurapika peacefully sleeping in a hammock, and Leorio casually reading a dirty magazine. The captain notes how there’s “Some iron in those three”.
Anime: The captain goes below deck to check on the passengers. There he finds most of the Hunter applicants passed out from the storm. The captain then notices an active Gon giving a seasick applicant some medicinal herbs. The applicant asks for water, and Gon replies that it’s coming shortly. The captain also notices Kurapika casually reading a book in a hammock, and Leorio eating a sour apple (the 2011 anime has Leorio reading the dirty magazine in an earlier scene). The captain notes how "There are a few tough nuts on board." He's then comically pushed aside by Katsuo, who's carrying a cup of water for Gon. Gon thanks Katsuo and hands the water over to the sick applicant (steadying the glass for him). The captain smiles at Katsuo’s assistance, while Kurapika and Leorio curiously glance over at Gon. Gon thanks Katsuo again for the assistance.
The Seasick Applicant:
Manga: The seasick applicant Gon is shown specifically helping is the same man who berated him at the end of chapter 1. The applicant thanks Gon for the help.
Anime: The seasick applicant Gon is shown helping is not the same man who berated him earlier in the episode. The applicant is not shown thanking Gon for help.
Gon Sensing the Storm:
Manga: The captain tells his crew to take it easy for a while since they're “Gonna be real busy soon.” He sees Gon on the ship's bow and asks what he’s doing, to which Gon asks if a big storm's coming. Intrigued, the captain inquires how Gon knew, to which Gon explains "The wind's tepid and salty. And the seacranes are calling out warnings." The captain asks if Gon speaks bird, to which Gon replies that he can a little. The captain is impressed by Gon’s skills, before suddenly noticing the similarities between Gon and, presumably, Ging (who the captain envisions as a tall, shadowy figure behind Gon).
Anime: The scene occurs earlier in the episode, directly after the captain's anime introduction. Both Gon and the captain notice the seagulls acting strangely. Gon states that a storm’s coming, to which the captain asks how he can tell. Gon replies "That's what the seagulls are saying.", surprising the captain. Gon then sniffs the air before swiftly bounding up to the crow’s nest. Gon sniffs the air again and then shouts to the captain how a huge storm’s coming, exclaiming "I can tell by the smell!" The captain is impressed by Gon's skills, before suddenly noticing the similarities between Gon and, presumably, Ging’s eyes.
Asking About Gon:
Manga: The captain confirms with Gon that the boy's from Whale Island, before asking about his father’s career. Gon replies how his father’s a Hunter, and while he's never met the man, has been told he's the best. The captain acknowledges Gon's reply, thinking to himself how the day’s finally come.
Anime: The scene happens later on when the captain interviews Gon, Leorio and Kurapika. The captain inquires why the trio want to be Hunters. Gon is the first to answer—explaining how his dad's a Hunter, and that he left Whale Island to find out why it's so important to him. The captain realizes Gon is Ging's son, thinking to himself how the day has finally come.
The Captain Teaching Gon and Second Storm:
Manga: The captain further tests Gon on his storm predicting skills. Gon answers how the storm will be “twice as big and violent” as the last one, and that the ship will reach it in three hours. The captain internally agrees, noting how it’s “not some landlubber’s lucky guess, either...” The captain then shows Gon how to steer the ship, explaining how a first-rate Hunter needs to know how to handle anything. He then announces to the other applicants how another storm’s coming and anyone who’s had their fill can use the ship’s spare lifeboats to reach the nearest island. Every applicant, save for Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika, abandons ship.
Anime: These events never occur in the 2011 series. The first storm's events are combined with the manga's second storm to create one big, continuous storm. The seasick applicants simply remain onboard until the ship reaches port.
The Captain Interviews the Trio:
Manga: Only the captain, Gon, Leorio and Kurapika are present for the interview. Leorio looks remarkably chill (as well as someone out of Beavis & Butt-Head) when asked for his name. Kurapika agrees with "Rioleo” after Leorio refuses to explain why he wants to be a Hunter. An irritated Leorio tells Kurapika to get his name right, which Kurapika simply ignores. The captain tells Leorio and Kurapika that if they refuse to answer then they can get off his ship.
Anime: The captain, Gon, Leorio, Kurapika and several crew members (including Katsuo) are present for the interview. Leorio looks quite irritable when asked for his name, and is slightly more assertive towards Gon’s eagerness to answer the captain’s question: poking Gon in the head while explaining his refusal to answer. Kurapika calls Leorio by the right name when agreeing with him, yet Leorio still gets upset since Kurapika doesn’t refer to his elder as “Leorio-san”. After hearing Leorio and Kurapika's refusal to answer, the captain tells Katsuo to inform the examination board about two more dropouts.
Lecture and Responses:
Manga: Gon remains silent after the captain's lecture about being an applicant screener. Kurapika is the first to speak after the lecture. After hearing Kurapika’s response, the captain specifically states "You're out to be a Blacklist Hunter, then!" Kurapika continues calling Leorio the wrong name. The captain once more asks Leorio why he wants to be a Hunter.
Anime: Gon adds "So he says...", while looking at Leorio, directly after the captain's lecture about being an applicant screener. Gon's remark earns him an angry look from Leorio, who then responds to the captain; "Should have told us sooner." After hearing Kurapika’s response, the captain specifically states "So you want to become a bounty hunter?" Leorio continues insisting Kurapika call him Leorio-san. Gon, rather than the captain, asks Leorio why he wants to be a Hunter.
Mito’s Saying:
Manga: Gon explains Mito’s saying to the captain.
Anime: Gon explains Mito’s saying to the captain while the scene cuts to a flashback of Mito explaining it to a younger Gon.
Leorio vs Kurapika:
Manga: Leorio and Kurapika both give each other a chance to take back what they said, before pulling out their weapons around the same time. Kurapika asks Leorio if he's ready, which Leorio confirms. Kurapika proceeds to charge at Leorio, but stops as Katzo goes flying by. Leorio is the first to rush over to save Katzo.
Anime: Kurapika seems less eager to fight Leorio, being given the line “Then I have no choice...”. Leorio pulls out his weapon first. Kurapika does not ask Leorio if he's ready. Kurapika does not charge at Leorio. Both rush over at the same time to save Katsuo.
The Captain’s Location and Gon's Assistance:
Anime: The steering worker notices a giant water spout heading their way. Katsuo states that if they get caught in it, they'll sink The captain gives the order to lower the sails. Gon tells Katsuo he'll help, which Katsuo accepts and tells Gon to follow him. The captain then takes over at the helm to steer the ship. Gon is shown assisting the crew with lowering the sails.
Katzo/Katsuo Flung Overboard:
Manga: Katzo is hit by a broken piece of the ship's mast, knocking him out and sending him flying off the ship. Katzo flies off to the side of Leorio and Kurapika.
Anime: Katsuo is lifted up by the waterspout's winds while holding onto the sail’s rope. He either passes out from the occurrence or is knocked out from slamming into the ship’s side. Katsuo flies in-between Leorio and Kurapika.
Katzo/Katsuo and Gon’s Injuries:
Manga: Katzo is badly injured from the broken mast, and is shown spurting blood from his mouth. Gon injures his nose while getting dragged back in after grabbing Katzo.
Anime: Katzo is never hit by a broken mast piece, so there is no blood. Gon never injures his nose.
Anime: Katsuo is lifted up by the waterspout's winds while holding onto the sail’s rope. He either passes out from the occurrence or is knocked out from slamming into the ship’s side. Katsuo flies in-between Leorio and Kurapika.
Katzo/Katsuo and Gon’s Injuries:
Anime: Katzo is never hit by a broken mast piece, so there is no blood. Gon never injures his nose.
The Aftermath:
Manga: As soon as Gon and Katzo are safely pulled in, Leorio and Kurapika begin simultaneously scolding Gon for his reckless behavior. Kurapika remarks how even a mermaid wouldn't have survived in that maelstrom. Gon thinks to himself how they were the ones already acting recklessly. Gon remarks how the two caught him anyway, which throws the teens off slightly, yet agree with Gon nonetheless. Kurapika and Leorio glance at each other, before Kurapika apologizes to Leorio for being disrespectful. Leorio tells Kurapika to forget it, saying "It was an honest mistake. Sorry for that crack about your clan." The storm is shown to have blown over during this exchange.
Anime: The scene cuts to sometime after the storm has passed. Leorio is the first to scold Gon for his reckless behavior. Kurapika adds on about how reckless Gon is. We are not shown Gon's inner thoughts. Gon remarks how the two caught him anyway, which throws the teens off slightly, yet agree with Gon nonetheless. Katsuo then appears, running over to thank Gon for saving him. Gon remarks how he couldn’t have done it without Leorio and Kurapika, who Katsuo also thanks. Kurapika calmly remarks that Katsuo doesn't need to thank him, while Leorio gets embarrassed over Katsuo's gratitude. Katsuo then returns to his station, while Kurapika chuckles at Leorio’s sheepishness, which Leorio warily questions. Kurapika then apologizes for his rude behavior, referring to the older teen as “Leorio-san.” Leorio immediately gets embarrassed by the change in attitude, saying "We sound like strangers...Just call me Leorio...Leorio works." Leorio then apologizes, taking back everything he said and claiming he was wrong. Kurapika accepts the apology, telling Leorio it's okay.
The Captain’s Final Remarks:
Anime: The captain remarks how he likes the trio. The captain says he's decided to drop all three off at the nearest port to the Exam. Gon asks about the captain's test, to which the captain replies how all three have passed his test. The captain does not offer to show Gon how to steer the ship.
