Leorio badly needs more screentime in Hunter x Hunter and the perfect time is now

Modified Nov 30, 2024 16:00 GMT

Hunter X Hunter should give Leorio more screentime (Image via Madhouse). — Hunter X Hunter should give Leorio more screentime (Image via Madhouse)

Hunter X Hunter has a major virtue compared to other anime series, and that is giving various characters a lot of time to shine, as evidenced by the current arc in the manga. However, there are always some characters missing out on screentime, and Leorio might be one of the best examples.

Even though it was already confirmed that Leorio is part of the crew heading to the Dark Continent in the Hunter X Hunter manga, his character continues to be sidelined. When compared to the likes of Gon, Killua, and Kurapika, Leorio has been falling short in that department, especially considering his potential and how he is perceived by other Hunters.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series. Any opinion expressed here belongs to the author and not Sportskeeda as a publication.

Explaining why Leorio's potential should be explored now in Hunter X Hunter

Leorio as seen in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Leorio might be one of the most underrated characters in terms of potential since he, without training, managed to keep up with martial artists, pass the Hunter exam, and even learn a Nen technique without focusing full-time as he was studying to become a doctor. Ging, Gon's father, was even quite flattering about his technique and the different abilities he could have with that.

However, unlike the rest of the main cast (Gon, Killua, and Kurapika), Leorio is yet to be given a prominent role in the manga. Many fans have assumed that he would have a role to play in the Dark Continent, especially considering that his background as a doctor could be pivotal in a land where diseases are fairly common and author Yoshihiro Togashi could take that road with his character.

Considering that even someone such as Hisoka could see Leorio's potential during the Hunter exam, prioritizing him and Gon over Kurapika and Killua, this seems to be a seed that Togashi planted decades ago. However, he is still lacking the experience that Gon and Killua had throughout the story.

The way Togashi has structured the main cast

The four main characters of the series (Image via Madhouse)

Hunter X Hunter author Yoshihiro Togashi is known for having unconventional writing tropes compared to traditional battle shonen, and a very prominent one is the handling of his main cast. Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio don't spend most of the series together and tend to go their separate ways, switching their time on the spotlight.

This is why many fans have assumed Leorio will get his deserved time as the protagonist during the events of the Dark Continent, especially considering how Kurapika has enjoyed a greater role in the Succession War arc. However, this is still yet for interpretation since Togashi is known for throwing curve balls at his readers.

Final thoughts

Leorio is one of the main characters in Hunter X Hunter, and the upcoming Dark Continent expedition should be the perfect time for him to shine. However, that can never be assumed in this series since it is known for having many different tropes subverted.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali