Right after Meruem aka King finished his fight against Netero, he ended up getting poisoned and faced death.
Hunter x Hunter, a beloved and iconic anime, has captivated audiences with its thrilling action, compelling characters, and engaging storyline. However, amidst its flawless run, the series faces a blemish in the form of one of the most disappointing villain deaths in anime history.
Before discussing Meruem's fate, it is crucial to understand the significance of a well-developed antagonist. The villain, as the primary obstacle for the protagonist, plays a vital role in driving the narrative forward. A well-written villain can enhance the depth and complexity of the story, creating a compelling dynamic between the hero and the antagonist.
Meruem: An Intriguing Villain
Meruem's character emerges in the Chimera Ant arc as a newborn, allowing viewers to witness his development in real time. Born as the king of the Chimera Ants, Meruem possesses immense power and intellect. However, his impatience and disregard for others' lives initially make him a formidable and unsympathetic villain.
Meruem’s Transformation
Meruem's encounter with Komugi, a blind and skilled player of the board game Gungi, alters his perspective. Through his interactions with her, Meruem gradually learns to value the lives of those weaker than him and develops respect for others' skills and abilities. This transformation leads him to become a wise and just leader, defying expectations and adding depth to his character.
Meruem's Anti-Climactic Demise
Everything seems to be going well for Meruem until he faces Netero, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, in a fight to the death. Despite being humanity's enemy number one, Meruem is stronger than Netero, who employs his most powerful technique, the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva. The battle between the two showcases Meruem's strength and Netero's desperation.
Netero, realizing he cannot defeat Meruem, sacrifices himself by detonating a bomb within his heart, the Poor Man's Rose. The explosion severely injures Meruem but doesn't kill him. His loyal generals arrive just in time and sacrifice their life essence to revive him, granting him even greater power. However, unknown to them, the bomb's true danger lies in the poisonous aftermath.
Meruem, his generals, and Netero inhale a substantial amount of poison from the bomb, leading to a slow and inevitable death. The severe poison spreads throughout their bodies, infecting their organs and ultimately bringing about their demise. This unexpected and anticlimactic end to such a compelling villain left audiences disappointed.
Final Thoughts
Hunter x Hunter's Meruem exemplifies the importance of a well-developed villain in storytelling. His transformation from a ruthless antagonist to a complex character with genuine growth makes his demise all the more disheartening. While the series continues to captivate viewers with its exceptional qualities, the disappointing end of such a promising character serves as a reminder of the impact a villain's death can have on a narrative.
FAQs
A. Meruem, initially a powerful and unsympathetic villain, undergoes a significant transformation after encountering Komugi, a blind and skilled board game player. Through their interactions, Meruem learns to value the lives of others and gains respect for their skills. This development makes his character more intriguing and multi-dimensional.
A. Meruem's death is the result of a battle with Netero, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, in which both characters unleash their most powerful techniques. However, Netero, realizing he cannot defeat Meruem, sacrifices himself by detonating a bomb implanted in his heart. While the explosion doesn't kill Meruem, he inhales a poisonous aftermath that gradually leads to his demise, which left many viewers unsatisfied.
A. Meruem's death, being the primary antagonist of the Chimera Ant arc, marks a significant turning point in the series. It showcases the consequences of the battle between good and evil, and the price paid by both sides. While some viewers found his death disappointing, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of storytelling and the impact it can have on the audience.
