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Hunter × Hunter [ハンター×ハンター] #4
Hunter x Hunter, Vol. 04
Hunters are a special breed, dedicated to tracking down treasures, magical beasts, and even other men. But such pursuits require a license, and less than one in a hundred thousand can pass the grueling qualification exam. Those who do pass gain access to restricted areas, amazing stores of information, and the right to call themselves Hunters.
END GAME
The fourth exam rages on as the Hunter hopefuls try to gain points by stealing each other's badges. Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio fall into a trap set for another applicant and must face a pit of poisonous snakes. When Leorio is bitten, Gon braves the snakes to snatch the antidote and a badge!
Finally, the friends reach the end of the exams and the ultimate "reverse tournament"--the winner of each round automatically passes the Hunter exam, but the defeated keep competing against each other until the last candidate standing fails the exam. Killing an opponent means immediate failure--will Killua's rage stand in the way of his dream to become a Hunter?
END GAME
The fourth exam rages on as the Hunter hopefuls try to gain points by stealing each other's badges. Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio fall into a trap set for another applicant and must face a pit of poisonous snakes. When Leorio is bitten, Gon braves the snakes to snatch the antidote and a badge!
Finally, the friends reach the end of the exams and the ultimate "reverse tournament"--the winner of each round automatically passes the Hunter exam, but the defeated keep competing against each other until the last candidate standing fails the exam. Killing an opponent means immediate failure--will Killua's rage stand in the way of his dream to become a Hunter?
192 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 1999
128 people are currently reading
1464 people want to read
About the author
Yoshihiro Togashi
322 books1,323 followersYoshihiro Togashi (冨樫義博) is a manga artist. Credited in Chinese translations as Fu Jian Yi Bo.
He began drawing manga at an early age; while he attended college, the publisher Shueisha recognized his talent. Togashi has authored numerous manga series in different genres during the past three decades. He is perhaps best known for writing and illustrating the YuYu Hakusho and Hunter × Hunter series, both of which have been published in the popular Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. Togashi is married to Naoko Takeuchi, the author of Sailor Moon.
He began drawing manga at an early age; while he attended college, the publisher Shueisha recognized his talent. Togashi has authored numerous manga series in different genres during the past three decades. He is perhaps best known for writing and illustrating the YuYu Hakusho and Hunter × Hunter series, both of which have been published in the popular Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine. Togashi is married to Naoko Takeuchi, the author of Sailor Moon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
May 5, 2025
3.5 stars
May 17, 2018
Things are really starting to go off the rails as the hunter exam nears its end. It's unexpected and quite refreshing to see a shonen book wrapping up its tournament arc so quickly, as the last chapter tells us basically the entire outcome of the final challenge sans the big cliffhanger. Once again, Hunter x Hunter is a very entertaining read, and just what I needed after that depressing drek I was reading before.
December 3, 2019
Chapter 27
This is the time where Hisoka looks for two other tags, a time for Gon’s opportunity. However, Gon’s opportunity became really complicated. It ends up well, though.
I also like Kurapika’s cleverness in assessing situations. They were able to escape, thank goodness to him!
Chapter 28
This chapter is when Hisoka wants to quench his bloodlust. He found his target where Gon saw in the preceding chapter. Gon is quick enough to assess the situation to be in his favor.
However something unexpected happened to Gon. It worked out in the end, of course.
Chapter 29
This chapter is when the three brothers tried to steal Killua’s tag. I love that is so clever enough to switch the tags. He is just exceptionally talented.
Chapter 30
This is the last day in the island. Leorio is so worried since he didn’t complete the 6 points yet. Luckily Gon came out. Well I really can’t believe that Gon has an unbelievably incredible sense of smell. And he was able to find Ponzu for Leorio. SO cool! But they are trapped.
Chapter 31
This chapter is when they were trapped in the cave. I commend Kurapika’s general knowledge. He was able to assess how Barbon died. It’s exceptional!
However I commend Gon more. His courage and selflessness is astounding. No one would ever think of doing what he did. I love their stunning friendship.
Chapter 32
This is their last day in the island. Finally, Gon, Killua, Kurapika and Leorio pass. What a relief.
An interview happened here. I can say Leorio has a really good soul. Not only does it show to his face but his actions also.
Chapter 33
This chapter is the last round. They will be having duels against each other. I don’t really like this episode especially since I already saw this in anime. It is exciting, challenging and also horrifying.
Fight is between Hanzo and Gon. Gon is so stubborn. XD
Chapter 34
This is Gon’s fight with Hanzo. Gon’s stubbornness is so hilarious.
Chapter 35
Gon’s awake and Satotsu is there to advise him of what he can do with his license.
The exam was over this time. Satotsu told Gon of what happened. Killua’s last opponent is Gitarakur which turned out to be his handsome brother Illumi. He made a mistake because of this incident. That’s why Killua is the only one who failed the exam.
This is the time where Hisoka looks for two other tags, a time for Gon’s opportunity. However, Gon’s opportunity became really complicated. It ends up well, though.
I also like Kurapika’s cleverness in assessing situations. They were able to escape, thank goodness to him!
Chapter 28
This chapter is when Hisoka wants to quench his bloodlust. He found his target where Gon saw in the preceding chapter. Gon is quick enough to assess the situation to be in his favor.
However something unexpected happened to Gon. It worked out in the end, of course.
Chapter 29
This chapter is when the three brothers tried to steal Killua’s tag. I love that is so clever enough to switch the tags. He is just exceptionally talented.
Chapter 30
This is the last day in the island. Leorio is so worried since he didn’t complete the 6 points yet. Luckily Gon came out. Well I really can’t believe that Gon has an unbelievably incredible sense of smell. And he was able to find Ponzu for Leorio. SO cool! But they are trapped.
Chapter 31
This chapter is when they were trapped in the cave. I commend Kurapika’s general knowledge. He was able to assess how Barbon died. It’s exceptional!
However I commend Gon more. His courage and selflessness is astounding. No one would ever think of doing what he did. I love their stunning friendship.
Chapter 32
This is their last day in the island. Finally, Gon, Killua, Kurapika and Leorio pass. What a relief.
An interview happened here. I can say Leorio has a really good soul. Not only does it show to his face but his actions also.
Chapter 33
This chapter is the last round. They will be having duels against each other. I don’t really like this episode especially since I already saw this in anime. It is exciting, challenging and also horrifying.
Fight is between Hanzo and Gon. Gon is so stubborn. XD
Chapter 34
This is Gon’s fight with Hanzo. Gon’s stubbornness is so hilarious.
Chapter 35
Gon’s awake and Satotsu is there to advise him of what he can do with his license.
The exam was over this time. Satotsu told Gon of what happened. Killua’s last opponent is Gitarakur which turned out to be his handsome brother Illumi. He made a mistake because of this incident. That’s why Killua is the only one who failed the exam.
June 26, 2020
4 of 5 stars
-----
Gon chasing his target badge while concealing his presence from Hisoka, that was the first intense moment for me in HxH since the beginning. I was literally holding my breath in that particular scene in anime. His fishing rod, despite being a weirdly uncommon tool to bring in an adventure, really came in handy! And Killua's face-off with the three brothers was also one of my favorite Killua moments. The way he calmly handled all three of them. He's just so damn compose it's actually so cool!
In here, we can definitely see how strong Gon's resolve was, while facing Hisoka and even with his fight with Hanzo. That was one of his strong points, no doubt about it, but it can also be a disadvantage at some point in his journey. At this point, that strong resolve, his determination not to back down regardless of the situation, it was still a good thing for him.
Also, one of Killua's attitude I don't particularly like, but I don't hate either, was his arrogance. That attitude was actually interesting for me. He was not particularly an arrogant kid but sometimes his rudeness can bring his arrogance out. His arrogant nature can be seen in two different angles, though. Sometimes, it looked so cool to be able to see that kind of confidence. The other times, it can cause his downfall, just like what happened in the final phase of the exam. It was really a big mistake not to fight Pockle just because he's a boring opponent. Though that reason was kind of funny, it also caused him a big mistake.
The appearance of Illumi would now start a deeper venture in Killua's character and I can wait to see that.
-----
Gon chasing his target badge while concealing his presence from Hisoka, that was the first intense moment for me in HxH since the beginning. I was literally holding my breath in that particular scene in anime. His fishing rod, despite being a weirdly uncommon tool to bring in an adventure, really came in handy! And Killua's face-off with the three brothers was also one of my favorite Killua moments. The way he calmly handled all three of them. He's just so damn compose it's actually so cool!
In here, we can definitely see how strong Gon's resolve was, while facing Hisoka and even with his fight with Hanzo. That was one of his strong points, no doubt about it, but it can also be a disadvantage at some point in his journey. At this point, that strong resolve, his determination not to back down regardless of the situation, it was still a good thing for him.
Also, one of Killua's attitude I don't particularly like, but I don't hate either, was his arrogance. That attitude was actually interesting for me. He was not particularly an arrogant kid but sometimes his rudeness can bring his arrogance out. His arrogant nature can be seen in two different angles, though. Sometimes, it looked so cool to be able to see that kind of confidence. The other times, it can cause his downfall, just like what happened in the final phase of the exam. It was really a big mistake not to fight Pockle just because he's a boring opponent. Though that reason was kind of funny, it also caused him a big mistake.
The appearance of Illumi would now start a deeper venture in Killua's character and I can wait to see that.
September 27, 2022
We see the trio surviving during the fourth round of the exam where they have must grab others’ badges for points before time runs out. They do reach the final round where it becomes “last one standing” and for Gon, it’s a surprising outcome. A (100%/Outstanding)
March 24, 2025
4.5
i loved the hunter's exam arc and soon it will be over BUT WELL MY FAVOURITE ARC IS UP NEXT 🤭
i loved the hunter's exam arc and soon it will be over BUT WELL MY FAVOURITE ARC IS UP NEXT 🤭
October 5, 2018
There's just something special going on here. This is a story about a capable protagonist who fails over and over again but ends up achieving his goals because of his strong will, pure heart, and good friends. And it's done in a way that doesn't feel cheesy or like he's just being handed these things. He has to take a beating to prove his worth. Even when he wins he kind of loses because the victories usually come on his opponents' terms.
That's part of what makes this series special. It flips a lot of shonen storytelling on its head. A reverse tournament where the hero wins the prize in the first round because his opponent beat him so bad. A tag team battle where the enemy heavy gets knocked out and the heroes have to wait for him to wake up to conclude the match. A challenge where the cast has to figure out what the fuck sushi is. Around every turn there is something new and unexpected that does something interesting with the genre of shonen action.
That's part of what makes this series special. It flips a lot of shonen storytelling on its head. A reverse tournament where the hero wins the prize in the first round because his opponent beat him so bad. A tag team battle where the enemy heavy gets knocked out and the heroes have to wait for him to wake up to conclude the match. A challenge where the cast has to figure out what the fuck sushi is. Around every turn there is something new and unexpected that does something interesting with the genre of shonen action.
November 19, 2023
Egzamin się nareszcie skończył, zabawę czas zacząć 😈
November 19, 2022
Completely unafraid of brutality and gore, it's a book of revelations and character wrapped up nicely in an action shaped bow.
December 14, 2021
Nuestros protagonistas siguen persiguiendo a sus presas en la cuarta prueba, pero se darán cuenta que no la tienen muy fácil porque algunos participantes usan venenos o tienen unas ansias increíbles de asesinar. Luego se dio inicio a la última prueba, la cual se decidió en ese mismo instante y consistía en combates que solo se podían ganar una vez. Las peleas se formaron en base a habilidades físicas, mentales e impresión general; entonces, mientras mejor desempeño tuviera en estos tres rasgos, tendría más oportunidades de ganar.
Sin duda este es mi volumen favorito hasta el momento por lo rápido y emocionante de leer, he marcado tantos paneles que ya un poco mas y marcaba todo el manga. El dibujo ha resaltado mucho en este tomo porque hay detalles tanto en el entorno como en las caras de los personajes, en especial en los de Hisoka cuando esta en sus momentos de excitación por querer matar a alguien, algunos de sus rostros me asustaron y me encanto que el mangaka pudiese transmitirme esa sensación.
Gon se llevó toda mi atención en este volumen porque me sigue maravillando lo tenaz y necio que puede llegar a ser, se da cuenta que todavía le queda mucho por aprender para poder alcanzar a Hisoka o a Hanzo, con quien peleo en la ultima prueba. Siente impotencia por no poder ganarles y que al final le dejen ganar él porque ven que tiene potencial, pero Gon no quiere deberles nada y, si por él fuese, preferiría pelear y que lo golpeen una y otra vez.
“Me frustro tanto… No poder hacer nada contra él.”
Si bien él carga con toda esa frustración, no deja de ser amable y de dar ayuda a sus amigos, o hasta a desconocidos. Busco a Kurapika y Leorio para ayudarlos, llego hasta arriesgar su vida para que Leorio consiguiese su placa. La determinación de Gon no tiene límites, si el desea algo se esfuerza de forma sobrehumana y si no llega a conseguirlo es por el simple hecho de que sus habilidades físicas no se lo permiten; entonces, cuando llegue a conseguir esas habilidades sé que se volverá alguien muy fuerte.
“Me sentí muy inútil, necesitaba compañía… Y poder serle de ayuda a alguien.”
Con respecto a información importante: Netero tiene más de cien años y explica que después de mucho tiempo este es uno de los exámenes de cazadores con mejores participantes, si se ha pasado el examen de Hunters ya no se puede volver a rendir y también se da información sobre que hay Hunters que excavan, restauran y preservan ruinas (cierto trabajo, de un Hunter desconocido, se considera como un manual de preservación de ruinas).
Ya sabía cómo iba a ser el final de este volumen y en el próximo daremos cierre a este primer arco de “Examen de cazador”, el cual se ha vuelto uno de mis favoritos. Leer hunterxhunter vale cada segundo y estoy muy ansiosa de continuarlo.
Sin duda este es mi volumen favorito hasta el momento por lo rápido y emocionante de leer, he marcado tantos paneles que ya un poco mas y marcaba todo el manga. El dibujo ha resaltado mucho en este tomo porque hay detalles tanto en el entorno como en las caras de los personajes, en especial en los de Hisoka cuando esta en sus momentos de excitación por querer matar a alguien, algunos de sus rostros me asustaron y me encanto que el mangaka pudiese transmitirme esa sensación.
Gon se llevó toda mi atención en este volumen porque me sigue maravillando lo tenaz y necio que puede llegar a ser, se da cuenta que todavía le queda mucho por aprender para poder alcanzar a Hisoka o a Hanzo, con quien peleo en la ultima prueba. Siente impotencia por no poder ganarles y que al final le dejen ganar él porque ven que tiene potencial, pero Gon no quiere deberles nada y, si por él fuese, preferiría pelear y que lo golpeen una y otra vez.
“Me frustro tanto… No poder hacer nada contra él.”
Si bien él carga con toda esa frustración, no deja de ser amable y de dar ayuda a sus amigos, o hasta a desconocidos. Busco a Kurapika y Leorio para ayudarlos, llego hasta arriesgar su vida para que Leorio consiguiese su placa. La determinación de Gon no tiene límites, si el desea algo se esfuerza de forma sobrehumana y si no llega a conseguirlo es por el simple hecho de que sus habilidades físicas no se lo permiten; entonces, cuando llegue a conseguir esas habilidades sé que se volverá alguien muy fuerte.
“Me sentí muy inútil, necesitaba compañía… Y poder serle de ayuda a alguien.”
Con respecto a información importante: Netero tiene más de cien años y explica que después de mucho tiempo este es uno de los exámenes de cazadores con mejores participantes, si se ha pasado el examen de Hunters ya no se puede volver a rendir y también se da información sobre que hay Hunters que excavan, restauran y preservan ruinas (cierto trabajo, de un Hunter desconocido, se considera como un manual de preservación de ruinas).
Ya sabía cómo iba a ser el final de este volumen y en el próximo daremos cierre a este primer arco de “Examen de cazador”, el cual se ha vuelto uno de mis favoritos. Leer hunterxhunter vale cada segundo y estoy muy ansiosa de continuarlo.
February 23, 2015
Yeah, still really liking this series. Here's one of the many reasons why:
October 11, 2022
This was one of the most unique tournament arcs I've ever read. The losers advancing to the next round, the way the tournament was told as a flashback, the whole format lead to very memorable moments, and just proved to me that between this and Yu Yu Hakusho, Togashi is the king of tournaments. Gon and Hisoka's interaction at the beginning of the volume was very cool, as was the snake hole. Just a banger volume all around.
July 11, 2025
Surprised by how quick the hunter exams were. Felt like they took up so much of the original anime
January 26, 2023
Las cosas se están saliendo de control.
El examen para poder convertirse en Hunter está a punto de terminar y a nuestros protagonistas se les agota el tiempo para obtener los puntos necesarios en la cacería humana.
El arte es increíble, hace tiempo vi un tiktok sobre Togashi siendo relajado con el tema de las perspectivas, pero era extremadamente estricto respecto a las líneas de los paneles, en este tomo logré entender el porqué… las escenas realmente logran transmitirte el instinto asesino proveniente de los personajes… es espectacular.
El examen para poder convertirse en Hunter está a punto de terminar y a nuestros protagonistas se les agota el tiempo para obtener los puntos necesarios en la cacería humana.
El arte es increíble, hace tiempo vi un tiktok sobre Togashi siendo relajado con el tema de las perspectivas, pero era extremadamente estricto respecto a las líneas de los paneles, en este tomo logré entender el porqué… las escenas realmente logran transmitirte el instinto asesino proveniente de los personajes… es espectacular.
November 13, 2017
This one was so good!! And jam-packed too!
I love how Togashi gives his characters, mercenary or not, their own intergrity. I respect that so much!
I love how Togashi gives his characters, mercenary or not, their own intergrity. I respect that so much!
May 13, 2020
So wickedly violent! And I love it!
January 3, 2019
I was pretty impressed that Gon's plan to get the badge actually worked, even if things didn't go so well for him afterwards... He still passed the phase! :D
The interviews between all the contestants were pretty neat too, I liked how you got to see a bit of who the contestants most feared, or most admired. And I loved seeing how often certain characters turned up as referenced by the others!
Of course, this volume just had to end on a cliffhanger, with that thing with Killua happening at the end... I want to know WHY though! I need more info!
--
Notes below in spoiler tags for references:
The interviews between all the contestants were pretty neat too, I liked how you got to see a bit of who the contestants most feared, or most admired. And I loved seeing how often certain characters turned up as referenced by the others!
Of course, this volume just had to end on a cliffhanger, with that thing with Killua happening at the end... I want to know WHY though! I need more info!
--
Notes below in spoiler tags for references:
November 1, 2022
Some classic/iconic Hisoka faces here. Good way to start the volume.
Naturally, the last leg of the exam must be a tournament. Togashi makes things more interesting with the way fighters are seeded, and with losers progressing to subsequent fights, with the purpose of the tournament being the elimination of a single contestant, and for everyone else to pass. In theory, at least....
The gulf in ability between Togashi and other manga-ka is clear here. Gon is knocked out after a victory, with the rest of the tournament passing while he sleeps. He wakes up to Satotz handing him his License. Satotz then provides a quick recap of what happened while Gon was asleep, with each "fight" receiving only a panel or two, but the purpose is to explain the "loser": . The volume ends with "Gittarackur" revealing his true face again, to someone else, setting up a brief arc to be covered next volume. We also have Hisoka whisper something to Kurapika, which I'm pretty sure sets up a later arc, but I can't remember perfectly (pretty sure it has to do with Yorkshin).
Naturally, the last leg of the exam must be a tournament. Togashi makes things more interesting with the way fighters are seeded, and with losers progressing to subsequent fights, with the purpose of the tournament being the elimination of a single contestant, and for everyone else to pass. In theory, at least....
The gulf in ability between Togashi and other manga-ka is clear here. Gon is knocked out after a victory, with the rest of the tournament passing while he sleeps. He wakes up to Satotz handing him his License. Satotz then provides a quick recap of what happened while Gon was asleep, with each "fight" receiving only a panel or two, but the purpose is to explain the "loser": . The volume ends with "Gittarackur" revealing his true face again, to someone else, setting up a brief arc to be covered next volume. We also have Hisoka whisper something to Kurapika, which I'm pretty sure sets up a later arc, but I can't remember perfectly (pretty sure it has to do with Yorkshin).
November 9, 2025
Este volumen me encantó porque el examen Hunter sigue poniéndose cada vez más tenso y creativo. Siento que aquí la historia acelera, hay más presión, y eso hace que uno se enganche más con lo que viene. Me gustó mucho ver a Gon y a Killua reaccionando a situaciones más difíciles, porque aquí se nota más su personalidad real y cómo van madurando poco a poco.
Tal vez no es el tomo más “fantástico” de la serie, pero sí es un volumen donde las decisiones importan, y eso para mí vale mucho. También el dibujo se siente más intenso, sobre todo en momentos donde hay sorpresa o tensión psicológica.
En general, es un tomo que te hace querer seguir de inmediato con el siguiente. Te deja con esa emoción.
Tal vez no es el tomo más “fantástico” de la serie, pero sí es un volumen donde las decisiones importan, y eso para mí vale mucho. También el dibujo se siente más intenso, sobre todo en momentos donde hay sorpresa o tensión psicológica.
En general, es un tomo que te hace querer seguir de inmediato con el siguiente. Te deja con esa emoción.
May 1, 2023
the hunter exam goes by so fast in the manga?? i haven't watched the anime in a while, but i remember it feeling so much longer. this is probably my least favorite volume so far, just because the last two rounds of the exam felt a little slow at times. although i love the illumi reveal at the end!! im excited for the scenes w him/killua in the next vol, but im probably going to skip to where the anime left off so I can read the most recent chapters LOLL
October 12, 2022
We get a long-awaited tournament arc of sorts... with a hell of a cliffhanger at the end of this volume. Things are really taking a turn here and I like it, some neat fights and we're starting to see a lot of character motivations and determination that goes past just "I do this because I do this" or whatever it's been so far. The setup of this 'tournament' is very clever and I love it.
August 11, 2025
Amo Hunter x Hunter, y el tomo 4 no fue la excepción. En este tomo estamos casi terminando el arco de los Examenes de Cazador, uno de mis arcos favoritos, porque es cuando nos introducen a los personajes principales y empezamos a ver la dinámica increíble que se forma entre ellos cuatro.
Esta obra me encanta por la forma en que combina aventura, ingenio, comedia y momentos entrañables. Este tomo me dejó con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo. Por eso estoy esperando con muchísima emoción sumergirme en los tomos 5 y 6 que ya tengo listos. Hunter x Hunter no deja de atraparme y sorprenderme.
Esta obra me encanta por la forma en que combina aventura, ingenio, comedia y momentos entrañables. Este tomo me dejó con muchas ganas de seguir leyendo. Por eso estoy esperando con muchísima emoción sumergirme en los tomos 5 y 6 que ya tengo listos. Hunter x Hunter no deja de atraparme y sorprenderme.
July 11, 2022
Liked the drama of the tournament set-up here (and relation to Killua's self-worth and way he motivates himself) as well as the earlier development as Gon and his self-disappointment wrt Hisoka, and teaming up with the others in the Snake Cave story.
April 21, 2018
No soy fan total del manga
April 8, 2022
it was a good book :)
Read
May 21, 2022naw not that ending… killua😭😭😭😭
July 31, 2022
(3.25)
January 9, 2023
The trials are over and the results are in!
April 19, 2023
ahhhh i just love this series so much!!
4.5 stars<33
4.5 stars<33
June 29, 2023
Gon is such a lovable hard head.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews