Hunter x Hunter’s main character, Gon Freecss, is a one-of-a-kind protagonist that we don’t get to see often. Most Shonen series tend to revolve themselves around their respective protagonists, but Gon has almost zero influence on the direction of the series’ plotline. His only role in the series might as well be the eyes and ears of the fans.

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However, this unconventional take highlights the genius of both Hunter x Hunter and Gon Freecss. The series accurately represents the state of the 12-13 year-old Gon without overhyping him in any shape or form. Is Gon a protagonist worthy of an iconic series like Hunter x Hunter or is he a mere medium connecting fans to the series? Is he the best Shonen protagonist, or does he fall short? Find out below!

10 HE'S THE BEST: He's Original

Gon does not follow the template of the typical Shonen protagonist. He does not feel like a walking mashup of Shonen tropes like most other protagonists of the same genre do.

Gon’s uniqueness is one of his strong points. In fact, there are even times when Gon makes decisions that make fans wonder whether he truly represents the Shonen genre.

9 HE FELL SHORT: His Subpar Powers

Gon using Jajanken in HxH

Shonen heroes are usually endowed with these super rare powers and abilities at the start of their respective plots. For example, Asta from Black Clover is blessed with the one and only 5-Clovers Grimoire, and Naruto has a legit beast slumbering inside him, providing him with chakra whenever needed.

And what does Gon have? Rock, paper, scissors… that’s just about it. Fans have witnessed multiple Nen abilities in action, but only a few could compare to Gon in terms of lousiness.

8 HE'S THE BEST: He's Naturally Talented

gon killua with shovels and rock chunks

Throughout the six seasons of the series, Gon had experienced massive growth both strength-wise and personality-wise. But despite all that growth, his power level was still on the lower-middle echelons by the time the series concluded.

To grow from a pseudo-normal pre-teen to a professional hunter in a little less than two years is a grand achievement, to say the least. Normal people would require at least a decade to reach Gon’s milestone.

7 HE FELL SHORT: He's A Bit Immature

Gon, the protagonist of Hunter X Hunter

This is almost a given considering how young Gon is but thanks to anime’s unconventional logic where teenagers can look like hulking professional bodybuilders among other things, it's hard not to see and criticize Gon for his immaturity while completely disregarding his age.

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This issue is further strengthened due to Killua’s massive presence. Killua is roughly the same age as Gon but he's virtually more mature than Gon while also being better than him at anything and everything. In fact, plenty of the hate Gon receives could directly or indirectly be linked to Killua’s existence.

6 HE'S THE BEST: He Had No Headstart

Gon started with nothing save for a fishing rode and a big dream in his heart. And what did his counterparts start with? Anti-magic swords in Asta’s case, and Dragon flames for Fairy Tail's Natsu.

In some cases, being unique doesn’t necessarily equate to better and Hunter x Hunter is definitely not one of these cases. Fans love nothing more than heroes who started with humble beginnings rising to the top through nothing but guts, determination and friendship, and Gon fits this bill perfectly.

5 HE FELL SHORT: He Can Be Selfish

Selfishness is a double-aged trait that might be negative or positive depending on the context. Gon’s selfishness is harmless for the most part, but at times it gets beyond just annoying. Many of Gon’s selfish decisions left behind a mess. And who’s duty was it to clean that mess up? That's right: Killua.

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That aside, due to his selfishness, Gon unknowingly hurt Killua a few times. Fans simply don’t like it when their favorite character is hurt.

4 HE'S THE BEST: His Realistic Power Progression

Killua, Gon, and Biscuit on Greed Island in Hunter X Hunter

The power of friendship and its derivatives are prevalent in the Shonen genre. However, they surprisingly have no influence on Hunter x Hunter whatsoever. Despite his talent, Gon’s growth kept a steady and an unhurried pace. Never has he once acquired an insane amount of power in the name of friendship without nearly losing his life as the cost.

The way Hunter x Hunter handles strength and fights has always been strict with almost no loopholes. If someone is losing a fight, they better escape because they won’t be getting that power-boost any time soon.

3 HE FELL SHORT: He's Not The Center of The Series

Depending on what angle one looks at Hunter x Hunter, Gon’s zero influence on the plotline can either be viewed as a genius approach or a stranglehold on his character’s potential. The current Hunter x Hunter feels more like a story narrated from Gon’s perspective rather than his own story.

Gon might’ve made a few decisions that affected the storyline, but these decisions might as well be a blip in the grand scheme of things. Case in point: With or without his intervention, the Chimera Ants arc would’ve progressed just fine.

2 HE'S THE BEST: He's Broadminded

Killua and Gon travelling in Hunter x Hunter

Gon’s open mindedness does not get half the praise it deserves. If it wasn’t for his odd perception of the world, many things would’ve turned out differently.

Just think about it: How many 12-year-old Shonen protagonists would willingly befriend an elite assassin who is most likely bathed in the blood of hundreds of innocents? Gon is one of the few who did just that and succeeded.

1 HE FELL SHORT: He's Too Headstrong

Adult Gon in HxH

Recklessness is a common trait of the typical Shonen protagonist and sadly, even Gon is not unfettered from it. In fact, the recklessness is even more severe in Gon’s case.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that Gon nearly lost his life a few times due to it. If it wasn’t for Killua, even a thousand lives wouldn’t have been enough for Gon.

NEXT: 10 Strongest Characters Hunter x Hunter Characters