Hunter x Hunter was created by the legendary manga artist Yoshihiro Togashi. Hunter x Hunter has many deep philosophical themes such as existentialism and utilitarianism. It combines them together forming an anime with great meaning.
Very rarely does a show possess that kind of quality and still have awesome character development as well as a rich storyline. The themes that surround Gon shape him into a different shonen protagonist. Gon in every episode and has achieved a higher understanding of his essence that aligns with his values & character.
10 Gon Always Has A Positive Attitude
Gon is one of the most positive characters in Hunter x Hunter. He always demonstrates such kindness and understanding. Even when his anger is warranted, Gon always sees the brighter side of things.
In the first episode of Hunter x Hunter, Gon is eager to obtain his hunter's license in order to emulate his father. Gon's father left him to be a hunter when he was young. However, instead of showing resentment, Gon shows curiosity and excitement to see why his father chose to be a hunter instead of being a father.
9 Gon Is Stubborn In The Best Way Possible
Whether Gon is learning nen, training to be the best hunter, or fighting, Gon is unbelievably stubborn. Wrong or right, Gon never takes anyone's advice to either quit or give up. If he is able to stand, he is going to fight to accomplish his goals.
That's part of why Gon is like no other protagonist – his moral value isn't like everyone else's. Gon's dedication and ambition to be the best are what set him apart. When Gon has a goal in mind, he will do everything physically possible to accomplish it.
8 Gon Isn't Afraid Of Anything
One of the most remarkable features Gon possesses is he has never shown fear. When he is outmatched in strength and skill, Gon never flinches and never backs down. Instead he shows excitement. It's one of the most refreshing things to see.
Fans get to see the growth of a young man training to be the best hunter. It shows the determination and perseverance of what it takes to be successful. Gon's fearlessness allowed him to learn skills that would help him throughout his journey.
7 Gon Is A Great Planner
Gon is a protagonist that has a plan for everything he strives for. If that plan fails, he is quick to plot another. Gon doesn't see his failures as a negative. He sees them as a learning experience.
It wouldn't be unbecoming for Gon to have three or four plans put in place to accomplish what he set out to do. There have been many times throughout the series that Killua has had to stop him from over-planning. Even when fighting his opponents, Gon is constantly scheming to get the upper hand and planning his next move.
6 Gon Makes Friends With Everyone
Gon makes friends very easily and sees the best in everybody he meets, even when a new acquaintance has bad intentions. Gon is still nice and cordial. He treats everyone he knows as a friend.
Gon's befriends people who impresses him in some sort of way. His best friend, Killua, caught Gon's eye because he was able to keep up with him. They have been side by side since their first reaction.
5 Gon Is Always Willing To Learn
Gon has had many teachers throughout the series. One of Gon's greatest qualities is knowing what he doesn't know. For a new hunter, it's not surprising that he isn't knowledgeable. Gon is comfortable with that reality. Other protagonists in Hunter x Hunter aren't nearly as receptive to learning something new. Leorio and Kirapika, Gon's close allies, are not only stubborn, but have many personal interests that prevent them from focusing on becoming a hunter.
4 Gon Is Never Happy With His Development
As powerful as Gon has become, he is never satisfied with his development and progression. He is constantly critiquing himself. He focuses on finding weak spots in his abilities, and figuring out what needs to be done to get better.
However, that's what sets him apart from all the other shonen protagonists. Gon's obsession with being the best is what drives him to keep training. Even with his progression, he still feels he has a lot of work to do and does everything in his power to perfect his ability.
3 Gon Had A Strange Upbringing
Most protagonists in anime have odd upbringings, some stranger than others. Killua was born of a family of assassins, and Kurapika's parents were a part of the Kurta Clan that were killed by the Phantom Rouge. Gon's upbringing was a little different.
His father left him to become a hunter and fans are in the dark about who his mother is. Gon's main caregiver was Mito, his aunt. Gon ultimately took care of himself, as he spent a lot of time in the woods hanging out with animals. There was nothing in his upbringing that indicated where his abilities and drive came from. All the abilities he started off with were self-taught.
2 Gon Looks Like Any Regular Kid
Most anime shonen protagonists at least have the look, of a very powerful character that fans can idolize within the series. Although Gon is extremely powerful, he looks like an innocent kid to the point of being deceptive.
Gon's opponents are constantly underestimating him. They usually regret it after the match is done. Gon's physical strength, stamina, and nen ability should be enough for anyone to give him the respect he deserves. He constantly has to prove himself, but Gon is always happy to oblige.
1 Gon Has A Dark Side
It's no surprise that Gon the friendly, innocent, and positive kid has a limit. When pushed to that limit, all of his demons come out. When Neferpitou killed Kite, Gon reached his breaking point.
Gon filled with rage, lost all of his positive attributes, protagonist-like qualities, and fought Neferpitou. Gon's strength and fighting ability backed by rage, allowed him to kills Neferpitou in a fight that was ultimately lopsided.