Meruem is one of the last antagonists introduced in the Hunter X Hunter anime, yet he is still cemented in series fans' hearts and minds. For those looking for proof of Meruem's impact on anime culture, a list of cosplay should demonstrate the fan's interest. Though the king's strength and intelligence are limited to the anime and manga iterations of Hunter X Hunter, the courage demonstrated by a cosplayer willing to tackle Meruem's character design deserves its own recognition.Unlike many other characters in Hunter X, Hunter Meruem takes on more beastly qualities than human qualities, making his cosplay as difficult to pull off as Piccolo from the Dragon Ball series. Here are ten brave and ingenious cosplayers that demonstrate their love for Hunter X Hunter by embracing the character of Meruem in their own unique way.
10 Reader Vs. Meruem
The opportunity to look Meruem in the eyes while playing a game of Gungi is something fans of Hunter X Hunter can only dream of. Thanks to 11ELEVEN on WorldCosplay.net, readers are closer than ever to living out this interaction.
Fans of the series have indeed had the opportunity to see Meruem's inquisitive eyes in the anime and manga for more than two decades now. Still, no iteration of the character has ever looked quite as real as this one. This cosplayer chose to give the viewers a point of view adjacent to Meruem's opponent as if daring them to look into the King of the Chimera Ants' eyes.
9 Meruem's Frightening Profile
This cosplay comes via Reyuki Zaoldyeck on WorldCosplay.net and demonstrates just exactly how frightening and beautiful Meruem is up close. Fans of the series are rarely given a moment to admire the king's beauty since he is often played up as a calculated evil. Every perfection that Meruem demonstrates is a threat, and therefore his beauty makes viewers uneasy.
This cosplay offers fans of Meruem a close-up profile picture that balances the character's green complexion with terrifying red contacts. The helmet is also an incredibly well-designed accessory that really completes the look. Without even needing to see the rest of the costume, readers can agree that this is an incredible recreation of Meruem.
8 Meruem Vs. Netero
Although this cosplayer has surely gone to great lengths to create a Meruem costume, this photo gives the Issac Netero cosplayer the camera's focus.
Meruem is a fantasy character through and through. Even if a cosplayer can build a helmet and tail, there is no saying whether the cosplay will convince fans to suspend their disbelief long enough to compliment the artist. This cosplayer was extremely wise to pose their picture with Meruem facing away from the camera. They also get extra points for including Aura with the aid of CGI.
7 Komugi & Meruem
Meruem's admiration of Komugi is one of the characters' only redeeming qualities. Thanks to geeta girl on pinterest.com, fans of the series can look at Komugi from Meruem's perspective.
Komugi is one of the only characters in Hunter X Hunter who survive their first encounter with the Chimera Ants king. Somehow, during their competition, Komugi manages to impress Mereum enough to spare her life. Surely others would like the now the secret way into this monstrous Nen user's heart.
6 Meruem From Hunter X Hunter
Baku Project on deviantart.com gives Hunter X Hunter fans evidence of what good body paint and makeup can add to a cosplay. Although the added accessories look a bit clunky, the green skin makes this one of the most photorealistic recreations of Meruem's character on this list. What's even more impressive is how this cosplay embraces the natural lighting of the setting around him. Like the iteration of Meruem that wonders throughout Hunter X Hunter's world, this Meruem has nothing to hide.
5 Meruem Inspired Digital Cosplay
This cosplayer gives an anime character a CGI makeover.  The digitally recreated tail and wisps of smoke force viewers to question whether any of this cosplay is real other than the man standing in the middle of it.
Regardless of whether this cosplay is a physical outfit or a digital recreation of Meruem, it makes for a great photo. @JasonJaeger chose to forgo the green skin but makes one of the best Meruem tails of any cosplayer on this list.
4 Tip Your Hat To This Meruem Cosplay
This cosplay comes via hwahwa on worldcosplay.net and greatly mimics Meruem's insect-like appendages. Each separate part of this cosplayer's suit looks as if it was constructed separately and pieced together like armor.
This armor-like quality is what makes Meruem's character design look so intimidating when first introduced. Not only is the king of the Chimera Ants brilliant, but his physical power and durability are also incredible. Fans of the series are sure to remember the build-up to Meruem's true strength and can credit his character design for keeping them interested up until he finally met his match on the battlefield.
3 King Meruem
Aienm on deviantart.com created an image of Meruem that uses after-effects to enhance the cosplay. This photo demonstrates just how difficult a Meruem cosplay can be.
To match Meruem's skin tone and hide the details that separate this outfit from the clean animation found in Hunter X Hunter, the artist behind this photo leans into their editing skills. Regardless of the number of effects being used to enhance this photo, it is a must see for fans of the series because it matches the threatening tone given off by Meruem every time he is shown onscreen.
2 Regal Meruem
Although this cosplay may remind readers more of a Dr. Seuss character than Meruem from Hunter X Hunter, it is a must-see due to the confidence of the cosplayer behind it. Thanks to Lyra-Orion on deviantart.com, fans of the series can see an outfit that is by no means perfect but still extremely impressive. Compared to the other cosplayers on this list, this outfit seems to be built on a much smaller budget. Still, the confidence behind the cosplayer's eyes never wavers. Although Meruem is a difficult character to cosplay, this cosplayer demonstrates that even on a limited budget, fantasy characters can be reimagined.
1 Meruem's Glare
Like a few other cosplays on this list, this one uses body paint and make-up to match Meruem's green skin. The star of this cosplayer's outfit has to be the helmet, though.
The best helmet of any Meruem cosplay comes via GoukiCosplay on Tumblr.com. While it is blatantly clear that many other cosplayers on this list used CGI, after effects, and/or glue to build their helmets, this cosplay outdoes them all by creating a helmet that looks as if it were taken directly off Meruem's head. The helmet is so clean that readers are left to wonder how this cosplayer even made it.