Re: Hunter x Hunter Hangout Thread - Part 1
I just wanna give you guys a little bit of an analysis of Genthru's character (manga only, OVA Genthru is an inaccurate depiction).
When we first meet Genthru he appears to be a 'good guy', he's got the look of a good guy and seems to be doing the nice thing of informing a group of newbies of a dangerous enemy known as the Bomber. Not long later it's revealed that all of this was a deception concocted by none other than himself, the severity of which is immense. He has placed a time bomb onto every one in that group and offers them their lives in exchange for their cards. Knowing that he can't allow anyone who knows his identity to live, all three of the bomb devils release the explosives which kills the entire group in the most gory way imaginable. Now this could be percieved as Genthru enjoying killing, but I take it in another way, I take it as Genthru viewing their deaths as a necessity in order to move forward to his goal (win greed island and get the prize money). The money drives all three of these mysterious antagonists, we never truly know why exactly they seek this money, why they need it or what their motivation is at all, Togashi intentionally leaves that open ended.
The bond however between Genthru, Sub and Bara however speaks a thousand words. Genthru's ability requires his two friends help in order to release it, showing that he trusts them more than anyone else, so much so that he bases a part of his ability around them. That's not the end of it though, after being defeated by Gon, Genthru refuses being healed in favour of healing his friends. It's through his interactions with Sub and Bara that we see his innate humanity beneath the dark exterior. These three have a long history together, perhaps even childhood friends. They view eachother almost as family. Sub and Bara clearly admire Genthru and want to help him achieve his goals, but why? Why do these three need the money? To what ends? I'm not buying 'to be rich' or 'they are just psychos', I feel that there is a much deeper reason behind their desire to win the prize money, there is a reason these three are as dark as they are, but much like a similar looking villain form Yu Yu Hakusho (Toguro) we never truly know the mysteries of these characters, but there is still a slight glimmer of humanity underneath these characters and that humanity is in their bond of friendship.
Genthru uses fear in order to get what he wants. He spreads the story of the bomber in order to incite fear in others, why does he do this? Because to him inciting fear is a strength. When he encounters Gon, he tries to incite fear into him as well, but is shocked when he realises that Gon isn't like the others, Gon is crazy. There was no other person in Greed Island that could defeat Genthru. Genthru underestimated Gon, only viewed him as a child easily able to be scared, when he realises that is not the case he fumbles and is ultimately defeated by his inability to incite fear in Gon. Gon does not fear the Bomber, he welcomes the challenge with open arms, because he is unhinged.
The battle with Genthru is the most important battle in Gon's development because Genthru is built up to be a fearsome foe, not just because of his powerful ability but also because of his skill at spreading despair, yet Gon is the only person who isn't afraid, he will do anything to beat Genthru, even if it kills him. It's the most interesting battle for Gon and is one that deserves much more analysis.
Genthru is still largely a mysterious figure, we never find out his true motivations or his fate, everything is left hanging, waiting for the moment Genthru can return. I feel there is so much more stories to be told with his character.
