Does Hunter X Hunter Have Better Worldbuilding Than One Piece? A Step-By-Step Analysis

In all the manga and anime, few series can live up to the hype created by Hunter X Hunter And One pieceBoth series have captivated audiences around the world with their expansive and unique world-building, complex characters, and compelling stories.

However, both series differ in their approach to creating their worlds. Let’s explore the nuances of worldbuilding in Hunter X Hunter And One piece and ultimately decide which is better.

Differences in the worlds of One piece And Hunter X Hunter

Luffy in one piece
Luffy from One Piece | Credits: Toei Animation

While both series excel in creating a vast and immersive world, they differ in several ways. The world of Hunter X Hunter consists of fantasy elements, but is closer to the real world than One piece‘S.

Hunter X Hunter consists of a very well thought out magical system, which gives rise to a hierarchical structure that plays a crucial role in the functioning of this world.

Geographically, it consists of several countries, cities and uncharted territories, each with different political scenarios, cultures and other dynamics. Each arc introduces new areas that are explored in depth in the service of the story.

While in One piecethe hierarchical structure exists with organizations such as the World Government & Navy ranks. The plot revolves around uprooting them, serving the themes of freedom and adventure.

Hunter x Hunter: Gon Freecss
Gon Freecss from Hunter X Hunter | Credit: Studio Madhouse

The world of One piece consists of nations, islands and a plethora of seas, each with its own unique races, history, flora-fauna and culture. Each island is a microcosm of its own species. The ecological diversity of these islands is one of the most significant aspects of One piece‘s world building.

In this world, everything revolves primarily around the protagonist’s motives and vision of the world, and this world rarely functions independently of each other. Hunter X Hunterthe world.

Political, historical and cultural aspects of both worlds:

Introduction to Racism in One Piece
A still from the Arlong Arc | Credits: Toei Animation

In the world of Hunter X HunterOrganizations such as The Hunter Association, Zodiacs, Mafia families, and the Chimera Kingdom exist. These entities operate according to their agenda, have their internal politics, and continue to function outside of the main storyline.

Eichiiro Oda also created strict world organizations such as the World Government, Navy, Revolutionary Army, Yonko’s, etc. Almost each of them wants to take over the other to gain power and control the whole world. This creates a dynamic political atmosphere that influences the actions of characters in the series and drives the story forward.

The history of the world of Hunter X Hunter is not explored in depth, but the varied usage of ‘Nen’ suggests that its history may be extensive and well-documented.

While the entire One piece‘s story, after Luffy declares war on the World Government, focuses on exploring history. Particularly the history of the Void Century, Joyboy, and the lost technology.

Meanwhile, the culture of the Height x height world is much the same as modern day Japan. However, the philosophical aspects explored in this world are intellectually stimulating.

ON explores various topics through cultural aspects such as racism, discrimination, corruption, exploitation of the poor, etc. It tackles topics related to freedom, equality and humanity perfectly. It feels more lived in as political shifts affect each individual island.

Do Hunter X Hunter Have better world building than One piece?

Known World of Hunter X Hunter
Known World of Hunter X Hunter | Credit: Studio Madhouse

Both worlds surpass each other so much. But One piece takes the lead in the vastness of the world, creating endless possibilities, with each location having its own quirks.

The world of Hunter X Hunter is more complex and intricate with its political organizations, but it is the philosophical aspects that “carry the series hard”. It is morally gray, which gives rise to the dilemma of who to support. This is something that is missing in ON.

Height x height revolves around smaller, standalone arcs, while ON is an ongoing journey to explore the world. Both worlds are extremely unique and amazing in their own way.

If you prefer something big, expansive, diverse cultures and a sense of adventure, then One piece is the one for you. However, if you like a limited but well-explored world, then Hunter X Hunter is the manga for you.

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