Summary
Hunter x Hunteris a series that has one of the most unique and iconic power systems of all time, which is called Nen. This system allows the user to manipulate their own life force to perform superhuman acts that are incredibly varied in their application. These can range from fairly straightforward abilities like the augmentation of the body or stacking additional damage to strikes, to more complicated ones that focus on confusing their opponents or even breaking their will.
One such Nen category is theTransmuter or Transmutation type, which is a kind of power that is used by some ofHunter x Hunter’smost powerful characters. In this article, let’s break down the fundamentals of what the Transmuter type Nen even is and go over some examples of characters and abilities that stem from this style of Nen manipulation!
Hunter x Hunter, Episode 15, “Fleeting x Life x Majitani”
February 5th, 2000
Story Arc
Hunter Exam Arc
In the world ofHunter x Hunter, all beings have a life force that they emit known as ‘aura’. While every human has aura, most of them are unable to make any use of it, so they are typically just referred to as non-users, whereas those who can manipulate their aura are simply called Nen users.Nen in itself is essentially a techniquethat allows the user to control their aura to manifest a variety of powerful abilities.
Human potential for evolution is limitless.
Once people use Nen to control their aura, they give birth to unique abilities known as Hatsu, which are character-specific powers that manifest due to the person’s natural affinity to any one of the 6 Nen types. These are Enhancement, Manipulation, Transmutation, Specialization, Conjuration, and Enhancement, and they all allow the users to manipulate Nen in different ways.
Transmutation Nen Type
A breakdown of Transmuter Nen
To find out the kind of Nen category one has a natural affinity with, a glass of water is placed in front of the user, known as the Water Divination test. If the person is able to use their Nen tochange the taste of the water, they are called ‘Transmuters’ or ‘Transmutation Nen users. The basic principle behind Transmutation is the ability for the user to utilize their Nen to change the properties of their aura to mimic certain attributes of something else or even just to replicate it entirely!
This transmuted aura can be manipulated to create natural elements, man-made substances, and animals, or can even be used to change the shape of the user’s own aura. Solid matter isn’t the only thing that can be mimicked, as Killua is known to use his transmutation abilities to generate and manipulate electricity.
Assassination - it’s a family trade.
Additionally, the Transmutation Nen category is one of the most diverse and creative out of them all. One of the reasons for this is the fact that Transmuters don’t necessarily have to replicate a substance in its entirety. Instead, they can manipulate their Nen to give their constructs specific properties of various things together, such as whenHisoka’s ability allows him to create substancesthat have combined properties of rubber and gum.
Moreover, the constructs that are created as a result of using Transmutation Nen are pure, just like the Emission type. This means that when formed, they are invisible to non-Nen users. Transmutation is often confused with the Conjuration type due to the similarities they share, but the difference here is that Transmutation allows users to manipulate their aura to use certain properties of a substance, whereas Conjuration allows them to simply change their aura into the physical substance itself.
Some of the most notable Transmuters and their abilities
Killua Zoldyck
Though he is a character with a dual affinity towards Enhancement, Killua is mainly a Transmutation user. His basic Nen control allows him to manipulate his aura to have many properties identical to those of electricity, which takes the form of blue lightning that he emits. Using this electricity allows Killua to cause electrical shocks to his opponents either through physical touch or from a distance using his yo-yo’s, whichcreates a powerful lightning strike. He can also use this electricity to greatly bolster his physical attacks and speed.
Hisoka Morow
Hisoka is a villainous characterwhose aura has been described as sinister. His Nen ability, called Bungee Gum, allows him to create a soft substance that has the properties of both rubber and gum, making it incredibly durable and malleable. The Bungee Gum can also be manipulated to form traps and take shapes that Hisoka can think of, making this a truly formidable ability for anyone to go up against.
Biscuit Krueger
Biscuit is a very unique Transmutation user in the sense that many of her abilities have her using bothTransmutation and Manipulation Nen categories, despite the latter being described as an ability that is very difficult to master for Transmuters. She can change her body to take on the form of a very tall and muscular woman, enhancing her physical attributes by a large margin. Additionally, she can even summon a Nen Beast named Cookie who can use various techniques that serve to heal and revitalize anyone that they are used on.
Hunter x Huntercan be streamed onCrunchyrollandNetflix.
Hunter x Hunter
Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter × Hunter debuted in 1998 on Shonen Jump, and the manga has produced two anime series. The most popular adaptation is Madhouse’s 2011 show, which produces 148 episodes. Hunter x Hunter follows Gon, an optimistic child who sets out to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a certified Hunter.
