Across all manga and anime, very few series can live up to the hype created by Hunter X Hunter and One Piece. Both series have captivated audiences across the globe with their vast & unique world-building, complex characters, and engaging narratives.
However, both series differ in their approach to crafting their worlds. Let’s explore the nuances of world-building in Hunter X Hunter and One Piece and ultimately decide which one is better.
Differences in the worlds of One Piece and Hunter X Hunter
While both the series excel in creating a vast & immersive world, they do differ in various aspects. 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 magic system, giving rise to a hierarchical structure that plays a vital role in the functioning of this world.
Geographically, it consists of various countries, cities, and unknown territories, each with distinct political scenarios, cultures, and other dynamics. Each arc introduces new territories which are explored deeply serving the narrative.
Whereas in One Piece, the hierarchical structure exists with organizations like the World Government & Navy ranks. The plot revolves around uprooting them, serving the themes of freedom and adventure.
The world of One Piece consists of nations, islands and a plethora of seas, each with its unique races, history, flora-fauna, and culture. Each island in itself is a microcosm of its kind. The environmental diversity of these islands is one of the most significant aspects of One Piece‘s world-building.
In this world, everything majorly revolves around the protagonist’s motive and vision of the world and it rarely operates independently as Hunter X Hunter‘s world.
Political, Historical & Cultural Aspects Of Both The Worlds:
In the world of Hunter X Hunter, organizations like The Hunter Association, Zodiacs, Mafia families and the Chimera Kingdom exist. These entities operate based on their agenda have their internal politics and continue to function outside of the main storyline.
Eichiiro Oda also created stringent world organizations like the World Government, Navy, Revolutionary Army, Yonko’s, etc. Almost each of them wants to usurp the other to gain power to control the entire world. Thus, shaping a dynamic political atmosphere influencing the actions of characters in the series and driving the narrative ahead.
The history of the world of Hunter X Hunter is not deeply explored but the diversified use of ‘Nen’ hints at the possibility that its history is vast and well documented.
Whereas, the entirety of One Piece‘s narrative, after Luffy declares war on the World Government, is focused on exploring history. Especially, the history of the Void Century, Joyboy and the lost technology.
Meanwhile, the culture of the HxH world is pretty much similar to modern-day Japan. However, the philosophical aspects explored in this world are intellectually stimulating.
OP explores various topics through its cultural aspects such as racism, discrimination, corruption, exploitation of the poor, etc. It perfectly tackles topics related to freedom, equality, and humanity. It feels more lived in as political shifts affects every individual island.
Does Hunter X Hunter Have Better World-Building Than One Piece?
Both worlds outshine each other such. But One Piece takes the lead in the vastness of the world, giving rise to endless possibilities where each location has its quirk.
However, the world of Hunter X Hunter is more complex and intricate with its political organizations but it’s the philosophical aspects that “hard carry” the series. It is morally grey, giving rise to the dilemma of whom to support. This is something that is missing in OP.
HxH revolves around smaller self-contained arcs, whereas, OP is a continuing journey to explore the world. Both worlds are extremely unique and amazing in their own way.
If you prefer something grand, expanding, diverse cultures and a sense of adventure then One Piece is the one for you. However, if you love a limited but well-explored world then Hunter X Hunter is the manga for you.
