Hunter x Hunter OVA (2002)

The Aftermath of Yorknew

The first Hunter x Hunter OVA continues directly from the 1999 anime, delivering the long-awaited conclusion to the Yorknew City arc. With darker storytelling, psychological tension, and the emotional fallout of Kurapika’s battle with the Phantom Troupe, this OVA is an essential continuation of the classic series.

OVA Overview

Title: Hunter x Hunter OVA (2002)
Japanese Title: HUNTER×HUNTER OVA
Episodes: 8
Air Date: January 17, 2002 – August 18, 2002
Studio: Nippon Animation
Streaming Options: DVD (Limited availability), Blu-ray (Limited availability)

Opening Theme: “Pale Ale” by Sunflower’s Garden
Ending Theme: “Carry On” by Sunflower’s Garden

Story Summary

Following the intense showdown with the Phantom Troupe, Kurapika grapples with the emotional consequences of his revenge. Gon and Killua set out to uncover the fate of the Spiders, while the Troupe itself reorganizes in the shadows, refusing to die so easily.

As the truth about Chrollo’s condition emerges, alliances shift, mysteries deepen, and the emotional weight of Yorknew settles on every character. This OVA brings closure to one of Hunter x Hunter’s darkest arcs and sets the stage for the next adventure: Greed Island.

Major Arcs Covered

• Phantom Troupe Aftermath Arc: The Spiders’ reorganization shakes the criminal world.

• Kurapika’s Inner Battle: The cost of vengeance becomes painfully clear.

• Gon & Killua’s Search: Their pursuit for answers leads them deeper into danger.

• Seeds of Greed Island: Early hints of Ging and the next big quest.

Main Characters

• Gon Freecss: Continues his search to understand his father’s world.

• Killua Zoldyck: A loyal friend, always ready to protect Gon.

• Kurapika: Haunted by the weight of his Nen vows and revenge.

• Leorio: A grounding presence amid turmoil.

• Chrollo Lucilfer: The Troupe’s leader whose fate drives the plot.

• Phantom Troupe: A deadly force moving in the shadows.

Themes and Style

• Trauma & Consequence: Revenge comes with emotional scars.

• Identity Crisis: Characters question their purpose after Yorknew.

• Power & Morality: Nen’s cost becomes clearer than ever.

• Dark Psychological Tone: Sharper, heavier, and more introspective than the TV series.

The OVA uses dramatic lighting, muted color palettes, and slow tension-building scenes to emphasize psychological depth.

Animation & Visuals

Nippon Animation amplifies the emotion with:

• Stronger facial detail

• Atmospheric shadows

• Tense, grounded fight scenes

• A soundtrack by Toshihiko Sahashi that deepens suspense and sorrow

Despite being an early-2000s OVA, the emotional direction remains powerful.

Where to Watch

Because of licensing restrictions, this OVA is mainly available through:

• DVD Releases

• Blu-ray Collections

• Collector’s Editions

These contain the complete 1999–2002 storyline.

Popularity & Reception

The Hunter x Hunter OVA is praised for giving the Yorknew arc a faithful and emotionally intense conclusion. Fans especially appreciate its focus on Kurapika’s trauma and the deepening of the Phantom Troupe’s mythos.

It remains a beloved piece of Hunter x Hunter’s early anime history.

Final Thoughts

Hunter x Hunter OVA (2002) delivers a gripping and essential continuation of the 1999 series. It explores the emotional costs of vengeance, deepens key relationships, and sets up the next chapter beautifully. A must-watch for anyone invested in the original adaptation.