Killua Zoldyck is one of Hunter x Hunter’s most developed and beloved characters. It is unfortunate that Killua, who has screen time only second to that of Gon’s, has his personality reduced to a single dimension, that he is an assassin, lacking morals and regard for life.

Killua and Gon | Credit: Nippon Animation

The author, Yoshihiro Togashi, might have intended to make a beautiful redemption story but due to the pace of the series, Killua Zoldyk has been marked with the brand of the “cold-hearted assassin”, which may seem impressive and cool but does no justice to the depth of Killua’s character.

The killer or assassin perception largely stems from his introduction as a prodigy from a family of expert assassins (The Zoldyks) and that he was trained in assassination ever since he could barely walk. His initial portrayal showed his confidence and nonchalance, a type of...