Killua Zoldyck

Lore & Background

Killua is a member of the Zoldyck Family, trained since birth as an assassin with extreme tolerance for poison, electricity, and pain. Initially introduced as a mischievous child during the Hunters' examination, he displays ruthlessness and a deadly aptitude for killing. However, conflicting with this predisposition is his unyielding loyalty to new friends, whom he puts before himself without complaint. Although set to be one of the best assassins his family has ever produced, Killua fails his first Hunter Exam attempt after killing an opponent under his elder brother Illumi's influence. He returns the following year, earning his license by eliminating all other applicants in the very first trial. His Nen type is Transmutation, allowing him to alter his aura into electricity, a technique aided by his body's resistance developed through violent upbringing.

In Their Own Story

After learning about Nen from Wing while training in an arena, Killua accompanies Gon on their journey to find Ging, guided by a clue left in the game "Greed Island." They later help Kurapika deal with the Spider criminal organization before entering Greed Island themselves. There, under Biscuit Krueger's mentorship, Killua develops his Hatsu, Godspeed, which allows him to move at immeasurable speeds using electricity. During fights where his hands are wounded, he utilizes yoyos as weapons. Facing powerful Chimera Ants, Killua initially fears death due to Illumi's instructions to only engage if victory is certain. However, confronted with the idea of losing Gon, he removes Illumi's needle from his own head. After helping save Kite, he frees his sibling Alluka Zoldyck to use her special abilities to heal Gon following the battle with Neferpitou. This act sparks another fight with his family, but Killua escapes Illumi. Once Gon is healed and meets Ging, Killua decides to part ways to travel the world with Alluka.

Reader's Guide

To understand Killua's evolution, note his transition from a "one-man killing machine" to a devoted friend. His combat style relies on Transmutation Nen, specifically converting aura into electricity to enhance physical capabilities like speed and strength. Key turning points include failing the first Hunter Exam due to Illumi's manipulation, re-taking it successfully by clearing all applicants in one trial, and developing Godspeed during the Greed Island arc. In the Chimera Ant arc, a critical moment occurs when he removes the needle Illumi placed in his brain, overcoming his fear of losing Gon. Later, he demonstrates immense bravery by freeing Alluka to save Gon's life, defying his family once more. For fans, his voice acting history is notable: Kanako Mitsuhashi and Mariya Ise voiced him in Japanese adaptations (1999 and 2011 respectively), while Annika Odegard and Cristina Vee handled the English dubs.

Did You Know?

• Yoshihiro Togashi created Killua as one of the first characters for Hunter x Hunter specifically to serve as Gon's friend.
• Killua failed his first Hunter Exam attempt because he killed an opponent under the influence of his elder brother, Illumi.
• In the 1999 anime adaptation, the staff originally planned a dark ending where an adult Killua returned to kill Gon, but Togashi rejected this scenario.
• During the Greed Island arc, Killua was forced to use yoyos as weapons because his hands were wounded in battle.
• Killua's voice actress for the 2011 series, Mariya Ise, received positive feedback from creator Yoshihiro Togashi herself on Twitter for portraying Killua's sensitive side.