Hisoka is probably one of the most disputed antagonists in Yoshihiro Togashi’s series, Hunter x Hunter. The character’s borderline perverseness is enough to tip off the fans. More often than not, the series leans toward disturbing and unsettling themes, including trauma and loss.

Its portrayal of human relationships and its complexities makes it a class apart from other series in the genre. However, it is this very aspect that threw a spanner in the works of its popularity.

Hisoka Morow in a still from the anime | Credit: Studio Madhouse

The series faced a major blow with its censorship in Australia. Following its ban, fans had an array of responses to the news. Not the gore or profanity but an iconic villain had to do with the series’ crackdown.

Interestingly, it also raises concerns regarding the representation of perverseness in the series. While the character is an iconic antagonist,...