The "Phantom Troupe," which boasts overwhelming popularity among the villainous organizations in Hunter x Hunter. Led by Chrollo, the 13 members each possess unique Nen abilities and are a formidable force even for professional hunters. This article provides a thorough explanation of the Phantom Troupe, from basic information to the abilities and survival status of each member, making it easy to understand for beginners.
The Phantom Troupe is a thief organization formed mainly by individuals from the **Meteor City**. All members are designated as A-ranked criminals and are known as a dangerous organization that the Hunter Association remains vigilant against. They are also known as "Spiders," and each member has a **12-legged spider tattoo** somewhere on their body.
One of the organization's features is its overwhelming combat power and unity. Each member is a **powerful Nen user**, and their coordination as a team is also extremely high. Many members grew up in the unique environment of Meteor City and have a distinct ideology that differs from general values.
The main activity of the Phantom Troupe is theft, but it is not simply for monetary gain; rather, the **pride of being a resident of Meteor City and strong bonds with comrades** serve as their motivation. In their organized large-scale criminal operation in Yorknew City to annihilate the mafia, they showcased their terrifying power for the sake of avenging their comrades.
The Phantom Troupe has a unique organizational structure and rules. Members are assigned **numbers ranging from 0 to 12**, with the number 0 being held by Chrollo, the leader. However, this number does not represent a hierarchy of strength but is merely a form of identification.
An important rule states that **if a member becomes vacant, a new member must be recruited**.
The method of joining the Phantom Troupe is either to defeat an existing member and take their place or to gain the approval of the leader. Hisoka temporarily became a member through the latter method.
Furthermore, while the leader's orders are absolute, there is also a democratic aspect that respects the members' will. In the absence of the leader, decisions are made by majority vote, and it is characterized by a thorough prioritization of the organization's existence over the leader's life. The spider tattoo engraved on each member's body symbolizes their sense of belonging to this organization.
The Phantom Troupe plays a significant role multiple times throughout the story. In the Yorkshin arc, where they made their first appearance, they raided an underground auction and obliterated the mafia community. This incident gave rise to a rivalry with Kurapika, resulting in the deaths of Uvo and Pakunoda.
While their direct appearances in the Greed Island arc are few, there was a scene where Shalnark supported Gon and his friends. In the Chimera Ant arc, they participated in the extermination of the ants, showcasing their strength as Feitan defeated Zazan.
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In the currently ongoing Dark Continent arc, they are facing a renewed confrontation with Kurapika and a new threat from Hisoka's "Troupe Hunting." In the midst of the Kakin Kingdom's succession war, they continue to play a central role in the story with intense battles against Hisoka and the resolution of their rivalry with Kurapika.
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Here is a table summarizing all the members of the Phantom Troupe. You can check each member's number, Nen ability, type, and current status.
| Number | Name | nen Ability | Type | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No.0 | Chrollo Lucilfer | Thief's Extreme (Skill Hunter) | Specialization | Alive | |
| No.1 | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown | |
| No.2 | Feitan | Scorched by the Sun (Pain Packer) | Transformation | Alive | |
| No. | 3 | Machi | Hatsuito | Transformation Type | Survival |
| No.4 | Hisoka → Kurta | Elastic Love (Bungee Gum) → Paper Ability | Transformation Type → Manipulation Type | Hisoka's Departure & Kurta's Joining | |
| No.5 | Phinks | Revolution (Ripper Cyclotron) | Enhancement Type | Survival | |
| No.6 | Shalnark | Portable Others' Fate (Black Voice) | Manipulation Type | Death (Killed by Hisoka) | |
| No.7 | Franklin | My Both Hands are Machine Guns (Double Machine Gun) | Emission Type | Survival | |
| No.8 | Shizuku | Demet-chan | Materialization Type | Survival | |
| No.9 | Pakunoda | Memory Bomb (Memory Bomb) | Specialization Type | Death (Suicide by Kurapika's Nen) | |
| No.10 | Bonolenov | Battle Waltz (Battle Cantabile) | Materialization Type | Survival | |
| No.11 | UvohJin | Super Destruction Fist (Big Bang Impact) | Enhancement Type | Death (Killed by Kurapika) | |
| No.12 | Coltpy | God's Left Hand, Devil's Right Hand (Gallery Fake) | Materialization Type | Death (Killed by Hisoka) | |
| Unknown | Illumi | Pin Man (Manipulation Type) | Manipulation Type | New Member & Survival |
As seen from this list, **so far, 4 members have died**. In particular, since Hisoka's departure from the Phantom Troupe, Shalnark and Coltpy have been killed by Hisoka, marking a significant turning point for the Troupe.
Chrollo Lucilfer is the founder and leader of the Phantom Troupe. He has a calm and collected personality, characterized by slicked-back black hair and a cross tattoo on his forehead. Originating from Meteor City, he spent his childhood with his comrades and later formed the Phantom Troupe.
His combat ability is **extremely high, capable of competing evenly or better against the strongest duo of the Zoldyck family, Zenon and Silva**. He is also highly intelligent, leading the organization with strategic thinking and cold judgment. Despite being a ruthless thief, he possesses a deep affection for his comrades, and his complex humanity, occasionally expressing philosophical words, is what makes him captivating.
Chrollo's Nen ability, "Thief's Mastery (Skill Hunter)," is a special trait that allows him to **steal others' Nen abilities and make them his own. To steal an ability, he must fulfill **four conditions**, which include observing the opponent's ability, asking questions, and having his palm touch the book within an hour.
By adding "Theme of the Bookmark (Double Face)," he can maintain the ability even when the book is closed, becoming **able to use two abilities simultaneously**. The stolen abilities include Sun and Moon, Pair Destroyer, and Gallery Fake, enabling a combination of advanced tactics.
The most impressive moment in Chrollo's battles is his fight against **Zeno and Silva Zoldyck, the father and son**. He managed to match or surpass two of the world's strongest assassins, receiving the evaluation from Zeno that "if he were serious, he would lose."
The highlight is the duel with Hisoka in the Sky Arena. By deftly combining multiple stolen abilities such as Pair Destroyer, Sun and Moon, and Gallery Fake, he **overwhelmed Hisoka using a massive strategy with a horde of puppets and bombs**. This overwhelming strategic ability showcases the true terror of Chrollo.
Feitan is characterized by his small stature, black coat, and an umbrella modeled after a skull. He is skilled in torture techniques and usually speaks in broken Japanese, but when excited, he speaks in the language of the Meteor City.
Specializes in close combat utilizing overwhelming speed, skillfully bewildering enemies with swift sword slashes.
The nen ability "Burned by the Sun (Pain Packer)" is a transformation-type ability that **converts the damage received into thermal energy and releases it. During the Chimera Ant arc, this ability was showcased in the battle against Zazan, where the pain inflicted was transformed into a blazing sphere resembling a small sun that incinerated the enemy. It's a powerful counter-type special move that increases in potency the greater the damage sustained**.
Machi is known as the only female member of the Brigade. She is characterized by her short pink hair and冷めた表情, exhibiting a cool personality that does not display emotions outwardly. **She possesses a highly sharp intuition and excels at sensing danger**.
Her nen ability is called "Nen Threads (ねんし)" which is a transformation-type ability that manipulates aura into thread-like forms. This thread is **extremely resilient, able to withstand a weight of one ton per meter**. Although the strength decreases the longer the thread is extended, it can stretch up to a length equivalent to the circumference of the Earth.
Machi's nen threads are notable not only for offensive purposes but also **for healing**. They can be used to suture wounds, allowing her to treat severe injuries. In the Yorknew arc, she treated a critically injured Hisoka, displaying what seems to be special feelings towards him.
Hisoka was originally No. 4 of the Phantom Troupe but has since withdrawn and declared the extermination of all members of the Troupe. **He is characterized by flamboyant makeup and costumes like a jester, along with a psychopathic personality** that shows an abnormal obsession with battles against strong opponents.
Having joined the group to realize a one-on-one duel with Chrollo, **his loyalty to the organization is zero**. In the Yorknew arc, he interfered with the Troupe's actions and also cooperated with Kurapika. After being defeated in a duel with Chrollo at the Heaven's Arena, he initially died but was later resurrected through nen, declaring his intent to hunt all Troupe members. He has already killed Sharlnark and Kalluto, becoming the greatest threat to the Troupe.
The reason Hisoka joined the Phantom Troupe is simply **"to fight Chrollo"**. Desiring to fight strong opponents, Hisoka was drawn to Chrollo's abilities, but first, he needed to become a member of the Troupe to fight him.
From the moment of joining, **he had no loyaltyand his goal was solely to have a one-on-one fight with Chrollo. In fact, Hisoka was scheming to disrupt the Troupe's activities by leaking information to Kurapika and deliberately trying to isolate Chrollo. Finding a nen user to restore Chrollo's nen abilities was also because he wanted to fight in perfect condition. In other words,for Hisoka, the Troupe was nothing more than a "means to fight Chrollo"**.
The duel between Hisoka and Chrollo that took place in the Sky Arena is **one of the most famous matches in the series. Chrollo used multiple stolen abilities simultaneously and cornered Hisoka with a strategy that transformed the audience into puppets. Hisoka died from the explosion of the puppets but,using bungee gum with the nen that "grows stronger after death" to massage his heart and lungs, he miraculously revived**.
Upon reviving, Hisoka became convinced that Chrollo had conspired with the other members and resolved to kill all Troupe members. He declared to Machi that he would "kill everyone in the Troupe" and immediately after that, killed Shalnark and Korutopi. This revival transformed **Hisoka and the Troupe's relationship into a completely hostile one**.
Phinks is a member of the Troupe characterized by his Egyptian-style costume and spiky blonde hair. He has a short temper and a rough personality, but he also has a caring side for his friends. He is particularly close to Feitan and often acts together with him.
His nen ability "Raiten (Ripper Cyclotron)" is, **
Shalnark was known as a particularly intellectual member within the Troupe. With a bright and friendly personality, he also held a Hunter License and excelled in information gathering and analysis.
His Nen ability "Black Voice" is a manipulation-type ability that allows him to fully control his target by stabbing them with an antenna. He can issue commands via a mobile phone-shaped controller and move the target at will. By stabbing an antenna into himself, he can activate "auto-pilot mode," enabling superhuman combat that makes full use of his body.
However, during the Dark Continent Arc, Shalnark is ambushed and killed by Hisoka. By the time he was found alongside Koltopi, he was already dead. The death of Shalnark, who had a bright personality and high capabilities, dealt a significant shock to the Troupe.
Franklin is a member characterized by his massive body and Frankenstein-like appearance. Contrary to his looks, he has a calm and thoughtful personality and is one of the founding members from Meteor City.
His Nen ability "Double Machine Gun" is a emission-type ability that allows him to fire aura bullets in rapid succession from the tips of his fingers. By severing his own fingertips, he can release even more powerful Nen bullets. He can simultaneously attack multiple enemies with a barrage of fire from a medium distance, having wiped out numerous foes during the Mafia extermination arc in Yorknew City. He continues to serve as a main member of the Troupe.
Shizuku is a female member characterized by her large glasses and gentle personality. She has a natural, easy-going manner and a weakness of having extremely poor memory, but her combat abilities are high, and she handles missions calmly.
Her Nen ability "Deme-chan" is... This is a manifestation-type Nen beast shaped like a vacuum cleaner. It can suck in anything that is not a living organism, and what it absorbs is sent to a different dimension.Since it can also draw blood, it is used for erasing evidence after battles and for support in treatment**. However, it has the limitation that it cannot absorb "living organisms" or anything that "Deme-chan judges to be a living organism." In combat, Deme-chan can be used as a weapon, and it is also possible to perform striking attacks utilizing its weight and hardness.
Pakunoda was a female member characterized by her eagle-like nose and calm demeanor. She was rational and thoughtful, **deeply affectionate towards her comrades, especially displaying immense loyalty towards Chrollo**. She was one of the founding members from Meteor City.
Her Nen ability "Memory Bomb" is a special ability that allows her to read memories by touching a target**. She can convert the memories she reads into bullets and shoot them at others, enabling the sharing of that memory. During the Yorknew City arc, she was captured by Kurapika and was placed under the conditions of "not being able to betray her comrades" and "not being able to use her abilities."
Ultimately, Pakunoda chose to convey information to her comrades through Memory Bombs to save Chrollo. However, **this was a violation of Kurapika's Nen restrictions, and immediately after transmitting the memory, her heart was destroyed by Nen power, causing her death.Her final moment, upholding her affection and loyalty towards her comrades**, left a deep sorrow among the members of the Phantom Troupe.
Bonolenov is a member with a unique appearance, wrapped in bandages all over his body. **He hails from the Gyu-dondon tribe, a warrior ethnic group**, which has a unique culture of creating music by making holes in their bodies.
His Nen ability "Combat Waltz (Battle Cantabile)" allows him to manifest various attacks through sounds produced from the holes in his body . By playing specific notes while dancing the ethnic dance, corresponding attacks are triggered. Especially, "Meteor City" isa large technique that manifests a massive meteor shower to attack enemies. During the Chimera Ant arc, he defeated Flutter using this technique. He takes pride in the Gyu-dondon tribe and has a unique combat style that elevates the tribe's martial dance into his Nen abilities.
Ubohin is ** Characterized by large black eyes and long black hair**, Illumi has a cold personality that does not show emotions. They newly joined the Phantom Troupe during the Dark Continent arc.
Their Nen ability is ** a manipulation-type ability using needles**. This ability, called the "Needleman", allows them to completely control a person by inserting a needle into their head. The manipulated individual obediently follows commands, and the control continues until death. Additionally, by inserting a needle into their own face, they can change their appearance through "disguising".
It is believed that Illumi's joining the brigade is related to a contract with Hisoka. ** The unusual situation of having two members of the Zoldyck family in the brigade** suggests that there may be some grand objective. Their overwhelming manipulation ability and ruthlessness have made them a powerful asset to the brigade.
When summarizing the current situation of the Phantom Troupe, ** 4 out of 13 members have died, while 9 members are alive**. Furthermore, with Illumi's new addition, the effective number of members is now 10.
Deceased Members:
Surviving Members:
Newly Joined Members:
Particularly noteworthy is the ** threat of "brigade hunting" by Hisoka**. After his duel with Chrollo, Hisoka resurrected and declared that he would kill all members of the brigade. He has already killed Shalnark and Koltobi, and there is potential for further casualties in the future.
Hisoka's hunt for the brigade is currently the ** biggest tension element ** in the ongoing Dark Continent arc. Hisoka shows a determination to annihilate the brigade by any means necessary, and the brigade is also on alert, always acting with multiple members. In the future, a rematch between Hisoka and Chrollo, as well as battles with powerful members like Feitan and Phinks, are expected, making it a major highlight of the story.
There are several reasons why the Phantom Troupe boarded the Kakin Kingdom's ship during the Dark Continent arc. ** The primary purpose is to find and eliminate Hisoka . At the same time, there are also original objectives such as collecting valuable items related to the Kakin Kingdom's succession war and treasures from the Dark Continent. Furthermore, the enmity with Kurapika cannot be ignored. Will they avenge Uvogin and Pakunoda, this three-way conflict is a significant axis of the Dark Continent arc **.
The Phantom Troupe, as a representative group of villains in Hunter x Hunter, exudes an overwhelming presence. Each member has unique Nen abilities and captivating character traits, and despite being villains, they enjoy high popularity among readers.
What makes the brigade most attractive is their ** deep bonds to their comrades and loyalty to the organization **. Though they are ruthless thieves, the trust among members is strong, and they genuinely mourn and get angry over the death of their comrades. This duality provides depth beyond that of simple villains.
In the current Dark Continent arc, three elements are intertwined: the deadly struggle with Hisoka, the fateful confrontation with Kurapika, and the Kakin Kingdom's succession war. It is impossible to look away from how the brigade's fate will unfold, who will survive and who will lose their lives. The strategies of Chrollo, the strength of Feitan, the conflicts of Machi, and how each individual's story will develop in the future can be said to be one of the major highlights of Hunter x Hunter.
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