Illumi Zoldyck

"Now I can tell you, that you would not make a good Hunter. Your calling is as an assassin. There's no fire in you, just darkness. It sustains you, drains you of any desire. Your only joy is in causing death, and even that is fleeting. That is how Dad and I molded you." — Illumi Zoldyck to Killua in "Light and Darkness, Part 2"

Illumi Zoldyck
Kana	イルミ゠ゾルディック
Rōmaji	Irumi Zorudikku
Also known as	Illu (イル, Iru) [by the Zoldycks] Gittarackur (ギタラクル, Gitarakuru)
Portrayal
Japanese Voice	Urara Takano (1999) Masaya Matsukaze (2011)
English Voice	Victor Atelevich (1999) Chris Hackney (2011)
Debuts
Manga Debut	Chapter 6 (Disguised) Chapter 26 (True Appearance)
Anime Debut	Episode 8 (1999) (Disguised) Episode 20 (1999) (True Appearance) Episode 3 (2011) (Disguised) Episode 15 (2011) (True Appearance)
Characteristics
Gender	Male
Age	24* (Debut) 26* (Current; by the Timeline)
Height	185 cm* (6′1″)
Weight	68 kg* (150 lbs)
Birthday	~1975*
Eye Color	Black
Hair Color	Black
Blood Type	A*
State	Alive
General Status
Affiliation	Zoldyck Family Hunter Association Phantom Troupe
Occupation	Zoldyck Assassin Hunter Thief Phantom Troupe member #11
Previous Occupation	287th Hunter Exam Examinee #301
Relatives	Zigg Zoldyck (Unknown relation) Maha Zoldyck (Great-Great Grandfather) Zeno Zoldyck (Grandfather) Unnamed Grandmother (status unknown) Silva Zoldyck (Father) Kikyo Zoldyck (Mother) Milluki Zoldyck (Younger brother) Killua Zoldyck (Younger brother) Alluka Zoldyck (Younger sister) Kalluto Zoldyck (Younger brother)
Nen
Type	Manipulation
Abilities	Pin and Needle Manipulation: Body Alteration Hypnotic Spell Corpse Control Needle People

Illumi Zoldyck (イルミ゠ゾルディック, Irumi Zorudikku) is a professional assassin, and the eldest child of Silva and Kikyo Zoldyck. During the 287th Hunter Exam, he appeared under the guise of Gittarackur (ギタラクル, Gitarakuru). At Hisoka's request, Illumi joins the Phantom Troupe as Uvogin's replacement, becoming Troupe member #11.

He served as a secondary antagonist of the Hunter Exam arc and the primary one of the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc.

Appearance

• 2011
• 1999
• Manga

Illumi's 2011 anime adaptation design

Illumi's 1999 anime adaptation design

Illumi's manga appearance

Illumi is most often expressionless. He has very long, jet black hair, with a piece of hair not put back, usually combed behind his head as well as large, black, pupil-less eyes. To disguise himself as Gittarackur, Illumi uses large, round head pins to reconstruct his facial structure, musculature, and voice, beyond recognition.

His spider tattoo has the number 11 on the spider's abdomen, but the tattoo location has yet to be revealed.

When he was younger, Illumi's hair only reached his shoulders. He wore long sleeves with a shirt underneath, as well as gray pants.

Personality

Illumi speaking "cheerfully"

Illumi, for the most part, displays very little expression. In contrast to his expressionless demeanor, Illumi often speaks in a somewhat joyful and absent-minded tone. He is generally a stony, ruthless person with an extremely cold way of thinking and reflects solely on his own interests. Still, he holds a twisted and overprotective form of love for his younger brother, Killua; this manifests to the point that he used his Nen ability to control Killua in order to ensure his survival and obedience. He and his father raised Killua to believe that the only thing sustaining him was darkness and that he could only obtain joy in causing the death of others. As a means of protecting his little brother, Illumi implanted a needle in Killua's brain, forcing the latter to run from battles he wasn't sure he could win.

Illumi cares for most of the Zoldyck Family members. He is willing to handle Alluka's power, even if it costs him his life. He has stated, however, that family members are not allowed to kill during an inner mission (a mission where there is an internal conflict), but insinuates that he would be fine with killing Alluka and does not consider Alluka a member of the family.

Illumi strays from the path of an assassin

While Illumi seems devoid of many human emotions, he is not without a sense of desire as he greatly hankers Alluka's wish-granting ability. Tsubone implies that Illumi's sinister ambition to control Alluka's power even caused him to stray from the path of an assassin.

Illumi and Hisoka had once a "give-and-take" relationship

At some point, Illumi formed an unusual relationship with Hisoka, which he described as "give-and-take". He once came to the aid of the magician by standing for him as a double in the Phantom Troupe's hideout while Hisoka attempted to find Chrollo. However, when Hisoka asks Illumi if it would be okay if he killed Killua, Illumi displays a horrifying side of himself and asks if Hisoka wants to die then and there. His demeanor and bloodlust were very similar to how Hisoka reacted to Illumi's indecision on whether or not to kill Gon, whom he sees as a threat due to his closeness with Killua during the Hunter Exam, albeit on a much lesser extent. Despite the mutual benefit of their relationship, Illumi always believed one of them would wind up killing the other. He, therefore, accepted to form a contract with Hisoka with the condition that if the magician is killed, Illumi will receive his reward. The assassin cryptically refers to it as an "engagement ring" and "prenuptial agreement".

Unlike the other Phantom Troupe members, Illumi doesn't appear loyal to the troupe when he discloses that all the Spiders were on the Black Whale to Zodiac member, Mizaistom.

Background

Teenage Illumi

Illumi is the eldest child of Silva and Kikyo and was raised from birth in the art of assassination. He and his father trained Killua to become an elite assassin.

At some point during his childhood, he learned Nen. In order to control the development and actions of his younger brother, Illumi inserted a Nen needle into Killua's brain under Silva's order; the needle prompted him to run away from the battles he wasn't certain he could win. Sometime prior to the 287^th Hunter Exam, he also established a partnership with Hisoka; however, this partnership is not detailed.

Following Killua's escape from the Zoldyck manor, Illumi was sent by his mother to watch over his brother at the Hunter Exam.

Plot

Hunter Exam arc

Illumi in his Gittarackur disguise

Illumi briefly appears during the first parts of the Hunter Exam, under the name of Gittarackur, though his appearance is highly distorted by countless pins. He first appears when Tonpa considers offering him his laxative-laced juice. When Hisoka lags behind to play judge, Illumi helps him find his way to the second stage with a walkie-talkie and a transponder. He almost fails the second phase due to Menchi's temper. He is amongst the examinees who pass the third phase.

Illumi in a hole

Before the fourth phase on Zevil Island, the examiner, Lippo, gives each of the 25 remaining candidates the number of another's badge. Gittarackur phones Hisoka and offers his help, but Hisoka turns down the offer. He later finds his target, Goz, but is interrupted by Siper, who has Gittarackur as her target and attempts to kill him by sniping at him from a distance. However, she hits Goz, who is fatally injured. Gittarackur then kills Siper. Later, he goes to Hisoka and gives him the number badge belonging to Siper. He then digs a hole and sleeps in it until the end of the fourth phase.

Illumi forces Killua to surrender

The final phase is an elimination tournament where the winners are removed from the tournament and the losers given more chances; winning match results in the victor receiving his or her Hunter License. Killua must fight Gittarackur as his second match after taking pity on his first opponent and letting him win. When the match begins, Illumi reveals himself to Killua. He mentions that his reason for taking the exam was not only to obtain a license, which he needed for an assassination mission but also to watch over Killua because of their mother's worries about Killua going off on his own. Illumi then tells his brother that he will never make a good Hunter because he cannot break free of his training as an assassin. He states that Killua's only purpose in life is killing others and that he is only a puppet who wants nothing. Having severely disoriented him, he asks what it is that Killua expects from becoming a Hunter.

Killua replies that he does not want anything from the Exam, but he wants to stop killing people and wants to be friends with Gon, whom he had met during the Exam. Illumi deems it impossible since he and his father raised Killua to be a cold-blooded assassin. He also claimed that if Killua were to stay with Gon, he'd eventually hurt or even kill him because it's in his nature. Leorio, upset by Illumi's speech, claims that Gon already views Killua as his friend. Illumi, troubled by this, begins to consider murdering Gon but realizes that killing him would break the rules of the Exam. He asks Netero if he would be disqualified if he killed Gon after his match with Killua. Netero replies that his actions wouldn't be breaking any rules since he would already be considered a licensed Hunter. Illumi tells Killua that he will kill Gon unless Killua fights him. This is a trick question, however, the needle in Killua's head makes him unable to attack opponents he cannot defeat. It's due to the needle's influence that Killua surrenders. Illumi wins the match by forfeit, going on to obtain his Hunter License.

Gon grabs Illumi's arm throwing him out of his seat

Gon, awoken from his sleep, hears about how Killua lost and was disqualified for killing a fellow contestant from Satotz. He then asks Illumi to apologize to Killua, but Illumi does not understand Gon's reasoning. Gon claims that Illumi is not qualified to be Killua's brother. Illumi asks if one needs a qualification to be a brother. Gon, further angered, lifts Illumi up using one hand and breaks his arm. Netero, who was discussing the topic with everyone else before Gon came in, notes that they are examining the nature of Killua's act. The verdict they arrive at is that Killua was rightfully disqualified, but he is still eligible for the following year's exam.

Illumi, aware that Gon would not stop bothering him until he knows where Killua is, tells Gon that Killua went home to Kukuroo Mountain. He is later seen discussing with Hisoka on the matter. Hisoka asks Illumi if it was a good idea for him to reveal the location where Killua was. Illumi says that the location is already famous and that there is no harm in revealing it to Gon. Illumi thinks that Gon is dangerous and suggests that it would be best if he killed him, but Hisoka warns him that Gon will only die by his hands.

Yorknew City arc

Illumi killing the Ten Dons

During the Southernpiece Auction in Yorknew City, it is revealed that Illumi is an acquaintance of Chrollo Lucilfer. He, Maha, and Kalluto are hired by Chrollo to assassinate the Mafia's Ten Dons, who placed bounties on the Phantom Troupe's heads. After he accomplishes this mission, Hisoka hires Illumi to disguise himself as him and infiltrate the Phantom Troupe's hideout. Illumi uses Kalluto to distract the members in the hideout while switching places with Hisoka.

Chimera Ant arc

Killua discovers a needle in his brain that Illumi had planted in order to control him and removes it during his fight against Rammot. Shortly afterward, Silva and Zeno deduce that Killua has removed Illumi's needle.

13^th Hunter Chairman Election arc

Illumi returns with his Gittarackur disguise

Illumi shows up at the election for the next chairman as Gittarackur. He talks with Hisoka about what had happened during the Chimera Ant crisis, the death of Chairman Netero, his younger sibling Alluka (whom he wishes to eliminate), and the current situation with Killua. In Killua's flashback, Illumi experimented with Alluka's wish-granting ability using a servant named Kasuga, resulting in the death of the servant and at least 66 other people.

Illumi and Hisoka discussing

Illumi appears again, sitting with Hisoka in an airship bar, discussing Alluka's ability. Illumi explains to Hisoka the magnitude of and the rules related to Alluka's power, stating that tens of thousands of people, including the Zoldycks and Hisoka, may die if Killua's wish to restore Gon goes awry. He fears that Killua will make the wish in a dangerous way—having somebody else make a wish and pay the price himself. Illumi asks Hisoka to help him kill Alluka if Killua refuses to make his wish in a safe way.

Illumi threatens to kill Hisoka if he tries to harm Killua

While Killua travels to Gon's hospital with Alluka and his servants in a car, Illumi calls him by the phone and asks about the removal of the needle, which Killua confirms. Illumi says he will go into action. Killua then asks if he wants to kill him, to which Illumi replies that family members are forbidden to kill each other in an "inner mission," implying that he does not view Alluka as a family member and wants to kill her. Killua immediately issues a challenge to Illumi. As soon as that happens, Illumi manipulates the drivers of a car and two trucks to drive Killua's car off the cliff. Watching from a distance, Hisoka remarks that Illumi is too extreme. Illumi replies that he has no choice because Killua is hiding some rules of Alluka's ability and asks Hisoka to eliminate the servants. Hisoka then asks if he can kill Killua, resulting in Illumi's momentary release of an intense murderous aura. Illumi wonders if this was a deliberate provocation to reveal their location to Killua, but Hisoka claims it was a joke.

Illumi arrives by Parasta Airport to meet up with Hisoka. He knows that Killua used 8 airships to escape them. Hisoka suggests ambushing the hospital but Illumi tells him it's not a good idea because Killua's friends are wandering there. Instead, he relies on his Needle People to do the job for him. Killua and Morel create a plan to capture the Needle People first, then targeting Illumi. Killua wants to "sell" out his big brother by asking for help from the other Hunters. Illumi makes his first move, while Hisoka hunts the "misses" for him.

Hisoka and Illumi talk over the phone after killing the Hunters sent by Teradein, Bushidora, and Loupe. Hisoka informs Illumi that he has found a map detailing the airships' paths and destinations. He offers to send Illumi a copy, albeit an altered one, but Illumi says that he also has a map from one of the attackers and that he already knows which airship Killua and Alluka boarded. Illumi deduces that the airships will not land any time soon and sets out to aid Hisoka in finishing off the other attackers before going to where Killua and Alluka land. There, he gets hold of Hishita and controls him. It is only when Killua and Alluka are already in the car that Killua discovers Hishita is already under Illumi's control.

Illumi warns Killua

Illumi arrives and tells Killua to hand over Alluka. Just then, Tsubone also arrives, revealing that she is the "Peeping Tom". She states that Milluki cooperates with Illumi by sending a video. The Zoldycks may be watching everything through the video feed from her scope. It is an order from Kikyo Zoldyck that she never removes her scope. Suddenly, Alluka requests Tsubone's nail from her middle and ring finger, activating her wish-granting mode. Tsubone prompts Killua to make his wish; concurrently, Illumi announces that Killua may sacrifice dozens of innocent people to save Gon. Illumi states that killing within the family is prohibited, and he is willing to die in order to ensure the whole family's safety. Instead of wishing for Illumi's death, Killua wishes to heal Tsubone's left hand. After this, Illumi tells him that he is assured that there is a way to heal Gon without putting Killua at risk, but he still believes Killua is hiding information. Later, Illumi watches from afar and wonders about what would happen if he were able to control Alluka's ability. He requests Tsubone to watch while Nanika heals Gon.

"Amazing!" Illumi feels a huge force

Illumi feels a huge force, along with the other Hunters, and laughs to himself, saying that he will have and control "it." He approaches the hospital, stalking Killua and Alluka again. Upon reaching the hospital room, he analyzes the rules of Alluka's abilities. When he arrives, he assures Killua that when he [Illumi] manages to control Alluka properly, he will guarantee minimum freedom for Alluka instead of being locked in a room all the time. Killua refuses and tells Illumi that he will be the one to protect her. Illumi becomes impatient and demands that Killua hand her over. Killua wakes up Nanika and wishes for Illumi to go home. He is immediately teleported back to the Zoldyck mansion, much to the amazement of the entire family. This event makes Illumi crave to control Killua in order to control Alluka's ability as well, while all his family members give up their effort and let Killua and Alluka go.

Succession Contest arc

Illumi introduces himself as the newest Spider member

At Hisoka's request, Illumi joins the Phantom Troupe and boards the Black Whale, beginning his search for the magician. On the fourth day of the voyage, the Troupe gathers at a table in Tier 5. After stating that they failed to find Hisoka on that tier, Chrollo invites Illumi to introduce himself. Illumi complies, explaining the nature of his relationship with the magician and that he has joined the Spiders on his commission so he can kill him. Due to the seriousness of their "game of tag", Illumi was not told where to find him. When the Cha-R Family members arrive to claim their table, the Troupe leaves without a fight and splits up. Chrollo declares they will meet next when one of them has taken Hisoka's head.

Illumi and Kalluto on Tier 3

Illumi and Kalluto successfully gain access to Tier 3, higher than the other Spider members. However, they are cornered by the military on the boat's Vista area after their emergency announcement of a dangerous stowaway. The two Zoldycks comply with the soldiers, and when Corporal Mizuri brings forth an I.D. from Illumi's pocket, the soldier identifies them as VVIP and asks why they are in that place. Illumi replies that he has business there. The soldier informs them of the quasi-martial law situation and insists that he should escort them back. Still, Illumi declines and reiterates that he has business there. Botobai and Mizaistom interrupt the exchange, with the former identifying Illumi as a Hunter. Mizaistom asks Illumi if the Phantom Troupe is on board, which the assassin bluntly confirms while implying he is a Spider as well, much to Kalluto's surprise. Illumi calls himself an honest person, though he adds that he cannot answer more questions due to confidentiality. Mizaistom understands and offers the two Zoldycks residential units in Tier 3. Misunderstanding the Zodiac, Illumi requests a single cell with a shower. After he is set straight by Mizaistom, Illumi, and Kalluto follow him, until he rushes to another urgent matter and leaves them with Botobai and Ginta.

On the seventh day of the voyage, after Phinks, Nobunaga, and Feitan discuss the current situation with Ken'i and Tajao, Phinks asks them to verify Morena's location while they contact the other Troupe members and hunt down the hit man. On the tenth day of the voyage, after Onior confirms with Hinrigh that Hisoka isn't in Tier 4, he says that Hinrigh can permit the Spiders to search that tier.

Equipment

Illumi with his needles

Needles: Illumi is in possession of three sets of needles which, when infused with his Nen, can be utilized in different ways. The ones he employs most commonly are round-head needles that come in various sizes and have a yellow handle and a silver shaft. They enable him to change other people's appearance or his own. He can also use them to manipulate corpses to an unknown extent (in the 1999 anime adaptation, the needles used for this task were light blue). The second type of needles he has shown allows him to brainwash a target when implanted in their head. They look like golden sewing needles. Illumi also possesses a third set of needles, which he rarely resorts to. They have a much thinner and longer shaft with a spherical, yellow handle than his usual set. When stuck in the skull of a target, Illumi can turn them into a Needle Person and freely control them.

Zoldyck Personal Transmitter: The assassins of the Zoldyck Family can contact each other with a special transmitter to report the fulfillment of a murder contract.

Abilities & Powers

Illumi has all the benefits granted by his status as a Hunter. Furthermore, as a member of the Zoldyck Family, he has vast wealth and capable underlings at his disposal. His family name alone is enough to scare those familiar with it. Hisoka rates Illumi's overall power 95 points, ranking him higher than some members of the Zodiacs. Thanks to his training, he possesses rare abilities such as strong resistance to poison, high tolerance to electricity, great agility and physical strength, and advanced armed and unarmed combat techniques. He might have superhuman control over his body, as he told Hisoka he was going to sleep for five days. Illumi is also a very skilled impersonator, and he seems to be able to conceal his strength and other aspects that might give him away when disguised since he managed to fool Killua and the Phantom Troupe. This skill is seemingly accompanied by the ability to hide his real power, as none of the Examiners seemed to be aware of his capacities until he revealed himself in the last phase.

Illumi threatening Hisoka

Assassination Skills: Illumi is a master assassin and combatant, having single-handedly wiped out a squadron of more than 20 amateur Hunters without any of them managing to press the emergency button. He also threatened to kill Hisoka if he tried to attack Killua.

Enhanced Strength: Illumi is strong enough to pierce the skulls of other Nen users with no problem with his needles. He also easily dug a large hole in the ground with his bare hands in seconds.

Immense Speed and Reflexes: While the true extent of Illumi's physical abilities is unknown, he is at least fast enough to run through a crowd and stick his needles into multiple targets without being noticed. His speed allowed him to kill a group of Hunters before any of them could ask for help.

Advanced Stamina: Illumi was able to complete a long-distance run of more than 80 kilometers long, taking place on uneven terrains such as ascending stairs and a swamp, without breaking a sweat.

Illumi's impassive reaction to his broken arm

Immense Endurance: Illumi did not flinch when Gon broke his arm; afterward, he exhibited no visible distress from the pain.

High Intelligence: Illumi is able to formulate accurate predictions as seen concerning Alluka's power since he was able to completely understand the method by which Killua's wishes were granted with no further consequences.

Master Thrower: Illumi can throw multiple needles at once or in quick succession with great accuracy.

Nen

Illumi is a Manipulator and has an incredibly sinister Ren which can at least be felt from a distance of several hundred meters. His aura is so powerful that, if injected into a normal person, it will cripple them for life. His Nen abilities allow him to change his physical appearance, control the dead and the living alike with overpowering mind and body control and influence others with subtler types of Manipulation, a range of applications that suggests a great mastery over this Nen category. He might have made a different use of Manipulation when he closed a hole in the ground seemingly without touching it, moving the soil with Nen. Illumi appears to have abundant aura reserves, since, despite coercive Manipulation being rather taxing, he is capable of controlling dozens of targets at the same time. The only techniques he has been seen using so far are Ten, Hatsu, Zetsu, and Ren.

Illumi's Nen Type: Manipulation
Type: Manipulation	Body Alteration*
	Illumi uses large, round head needles mainly to alter the shape of his own body and skin color. Removing the needles will cause him to revert to his original appearance. According to him, the transformation is quite painful. He can also change his appearance without needles, but in this case, he is able to maintain the disguise for around five hours, and his eyes remain the same. He can use this ability to infiltrate into places where his targets may reside, as shown when he fooled the Phantom Troupe into thinking he was Hisoka after switching places with him in the Phantom Troupe's hideout. This ability was also at one point used by Illumi on another person, warping the target's face while inducing incapacitating pain.
Type: Manipulation	Hypnotic Spell*
	By placing a needle into the target's brain, Illumi is able to condition them into following pre-set orders as long as the needle remains embedded. In Killua’s case, the activation triggered a crushing fear, which he associated with Illumi, that in turn caused varying degrees of paralysis depending on the severity of his contravention. The conditioning activates automatically as soon as the victim intends to take an action that violates Illumi’s orders. Willpower alone is not sufficient to break free from the hypnosis; however, through resisting it, the victim suffers headaches that grow increasingly localized, making it possible to detect the presence and position of the needle. The ability is also subtle, leading the victim to think that the commands they receive reflect their own emotions or are a result of their habits. Not even Biscuit Krueger, who trained Killua to help him overcome his fear, and Isaac Netero, who used to be revered as the best Nen user in the world, were seemingly able to detect the effects of the needle. It seems this ability can also be used to suppress specific feelings until the needle is pulled out, as Killua attributed to it his having turned his back on his sister.
Type: Manipulation	Corpse Control*
	By piercing their head with several needles, Illumi can manipulate one or more deceased individuals. The victims can perform complex actions, such as speaking and driving. They have no will or reflexes of their own, and can be made to take suicidal actions. Although some victims show evident signs of being controlled, others can fake normal behavior to deceive onlookers, which Illumi can facilitate by positioning the needles so that they are not immediately visible. This method of producing henchmen to do Illumi's bidding was implied to require more time than Needle People. Despite being dead, no victim of this ability appears to have suffered wounds apart from the insertion of the needles, possibly suggesting that is how they were killed.
Type: Manipulation	Needle People (針(はり)人(にん)間(げん)()()()()()()(),, Hariningen)
	Illumi sticks a special needle imbued with a large amount of aura into the skull of a person and gives an order. The target of the ability loses all sentience and follows his order until they die trying or from overexertion. Should a Needle Person survive, they will be crippled for the rest of their life. Illumi generally sticks one needle in the back of the head of the target, whose ungainly movements and expression make them easy to recognize as being under the influence of the ability; however, Needle People who had two needles embedded into their forehead have been seen speaking and driving normally.

Manga Appearances

Hunter Exam arc
1. The Day of Departure	Absent
2. An Encounter in the Storm	Absent
3. The Ultimate Choice	Absent
4. Kiriko: Wicked Magical Vulpes	Absent
5. The First Phase Begins, Part 1	Absent
6. The First Phase Begins, Part 2	Debut
7. Respective Reasons	Absent
8. The Other Enemy	Absent
9. A Struggle in the Mist	Voice
10. An Unexpected Task	Disguised
11. The Inevitable Outcome	Absent
12. The Chairman Awaits	Absent
13. A Game at Midnight, Part 1	Disguised
14. A Game at Midnight, Part 2	Absent
15. The Path of Majority Rules	Absent
16. Enter the Taskmasters	Absent
17. Disparate Choice	Absent
18. The Two Aces in the Hole	Absent
19. The Trap of Majority Rules	Absent
20. Gambling Time	Absent
21. Resolution	Absent
22. The Last Question	Disguised
23. Two Enemies	Disguised
24. Crash Course	Absent
25. The Second Day	Voice
26. The Night Before the Showdown	Appears
27. A Volatile Situation	Absent
28. A Huge Favor	Absent
29. Killua's Case	Absent
30. The Slithering Trap	Absent
31. By the Skin of Their Teeth...	Absent
32. And the Final Test...?	Disguised
33. The Final Test Begins!	Disguised
34. The First Candidate Accepted?!	Absent
35. Light and Darkness, Part 1	Appears
36. Light and Darkness, Part 2	Appears
37. Light and Darkness, Part 3	Appears
38. Ging Freecss	Appears

Zoldyck Family arc
39. Intruder	Mentioned
40. The Zoldycks, Part 1	Absent
41. The Zoldycks, Part 2	Mentioned
42. The Zoldycks, Part 3	Mentioned
43. The Zoldycks, Part 4	Absent

Heavens Arena arc
44. The Heavens Arena	Absent
45. "Ren"	Mentioned
46. "Nen"	Mentioned
47. The Invisible Wall	Absent
48. Hisoka's Terms	Mentioned
49. The Battle Begins!!	Absent
50. "Zetsu"	Absent
51. "Ten"	Mentioned
52. Kastro	Absent
53. Double	Absent
54. Cause of Defeat	Absent
55. As for Hisoka...	Absent
56. Training Resumes	Absent
57. Promise	Absent
58. Rematch	Absent
59. Making the Grade	Absent
60. Passing the Exam	Pictured
61. Showdown	Absent
62. Like You Mean It	Absent
63. Next	Absent

Yorknew City arc
64. Homecoming	Absent
65. About Ging	Absent
66. The Tape	Absent
67. The Flesh Collector's Mansion: Part 1	Absent
68. The Flesh Collector's Mansion: Part 2	Absent
69. Greed Island	Pictured
70. To Yorknew	Absent
71. The Auction Begins!!	Absent
72. September 1st: Part 1	Mentioned
73. September 1st: Part 2	Absent
74. September 1st: Part 3	Absent
75. September 1st: Part 4	Absent
76. September 1st: Part 5	Absent
77. September 1st: Part 6	Absent
78. September 1st: Part 7	Absent
79. September 2nd: Part 1	Absent
80. September 2nd: Part 2	Flashback
81. September 2nd: Part 3	Absent
82. September 2nd: Part 4	Absent
83. September 2nd: Part 5	Absent
84. September 2nd: Part 6	Absent
85. September 3rd: Part 1	Absent
86. September 3rd: Part 2	Absent
87. September 3rd: Part 3	Absent
88. September 3rd: Part 4	Absent
89. September 3rd: Part 5	Absent
90. September 3rd: Part 6	Absent
91. September 3rd: Part 7	Absent
92. September 3rd: Part 8	Voice
93. September 3rd: Part 9	Voice
94. September 3rd: Part 10	Absent
95. September 3rd: Part 11	Absent
96. September 3rd: Part 12	Absent
97. September 3rd: Part 13	Absent
98. September 3rd: Part 14	Absent
99. September 3rd: Part 15	Absent
100. September 3rd: Part 16	Appears
101. September 3rd: Part 17	Absent
102. September 4th: Part 1	Absent
103. September 4th: Part 2	Absent
104. September 4th: Part 3	Absent
105. September 4th: Part 4	Absent
106. September 4th: Part 5	Absent
107. September 4th: Part 6	Absent
108. September 4th: Part 7	Absent
109. September 4th: Part 8	Absent
110. September 4th: Part 9	Absent
111. September 4th: Part 10	Absent
112. September 4th: Part 11	Absent
113. September 4th: Part 12	Absent
114. September 4th: Part 13	Absent
115. September 4th: Part 14	Appears
116. September 4th: Part 15	Disguised
117. September 4th: Part 16	Disguised
118. September 4th: Part 17	Disguised
119. September 4th: Part 18	Mentioned

Chimera Ant arc
186. The Queen	Absent
187. The Beast Fodder	Absent
188. NGL	Absent
189. Infiltration	Absent
190. The Hunt	Absent
191. Pros	Absent
192. Human Dog	Absent
193. Scissors	Absent
194. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 1	Absent
195. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 2	Absent
196. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 3	Absent
197. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 4	Absent
198. Sudden Attack	Absent
199. Light and Shadow	Pictured
200. Stipulation	Absent
201. Reunion	Absent
202. Duel	Absent
203. Gyro	Absent
204. Gyro's Story	Absent
205. Time Remaining	Absent
206. A Real Fight	Absent
207. Weakness: Part 1	Absent
208. Weakness: Part 2	Absent
209. ?	Absent
210. Weakness: Part 3	Pictured
211. Loan Shark	Absent
212. Water Breaking	Pictured
213. Birth	Absent
214. Results	Absent
215. Last Words	Absent
216. Republic of East Gorteau	Absent
217. Meat Orchard	Absent
218. Confession	Absent
219. Awakening	Pictured
220. Reunion: Part 1	Absent
221. Reunion: Part 2	Absent
222. Reunion: Part 3	Absent
223. 10: Part 1	Absent
224. 10: Part 2	Absent
225. 10: Part 3	Absent
226. 10: Part 4	Absent
227. 10: Part 5	Absent
228. 10: Part 6	Absent
229. 10: Part 7	Pictured
230. 9: Part 1	Mentioned
231. 9: Part 2	Absent
232. 9: Part 3	Absent
233. 9: Part 4	Absent
234. 9: Part 5	Absent
235. 8: Part 1	Absent
236. 8: Part 2	Absent
237. 8: Part 3	Absent
238. 8: Part 4	Absent
239. 8: Part 5	Absent
240. 8: Part 6	Absent
241. 8: Part 7	Absent
242. 7: Part 1	Absent
243. 7: Part 2	Absent
244. 6: Part 1	Absent
245. 6: Part 2	Absent
246. 6: Part 3	Absent
247. 6: Part 4	Absent
248. 6: Part 5	Absent
249. 6: Part 6	Absent
250. 6: Part 7	Absent
251. 6: Part 8	Absent
252. 6: Part 9	Absent
253. 6: Part 10	Absent
254. 6: Part 11	Absent
255. 5: Part 1 to 2: Part 1	Absent
256. 2: Part 2	Absent
257. 1: Part 1	Absent
258. 1: Part 2	Absent
259. 1: Part 3	Absent
260. 1: Part 4	Absent
261. Charge: Part 1	Absent
262. Charge: Part 2	Absent
263. Charge: Part 3	Absent
264. Charge: Part 4	Absent
265. Charge: Part 5	Absent
266. "In the Unlikely Event Of..."	Absent
267. Activation	Absent
268. The King	Absent
269. Adversity Is a Good Thing	Absent
270. Indebted To	Absent
271. Separation	Absent
272. Error	Absent
273. We Meet Again	Absent
274. Solution	Absent
275. Promise	Absent
276. Missileman	Absent
277. Insult	Absent
278. Destruction	Mentioned
279. Escape	Absent
280. Direct Hit	Absent
281. Godspeed	Absent
282. Sealed Area	Absent
283. Determination	Absent
284. Fifteen Minutes	Absent
285. Doubles	Absent
286. Core	Absent
287. Present State	Absent
288. Accolade	Absent
289. Terms	Absent
290. Name	Absent
291. Soliloquy	Absent
292. Hidden Agenda	Absent
293. Metamorphosis	Absent
294. Breakdown	Absent
295. Determination	Absent
296. Admission	Absent
297. The Last	Absent
298. Rose	Absent
299. Regeneration	Absent
300. Insurance	Absent
301. Memory	Absent
302. Target	Absent
303. Pain	Absent
304. Magic	Absent
305. Sorry	Absent
306. Relief	Absent
307. Loss	Absent
308. Flash	Absent
309. Game	Absent
310. Action	Absent
311. Deadline	Absent
312. Resolve	Absent
313. One Word	Absent
314. Persuasion	Absent
315. Home	Absent
316. Real Name	Absent
317. Answer	Absent
318. Final Will	Absent

13th Hunter Chairman Election arc
319. Lottery	Absent
320. Voting	Disguised
321. Monster	Absent
322. Siblings	Flashback
323. Job Offer	Appears
324. Butler	Mentioned
325. Joining the Fray	Absent
326. Open Hostilities	Appears
327. Riddle	Mentioned
328. Arrangements	Appears
329. Spy	Appears
330. Confession	Appears
331. Day of Reckoning	Absent
332. Applause	Appears
333. Rumble	Appears
334. Total Defeat	Absent
335. Decision	Appears
336. Release	Appears
337. Repentance	Absent
338. Atop a Tree	Absent
339. Stillness	Absent

Succession Contest arc
349. Worm Toxin	Absent
350. Prince	Absent
351. Battle to the Death	Absent
352. Troublesome	Absent
353. Cold-Blooded	Absent
354. Heat	Absent
355. Detonation	Absent
356. Unfortunate: Part 1	Absent
357. Unfortunate: Part 2	Absent
358. Eve	Absent
359. Departure	Absent
360. Parasite	Absent
361. Withdraw	Absent
362. Resolve	Absent
363. Nen Beast	Absent
364. Speculation	Absent
365. Choice	Absent
366. To Each His Own	Absent
367. Synchronization	Absent
368. Foul Play	Absent
369. Limits	Absent
370. Observation	Absent
371. Mission	Absent
372. Disappearance	Absent
373. Inheritance	Absent
374. Ability	Absent
375. Persuasion	Absent
376. Determination	Absent
377. Scheme	Appears
378. Balance	Absent
379. Collaboration	Absent
380. Alarm	Appears
381. Predation	Absent
382. Awakening	Absent
383. Escape	Absent
384. War	Absent
385. Warning	Absent
386. Hypothesis	Absent
387. Recreation	Absent
388. Reflection	Absent
389. Curse	Absent
390. Clash: Part 1	Absent
391. Clash: Part 2	Absent
392. Information	Absent
393. Plea	Absent
394. Hypothesis	Absent
395. Founding: Part 1	Absent
396. Founding: Part 2	Absent
397. Founding: Part 3	Absent
398. Search	Absent
399. Expulsion	Absent
400. Secrecy	Absent

Battles

Battles

Hunter Exam arc: Illumi (as Gittarackur) vs. Great Stamp† Illumi (as Gittarackur) vs. Siper† (Zevil Island) Illumi (as Gittarackur) vs. Goz† (Zevil Island) Illumi vs. Killua Zoldyck* (Final Phase) 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc: Illumi vs. Killua Zoldyck, Alluka Zoldyck, Gotoh, Canary, and Amane (car crash) Illumi and Hisoka Morow vs. Bushidora Ambitious†*, Latoon†, Kenzaki†, 6 Pro Hunters†, 15 Temp Hunters†, and 98 non-members† Illumi* vs. Killua Zoldyck and Alluka Zoldyck

Quotes

• (To Hisoka) "Okay. I've known you a little longer than Chrollo. But it'll cost you."
• (To Hisoka) "I'll kill you. Right here. And now."
• "I'm happy to die to save the rest of the family. Killua will suffer for the rest of his life. I'll live on forever in his heart!!"
• "Amazing! I want this power above all else!!! Nanika is mine!!"
• (To Killua) "At this rate, Alluka will remain locked away in a room forever. But if you let me manage the two of you I can guarantee you minimal freedom, at least."
• (To Killua) "Killua. Know your place."
• "Amazing. Killua's orders are risk-free. I could turn Killua into a complete puppet and the pros would still outweigh the cons!!"
• (To the Phantom Troupe) "I joined the Spiders on Hisoka's commission. We had a give-and-take relationship... but we knew one of us would kill the other in the end. And now that's come to pass."

Trivia

• In the official databook, Illumi's name is also spelled as "Yellmi Zaoldyck".
  • In one of Hunter × Hunter's merchandising products, the character's disguise/alias, Gittarackur, is alternatively named" Guitarakle".
• "Illumi" may come from an Italian word ("illuminato") that means "enlightened." However, his name may be related to the Illuminati, who are often associated with goals of world domination. Illumi is also a Manipulator, which fits with the Illuminati's iconic (if not misleading) description.
• Illumi has known Hisoka a little longer than Chrollo Lucilfer.
• In Chapter 320, Illumi was shown disguised as Gittarackur for the first time since the Hunter Exam arc, where the First Election for the 13th Hunter Chairman voting took place.
• Illumi never refers to Alluka as a girl, but as a boy, which offends her.
• Illumi is one of the few Spiders who were not born in Meteor City, the others being Bonolenov, Hisoka and his brother Kalluto.

Anime and Manga Differences

"Gittarackur" and Hisoka in the 1999 anime adaptation

• In the 1999 anime adaptation, there is a bonus stage right after the 3rd phase, in which the candidates are required to collect treasures in order to be provided with a room on a ship for three days. Gittarackur easily collects treasures, and his first roommate is Tonpa. Gittarackur and Hisoka decide to help Gon's team when a storm approaches them. Hisoka saves Gon from drowning, while Gittarackur takes over the ship's steering wheel after Kurapika bumps his head and loses consciousness. The next morning, Hisoka compliments him on his great job, to which Gittarackur only gives him a peace sign. His head is only shown briefly at this point, but his hair can clearly be seen.
• Another instance in this anime adaptation is when Illumi has a fight with Gon after the exam. Gon kicks him in the head by swinging on a vine. Presumably, Illumi let him do this, as Gon is nowhere near the raw speed necessary to land a blow with his own power. He praises Gon's combat potential and is about to kill him for corrupting Killua when he is stopped by Hisoka. He then gives Killua's location, saying that it doesn't matter that he knows because he still can't reach him.
  • Also in this adaptation, in the Greed Island arc, Illumi appeared in a non-speaking cameo.

A long-haired Illumi in Killua's flashback

• In the 2011 anime adaptation, a younger Illumi appears in Killua's flashback of his childhood. It shows a continuity error involving Illumi's hair, which is long in this flashback, while it should be short, as seen in the flashback in Episode 138. Here, he welcomes Killua home and asks how his work went. Killua knows that Illumi has been watching him, but he neglects to answer the question. Illumi stands beside Killua and tells him their mother, Kikyo, is waiting inside, but Killua replies that he does not want to see her.

Intertextuality and References

• Illumi's abilities might have been inspired by certain magic tricks (such as the bed of nails and needle-through-arm) as well as lobotomy, and/or be an allusion to "Voodoo" dolls, usually represented as effigies into which pins are inserted, that are doubtfully linked to Vodou (or Voodoo); both the object and the religion are associated in some popular culture depictions with zombies (as in the film White Zombie) — a possible reference reinforced by the "zombified" behavior of Illumi's Needle People and of his mastery over corpses.
• Gittarackur's design may have been a reference to or inspired by the original design of Pinhead, as their looks share many similarities (little-to-no hair, incredibly pale skin, and most obviously all of the pins/needles in the head). Pinhead and Illumi also share similarly intense, big black eyes where the pupil and iris seem indistinguishable from one another and take up most of the eye.

Translations around the World

Language		Name
Arabic		إلومي زولديك ('Ilumi Zoldik)
Brazilian Portuguese		Illumi Zaoldyeck
Chinese		伊耳谜•揍敌客/伊耳謎•揍敵客* (Yī ěr mí Zòu dí kè) 伊耳谜•祖迪/伊耳謎•祖迪* (Yī ěr mí Zǔ dí) 依路米 (Yī lù mǐ) 集塔喇苦 (Jí tǎ lǎ kǔ) 伊路米•左鲁迪古/伊路米•左魯迪古* (Yī lù mǐ Zuǒ lǔ dí gǔ)
French		Irumi Zoldik
Greek		Ιλούμι Ζόλντικ (Iloúmi Zólntik)
Korean		이르미 조르딕 (Ireumi Joreudik)
Russian		Иллуми Золдик (Illumi Zoldik)
Spanish		Yellmi Zaoldyeck* Illumi Zaoldyeck*