"This is what makes killing people so addictive! You know what gives me the most pleasure? Taking avengers like you and smacking them down!!" — Uvogin to Kurapika, in "September 2nd: Part 4" |
Uvogin (ウボォーギン, Ubōgin) was member #11 of the Phantom Troupe and physically the strongest in the group.[2][3]
Appearance[]
Uvogin was the tallest and most muscular member of the Phantom Troupe. He had an unruly mane of grizzled hair, sideburns, long, thick eyebrows, and coarse hair on his shoulders, arms, and chest. He had naturally tanned skin and dressed in a wild manner, donning bearskin clothing and boots, whilst also being naturally hairy and rarely wearing a shirt. In his youth, Uvogin had an afro.
Uvogin's spider tattoo
His spider tattoo was located on his back, with the number 11 on the spider's abdomen.[4]
Personality[]
Uvogin's "gratitude"
Uvogin was a typical Enhancer: determined, headstrong, simple, and sometimes disrespectful. He was barbaric in manner, viewing even pain as merely a nuisance. Like all members of the Phantom Troupe, Uvogin never hesitated to kill and was remorseless in doing so.[2][5] He was only interested in physical training and fighting.[6] He particularly enjoyed fights against skilled opponents, but he would typically rush into battle without a plan. However, despite often rushing into battle and fighting in a barbaric manner, he was extremely resourceful, able to defeat three skilled Nen users (Porcupine, Rabid Dog, and Leech) using only his head, after being paralyzed from the neck down. Although he prefered to fight alone, Uvogin became stronger when fighting with a partner, because he fought better when he had someone to protect. Uvogin was best friends with Nobunaga, and the two brought out the best in each other during combat.[7]
The inhabitants of Meteor City are also stated to share remarkable bonds that have been described as "thinner than water, and yet thicker than blood".[8] This was also proven by the fact that the Phantom Troupe is a major asset in the defense of the city.[9]
Uvogin's cruel personality
Like the other members of the Troupe, Uvogin was absolutely loyal to Chrollo and the Spiders' ideals. He disliked carrying money and claimed that he had no use for it, firmly believing that one should steal whatever they desire.[6] He would only remember people he killed if they made a lasting impression.[5] He was also very punctual and often argued with Nobunaga and Franklin about their tardiness.[10]
Uvogin was also cold-blooded, ruthless, and not above inhumane mass murder, most notably when he brutally massacred the Kurta Clan alongside his teammates. He also enjoyed killing people who wanted revenge.[11] The gruesome murder of their dear friend Sarasa and thirst for revenge against the perpetrators have desensitized him to such atrocities. It is worth mentioning that he is the most emotional of the Troupe members throughout the ordeal, indicating how deeply he cares for them.[12]
Background[]
Uvogin in his youth
Uvogin was among the founding members of the Troupe,[13] all of whom originated from Meteor City, a junkyard city inhabited by outcasts who refuse to be part of society.[8] People who live there do not exist in any official records, and the existence of the city itself is known to very few people.[8]
During his youth, about fifteen years prior to his series debut, Machi alerted Uvogin that Chrollo, Shalnark, and Franklin were digging in one of his garbage piles, and he engaged in battle with Franklin to take back a Mighty Sweepin' Power Cleaners VHS tape. Franklin tossed it to Chrollo before he could get it back. He later attended Chrollos dubbing of the power cleaners and grew a newfound respect for him and took part in later rehearsals along with Sarasa, Shelia, Feitan, Phinks, Nobunaga, and Pakunoda.[14]
One day when Sarasa was late for one of the rehearsals, he and the rest of the troupe went to look for her. Arriving at the Uga Forest only to discover she was killed and dismembered by child traffickers, much to his and the other's horror. After he and the troupe attend Sarasa's funeral, he talks to Chrollo about their plans for the future. Chrollo asks him to wait three years, during which he will be able to get the necessary funds to carry out his plan, which consists in creating a website that brings together criminals. During the conversation, they are joined by the other members of the Troupe, except for Sheila, who decides to leave the group. He and the other members choose Chrollo as the leader of the group, which will be formed in three years.[12]
As a founding member of the troupe, he took part in the massacre of the Kurta Clan.[15]
Plot[]
Yorknew City arc[]
Uvogin asks Chrollo to give the order
Uvogin first appears with the rest of the Phantom Troupe during their meeting in Yorknew City on August 31st, where Chrollo announces to the group that they will steal every item from the Underground Auction. Uvogin asks if Chrollo is serious since it would cause the entire Mafia to chase after them. Chrollo then asks if he's scared, but Uvogin tells him that he's ecstatic, asking him to give the order as blood drips from his mouth. Once Chrollo gives them permission to kill anyone in their way, Uvogin lets out a loud roar as the Troupe prepares for the mission.[16] Uvogin, Machi, Feitan, Shalnark, Nobunaga, Shizuku, and Franklin head to the auction while the rest stay behind at the hideout. The members arrive at the auction, and after Franklin, Feitan, and Shizuku kill all the guests and dispose of the evidence,[17] they all discover that the auction items have already been taken from the vault. The members are forced to leave empty-handed, and Uvogin contacts Chrollo by phone to give him an update on the situation.[18]
As the Troupe members make their escape in a hot-air balloon, Uvogin speculates that there might be a Judas among them, but Chrollo convinces him that there isn't and adds that the Mafia's security would have been tighter if they knew about their plan. He guesses that they only received a vague tip and that the higher-ups trusted the source enough to act on it. Uvogin then tells Chrollo about the Ten Dons and the Shadow Beasts, adding that before they killed the auctioneer, he told them that a Shadow Beast named Owl showed up and somehow left empty-handed after emptying the entire vault. Chrollo guesses that he has a Nen ability similar to Shizuku's and that the Mafia knows that Nen is involved after 500 guests suddenly vanished. Uvogin asks for permission to fight them, and Chrollo tells him to cause enough of a disturbance to draw out the Shadow Beasts.[18]
Uvogin blocks the missile
After their balloon is shot down in the Gordeau Desert and dozens of Mafia members order them to come down from the high ledge, Uvogin assures his comrades that he will take care of them, sliding down the cliffside and confronting them. A Mafia member points a gun in Uvogin's face and asks if they kidnapped the guests, which Uvogin confirms. Uvogin simply smiles when the man asks about their leader, and when he fires at point-blank range, Uvogin catches the bullet with his teeth and breaks the man's neck with a single swipe. He then begins to massacre the other Mafia members, surviving both a shot from a sniper rifle and an anti-tank missile.Kurapika and the other Nostrade bodyguards watch the carnage from afar when four Shadow Beasts arrive to deal with the Troupe. Worm, Leech, Rabid Dog, and Porcupine all confront Uvogin.[2]
Worm is the first to be incapacitated by Uvogin's Big Bang Impact. After Uvogin is distracted by Porcupine and immobilized by Rabid Dog, Leech begins to insert his leeches into the wound on Uvogin's shoulder. However, Uvogin kills him by biting off a portion of his head and then spits out a fragment of his skull like a bullet to kill Rabid Dog. With Porcupine still attached to his arm and unable to use physical attacks against him, Uvogin lets out a loud scream right toward him that results in his death.[4] As Shalnark explains how to remove the leeches from his system, Kurapika takes advantage of Uvogin's paralysis and captures him with Chain Jail, quickly driving away from the canyon with the other bodyguards.[19] Uvogin is taken to an undisclosed location and interrogated by Dalzollene and the other bodyguards.[20]
Uvogin unfazed by his current situation
However, Uvogin isn't frightened by Dalzollene's threats and offers to spare their lives if they let him go. Dalzollene refuses Uvogin's offer and leaves him to die at the hands of the Mafia, but when the supposed members arrive, it's revealed that they are the Troupe members in disguise. After Phinks kills Dalzollene and Shizuku removes the neurotoxin from Uvogin's system, Uvogin vows to get revenge on the chain user.[20] With help from Shalnark, he eventually tracks Kurapika to the hotel where Neon and the rest of her bodyguards are staying.[6] Uvogin allows him to choose where he wants to die, and Kurapika suggests somewhere remote since he is confident that Uvogin's death will be loud.[21]
The two travel to the Gordeau Desert, and after Uvogin gets the last of the leech eggs out of his system, he asks Kurapika who he is, adding that he feels an incredible amount of determination in his Nen. Kurapika first asks him if he remembers the people he has killed, and Uvogin realizes that Kurapika is trying to avenge someone. Kurapika mentions the Kurta Clan by name and reminds him that he attacked them for their Scarlet Eyes five years earlier. Although Uvogin confirms that he was in the Troupe then, he says he doesn't remember the incident.[5]
Uvogin's final moments
They begin their fight, and Kurapika is seemingly able to endure all of Uvogin's attacks. Kurapika eventually captures Uvogin with Chain Jail and reveals his Emperor Time ability,[11] questioning him about the location and abilities of the other Troupe members. Uvogin refuses to answer any of his questions and repeatedly tells Kurapika to kill him. Finally, Kurapika pierces Uvogin's chest with his Judgment Chain, setting the condition that Uvogin must answer all questions honestly and promising to allow him to live a little longer if he complies. Kurapika once again asks Uvogin for the location of the other Troupe members, but Uvogin only smiles and tells him to get lost. Kurapika's Judgment Chain then activates and crushes Uvogin's heart, killing him instantly. Uvogin is buried in an unmarked grave at the site of their battle.[3] His death rattles the rest of the Troupe, especially Nobunaga,[10] so much that they massacre the Mafia to avenge their fallen comrade.[22][23]
In Pakunoda's flashback remembering the formation of the Troupe in Meteor City, Uvogin can be seen among the founding members listening to Chrollo's speech about the importance of the Spider.[13]
Equipment[]
Clubs: In the past, when fighting alongside Nobunaga, Uvogin was shown wielding two large clubs made out of wood.[7]
Abilities & Powers[]
Due to Uvogin being born in Meteor City, his existence is not recorded in any database, which makes obtaining information on him nearly impossible.[8] Uvogin boasted the strongest body in the Phantom Troupe and was best suited for close-range combat, including against armed crowds.[2] In addition to his strength and aura, his unflinching spirit allowed him to utilize his aura efficiently regardless of the dire situation.[20] Despite his penchant for fighting by himself, he was at his strongest when fighting alongside a partner, particularly against multiple enemies, as it gave him the chance to protect someone.[7] According to Chrollo, Uvogin could overpower just about anyone but was at a disadvantage against the complex abilities used by Manipulators and Conjurers.[3] He did not appear to rely on any kind of martial art, having resorted to simple, wide swings that made full use of his brawn and build. Uvogin could tell the time by gauging how long it had been since his last meal.[20]
Uvogin powering up
Immense Strength: Uvogin was an extremely strong human being, ranking first in arm wrestling even in the Phantom Troupe, whose members are all endowed with superhuman brawn.[3] He could destroy rocks, tear apart normal humans with a swing of his arm, and bend reinforced metal with ease. It took just one hit for him to kill an average person or weaker Nen users. He could throw rocks more than one mile, giving them the strength of sniper bullets. Moreover, he could stop a bullet fired at point-blank range with just his teeth.[2] He could also bite through the skulls of competent Nen users, and by hitting the ground, he could raise effective smokescreens,[11] create deep holes, or send boulders flying toward his enemy.
Enhanced Speed and Reflexes: Uvogin showcased superhuman speed when confronting the Mafia members, mowing down a countless number of them in mere minutes. His reflexes were superb, as he was able to catch a bullet with just his teeth[2] and to avoid Kurapika's Chain Jail, which could bind its target in 0.5 seconds.[11]
Advanced Agility: Uvogin was able to jump from one building to another with ease.[6]
Enhanced Durability: Even without aura, Uvogin's body was sturdier than average, which he demonstrated by surviving a beating from Kurapika while he was forced into Zetsu and the latter was using Ryu or Ko and had his physical strength enhanced by his Scarlet Eyes and Emperor Time. However, it should be noted that Kurapika did not intend to kill him immediately.[3] Uvogin was so confident in his durability that even being likened to a tank made him feel insulted.[2]
Enhanced Stamina: Uvogin was capable of massacring dozens of Mafia members and dealing with four Shadow Beasts minutes later.[2][4] Later that same night, he also fought Kurapika without his abilities seemingly being affected.[11]
Enhanced Endurance: Uvogin was very resistant to pain, as he didn't react when Kurapika punched him in the face, possibly breaking his nose.[20] He could bear the latter torturing him without selling out his comrades or passing out.[3] He did not even flinch when Rabid Dog ripped off two chunks of his flesh, Porcupine impaled him with his hair, or Leech inserted his leeches into the wound.[4]
Advanced Toxin Resistance: Dalzollene claimed that he had to use a triple dose of muscle relaxant gas to hold him down. However, Uvogin was fully awake and capable of speaking normally when the Phantom Troupe came to rescue him.[20] Nonetheless, he was affected by Rabid Dog's neurotoxin[4] and needed Shizuku to remove it from his body.[20] He was also able to function normally despite the large amount of beer he had consumed.
Amateur Strategist: Despite preferring to fight head-on, Uvogin was able to come up with crafty diversions.[11] He was able to determine the trajectory of two sniper bullets,[2] and his knowledge of Nen allowed him to deduce that something was off about Kurapika's abilities. Nonetheless, he was easily outsmarted by the latter.[11]
Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Uvogin held some skills in hand-to-hand combat, although he mainly relied on sheer strength to overpower and crush his opponents. His blows usually had his full weight behind them, having aimed to maximize their power even if it meant leaving an opening for his opponent.[11] He always bested his partner Nobunaga in unarmed combat.[10] Due to his powerful aura, it was difficult to seriously wound him, but he was eventually captured and killed by Kurapika.[11]
Master Thrower: Uvogin demonstrated a high degree of accuracy, killing two snipers atop a rocky formation in the distance by hurling stones no larger than the palm of his hand at each of them.[2]
Nen[]
Uvogin was an Enhancer, having used his aura to strengthen his natural abilities and talents. He used his great aptitude for Enhancement skills to increase his monstrous brawn and raise his durability to vastly superhuman levels. His aura output was enormous, as acknowledged by Kurapika.[2] When he engulfed himself in Ken, Uvogin's body became impervious to the bluntest trauma, and even sniper bullets had no effect on him. He was highly resilient to heat and explosions as well, having even rendered an anti-tank missile ineffective.[2] However, two members of the Shadow Beasts were able to injure him,[4] and Kurapika could only do so after forcing him into Zetsu with Chain Jail.[20] Later when Uvogin was using only half of his power, not even Kurapika's attacks during Emperor Time were able to injure him, despite hurting him.[11]
By merely focusing his aura into his hand and swinging it, he could break the ground in front of himself and hurl rocks at his target.[11] Even when he expelled an object from his mouth, it acquired tremendous piercing power if powered with Shu, suggesting that he also had some proficiency in Emission. Uvogin could enhance his voice to release a shout strong enough to kill an unsuspecting person at close range.[4] His mastery of Enhancement also granted him a powerful healing factor, which allowed the wounds caused by Rabid Dog to stop bleeding in minutes, possibly seconds.[4][19] He could also use Gyo, In,[11] and Ko[4] proficiently, the latter of which implies a working command of Ten, Ren, Gyo, Zetsu, and Hatsu.[24]
| Uvogin's Nen Type: Enhancement | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type: Enhancement | Big Bang Impact (超破壊拳 Fist of Destruction) | |
| Uvogin's most powerful attack. He focuses all his aura into his fist (Ko) and then uses Enhancement Nen to strengthen his Ko, which he then punches his target. The ability was described as a simple right straight[note 1] boosted with aura.[4] However, due to Uvogin's mastery of Enhancement and high physical strength, it generated enough force to cause an explosion rivaling the destructive power of a small missile. Uvogin's aim was to make it as strong as a nuclear warhead.[6] In the fight against the Shadow Beasts, a single Big Bang Impact created a crater measuring several meters in diameter and obliterated part of Worm's body without direct contact.[4] It also shattered Kurapika's arm even though the latter was using Emperor Time.[11] Machi's description of the ability might imply that it had to be performed exclusively with the right hand and as a straight punch, which would act as conditions and thus set Big Bang Impact apart from a regular Ko punch. | ||
Battles[]
| Battles |
|---|
Quotes[]
- (To himself) "I wanted to be stronger than anything. Simply... to be strong."[2]
- (To the Shadow Beasts) "I only need to be able to move from my neck up to take care of all of you."[4]
- (To Shalnark and Machi) "Tell Chrollo I can't go back until I settle the score with that chain dude."[6]
- (To Shalnark) "I never carry cash, unlike you. I steal whatever I want."[6]
- (To Kurapika) "On your own? I'm impressed. Where do you want to die? I'll let you choose."[21]
- (To Kurapika) "Which is more powerful? Your grudge or me?! Bring it on!!"[25]
- (To Kurapika) "Kill me."[3]
- (Uvogin's last words to Kurapika) "Get lost. Fool."[3]
Trivia[]
- Uvogin's Nen proficiency was at the rank "Natural", the second best ranking.[26]
- In the official databook, his name is also spelled as "Wbererguin".[1]
Anime and Manga Differences[]
- In the 2011 anime adaptation, the energy wave Uvogin released by activating Ren at full power caused a rocky wall behind him to break.[27]
Intertextuality and References[]
- Uvogin was not the only character created by Togashi to win a fight using nothing but his head due to his body being paralyzed: in YuYu Hakusho, a restrained Kurama defeated Gama by swinging his Rose Whip while it was in his hair.
- Uvogin's 2011 voice actor, Akio Ōtsuka, also voices Rider of Fate/Zero, with whom Uvogin shared many similarities. Both characters took pleasure in battle and destruction. They also had immense height and size, battling with a roar. Interestingly, both characters were bound in supernatural chains and slain by being stabbed in the heart. Their killers (Gilgamesh and Kurapika) had fair hair and skin as well as red eyes.
- Uvogin shared some similarities with Younger Toguro, a villain from Togashi's YuYu Hakusho:
- both were physically the strongest members of their group;
- both unleashed their powers gradually and announced the percentage of strength they were using;
- both were killed by people who wanted revenge (Yusuke killed Toguro because he wanted revenge for Genkai, Kurapika killed Uvogin because he wanted revenge for the Kurta Clan).
- Roboco of the Me & Roboco manga catches a sniper bullet in her mouth in a similar way Uvogin did when he was confronted and shot at by a mafiosi. She also spits the bullet back at the sniper, emulating how Uvogin did it when he spat out a shard of Leech's skull at Rabid Dog in Chapter 95.
Miscellaneous[]
- In the second character popularity poll, Uvogin placed 12th with 174 votes.
- In the third character popularity poll, Uvogin placed 26th with 51 votes.
- In the 2011 anime adaptation, Uvogin's Japanese voice actor also voices Mizaistom.
- In the Phantom Rouge movie, Uvogin returned as a puppet and attacked Gon and Killua.
Translations around the World[]
| Language | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 Arabic
|
أوبوغين ('Aubughin) | |
 Brazilian Portuguese
|
Ubogin | |
 Chinese
|
窩金 | |
 French
|
Uvôguine | |
 Greek
|
Ουβόγκιν (Ouvónkin) | |
 Italian
|
Uborghin* | |
 Korean
|
우보긴 (Ubogin) | |
 Russian
|
Увогин (Uvogin) | |
 Spanish
|
Ubogin* | |
 Thai
|
อุโบกิน (Xu bo kin) | |
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Hunter × Hunter Hunter Association Official Issue: Hunter's Guide; Character & World Official Databook (pg. 116)
- ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 75
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 10, Chapter 84
- ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 76
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 81
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 79
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 10, Chapter 93
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 11, Chapter 102
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 224
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 10, Chapter 91
- ↑ 11.00 11.01 11.02 11.03 11.04 11.05 11.06 11.07 11.08 11.09 11.10 11.11 11.12 11.13 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 82
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Hunter × Hunter, Chapter 397
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 114
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter, Chapter 396
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 104
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 8, Chapter 71
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 8, Chapter 73
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 74
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 77
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 20.4 20.5 20.6 20.7 20.8 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 78
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 80
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 11, Chapter 97
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 11, Chapter 98
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 15, Chapter 141
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 83
- ↑ Exhibition: Togashi Yoshihiro -Puzzle-
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Episode 47 (2011)
Notes
- ↑ Although this was omitted in the Viz translation of Chapter 76, Machi specified that Big Bang Impact was a right straight.
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