A thread explaining why Meruem is a 10/10 antagonist and one of the best ever created in the Shounen genre:

HxH SPOILERS BELOW

Meruem starts as someone who was born as a new species, someone clueless as to what was right and wrong and does horrific things. As the CA arc goes on, he undergoes ridiculous development and the transition from a cruel merciless bastard to someone with a human-like nature.

This aspect to his character is absolutely spectacular and has you sympathizing for a madman who has killed thousands in the beginning of his arc. The growth of this antagonist is highlighted as Gon, the MC, slowly becomes insane and develops a mindset Meruem used to possess.

The amount of growth this character goes through makes him especially well written because many antagonists do not go through any development and are merely just powerful, smart, and bland eventually red up being beaten by the MC gaining newfound powers or abilities.

However, Meruem’s transition into human nature is part of his own downfall, making decisions which lead him to ruin and have many disadvantages but guarantee Komugi’s safety. This is a weakness most antagonists do not have because they are created to be merciless and emotionless.

In conclusion, the growth of this antagonist in my opinion is unrivaled, and the weaknesses he gains as he develops a more caring nature highlights his development. 10/10 antagonist, period. Sorry for any typos and end of thread.