The Heavy Artillery of the Phantom Troupe
Franklin Bordeau is one of the most physically intimidating members of the Phantom Troupe, known for his massive frame, deep voice, and no-nonsense attitude. Despite his fearsome appearance and explosive Nen ability, Franklin is surprisingly calm, rational, and one of the more level-headed Spiders when tensions rise within the group.
He plays the role of the group’s artillery unit—capable of unleashing wide-scale destruction through his Nen-imbued machine-gun technique. But beyond brute force, Franklin brings a sense of discipline and cold logic, showing that he’s more than just a walking weapon.
Character Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Franklin Bordeau |
| Affiliation | Phantom Troupe (Spider #7) |
| Nen Type | Emission |
| Occupation | Assassin, Heavy Gunner |
| First Appearance | Hunter x Hunter Chapter 71 / Episode 47 |
| Weapon of Choice | Nen bullets shot from fingers |
| Personality Traits | Calm, straightforward, loyal |
| Known For | Double Machine Gun Nen technique |
| Status | Active (Manga) |
Who Is Franklin Bordeau?
Franklin is a founding member of the Phantom Troupe, originating from Meteor City. Towering and grotesque in appearance due to his self-mutilated mouth and bulky size, he’s often mistaken for a mindless brute. In reality, Franklin is thoughtful, highly disciplined, and frequently acts as the Troupe’s voice of reason during internal disputes.
He willingly cut open his own fingers to implant Nen channels, turning his body into a human weapon—demonstrating extreme resolve and commitment to the Spider’s cause.
Personality: Controlled Destruction
Franklin exudes control and calm. He rarely loses his temper, preferring direct action over idle threats. Even among the volatile personalities of the Phantom Troupe, he stands out as one of the most level-headed, often stepping in to defuse arguments or redirect attention to the Troupe’s main objectives.
He places high value on loyalty, efficiency, and contribution to the group. He’s pragmatic and direct—if a Troupe member becomes useless or turns traitor, Franklin doesn’t hesitate to call for their removal.
He has little patience for weakness or sentimentality, but he’s not cruel for cruelty’s sake. Franklin kills when necessary, not for pleasure.
Abilities and Nen Technique
- Nen Type: Emission
Franklin emits his aura in the form of high-speed, high-damage bullets from his fingertips.
Double Machine Gun
His signature Nen ability is a deadly, mid-to-long-range attack:
- Franklin emits Nen bullets by firing aura through open slits in his fingers.
- These bullets are incredibly fast, highly destructive, and can tear through crowds with ease.
- Because he voluntarily mutilated his fingers to remove the physical barriers, his attack has almost no delay, increasing both power and efficiency.
Strengths:
- Devastating in wide-area conflicts
- High volume of fire makes it hard for enemies to dodge
- Does not require complex setup—ideal for fast-paced battles
Weaknesses:
- Uses large amounts of aura
- Limited flexibility in tight or close-quarters situations
- Less effective against agile, evasive Nen users without proper support
Key Relationships
- Chrollo Lucilfer
Franklin is loyal to Chrollo and supports his leadership without question. He offers strategic insights and is trusted to manage critical operations. - Other Troupe Members
Franklin is respected by most Troupe members for his maturity and reliability. He often acts as a stabilizer among more volatile members like Phinks or Feitan. - Kortopi and Shalnark
Although not overtly emotional, Franklin acknowledges the loss of comrades during the Hisoka retaliation arc and supports collective vengeance.
Notable Appearances and Events
Yorknew City Arc
- Participates in the massacre of the mafia during the underground auction.
- Uses his Nen bullets to wipe out multiple mafia members in an instant.
- Demonstrates emotional control during internal debates about Chrollo’s Nen seal and potential Troupe betrayal.
Succession War Arc (Manga)
- Boards the Black Whale as part of the Troupe’s mission to hunt down Hisoka.
- Works alongside the group to assess mafia threats and gather intel on Hisoka’s location.
- Continues to advocate for practical and focused action.
Quotes from Franklin
- “If you can’t contribute, you’re just dead weight.”
- “I didn’t join the Troupe to babysit. I joined to get things done.”
- “This body’s a weapon. Use it right, or not at all.”
- “We don’t need sympathy. We need results.”
- “You either kill with purpose or you don’t belong here.”
Legacy of Franklin Bordeau
Franklin may not be the flashiest member of the Phantom Troupe, but his presence is essential. He represents the discipline, structure, and raw power that holds the chaotic Spider together. His double machine gun is a literal manifestation of his philosophy—unrelenting, efficient, and destructive only when necessary.
In a group full of monsters, Franklin is the soldier—calculated, controlled, and utterly lethal.