Spiders of Chaos in Hunter x Hunter
The Phantom Troupe, also known as the Spiders, is an infamous band of criminals in Hunter x Hunter, renowned for their brutality, strength, and loyalty to one another. Led by the enigmatic Chrollo Lucilfer, this group of elite Nen users originated from Meteor City—a lawless land of forgotten people—and carved their name into the underworld with blood and strategy.
Each member bears a numbered tattoo of a spider on their body and is assigned a number from 0 to 12, with Chrollo as the head. Despite their violent ways, the Troupe displays deep camaraderie, a strict code of conduct, and a ruthless efficiency that makes them one of the most feared organizations in the series.
Phantom Troupe Member Overview (Numbered)
| # | Name | Status | Nen Type | Notable Traits / Abilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Chrollo Lucilfer | Active | Specialist | Leader, Skill Hunter, Nen genius |
| 1 | Nobunaga Hazama | Active | Enhancer | Katana user, loyal to the Troupe |
| 2 | Feitan Portor | Active | Transmuter | Pain Packer: counterattack ability fueled by damage taken |
| 3 | Machi Komacine | Active | Transmuter | Nen threads used for healing and offense |
| 4 | Uvogin | Deceased | Enhancer | Raw power, fought Kurapika |
| 5 | Phinks Magcub | Active | Enhancer | Ripper Cyclotron: punches grow stronger with repeated winding |
| 6 | Shalnark | Deceased | Manipulator | Antenna control, tech-savvy |
| 7 | Franklin Bordeau | Active | Emitter | Finger bullets: rapid-fire Nen blasts |
| 8 | Shizuku Murasaki | Active | Conjurer | Vacuum “Blinky” erases objects (except living beings) |
| 9 | Pakunoda | Deceased | Specialist | Memory reading and transfer via bullets |
| 10 | Bonolenov Ndongo | Active | Conjurer | Performs war songs via body’s musical pipes |
| 11 | Kortopi | Deceased | Conjurer | Object duplication |
| 12 | Hisoka Morow | Former Member | Transmuter | Voluntarily joined, later killed two members after leaving |
Origins: Meteor City and Loyalty
The Troupe originated in Meteor City, a dump for society’s outcasts. Their bond is forged not just by ideology but survival. Most members share the experience of abandonment and rejection, turning to strength and unity to shape their future.
Chrollo’s leadership is rarely questioned, and the Troupe follows a code: when a member dies, they are avenged immediately, regardless of cost.
Crimes and Infamy
The Phantom Troupe is responsible for:
- The Kurta Clan Massacre:
The most notorious act—killing the entire Kurta Clan to steal their Scarlet Eyes, triggering Kurapika’s revenge arc. - Underground Auction Massacre (Yorknew City):
A coordinated slaughter to steal high-value treasures and assert their dominance in the criminal underworld. - Heaven’s Arena Conflict:
Chrollo battles Hisoka in a strategic war of misdirection, resulting in what appears to be Hisoka’s death.
Philosophy and Dynamics
Despite being criminals, the Troupe operates on mutual respect and a democratic process—occasionally voting on key decisions. Members frequently display affection and loyalty, mourning fallen comrades like Uvogin and Pakunoda with sincerity.
However, ruthlessness comes first. Even internal threats (like Hisoka) are eliminated without hesitation if they break the balance.
Key Rivalries
- Kurapika vs. the Troupe
Kurapika is the sole survivor of the Kurta Clan and swears vengeance. He successfully seals Chrollo’s Nen and kills Uvogin, Pakunoda, Kortopi, and Shalnark. His rage against them is one of the core storylines in Hunter x Hunter. - Hisoka vs. the Troupe
After his loss to Chrollo, Hisoka resurrects himself and hunts down Kortopi and Shalnark, vowing to kill every Spider. This puts him on a direct collision course with the Troupe.
Quotes About the Phantom Troupe
- “We are a Spider. If one leg is cut off, the rest will carry on.” – Chrollo
- “I don’t care if we die. If we go down, it’s together.” – Feitan
- “We kill not for fun, but because it’s necessary.”
Legacy of the Phantom Troupe
The Phantom Troupe is one of the most complex villain groups in anime—balancing savage violence with deep interpersonal bonds. They aren’t evil for evil’s sake; they operate with purpose, logic, and unbreakable loyalty to each other.
Whether you view them as tragic outlaws or cold-blooded killers, their impact on Hunter x Hunter is undeniable. The Troupe remains at the heart of some of the series’ most brutal and emotionally charged arcs—and their story is far from over.