"The pace relents, but the tension doesn't." by V. Krätke (Netherlands) on Aug 9, 2005

This is another one of those volumes where Togashi takes some time out to focus on the development of Gon and Killua's powers. Stuck outside of NGL while the battle against the Kimera Ants rages on, Gon and Killua have to earn the right to get back in the action. To do so, the must defeat two fellow hunters in battle, but this is going to require some hefty training. After the intense action of volume 19, these training-centered chapters feel more leisurely paced. However, there's still a lot going on underneath the surface. Gon and Killua room with a psychotic woman on the brink of a violent fit, an old acquintance returns to harangue them, and they end up forming a bond of camaraderie with one of their opponents, all while both sides remain determined to win. Meanwhile, we're fed tantalising glimpses of the events in NGL where the crème de la crème of all Hunters takes on the Kimera Ants. There still is a lot going on, all of it insanely gripping. Despite its radically different pace compared to the previous volume, the sheer excitement is still every bit as alive in volume 20. Togashi has delivered another excellent installment in his masterful manga, and has once again left me utterly desperate to find out what happens next. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.