For anime-only Hunter x Hunter fans, Ging Freecss is a mysterious deadbeat father that encourages his son to put his life on the line. While that description is 100% accurate, manga readers have been gifted with a more extensive understanding of Gon's dad.
Manga and their anime counterparts have a "book vs. movie adaptation" relationship where viewers that didn't explore the source material are left in the dark about countless details. Since the 2011 version of HxH ended before the Dark Continent Expedition arc, let's take a look at 10 things that fans probably don't know about Ging Freecss.

10HE DIDN'T DITCH GON AFTER THE FINAL EPISODE

Ging's parenting skills are... controversial, to say the least. Therefore, we can't blame you for assuming he would ditch his son again after the events of the Election arc. In a shocking twist of fate, the two actually stayed in touch well after the 2011 version of the anime ended.
During the Dark Continent Expedition arc, it is revealed that Gon and Ging successfully maintained their relationship. The two are seen talking on the phone in the manga.

9THE DON FREECSS LINK

With a last name as uncommon as "Freecss," it's rather obvious that the legendary Don is related to Gon and Ging in some form, though their exact affiliation is unknown. 300 years prior to the current HxH storyline, Don traveled to the Dark Continent and authored a traveler's journal composed of two volumes: "East" and "West."
While the "East" half of the journal has been discovered, the "West" portion has yet to be located. Ging explained that the missing portion either wasn't written, hasn't been found, or that Don is alive and still working on it. Either way, Don clearly shares Ging's thirst for adventure and must be ridiculously powerful to be able to survive the Dark Continent while writing about it.

8HE SPEAKS MULTIPLE LANGUAGES

The Hunter x Hunter manga makes it known that Ging Freecss can speak several languages. He even surpasses the linguistic talents of Curly, a brilliant individual with a broad knowledge of ancient languages who was introduced during the Dark Continent arc.
Ging's physical proficiencies were discussed throughout the anime, but learning that he's also a scholar is undeniably appealing. Then again, Freecss is a seasoned traveler, so it makes sense that he's picked up an ancient language or two.

7HE COPIED LEORIO'S REMOTE PUNCH

Leorio might not be the most accomplished fighter in the series, but his burst of passion during the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc inspired one of Ging's abilities. After getting punched in the face by the medical student, Freecss recreated the move for his own use.
In the manga, Remote Punch functions similar to what was depicted in the 2011 anime adaptation. Ging punches a nearby surface and a wormhole of sorts will open up near the target from which the fist materializes. The strength and speed may vary, though Freecss has been seen unleashing rapid-fire punches with the technique.

6HE'S NOT TOGASHI'S FIRST VIDEO GAME ENTHUSIAST

Yoshihiro Togashi tends to revisit his original concepts and character models, albeit providing unique aspects for each incarnation. Ging Freecss may have been the lead creator of the Greed Island game, but Tsukihito Amanuma from Yu Yu Hakusho beat him to the punch. Amanuma, also known as "Gamemaster," could bring video games to life and dwell within them as his "Territory."
One of Togashi's earlier works, Tonda Birthday Present, revolved around a different character with similar abilities. It's a recurring theme in his projects and Ging is the most recent of the bunch.

5THE PERKS OF HIS ULTRASOUND MOVE

By touching an object and tapping on his hand, Ging can release his aura in pulsating waves to detect other organisms. As the name implies, the ability functions like an ultrasound machine, which sends out high-frequency sound waves that reflect off body structures and produce images of the inner body.
Oddly enough, Leorio also played a part in the creation of this technique. Freecss actually came up with if after further analyzing his Remote Punch.

4HOW HIS PHASING BULLETS WORK

By placing his hands on a surface, Freecss can fire bullets of aura that travel through the object he's touching without destroying it. They simply pass through and hit anything that's on the other side.
The full potential of Phasing Bullets has yet to be uncovered, but Ging insinuated that he hasn't used it at full power. Nonetheless, it's a nifty skill that could come in handy for catching opponents off guard.

3HE CONTINUES TO CLASH WITH PARISTON HILL LONG AFTER THE EVENTS OF THE ANIME

Pariston Hill was always an unnerving character. The poised facade that he exudes makes him incredibly unlikable; behind that breezy smile lies a sly, unpredictable, and calculated personality. Ging was noticeably his most prominent rival in the 2011 anime adaptation, but the conflict didn't end there.
Freecss and Hill cross paths in the Dark Continent arc and the animosity is still very much present. The two continue their bizarre tug of war throughout the arc and we can only hope that Togashi expands on their dynamic in the near future.

2HE SOMEHOW UNDERSTOOD HIS SON DESPITE NOT RAISING HIM

Some of the best Hunter x Hunter conversations (and jokes) stem from Ging's terrible parenting skills. He quite literally abandoned his only son and then made the young boy jump through deadly hurdles in order to reunite. In the midst of the discourse, fans fail to notice that Ging actually knew Gon really well for someone who never spent time with him.
Ging foresaw almost every decision Gon would make on his journey, including taking the Hunter Exam in the first place. He also predicted how the Greed Island arc would develop and knew that Gon would find Kite.

1HIS ZODIAC CODE NAME IS MORE TELLING THAN YOU'D IMAGINE

Ging was one of the Hunters that Netero hand-picked to execute the election for a new chairman after his death. This group was referred to as the Zodiacs and they all had code names that correlated with the signs of the Chinese zodiac. Ging was known as the "Boar" and it's more symbolic than you'd think.
According to various myths and legends, the Pig would show up late for meetings or come in last during a race because he would get hungry, stop to eat, and subsequently fall asleep. During the Election arc, it's mentioned that Ging never actually shows up for meetings. He's stubborn, dismissive, and moves at his own pace, much like Zodiac he's associated with.