Hunter x Hunter manga first appeared in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 1998, created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The series has become a defining long-running shonen adventure, blending dark storytelling with complex characters.
Below is a quick reference for key release windows and formats, helping you track when official material became available in Japan and globally.
| Release Type | Japan First Release | English First Release | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manga Serialization | March 1998 | 2005 (Viz Media) | Ongoing with long hiatuses; chapters serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump |
| First Tankōbon Volume | June 4, 1998 | March 2005 | Collects chapters 1–12; sets the template for later volumes |
| Anime Debut | October 16, 1999 | April 2009 (Funimation) | Studio Pierrot adaptation; ran through 2001, then returned for 2011–2014 |
| 2011 Remake | January 2011 | 2013 (Crunchyroll) | Shorter remake covering the Yorknew City arc with modern production |
| Hiatus and Return | Suspended 2006, resumed 2024 | Ongoing English translation updates | Togashi’s return to Weekly Shōnen Jump after nearly 18 years |
Initial Manga Launch and Weekly Serialization
1998 Debut in Shōnen Jump
Hunter x Hunter began its weekly serialization in March 1998 inside Weekly Shōnen Jump. This marked Yoshihiro Togashi’s return to a regular monthly schedule after earlier works and immediately drew attention for its darker tone.
Tankōbon Format and Chapter Organization
The first tankōbon volume released on June 4, 1998, collecting the early chapters that establish Gon, Kite, and the Hunter Exam. Subsequent volumes followed a flexible rhythm, often influenced by the author’s health and creative process.
Early Anime Adaptation and Studio Pierrot Era
1999 Television Series Debut
Hunter x Hunter anime premiered on October 16, 1999, produced by Studio Pierrot and TV Tokyo. The 62-episode run adapted the Hunter Exam, Hunter Guardian, and Greed Island arcs before concluding in 2001.
Music, OVA, and Spin-offs
The early 2000s included OVA specials, image songs, and character CDs that expanded the world without altering the core manga timeline, maintaining series visibility between major arcs.
Global English Release and Viz Media Partnership
2005 English Launch
Viz Media officially launched the Hunter x Hunter English manga in 2005, translating the established Japanese volumes for North American readers. This introduced the series to a wider Western audience.
Localization Choices and Format
The English edition retained the original right-to-left reading format and included glossaries for Japanese terms, supporting authenticity while making the complex Chimera Ant and Nen systems accessible.
2011 Remake and Modern Anime Revival
Shortened Reboot Strategy
In January 2011, a new anime series rebooted the story with tighter pacing, condensing the Yorknew City and Greed Island storylines. This version emphasized animation quality and streamlined dialogue.
Crunchyroll Streaming and International Access
Crunchyroll began streaming the 2011 remake in multiple languages in 2013, boosting global access. The series reached new fans through legal streaming, reducing piracy and increasing official merchandise interest.
Hiatus, Long-Awaited Return, and Current Status
2006 Hiatus and Fan Patience
After volume 31 released in 2006, Hunter x Hunter went on hiatus due to Togashi’s health issues. Fan campaigns kept the series alive in discussion, with constant speculation about updates.
2024 Relaunch and Industry Impact
In 2024, Togashi resumed serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump, generating massive online engagement. The return reinforced loyalty among long-time readers and reminded newer audiences of the series’ narrative complexity.
Key Takeaways and Reader Guidance
- Manga serialization launched in March 1998 and continues with a 2024 return.
- First English volume reached shelves in March 2005 via Viz Media.
- The 2011 anime remake streamlined the early arcs for modern viewers.
- Global streaming on Crunchyroll increased legal access since 2013.
- Hiatus from 2 sustained until the 2024 resurgence kept fans engaged.
FAQ
Reader questions
When did the Hunter x Hunter manga start in Japan?
Hunter x Hunter manga began its weekly serialization in March 1998 in Weekly Shōnen Jump.
When did the first English volume of Hunter x Hunter appear?
The first English tankōbon volume was released in March 2005 by Viz Media.
When did the 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime remake air?
The 2011 remake aired from October 2011 to September 2014, covering the Yorknew City and Greed Island arcs.
When did Hunter x Hunter return from its long hiatus?
The series returned to weekly serialization in 2024 after a prolonged hiatus that began in 2006.