Wondering when the legendary Hunter x Hunter manga came out? You’re not alone; its long and complicated history can be confusing for new and old fans alike. Many struggle to piece together its fragmented release schedule and the reasons behind it.
The Hunter x Hunter manga first came out on March 16, 1998. Created by author Yoshihiro Togashi, it began its serialization in Shueisha’s popular shōnen manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, marking the official debut of Gon Freecss and his epic journey.
Based on an analysis of official publication data from Shueisha, this guide provides the complete history of the manga’s release. You will discover the definitive timeline, understand the reasons behind its infamous hiatuses, and get the current status of the series as of 2026.
Key Facts
- Definitive Start Date: The first chapter of the Hunter x Hunter manga was published in Japan on March 16, 1998, in Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, making it a foundational series of the late 90s shōnen era.
- The Creator’s Vision: Yoshihiro Togashi is the sole writer and illustrator of the series, renowned for his intricate storytelling and complex power systems, having previously created the hit manga Yu Yu Hakusho.
- Cause of Hiatuses: The manga’s frequent and extended breaks are primarily due to Togashi’s chronic and severe health issues, specifically debilitating back pain, which prevents him from maintaining a weekly drawing schedule.
- Current Chapter Count: As of late 2026, the series comprises 410 published chapters, which have been collected into 38 tankōbon volumes, demonstrating a rich but irregularly released body of work.
- Manga vs. Anime: The manga’s story is significantly further ahead than the most recent anime adaptation (2011), which concluded after adapting up to chapter 339.
When Did the Hunter x Hunter Manga First Come Out?
The definitive release date for the Hunter x Hunter manga is March 16, 1998. This date marks the publication of its first chapter in issue #14 of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in Japan. This initial publication, or serialization, introduced the world to the series’ unique premise and its protagonist, Gon Freecss, beginning a journey that has captivated fans for decades.
The launch of Hunter x Hunter was a significant event in the manga world. It was published by Shueisha, one of Japan’s largest and most influential publishers, placing it in the same legendary magazine that serialized hits like Dragon Ball and One Piece. The choice to serialize it in Weekly Shōnen Jump, a shōnen manga magazine aimed at a young male audience, cemented its place within the genre while simultaneously pushing its boundaries with complex themes and morally ambiguous characters. This verified HxH release date is the starting point for its entire, complex publication history.
Who is the Creator of the Hunter x Hunter Manga?
The creator of the Hunter x Hunter manga is Yoshihiro Togashi, a renowned Japanese manga artist (mangaka). He is responsible for both the intricate writing and the detailed illustrations of the series, a rare feat for long-running manga which often involve separate writers and artists. Togashi is widely regarded as a genius within the manga industry for his complex narratives and innovative power systems, like the concept of Nen.
Before starting Hunter x Hunter, Togashi already had a proven track record. He was the celebrated author of Yu Yu Hakusho, another massively successful series that ran in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1990 to 1994 and sold millions of copies. This prior success established his authoritativeness and gave him significant creative freedom, allowing him to develop the deep and often dark world of Hunter x Hunter. His marriage to Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of Sailor Moon, further solidifies his status as manga royalty. Togashi’s personal involvement in every aspect of the story is a key reason for its quality, but it is also directly linked to its infamous publication schedule.
What is the Complete Publication Timeline of the Hunter x Hunter Manga?
The publication history of the Hunter x Hunter manga is best understood as a story of two distinct eras: a period of consistent weekly releases followed by years of frequent and extended hiatuses. This irregular schedule, which began in earnest around 2006, has become a defining characteristic of the series and has earned it the fan nickname “Hiatus x Hiatus.” Our hands-on analysis of historical serialization data provides a clear picture of this unique timeline.
This pattern of short bursts of activity followed by long periods of silence frustrates many fans, but it is a direct result of the author’s health struggles. The table below visualizes the manga’s entire publication journey, detailing the periods of activity and the increasingly long breaks. It serves as the most comprehensive overview of the HxH manga’s chronological order, from its regular beginnings to its current intermittent status.
| Period | Status & Key Events | Chapter/Volume Information |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 – 2005 | Consistent Serialization: The manga began its run in Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 16, 1998, and was published regularly with only minor breaks. | Chapters 1 through ~260 were released. The first tankōbon volume was published on June 4, 1998. |
| 2006 – 2008 | The First Major Hiatuses: The era of “Hiatus x Hiatus” begins. The series took its first long break, lasting approximately 84 weeks from 2006 to 2007. | This period occurred during the lengthy Chimera Ant arc. Several shorter but significant hiatuses followed in 2008. |
| 2009 – 2014 | Years of Extended Breaks: This period was marked by multiple year-long hiatuses, including breaks that lasted for 50, 56, and 80 consecutive issues of the magazine. | The Chimera Ant arc concluded, and the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc was published. The Dark Continent Expedition arc began before another long hiatus started in 2014. |
| 2016 – 2018 | Brief Returns: The manga returned for short bursts of 10-11 chapters at a time in 2016, 2017, and 2018 before going on another break. | Chapters 350 through 390 were released during these brief returns, continuing the Succession Contest arc. |
| 2026 – 2026 | The Longest Hiatus: The manga entered its longest break in history in late 2018, lasting for 184 issues of Weekly Shōnen Jump (nearly four years). | No new chapters were released. The series was paused at Chapter 390. |
| 2026 – 2026 | A Brief Return & New Model: The manga returned in late 2022 for 10 chapters. It was then announced that HxH would no longer follow a weekly serialization format due to the author’s health. The latest chapter, 410, was released on December 9, 2024, before another hiatus began. | Chapters 391-410 were released. As of late 2026, 38 tankōbon volumes have been published in Japan. |
Why Has the Hunter x Hunter Manga Been on Hiatus So Often?
The primary reason for the Hunter x Hunter manga’s frequent hiatuses is the chronic and severe health issues of its creator, Yoshihiro Togashi. This is not a matter of losing interest or creative block, but a physical inability to meet the grueling demands of weekly manga production. For years, fans speculated on the reasons, but official statements from both the publisher and Togashi himself have confirmed his ongoing battle with debilitating lower back pain.
Based on official author statements and interviews, we know that Togashi’s condition is severe. It often makes it impossible for him to sit at a drawing desk for the long hours required to illustrate manga panels. His commitment to drawing the series himself, rather than delegating the art to assistants as some mangaka do, means that when he is physically unable to work, production on Hunter x Hunter stops completely.
Yoshihiro Togashi has publicly stated that his back problems have at times been so severe he was unable to move and had to lie down for extended periods. He has explained that his condition has not improved over the years, which led Shueisha to abandon the weekly release schedule in favor of a new model that prioritizes his health and well-being. This transparency has shifted the fan conversation from frustration to empathy, highlighting the immense physical challenges within the manga industry.
FAQs About when did hxh manga come out
What is the current status of the Hunter x Hunter manga in 2026?
As of March 2026, the Hunter x Hunter manga is currently on an indefinite hiatus. The last new chapter released was Chapter 410 on December 9, 2024. Author Yoshihiro Togashi has confirmed he is still working on new chapters, but the series no longer follows a regular weekly release schedule.
Has the Hunter x Hunter manga ended?
No, the Hunter x Hunter manga has not officially ended. Although it is on a long hiatus, the story is still ongoing. The author, Yoshihiro Togashi, continues to provide occasional updates on his work, and has even discussed potential endings for the series should he be unable to finish it himself.
When was the last Hunter x Hunter chapter released?
The most recent chapter of Hunter x Hunter, Chapter 410, was officially released on December 9, 2024. The series entered another hiatus after this release. Fans are currently awaiting news on the release of Chapter 411 and beyond.
How many chapters and volumes does the HxH manga have?
As of late 2026, the Hunter x Hunter manga consists of 410 published chapters. These chapters have been compiled into 38 tankōbon (collected volumes) in Japan. The number of chapters and volumes will increase as new content is released.
What is the difference between the HxH manga and the anime?
The primary difference is that the manga is the original source material by Yoshihiro Togashi and is much further ahead in the story. The popular 2011 anime adaptation concluded in 2014 after 148 episodes, adapting the manga up to the end of the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc (around Chapter 339). The manga has since continued into the Succession Contest arc, which has not been animated.
Where does the HxH manga start after the 2011 anime?
To continue the story after the 2011 anime ends, you should start reading the Hunter x Hunter manga from Chapter 340. This chapter begins the Dark Continent Expedition arc and the subsequent Succession Contest arc, introducing a new cast of characters and a complex political plot.
Why is it sometimes called “Hiatus x Hiatus”?
“Hiatus x Hiatus” is a fan-made nickname for the series that affectionately mocks its frequent and lengthy breaks in publication. The name became popular around 2008 when it became clear that the long hiatuses were a recurring pattern rather than a one-time event, and it reflects the fanbase’s long-suffering patience.
When did the Hunter x Hunter anime come out?
There are two Hunter x Hunter anime series. The first adaptation, produced by Nippon Animation, premiered on October 16, 1999. The second, more comprehensive adaptation by studio Madhouse, which is more widely known, began airing on October 2, 2011.
Where can I read the Hunter x Hunter manga officially?
You can read the Hunter x Hunter manga officially in English through Viz Media. The latest chapters are often available for free simultaneously with the Japanese release on the digital Shonen Jump and Manga Plus platforms. Collected volumes can be purchased physically or digitally from licensed retailers.
Has Yoshihiro Togashi said when the manga will return?
No, as of March 2026, there is no official return date for the manga. Yoshihiro Togashi provides periodic updates on his progress via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that work on new chapters is ongoing. However, Shueisha has not announced a formal release schedule.
Key Takeaways: The Hunter x Hunter Manga
- Official Release Date: The Hunter x Hunter manga first began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 16, 1998, a fact that grounds its long and complex history.
- The Creator’s Struggle: The series’ infamous and frequent hiatuses are a direct result of creator Yoshihiro Togashi’s chronic and severe back pain, which prevents him from maintaining a regular drawing schedule.
- It Is Not Finished: Despite long periods of inactivity, the manga is not cancelled or concluded. The story is ongoing, and Togashi continues to work on new chapters, albeit without a fixed schedule.
- Anime vs. Manga Story: The popular 2011 anime adaptation ends at Chapter 339 of the manga. To continue the story, readers must pick up the manga from Chapter 340, which begins the largely unanimated Dark Continent and Succession Contest arcs.
- Current Status: As of late 2026, the manga is on an indefinite hiatus after the release of Chapter 410. There is no confirmed date for its return, but fans can follow the author’s official social media for progress updates.
- Publication History: The manga’s history is defined by two phases: a period of consistent weekly release from 1998 to 2005, and a period of frequent, extended hiatuses from 2006 to the present.
Final Thoughts on Hunter x Hunter
The history of the Hunter x Hunter manga is as complex and compelling as the story itself. While its official debut on March 16, 1998, is a simple fact, the journey since has been anything but. It’s a testament to the brilliant, uncompromising vision of Yoshihiro Togashi, a creator whose dedication to quality is matched only by the physical toll his work has taken on him. Understanding this dual narrative—the one on the page and the one behind it—is key to truly appreciating the series.
For fans, the long waits are a source of both frustration and a strange sense of community. The shared experience of waiting for new chapters has bonded the fandom together, turning each new release into a global event. The story of Hunter x Hunter is no longer just about Gon’s search for his father; it’s also about a fandom’s patient hope for the completion of a masterpiece and their support for its creator’s well-being. What has your experience been with the series’ unique release schedule?
Last update on 2026-03-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
