Wondering when the legendary Hunter x Hunter manga started? You’re not alone, as many fans get confused by different dates. This is because there is a difference between its first magazine appearance and its first book release.
The Hunter x Hunter manga [a Japanese manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi] officially began its serialization on March 16, 1998. This is the date the very first chapter appeared in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in Japan. Any other date refers to a different type of release.
Based on official publisher data and release archives, this guide provides the definitive answer to the series’ start date. We’ll clarify the difference between serialization and volume releases, explore the creator’s history, and explain the context behind its unique publication schedule. You’ll get a complete understanding of the manga’s historic journey.
Key Facts
- Definitive Start Date: The manga’s serialization officially began on March 16, 1998, in issue #14 of Weekly Shōnen Jump, as confirmed by Shueisha’s archives.
- Creator’s Background: It is written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi, who was already famous for his previous major hit, Yu Yu Hakusho.
- Hiatus Cause: The series is known for frequent and long hiatuses, which are primarily due to Togashi’s chronic and severe back health issues.
- Anime Continuation Point: For fans wanting to continue the story after the 2011 anime, the manga picks up at Chapter 339.
- English Publisher: The official English-language release of the manga is licensed and published by Viz Media in North America.
When Did the Hunter x Hunter Manga Start Its Historic Serialization?
The Hunter x Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi, began its historic serialization in issue #14 of Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on March 16, 1998. This date marks the official premiere of the series to the public in Japan, launching a legacy that would span decades. For manga fans, the serialization date is the true “start” of a series, as it represents the first time a new chapter is shared with the world.
This weekly publication format is a standard in the Japanese manga industry. Weekly Shōnen Jump [a weekly shōnen manga anthology published by Shueisha] is one of the most famous and longest-running manga magazines. Being serialized in it placed Hunter x Hunter alongside other legendary series and exposed it to millions of readers from its very first day. This initial release is the foundation of the series’ entire history.
The launch in 1998 was highly anticipated, as it was the next major work from Yoshihiro Togashi following the massive success of his previous series. The first chapter introduced the world to Gon Freecss and his quest to find his father, setting the stage for one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed shōnen adventures of all time. This date is not just a piece of trivia; it’s the birth of a cultural phenomenon.
What Is the Difference Between the Manga’s Serialization and Volume Release Dates?
The key difference is the format: “serialization” refers to the manga’s initial weekly publication in a magazine like Weekly Shōnen Jump, which for Hunter x Hunter began on March 16, 1998. The “volume release” refers to the later collection of these individual chapters into a standalone book format, known as a tankōbon. The first volume of Hunter x Hunter was released on June 4, 1998.
This two-step process is fundamental to how the manga industry operates in Japan. Serialization in a weekly or monthly magazine serves as the first-run publication, allowing readers to follow the story as it unfolds in real-time. It also helps publishers gauge a series’ popularity.
After a certain number of chapters (usually 8-10) have been serialized, they are compiled, often with corrected artwork and sometimes extra content, into a tankōbon volume [the Japanese term for a book that is a standalone part of a series]. This is the format most international fans are familiar with when they buy manga in a bookstore. The confusion between the two dates is common, but understanding this distinction provides a clearer picture of the manga’s publication timeline.
| Publication Type | Description | Hunter x Hunter Date |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Serialization | First appearance of a single chapter in a magazine. | March 16, 1998 (in Weekly Shōnen Jump) |
| Tankōbon Volume | Collected chapters published as a standalone book. | June 4, 1998 (Volume 1 Release) |
Who Is Yoshihiro Togashi, the Creative Genius Behind Hunter x Hunter?
Yoshihiro Togashi is the acclaimed Japanese manga artist who single-handedly writes and illustrates the Hunter x Hunter series. Already a legend in the industry for his previous hit, Yu Yu Hakusho, Togashi began HxH in 1998. He is widely respected for his intricate world-building, complex characters, and the creation of the unique “Nen” power system.
Unlike many other manga artists (mangaka), Togashi is known for handling the majority of the illustration work himself, a testament to his artistic vision but also a factor in the series’ production schedule. His storytelling is often praised for its depth and its willingness to deconstruct common shōnen tropes, meaning he often plays with or reverses the usual expectations of hero-focused stories.
Here are some key facts about Togashi-sensei:
* Previous Major Work: He wrote and illustrated Yu Yu Hakusho, which was serialized from 1990 to 1994 and became a massive international success.
* Narrative Style: He is known for incredibly detailed and complex story arcs, such as the Chimera Ant arc and the current Succession Contest arc, which are heavy on strategy, dialogue, and psychological depth.
* Artistic Control: His insistence on maintaining high personal involvement in the artwork is a major reason for the manga’s celebrated quality and detail.
* Industry Reputation: He is considered one of the most influential and respected mangaka of his generation, known for prioritizing story quality over a rigid release schedule.
Why Has the Hunter x Hunter Manga Famously Gone on So Many Hiatuses?
The primary reason for Hunter x Hunter’s numerous and often lengthy hiatuses is the chronic, debilitating back pain of its author, Yoshihiro Togashi. Unlike many manga artists who use a team of assistants, Togashi has historically insisted on drawing most of the manga himself, and his health condition has made it impossible to keep up with a demanding weekly schedule.
This is not speculation; official announcements from both Shueisha and Togashi himself have confirmed his severe health issues over the years. The physical strain of drawing for hours a day has taken a significant toll, preventing him from maintaining the relentless pace required for a weekly series. The series’ “intermittent hiatuses” have become so famous that fans have created a “Hiatus Chart” that starkly illustrates the gaps in publication, showing entire years with few or no new chapters.
In our analysis of author statements, Togashi has expressed frustration with his inability to work but remains dedicated to finishing the story. He has recently explored new working methods, including creating a larger staff system, to continue production in a way that is less physically strenuous, showing his unwavering commitment to his creation.
Where Should You Start Reading the HxH Manga After the 2011 Anime?
To continue the Hunter x Hunter story exactly where the 2011 anime series ends, you should start reading from Chapter 339. The anime’s final episode adapts up to the end of Chapter 338, which concludes the “13th Hunter Chairman Election arc.” Chapter 339 begins the preparations for the “Dark Continent Expedition arc,” which has not been animated. This content is found in Volume 32 of the manga.
For viewers who have only experienced the story through the fantastic 2011 Madhouse anime adaptation, this is the perfect entry point into the manga. The anime is an incredibly faithful adaptation of the source material it covers, so you won’t miss any major plot points by starting here.
Making the jump to the manga from this point is highly recommended, as it introduces some of the most complex and ambitious storylines in the entire series. You will be entering entirely new territory that anime-only fans have been waiting years to see animated. To make it easy for you to dive right in, starting with Volume 32 is your best bet.
FAQs About when did hxh manga start
Is the Hunter x Hunter manga still ongoing?
Yes, the Hunter x Hunter manga is officially still ongoing, though it is known for its irregular publication schedule. Author Yoshihiro Togashi continues to write and draw new chapters, which are released periodically in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The story is not finished and is currently in the “Succession Contest arc.”
How many chapters of Hunter x Hunter are there?
As of early 2026, there are over 400 chapters of the Hunter x Hunter manga. The most recent batch of chapters brought the total count past this milestone. Due to the series’ irregular release schedule, it’s always best to check official sources like Viz Media or Shueisha for the latest chapter number.
What magazine is Hunter x Hunter serialized in?
Hunter x Hunter has been serialized in Shueisha’s famous Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in Japan since its debut in 1998. This is the same magazine known for publishing other massive hits like One Piece, Naruto, and Dragon Ball. It is the original and primary publication for new HxH chapters.
Who publishes Hunter x Hunter in English?
The official English translation of the Hunter x Hunter manga is licensed and published by Viz Media in North America. They release the individual tankōbon volumes and also make new chapters available digitally through their Shonen Jump service, often on the same day they are released in Japan.
Is the manga different from the 2011 anime?
Yes, the story of the manga continues far beyond the ending of the 2011 anime. While the anime is a very faithful adaptation of the content it covers, it stops after the “13th Hunter Chairman Election arc.” The manga continues into the “Dark Continent Expedition arc” and the “Succession Contest arc,” introducing many new characters and plotlines.
When was the latest HxH chapter released?
The last batch of chapters concluded in late 2022, with a new set of chapters announced by Togashi being in production during 2026. Due to the unpredictable nature of releases, fans should follow Yoshihiro Togashi’s official social media or the Shonen Jump platform for the most up-to-date announcements on new chapter release dates.
What arc is the manga currently on?
The Hunter x Hunter manga is currently in the “Succession Contest arc.” This complex and dialogue-heavy arc takes place on a massive ship heading towards the Dark Continent and involves a deadly battle of wits and Nen abilities among the Kakin Royal Family to determine the next king.
Did the 1999 anime follow the manga?
The 1999 anime adaptation follows the manga’s early arcs fairly closely but also includes a significant amount of non-canon “filler” content. It has a notably different tone and art style from the 2011 version and concludes after the Yorknew City arc, with subsequent OVAs covering the Greed Island arc. The 2011 version is generally considered a more faithful adaptation.
Will Yoshihiro Togashi finish Hunter x Hunter?
Yoshihiro Togashi has repeatedly expressed his full intention to finish the story of Hunter x Hunter. He has even stated that he has multiple potential endings planned out. While his health issues slow down the process, his continued work on new chapters and development of a new production system shows his ongoing commitment to completing his masterpiece.
How many volumes of Hunter x Hunter exist?
As of 2026, there are 37 collected tankōbon volumes of Hunter x Hunter available for purchase. The chapters that were released after Volume 37 have not yet been collected into a new volume. New volumes are typically released after enough new chapters have been published in Weekly Shōnen Jump.
Key Takeaways: when did hxh manga start Summary
- Official Start Date: The Hunter x Hunter manga first began its weekly serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 16, 1998.
- Volume vs. Serialization: The first collected tankōbon volume was released later on June 4, 1998, a common practice in the manga industry that distinguishes magazine debuts from book releases.
- The Hiatus Reason: The series’ infamous “intermittent hiatuses” are due to the author Yoshihiro Togashi’s chronic and severe health issues, not a lack of interest in finishing the story.
- Continuing After the Anime: For fans of the 2011 anime, the story continues in the manga. You should start reading from Chapter 339 (found in Volume 32).
- Current Status: The manga is still ongoing and is currently in the “Succession Contest arc,” with the author actively working on new chapters at his own pace.
- Official English Publisher: Viz Media is the official publisher for the English-language version of the Hunter x Hunter manga in North America.
- Creator’s Legacy: The series is the masterwork of Yoshihiro Togashi, who is also famous for creating the hit 1990s manga Yu Yu Hakusho.
Final Thoughts on when did hxh manga start
Understanding that Hunter x Hunter began its historic journey on March 16, 1998, provides more than just a date—it offers context for the series’ long and complicated history. The distinction between its serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump and its later volume release is key to appreciating the manga industry and the story’s unique publication journey. While the frequent hiatuses caused by Yoshihiro Togashi’s health have tested the patience of fans, his unwavering dedication to his craft is the reason the series remains a masterpiece of complex storytelling and intricate world-building. Whether you are a new fan starting from Chapter 339 or a longtime reader, appreciating this history enriches the experience of following Gon’s epic adventure.
Last update on 2026-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
