Wondering when the iconic Hunter x Hunter manga was made? You’re not alone, as many fans look to understand the origins of this legendary series. The journey of this manga is as complex and fascinating as its storyline.
The Hunter x Hunter manga [a Japanese comic series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi] began its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine on March 16, 1998. This marked the official start of a globally beloved adventure that continues to capture imaginations decades later.
Based on official records and extensive publication data, this guide provides a complete overview of the manga’s history. You’ll discover the creator’s story, the truth behind the frequent breaks, and the series’ current status in 2026.
Key Facts
- Official Start Date: The manga began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 16, 1998, in the 14th issue of that year.
- Legendary Creator: Hunter x Hunter is written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi, who is also the celebrated author of the classic manga YuYu Hakusho.
- Massive Commercial Success: The series has become one of Shueisha’s best-selling manga, with sales of over 84 million copies in circulation in Japan alone as of 2022.
- Extensive Storyline: As of its last update in December 2022, the manga consists of 400 official chapters, collected into 38 tankōbon volumes.
- Ongoing Status: Despite numerous long breaks, the manga is not finished and is officially ongoing, though it has shifted to an irregular publication format.
When Was the Hunter x Hunter Manga Made: A Complete Guide to Its 2026 Publication History
The Hunter x Hunter manga by Yoshihiro Togashi was first made public when it began serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shōnen Jump on March 16, 1998. The debut chapter was featured in the magazine’s 1998 No. 14 issue, marking the official start of its long and acclaimed publication history. While some online sources cite March 2, 1998, official publication records and issue dating conventions point to the mid-March release as the formal beginning. This launch introduced the world to Gon Freecss and his quest to become a Hunter.
The series is published by Shueisha, a major publishing company in Japan, which has been its home since inception. The serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump [a weekly manga anthology] placed it alongside other legendary titles and quickly helped it garner a massive following. The individual chapters are periodically collected into paperback volumes known as tankōbon. The very first collected tankōbon volume was published by Shueisha just a few months after serialization began, on June 4, 1998.
From its start, the series stood out for its intricate plot, detailed world-building, and the unique “Nen” power system. The initial publication run established the core characters and the beginning of their journey through the Hunter Exam arc. This foundational period cemented its place as a pillar of the shōnen genre, setting the stage for decades of storytelling, even with its now-famous irregular schedule.
Who Is the Creator Behind Hunter x Hunter?
Yoshihiro Togashi is the celebrated manga artist who wrote and illustrated Hunter x Hunter. Prior to this series, he was already famous for creating the highly successful manga YuYu Hakusho. Togashi is widely praised for his complex narrative structures and character development, but is also known for the frequent hiatuses of Hunter x Hunter due to chronic health issues.
From our analysis of his work, Togashi’s creative genius is a core component of the series’ enduring appeal. He is known for subverting common shōnen tropes, creating morally gray characters, and developing one of the most well-regarded power systems in manga history with Nen. His storytelling avoids simple good-versus-evil narratives, instead exploring complex themes of humanity, cruelty, and sacrifice. This approach is evident in arcs like the Chimera Ant arc, which is often cited as a masterpiece of modern manga.
Here are a few key facts about Yoshihiro Togashi:
- Notable Works: His major hits include YuYu Hakusho (1990-1994), Level E (1995-1997), and Hunter x Hunter (1998-present).
- Creative Style: He is renowned for intricate plots, psychological depth, and a willingness to delve into dark and mature themes.
- Personal Life: Togashi is married to Naoko Takeuchi, the creator of the iconic manga Sailor Moon.
- Health and Hiatuses: His work on Hunter x Hunter has been consistently impacted by severe, chronic back pain and other health problems, which directly lead to the manga’s irregular hiatus patterns.
Understanding Togashi is key to understanding the manga’s publication journey. His dedication to a complex and uncompromising story, balanced against his personal health struggles, defines the unique legacy of Hunter x Hunter.
Why Has the Hunter x Hunter Manga Had So Many Hiatuses?
The main reason for the Hunter x Hunter manga’s numerous hiatuses is author Yoshihiro Togashi’s chronic health problems, most notably severe and debilitating back pain. Since around 2006, these health issues have made it impossible for him to adhere to a traditional weekly serialization schedule, leading to extended breaks lasting from several months to nearly four years. The demanding physical nature of drawing manga weekly has taken a significant toll, a fact confirmed in various author comments and publisher announcements over the years.
The pattern of irregular publication is a defining characteristic of the series’ history. While frustrating for fans, the breaks are a necessary measure to protect the author’s health. In recent years, Togashi himself has become more public about his condition, even sharing on social media that he has had difficulty with basic movements and has had to experiment with different drawing postures to continue his work.
Based on publication records, the history of the hiatuses demonstrates a long-term challenge:
- 2006 – 2008: The first significant and recurring hiatuses begin, establishing a pattern of short publication runs followed by breaks.
- 2010 – 2011: A hiatus lasting over a year occurs, becoming one of the longer breaks at the time.
- 2014 – 2016: The series goes on a break for nearly two years, causing widespread fan concern.
- 2018 – 2022: The longest hiatus in the manga’s history takes place, lasting almost four years between the publication of Chapter 390 and Chapter 391.
- 2026 onwards: This period has been defined by a new “irregular publication format,” officially moving away from the weekly schedule entirely to better accommodate the author’s health.
This history shows that the hiatuses are not due to a lack of interest from the author but are a direct result of a chronic, long-term health condition.
What Is the Current Status of the Hunter x Hunter Manga in 2026?
No, the Hunter x Hunter manga is not finished as of 2026. It is officially ongoing, but it has moved from a weekly schedule to an irregular publication format. The author, Yoshihiro Togashi, continues to work on new chapters, with the most recent hiatus beginning after Chapter 400 was released in December 2022. Future chapter releases will be announced as they are completed.
In late 2022, following a brief return from a nearly four-year hiatus, the editorial department of Weekly Shōnen Jump made a formal announcement regarding the series’ future. This announcement provides the clearest picture of the current situation.
According to official announcements, the publisher Shueisha, in consideration of Yoshihiro Togashi’s health, has decided to no longer publish Hunter x Hunter in a weekly format. The editorial team stated their commitment to supporting the author until the manga’s completion.
This change means that while the story will continue, it will do so without a predictable schedule. The latest collected tankōbon volume released in Japan is Volume 38, which came out in September 2024 and contains chapters up to 400. Fans can find a degree of reassurance in Togashi’s own social media activity, where he has periodically posted updates showing his progress on new chapters, signaling his continued dedication to finishing the story.
How Do the HxH Anime Adaptations Relate to the Manga?
The 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime is a more complete and faithful adaptation of the manga than the 1999 version. While the 1999 series has a darker tone and some filler, the 2011 reboot covers more of the story, including the entire Chimera Ant arc, and ends at manga chapter 339. There are two major anime adaptations, each with distinct characteristics and relationships to the source material created by Yoshihiro Togashi.
Understanding their differences is crucial for any fan looking to transition from watching the anime to reading the manga. The 1999 version by Nippon Animation has its own unique charm but stops its main run before the Greed Island arc, which was later covered in a series of Original Video Animations (OVAs). The 2011 reboot by studio Madhouse is a fresh start that re-tells the story from the beginning with a much closer adherence to the manga’s plot and tone.
Here is a direct comparison to clarify the relationship between the manga and its anime counterparts:
| Feature | Hunter x Hunter (1999) | Hunter x Hunter (2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | Nippon Animation | Madhouse |
| Episode Count | 62 TV Episodes + 30 OVA Episodes | 148 TV Episodes |
| Manga Coverage | Approx. Chapters 1-185 (Greed Island Arc) | Approx. Chapters 1-339 (Election Arc) |
| Faithfulness | Generally faithful, but with some filler and a darker tone | Highly faithful to the manga source material |
| Key Arcs Covered | Hunter Exam, Zoldyck Family, Heavens Arena, Yorknew City, Greed Island (in OVAs) | All arcs up to and including the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc |
| Starting Point for Manga Readers | Chapter 186 | Chapter 340 |
For viewers who have finished the 2011 anime and want to continue the story, the correct place to start reading is manga chapter 340. This chapter begins the “Succession Contest arc,” a complex and ongoing storyline that has not yet been animated.
FAQs About when was hxh manga made
Is the Hunter x Hunter manga finished?
No, the manga is not finished and is officially considered ongoing. However, due to the author’s health, it has moved to an irregular publication schedule instead of a weekly one. The story is expected to continue, but new chapter releases are infrequent and announced without a set pattern.
Why is there a four-year gap between Volume 36 and 37?
The nearly four-year gap between volumes was due to one of the longest hiatus periods in the manga’s history, lasting from November 2018 to October 2022. This break was caused by author Yoshihiro Togashi’s chronic health issues, which prevented him from producing new chapters during that time.
Where does the 2011 anime end in the manga?
The 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime concludes with episode 148, which adapts the story up to the end of chapter 339 of the manga. This marks the conclusion of the “13th Hunter Chairman Election arc.” To continue the story from where the anime left off, you should start reading from chapter 340.
What is a tankōbon volume?
A tankōbon is the Japanese term for a book that is complete in itself, but in the context of manga, it refers to a collected volume. After chapters are serialized individually in a magazine like Weekly Shōnen Jump, they are later compiled and published in these paperback volumes for sale, typically containing 8-12 chapters.
How many chapters of the HxH manga are there?
As of the last publication in December 2022, there are 400 official chapters of the Hunter x Hunter manga. The series is currently on hiatus after chapter 400, and author Yoshihiro Togashi has mentioned he is working on subsequent chapters, including 401 and beyond.
Will the Hunter x Hunter manga ever be finished?
Author Yoshihiro Togashi has repeatedly expressed his strong intention to complete the story of Hunter x Hunter. Despite his health challenges, he continues to write and draw new chapters. While the pace is irregular, there has been no official indication that the series will be cancelled, and the author remains committed to finishing it.
Which is better, the 1999 anime or the 2011 anime?
The 2011 version is generally recommended for newcomers as it is a more complete and faithful adaptation of the manga. It covers more story arcs without filler content. However, some fans appreciate the 1999 version for its darker, more atmospheric tone and nostalgic 90s animation style.
What is the name of the current arc in the manga?
The current arc in the Hunter x Hunter manga is the “Succession Contest arc.” This complex storyline takes place aboard a massive ship heading to the Dark Continent and involves a deadly battle for the throne of the Kakin Empire among its many princes.
How far is the English manga release behind the Japanese release?
The English release of Hunter x Hunter, published by VIZ Media, is generally not far behind the Japanese tankōbon volumes. VIZ typically releases the English-translated volumes within a year of their Japanese publication. However, with the current irregular schedule, release gaps can vary.
Did Yoshihiro Togashi create any other famous manga?
Yes, before Hunter x Hunter, Yoshihiro Togashi created another massively popular series, YuYu Hakusho. It was also serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1990 to 1994 and is considered a classic of the shōnen genre, sharing some thematic similarities with Hunter x Hunter. He also wrote the shorter, acclaimed series Level E.
Final Thoughts
The journey of the Hunter x Hunter manga is a testament to both incredible creative vision and human perseverance. Since its debut in March 1998, the series has navigated a path unlike any other major shōnen title. Its history is defined by the genius of its creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, the complexities of its narrative, and the profound patience of its global fanbase. The story’s irregular publication, necessitated by the author’s health, has only fueled more intense discussion and appreciation during its active periods.
Ultimately, understanding when Hunter x Hunter was made is to understand the starting point of a legacy. It’s a legacy built on groundbreaking storytelling that continues to evolve, promising a conclusion that, however long it takes, will be worth the wait. The shift to an irregular format ensures that the story can continue at a sustainable pace, reaffirming that the tale of Gon and his friends is far from over.
