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Hunter × Hunter

Hunter × Hunter is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Hunter × Hunter is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. It has been serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since 1998 and follows Gon Freecss, a boy who becomes a Hunter to find his father. The series is available in English in North America through Viz Media, making it widely accessible to Canadian readers.

Premise

The series follows Gon Freecss, who learns that his absent father is a renowned Hunter. Gon sets out to become a Hunter himself while traveling with allies and encountering unusual creatures, conflicts, and supernatural abilities. The story centres on a fictional profession called Hunters, who take on specialized and dangerous tasks.

Manga publication

Hunter × Hunter began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in March 1998 and is published by Shueisha. As of July 2026, 39 tankōbon volumes had been released. The manga has experienced frequent extended hiatuses since 2006.

Anime adaptations

The manga was first adapted into a 62-episode anime by Nippon Animation that aired from 1999 to 2001. A separate 148-episode adaptation by Madhouse aired from 2011 to 2014. The earlier adaptation was extended with three original video animations (OVAs) released between 2002 and 2004.

Reception and influence

Hunter × Hunter is widely known for its detailed world-building, tournament and adventure elements, and its use of the Nen power system. It has become one of the most recognisable long-running shōnen franchises.

Key facts

  • The manga is pronounced “hunter hunter” and is often stylized as Hunter × Hunter.
  • It has been serialized by Shueisha in Weekly Shōnen Jump since March 1998.
  • The story centers on Gon Freecss and his search for his father, Ging Freecss.
  • The series features a fictional profession called Hunters, who take on specialized and dangerous tasks.
  • The manga has experienced frequent extended hiatuses since 2006.
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Canadian context

The series is available in English in North America through Viz Media, making it widely accessible to Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hunter × Hunter?
It is a Japanese manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi about a boy named Gon Freecss who becomes a Hunter and searches for his father.
Why is it called Hunter x Hunter?
The title is stylized as Hunter × Hunter, and it is commonly pronounced “hunter hunter.”
When did the manga start?
It began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in March 1998.
How many anime versions are there?
There are two main anime television adaptations: one from 1999 and one from 2011.
Who publishes the manga in English in North America?
Viz Media has licensed the series for English release in North America.
What is the story about?
It follows Gon Freecss as he trains to become a Hunter and searches for his father, Ging Freecss.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_%C3%97_Hunter
    Supports: Manga author, premise, publication date, serialization, volume count, English licensing, 1999 anime, OVAs
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunter_%C3%97_Hunter_(2011_TV_series)
    Supports: 2011 anime adaptation details and broadcast dates
  3. Anime News Networkhttps://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=13262
    Supports: 2011 anime series premise, genres, and main characters
  4. Anime News Networkhttps://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1134
    Supports: 1999 anime series premise and adaptation details
  5. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hunter_%C3%97_Hunter_chapters
    Supports: Serialization start date and 39-volume count as of July 2026