Hunter x Hunter is an anime and manga series that has captivated fans across the globe with its intriguing storytelling, expansive worldbuilding, and compelling characters. The manga has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 1998 and currently has 410 chapters. Unfortunately, due to the author’s ill health, it has also gone on frequent hiatuses.
Additionally, the series has two separate anime adaptations. The first, which aired from 1999 to 2004, was created by Nippon Animation. The more popular Studio Madhouse remake aired between 2011 and 2014. However, both projects do not completely adapt the manga and only cover a portion of it. Fans of Hunter x Hunter (1999) can pick up the manga from chapter 185, while those who watched the 2011 version can continue from chapter 340.
Hunter x Hunter is a fascinating tale revolving around hunters who explore the vast mysteries of their world. The protagonist, Gon Freecss, is a cheerful young boy who wishes to become a hunter himself and follow in his father’s footsteps. On his journey to taking the Hunter Exam, he forms meaningful connections, including his closest friends - Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika.

From then on, Gon’s life is filled with enjoyment and hardship. He grows in strength, encounters several obstacles, and experiences the dark underbelly of his deceptively bright surroundings. Throughout the series, fans get immersed in the enchanting atmosphere created by Togashi while diving into distinctive storylines covered through each arc.
As seen earlier, the Hunter x Hunter manga has two separate anime adaptations. These are not sequels but rather remakes made by different studios. The first anime, created by Nippon Animation in 1999, has 92 episodes in total. These cover up to the manga’s Greed Island Arc, completing 4 out of the total 7 story arcs. Hence, fans who have only watched the first anime can read the manga from chapter 185.
This will begin with the critically acclaimed Chimera Ant Arc, where Gon reunites with Kite but soon faces the threatening Chimera Ants led by the monstrous Meruem. Studio Madhouse’s 2011 version, however, animates more of the source material.

With 148 episodes, the anime remake covers up to the 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc. Therefore, this anime version adapts 6 out of the possible 7 story arcs. The series also ended since the current arc is ongoing with an irregular release schedule due to Togashi’s health. Hence, fans of the Hunter x Hunter (2011) anime can continue reading from chapter 340.
The story starts with the highly awaited Succession Contest Arc at this point, where the agents of the Hunter Association, the Kakin Empire, and various other parties head out to explore the dangerous Dark Continent as a part of Beyond Netero’s schemes.
However, even during the journey to the continent, the chaos unfolds as the Kakin Empire initiates a deadly contest to decide their successor. This story arc is ongoing with 71 chapters at the time of writing this article.
Is it Worth Reading the Hunter x Hunter Manga?
The Hunter x Hunter manga may seem intimidating to many due to infamous rumours about how text-heavy it is. While Togashi’s detailing and writing are certainly more informative than most other manga, it does not mean that the source material is uninteresting.
Rather, the manga's uniqueness lies in how well thought out each of its various elements is. The creator does not hold back on elaborately explaining the intricacies behind his world, its lore, and its power system. Other series, such as Jujutsu Kaisen, also draw inspiration from this mode of writing.
Additionally, the art style is stunning and perfectly fits the narrative, while also evoking a sense of nostalgia. It's easy to get into for anime fans, picking up from where they left off, and newcomers can begin with the first chapter.
Most importantly, given the slow release schedule of the manga, it is highly unlikely that the anime will be continuing anytime soon. Therefore, if you have been charmed by the world of Hunter x Hunter, then reading it is the only way to know how it continues.