The Hunter x Hunter manga series has captured the hearts of fans around the world for decades.

Whether it’s Gon Freecss’s unbreakable determination, Killua Zoldyck’s struggle between his dark upbringing and his desire for friendship, or Kurapika’s relentless quest for justice, the series offers something for everyone.

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Credit: Madhouse, Yoshihiro Togashi, ONE Esports
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Over the years, Hunter x Hunter has delivered unforgettable arcs like the Chimera Ant arc, the Hunter Exam, and the Yorknew City saga.

The series’ thrilling battles, mysterious Nen abilities, and complex relationships between the characters keep readers returning for more. If you want to dive into this vast world of Hunters, you’re in for an incredible journey.

What is Hunter x Hunter about?

Hunter x Hunter's Phantom Troupe group seen in the volume 38 promotional teaser by Shueisha
Credit: Shueisha, Yoshihiro Togashi

Hunter x Hunter is a manga series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. It debuted on March 3, 1998, in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha.

The series centers around Gon Freecss, a young boy who learns that his father, Ging Freecss, is not only alive but also one of the most skilled Hunters in the world.

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In this world, Hunters are elite individuals tasked with discovering treasures, exploring uncharted territories, and tracking dangerous criminals. Inspired by his father’s legacy, Gon sets out to become a Hunter himself.

Throughout the series, Gon forms strong bonds with other aspiring Hunters, including Killua Zoldyck — an ex-assassin from a notorious family of killers; Leorio Paradinight — who wants to become a doctor; and Kurapika — whose goal is to avenge the massacre of his clan.

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Credit: Madhouse, Yoshihiro Togashi, ONE Esports
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Together, they face extraordinary challenges, including the dangerous Hunter Exam, battles with the deadly Phantom Troupe, and the dark, intricate world of Nen abilities.

The Hunter x Hunter manga has been infamous for its numerous hiatuses. Togashi has been open about his health issues, particularly with severe back pain, which has forced him to take extended breaks over the years. As a result, the manga has had long periods of inactivity, sometimes lasting for months or even years.

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The Hunter x Hunter manga has been adapted into two separate anime series. The first adaptation was produced by Nippon Animation and aired from October 16, 1999, to March 31, 2001.

Madhouse produced a more widely acclaimed adaptation that began airing on October 2, 2011. This version offered a more faithful adaptation of the manga and covered more material, including the iconic Chimera Ant arc and the Election arc. Madhouse’s adaptation ran for 148 episodes and concluded on September 24, 2014.

Where can you read the official Hunter x Hunter manga online?

Hunter x Hunter manga cover showing Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck
Credit: Shueisha, Yoshihiro Togashi

As of the time of writing, Hunter x Hunter has 401 chapters and 38 volumes, with new chapters typically released on Sundays at 7 a.m. Pacific Time (PT) | 11 p.m. Japan Standard Time (JST).

VIZ Media offers the complete collection of Hunter x Hunter chapters on their official website.

To access the manga, readers must create an account and subscribe for a monthly fee of US$2. This subscription grants unlimited access to the Hunter x Hunter manga and many other titles in the VIZ library.

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Another option to read Hunter x Hunter is through Manga Plus, an online platform and app by Shueisha. The first three chapters are free to all users, with no account required.

To continue reading the rest of the series for free, you must create an account through the Manga Plus app. Chapters 4 and beyond, including the latest releases, are accessible for free but can only be viewed once.

Manga Plus has two subscription plans:

The Standard Plan includes access to all chapters of currently serializing titles, with over 6,000 chapters available and no ads. It costs US$1.99 per month, with the first month free. This plan covers ongoing works only, and access to the completed series is limited after a certain period.

The Deluxe Plan, priced at US$4.99 per month, offers access to all chapters of serializing and completed titles. Over 15,000 chapters are available, and there are no ads.

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