Hunter x Hunter has been around for decades, but its release history can confuse new fans. The manga started first, then the original 1999 anime came out, and years later the more famous 2011 anime reboot introduced the series to a new generation.
So, when did Hunter x Hunter come out? The Hunter x Hunter manga began in 1998. The first anime adaptation came out in 1999, while the Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime reboot began airing in 2011.
This guide explains when Hunter x Hunter first came out, the difference between the manga release, the 1999 anime, and the 2011 anime, why there are two anime versions, and what release date new fans usually mean. For more manga and anime guides, readers can also explore ManhwaClan.
Quick Answer: When Did Hunter x Hunter Come Out?
The direct answer to when did Hunter x Hunter come out depends on which version you mean. The manga came first in 1998. The original anime came out in 1999. The modern 2011 anime adaptation came out in 2011.
| Version | Release Date or Year | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter x Hunter manga | 1998 | Original manga by Yoshihiro Togashi |
| Hunter x Hunter Volume 1 | June 4, 1998 | First collected manga volume in Japan |
| Hunter x Hunter 1999 anime | October 16, 1999 | First TV anime adaptation |
| Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime | October 2, 2011 | Modern reboot by Madhouse |
| Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime ending | 2014 | Ended with 148 episodes |
The simplest answer is this: Hunter x Hunter first came out as a manga in 1998, then as an anime in 1999, and later as the popular 2011 reboot.
When Did the Hunter x Hunter Manga Come Out?
The Hunter x Hunter manga came out in 1998. It was created by Yoshihiro Togashi, the same mangaka known for Yu Yu Hakusho.
The manga introduced Gon Freecss, a young boy who wants to become a Hunter and find his father, Ging Freecss. From that simple starting point, the story expands into exams, assassins, Nen abilities, criminal groups, deadly games, and large political conflicts.
The first collected manga volume was released in Japan on June 4, 1998. This makes 1998 the key year for the beginning of Hunter x Hunter as a franchise.
If someone asks when did Hunter x Hunter come out in its original form, the correct answer is 1998.
When Did the Hunter x Hunter 1999 Anime Come Out?
The first Hunter x Hunter anime came out in 1999. This version was produced by Nippon Animation and aired for 62 TV episodes.
The 1999 anime adapted the early parts of the manga, including the Hunter Exam and later early story material. It has a darker and more classic late-1990s anime atmosphere, which many longtime fans still enjoy.
However, the 1999 anime did not adapt as much of the manga as the 2011 version. After the TV series, additional OVA episodes continued more of the story.
For fans asking about the first anime release, the answer is that Hunter x Hunter first came out as an anime in 1999.
When Did Hunter x Hunter 2011 Come Out?
Hunter x Hunter 2011 came out on October 2, 2011. This is the modern anime adaptation that most new viewers watch today.
The 2011 anime was produced by Madhouse and restarts the story from the beginning. It is not a direct sequel to the 1999 anime. Instead, it is a full reboot that adapts Gon’s journey again with a newer visual style and longer coverage of the manga.
This version is especially famous because it reaches major arcs such as Yorknew City, Greed Island, Chimera Ant, and the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc.
When many modern fans ask when did Hunter x Hunter come out, they may actually mean the 2011 anime. In that case, the answer is 2011.
Why Are There Two Hunter x Hunter Anime Versions?
There are two Hunter x Hunter anime versions because the manga was adapted twice. The first anime came out in 1999, while the second anime came out in 2011.
The 1999 version was made earlier, when less manga material was available to adapt. It covered the beginning of the story and later continued through OVA releases.
The 2011 version came later and restarted the story from the beginning. Because more manga material existed by then, it could adapt much further into the series.
This is why release dates can be confusing. Hunter x Hunter did not simply have one anime release. It had an original anime and then a later reboot.
Which Hunter x Hunter Release Date Is the Most Important?
The most important release date depends on the context. For the original manga, the key year is 1998. For the first anime, the key year is 1999. For the most watched modern anime, the key year is 2011.
If you are writing about the franchise as a whole, start with the manga in 1998. That is the true beginning of Hunter x Hunter.
If you are writing about anime history, mention both 1999 and 2011 because they refer to different adaptations.
For SEO clarity, the best answer is: Hunter x Hunter first came out as a manga in 1998, the first anime came out in 1999, and the 2011 anime reboot came out in 2011.
Hunter x Hunter Release Timeline
The Hunter x Hunter release timeline helps explain why fans may give different answers to the same question.
| Year | Release | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | Hunter x Hunter manga begins | The original source material starts |
| 1998 | Hunter x Hunter Volume 1 releases in Japan | The first collected volume becomes available |
| 1999 | Hunter x Hunter first anime airs | The series receives its first TV anime adaptation |
| 2002 to 2004 | OVA continuations for the 1999 anime | The older anime continues beyond its TV run |
| 2011 | Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime begins | The modern reboot starts from the beginning |
| 2014 | Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime ends | The reboot ends with 148 episodes |
This timeline shows that Hunter x Hunter has several important release points, not just one date.
Did Hunter x Hunter Come Out Before Naruto?
Yes, Hunter x Hunter came out before Naruto. Hunter x Hunter began in 1998, while Naruto began later in 1999.
This matters because both series are major shonen manga, and both became widely known through anime adaptations. However, Hunter x Hunter started first.
Yoshihiro Togashi was already an established creator before Hunter x Hunter because of Yu Yu Hakusho. That gave Hunter x Hunter strong attention from early readers.
Even though Naruto became one of the biggest global anime franchises, Hunter x Hunter has its own long history and influence in shonen manga.
Did Hunter x Hunter Come Out Before One Piece?
No, Hunter x Hunter came out after One Piece. One Piece began in 1997, while Hunter x Hunter began in 1998.
Both series became part of the same broader era of late-1990s shonen manga. Each focuses on adventure, friendship, dangerous worlds, and ambitious young protagonists, but their storytelling styles are very different.
One Piece is known for its long pirate adventure and emotional worldbuilding. Hunter x Hunter is known for its shifting tone, complex power system, psychological battles, and unpredictable arcs.
So while Hunter x Hunter is older than many modern shonen series, it came out after One Piece.
How Old Is Hunter x Hunter?
Hunter x Hunter is a late-1990s manga franchise. Since the manga began in 1998, it has been around for more than two decades.
This long history is one reason the series has multiple generations of fans. Some discovered it through the original manga, some through the 1999 anime, and many through the 2011 anime.
The age of the series also explains why its release status can feel complicated. It has continued for a long time, but with many breaks and hiatuses.
For more context on the current status of the story, read is Hunter x Hunter finished.
Did the 2011 Anime Replace the 1999 Anime?
For many new viewers, the 2011 anime effectively became the main version to watch. It restarts the story, adapts more material, and has a more modern production style.
However, the 1999 anime still has value. Some fans prefer its atmosphere, pacing, music, and older visual style. It is not erased just because the 2011 reboot exists.
The best way to understand it is this: the 1999 anime is the first adaptation, while the 2011 anime is the modern reboot.
Most new fans can start with the 2011 anime without watching the 1999 version first.
How Many Episodes Came From Each Anime Version?
The 1999 Hunter x Hunter anime has 62 TV episodes. If the OVA continuations are counted, the older adaptation reaches 92 episodes total.
The 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime has 148 episodes. This is the version that adapts further into the manga and is most commonly recommended to new viewers.
This is another reason release dates matter. The 1999 anime came first, but the 2011 anime became the more complete anime adaptation for many fans.
For the full episode breakdown, read how many episodes in Hunter x Hunter.
What Was Hunter x Hunter About When It First Came Out?
When Hunter x Hunter first came out, the story began with Gon Freecss leaving home to become a Hunter and search for his father. This gave the manga a simple adventure hook.
However, Hunter x Hunter quickly became more complex. The Hunter Exam introduced dangerous tests, strange applicants, and the idea that becoming a Hunter is not only about strength.
Characters like Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio also helped expand the story. Each had a different reason for taking the exam, which made the early cast feel varied and memorable.
From the beginning, Hunter x Hunter showed that it was not just a simple adventure manga. It was willing to become darker, stranger, and more strategic as it developed.
Why Hunter x Hunter Still Matters Today
Hunter x Hunter still matters because it influenced how many fans think about shonen storytelling. Its Nen system is often praised as one of the most flexible and strategic power systems in manga.
The series also changes tone more often than many long-running manga. It can feel like an adventure story, a crime thriller, a tournament series, a survival horror story, or a political drama depending on the arc.
This variety has helped Hunter x Hunter remain relevant long after its first release. Even with hiatuses, fans continue to discuss its characters, arcs, fights, and worldbuilding.
The fact that people still ask when it came out shows how long its legacy has lasted.
Common Misconceptions About Hunter x Hunter’s Release Date
One common misconception is that Hunter x Hunter started in 2011. That is not correct. The 2011 anime is a reboot, not the beginning of the franchise.
Another misconception is that the 1999 anime is a sequel to the manga’s later material. It is not. It is the first anime adaptation of the early manga story.
Some fans also think the 2011 anime is a continuation of the 1999 anime. It is not. It restarts the story from the beginning.
Another misconception is that Hunter x Hunter came out after Naruto. The manga actually began before Naruto.
The final misconception is that Hunter x Hunter is a new anime because it became popular internationally through the 2011 version. The franchise itself started back in 1998.
FAQs
When did Hunter x Hunter come out?
Hunter x Hunter first came out as a manga in 1998. The first anime adaptation came out in 1999, and the 2011 anime reboot came out in 2011.
When did the Hunter x Hunter manga start?
The Hunter x Hunter manga started in 1998. Its first collected volume was released in Japan on June 4, 1998.
When did the first Hunter x Hunter anime come out?
The first Hunter x Hunter anime came out in 1999. It was produced by Nippon Animation and aired for 62 TV episodes.
When did Hunter x Hunter 2011 come out?
Hunter x Hunter 2011 came out on October 2, 2011. It is the modern reboot that adapts the manga from the beginning.
Is Hunter x Hunter 2011 a sequel?
No, Hunter x Hunter 2011 is not a sequel to the 1999 anime. It is a reboot that starts the story over from the beginning.
Which came first, Hunter x Hunter manga or anime?
The manga came first. Hunter x Hunter began as a manga in 1998 before receiving its first anime adaptation in 1999.
Did Hunter x Hunter come out before Naruto?
Yes, Hunter x Hunter came out before Naruto. Hunter x Hunter began in 1998, while Naruto began in 1999.
Conclusion
So, when did Hunter x Hunter come out? Hunter x Hunter first came out as a manga in 1998. The first anime adaptation came out in 1999, and the modern Hunter x Hunter 2011 anime came out in 2011.
The release history can seem confusing because the franchise has more than one anime version. The 1999 anime is the original adaptation, while the 2011 anime is a reboot that starts from the beginning and adapts more of the manga.
The cleanest answer is this: Hunter x Hunter began in 1998 as a manga, reached anime in 1999, and became widely known to many modern viewers through the 2011 anime.
I’m Mina Miller, a blog writer at ManhwaClan. I write about manhwa, manga, webtoons, and trending comic topics to help readers discover new stories and enjoy their favorite series more.