Hunter x Hunter (2011)

Overview

Hunter x Hunter (2011) is a Japanese anime television series produced by Madhouse. It is a faithful adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga of the same name, covering the story from the Hunter Exam arc through the Chairman Election arc. The series aired from October 2011 to September 2014, totaling 148 episodes. Known for its intricate world-building, strategic battles, and deep character development, it follows young Gon Freecss as he embarks on a journey to become a Hunter and reunite with his father.

Synopsis

Gon Freecss, a young boy living on Whale Island, learns that his father Ging is a legendary Hunter. Determined to find him, Gon takes the Hunter Exam, a perilous test that allows only one in a million to pass. During the exam, he befriends Killua Zoldyck, a former assassin, Kurapika, the last survivor of the Kurta clan, and Leorio Paradinight, an aspiring doctor. Together, they face deadly challenges, uncover dark conspiracies, and eventually pursue their own personal goals in a world filled with mysterious powers known as Nen.

Characters and Voice Actors

Gon Freecss

Main character

• Japanese: Erica Mendez
• English: Erica Mendez

Killua Zoldyck

Main character

• Japanese: Cristina Vee
• English: Cristina Vee

Kurapika

Main character

• Japanese: Erika Harlacher
• English: Erika Harlacher

Leorio Paradinight

Main character

• Japanese: Matthew Mercer
• English: Matthew Mercer

Hisoka Morow

Main character

• Japanese: Keith Silverstein
• English: Keith Silverstein

Ging Freecss

Supporting character

• Japanese: Marc Diraison
• English: Marc Diraison

Illumi Zoldyck

Supporting character

• Japanese: Chris Hackney
• English: Chris Hackney

Chrollo Lucilfer

Supporting character

• Japanese: Robbie Daymond
• English: Robbie Daymond

Zeno Zoldyck

Supporting character

• Japanese: Joseph Ochman
• English: Joseph Ochman

Level E

character

Silva Zoldyck

Supporting character

• Japanese: Chris Tergliafera
• English: Chris Tergliafera

Feitan Portor

Supporting character

• Japanese: Scratch Fox
• English: Scratch Fox

Bonolenov Ndongo

Supporting character

Franklin Bordeaux

Supporting character

• Japanese: Edward Bosco
• English: Edward Bosco

Kortopi

Supporting character

• Japanese: Tony Oliver
• English: Tony Oliver

Machi Komacine

Supporting character

• Japanese: Abby Trott
• English: Abby Trott

Nobunaga Hazama

Supporting character

• Japanese: Joe Thomas
• English: Joe Thomas

Shalnark Ryuseih

Supporting character

• Japanese: Griffin Burns
• English: Griffin Burns

Shizuku Murasaki

Supporting character

• Japanese: Janice Kawaye
• English: Janice Kawaye

Phinks Magcub

Supporting character

• Japanese: David Vincent
• English: David Vincent

Pakunoda

Supporting character

• Japanese: Erica Lindbeck
• English: Erica Lindbeck

Uvogin

Supporting character

• Japanese: Patrick Seitz
• English: Patrick Seitz

Baka Ki El Dogra

Supporting character

• Japanese: David Collins
• English: David Collins

Menchi

Supporting character

• Japanese: Amanda Celine Miller
• English: Amanda Celine Miller
• English: A

Kalluto Zoldyck

Supporting character

• Japanese: Lauren Landa
• English: Lauren Landa

Leroute

Supporting character

• Japanese: Marieve Herington
• English: Marieve Herington

Production and Staff

Production Background

The 2011 adaptation was produced by Madhouse and directed by Hiroshi Koujina. Series composition was handled by Atsushi Maekawa and later Tsutomu Kamishiro. Character designs were by Takahiro Yoshimatsu and later Indori Bokujou. The music was composed by Yoshihisa Hirano. This series was a complete reboot of the 1999 adaptation, aiming to faithfully cover more of the manga's story with updated animation and a faster pace. It aired in Japan on Nippon Television and concluded after 148 episodes.

Franchise Context

Hunter x Hunter (2011) is the second anime adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi's manga, which began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1998. The franchise includes the 1999 anime series, several OVAs, two movies (Phantom Rouge and The Last Mission), and numerous video games. The 2011 series is considered the definitive anime adaptation, covering the manga's story up to the end of the Chairman Election arc. The manga has been on hiatus since 2018, leaving the story incomplete.

Watch Order

Here's the revised watch/reading note incorporating that context:

The 2011 anime series is self-contained and can be watched without any prior knowledge of the franchise, running the story through the Chimera Ant arc and concluding with the Chairman Election arc. For a different flavor of the same early material, some fans also go back to the original 1999 adaptation and its follow-up OVAs, which cover much of the same ground with a noticeably darker, more nostalgic tone. The two theatrical films are side stories and aren't required viewing.

The anime itself has finished airing and adapted the manga up through chapter 339, but the source material hasn't ended. Yoshihiro Togashi's manga continues from chapter 340 onward and remains ongoing, though its release schedule has long been irregular, largely due to Togashi's recurring health issues, which have led to extended hiatuses between chapters over the years. There's no strict order required to enjoy the franchise, but starting with the 2011 series is the recommended entry point before moving on to the manga for the story beyond where the anime leaves off.

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