Is the Hunter x Hunter manga worth reading after the anime?

Hunter x Hunter, by Yoshiro Togashi, is one of the most beloved anime of all time, having two stellar adaptations. While the 1999 anime by Nippon Animation has gained a cult following over the years, the 2011 version by Studio Madhouse is widely regarded as the better series.

With its expansive world and complex story elevated by fluid visuals, emotional voice acting, and a memorable score, Hunter x Hunter (2011) is considered by many to be among the best anime ever. Due to this, fans may wonder whether the manga is worth reading after the anime.

The Hunter x Hunter manga is definitely worth reading after the anime but it may be difficult for fans to get into. Hunter x Hunter follows Gon Freecss, an energetic young boy who embarks on a quest to become a Hunter and find his estranged father. Over the course of his wondrous adventures, Gon forms lifelong friendships with Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika.

However, the protagonist soon discovers that the world is not just the beautiful place he believed it to be, and that a dark underbelly of crime and moral ambiguity exists. When the boy is exposed to it, he faces a whirlwind of unfamiliar emotions, causing him to go on a downward spiral.

Nevertheless, with the help of his friends, Gon picks himself back up. Hunter x Hunter has a total of 7 story arcs in the manga.The furthest that the anime adapts of these is the sixth arc — the 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc. Following this, the Succession Contest Arc begins, which currently has over 70 chapters and is not adapted in the anime.

This kicks off the journey to the Dark Continent, as Beyond Netero begins his scheme to manipulate the world's ruling nations into supporting his plan. With the backing of the Kakin Empire, the entire extended cast sets off on a journey to this continent of unending mysteries and dangers.

However, even before reaching the Dark Continent, the drama starts, as the Kakin Empire's ruler, Nasubi Hui Guo Rou, announces a contest among all the princes of his nation to decide the successor. Therefore, an exhilarating death game between his 14 legal children and their allies takes place on the Black Whale ship that is transporting the cast to the Dark Continent.

Concurrently, the series also brings the focus on its new protagonist, Kurapika, who continues avenging his fallen brethren and collecting their eyes. While chasing after the sadistic Kakin prince, Tserreidnich, who possesses several scarlet eyes of the Kurta Clan, he finds himself trapped within the politics and battles of his surroundings.

Why you should read the Hunter x Hunter manga

The Hunter x Hunter manga will be difficult for new readers to get into, particularly because of how text-heavy and information-dense it is. While traditional manga tends to provide context primarily through illustrations, Togashi does not hold back on delving into great detail about his world through text.

Hence, fans may find it to be quite intimidating to read, even comparing it to a light novel. However, for those who can find the patience to step into the manga, it will prove to be an incredibly engaging and transformative experience.

Narratively, the Succession Contest Arc is one of the boldest and most imaginative shonen arcs. The complexity of Nen is taken to the next level, introducing Guardian Spirit Beasts and various other specialities. Along with the new cast, individual stories of Kurapika, the Phantom Troupe, Hisoka, and others are continued, giving fans an idea of what happens to them after the anime.

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With the high-stakes succession contest, unforgettable characters, and the danger of the Dark Continent looming in the background, the series will reach a new pinnacle of excitement. At the same time, as mentioned, it may be difficult for fans to immediately jump from the anime to the manga because of their differences in delivery and art.

Therefore, we would suggest reading the Hunter x Hunter manga again from the beginning to acclimate better to Togashi’s style and derive the greatest possible enjoyment from the source material.

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