Hunter x Hunter Pilot

Produced by Studio Pierrot for the 1998 Jump Super Anime Tour, this special pilot episode serves as the historical debut of Hunter × Hunter in animated form, arriving a year before the iconic 1999 television series.

The narrative closely follows the experimental beginnings of the manga, centering on a young Gon Freecss as he prepares to leave his home on Whale Island to take the grueling Hunter Exam.

Along the way, the pilot showcases his initial interactions with fellow applicants Kurapika and Leorio aboard a stormy ship, testing their resolve before they even reach the exam grounds.

Notably, this version features distinct character designs, a unique color palette, and an original voice cast separate from all later adaptations, including voice actress Rica Matsumoto as Gon.

It also prominently features the Captain and his trials, capturing a nostalgic, late-90s shonen aesthetic while establishing the foundational elements of friendship, ambition, and dangerous exploration.