Summary
- Hunter x Hunter anime unlikely to return soon due to lack of new adaptable material and Togashi’s health.
- Togashi’s new production system may reduce hiatuses, offering hope for more episodes in the future.
- Film adaptation of Hunter x Hunter arcs or one-shots might be viable, but no new episodes until manga completion.
The hugely successful anime adaptation of Hunter x Hunter, one of the most beloved shonen franchises ever, was launched in 2011. The series was brought to a close in episode #148, “Past × And × Future”, tracking up to manga chapter #339, “Stillness”. With no real information about its future, fans of the series are anxious that the 2011 show will wind up dead in the water, just like the first 1999 adaptation.
Unfortunately, the source material is the bottleneck. Creator Yoshohiro Togashi suffers from health issues, making it hard to work. Hunter x Hunter has been stuck in an infamous cycle of hiatuses: since chapter #339, only 61 chapters have been released. Nine of these are the Dark Continent Exploration arc, and the remainder belong to the still-incomplete Succession Contest arc. In addition, a two-part one-shot centering around Kurapika was released in July 2023.
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When Will There – If Ever – Be New Episodes Of Hunter x Hunter?
A lack of material coupled with Togashi’s poor health make new episodes of Hunter x Hunter unlikely in the near future
With the material presently available, Hunter x Hunter‘s anime won’t return soon. An episode generally covers two to three manga chapters. Given 61 chapters, fans could only expect 20 to 30 episodes, and most would be adapting an incomplete arc with no end in sight. Making matters worse, Hunter x Hunter has officially left weekly serialization. On the bright side, Togashi is putting effort into a new production system, meaning we may see more development and fewer, shorter hiatuses overall.
Successful recent film adaptations of individual shonen arcs, like widely acclaimed Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, show a film adaptation of the short Dark Continent Exploration arc or of one-shots might be viable. Unfortunately, there’s been no mention of such a project. As for the anime series: it’s unlikely that any new episodes will come out at least until the Succession Contest arc is complete, given the manga’s unpredictable release schedule and the anime’s resistance to filler.
What’s Next For Hunter x Hunter?
Though nothing is set in stone, Togashi’s return might mean good things for hopes of further adaptation
Considering how well the 2011 adaptation has been received, as well as the story’s length discouraging a full reboot, Madhouse will likely keep making Hunter x Hunter. Madhouse still retains the rights, but only time will tell for sure. When the manga’s complete, and maybe as early as the Succession Contest arc’s completion, more episodes will probably be produced. Here, no news is definitely good news. In the meantime, fans of the show might try Yu Yu Hakusho, another Togashi creation similar to Hunter x Hunter in surprisingly many ways.
Finally, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Hunter x Hunter fans: Togashi recently announced his return, and can be found on X where he tweets regularly under the handle @Un4v5s8bgsVk9Xp. Although the release of Hunter x Hunter’s upcoming chapters is unclear, what is clear is that Togashi is hard at work on new content. He’s dedicated to seeing the story completed in a way true to his vision, giving beloved characters like Gon and Killua the ending they deserve. For those awaiting more episodes, knowing more Hunter x Hunter is on the horizon is the best news there is.
The Hunter x Hunter Manga Is Finally Returning To Shonen Jump
Along with the announcement of Togashi returning, as well as his frequent updates on X (formerly Twitter), it’s been officially confirmed that Hunter x Hunter is returning to Weekly Shonen Jump in October. Plus, it’s confirmed that volume 38 of the manga will finally be released in Japan on September 4, 2024, which has fans of the series more hopeful than ever.
Volume 38 of the manga will contain chapters 391–400, and the cover artwork features Gon in a white outfit. While it’s difficult to say how long the series will run before entering another hiatus – if it enters another hiatus – it’s still a great feeling to see the series making such a massive comeback now that other big Shonen Jump hits are coming to an end.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
In Hunter x Hunter, young Gon Freecss discovers his long-lost father is a legendary Hunter, an elite class of adventurer with the license to go anywhere or do almost anything. Determined to find him, Gon sets out to pass the Hunter Examination, a life-threatening challenge that draws hundreds of hopefuls seeking fortune, fame, and adventure. Along the way, Gon becomes friends with other candidates, including the vengeful Kurapika, the ambitious Leorio, and the enigmatic Killua. Together, they face a world filled with bizarre creatures, sinister criminals, and unpredictable adventures.
- Release Date
- October 2, 2011
- Seasons
- 4
- Creator(s)
- Yoshihiro Togashi