Hunter x Hunter manga returns briefly in November but goes back on hiatus

After a highly anticipated return following a four-year hiatus, the Hunter x Hunter manga series has unfortunately gone back on hiatus once again, leaving fans disappointed and longing for more. The news comes just two months after the manga’s much-celebrated comeback, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the series and its creator, Yoshihiro Togashi.

According to a leak from the December 26th issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine, the forthcoming chapters of Hunter x Hunter, starting from chapter 401, will no longer be serialized on a weekly basis. The announcement states, “We have discussed Togashi-sensei’s health condition, and as a result, we have decided to publish Hunter x Hunter in a format different from weekly serialization. Togashi-sensei will continue writing the upcoming chapters, and our editorial department will support him until the completion of the manga.” The specific format and frequency of the manga’s release in the future remain unclear.

This is not the first time that Yoshihiro Togashi has taken breaks from the series. Hunter x Hunter previously went on a two-year hiatus from 2014 to 2016 before returning for a brief two-month period, only to take another year-long break afterward. In October 2018, the series went on hiatus again, which persisted until 2022. It was in July 2022 that Togashi announced on his personal Twitter account that he had resumed drawing after a four-year hiatus caused by his chronic back problem.

The announcement of Volume 37’s release in Japan on November 4th, 2022 brought a glimmer of hope to fans. However, it was revealed that the volume contained chapters 381 to 390 and did not include any new content that Togashi is currently working on. Despite his efforts, Togashi continues to struggle with his right hand’s limited mobility, as he shared on Twitter, “My symptoms are not improving, and my treatment and recovery have been taking up a large amount of my time.” It is a constant battle for the creator to balance his health and his passion for creating the beloved series.

Togashi’s situation aligns with other manga creators who have faced their own challenges in 2022. Yuki Tabata, the creator of Black Clover, announced a three-month hiatus for the series to plan its final arc, citing the need for adequate preparation. In November, Tabata also had to suspend publication for two weeks due to an unexpected illness. The hiatuses experienced by these talented mangaka serve as a reminder of the demanding nature of their craft and the toll it can take on their well-being.

Since its serialization in March 1998 in Weekly Shōnen Jump, Hunter x Hunter has captivated readers with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters. The series follows the journey of a young boy named Gon Freecss, who aspires to become a Hunter like his father after discovering his true identity. With over 84 million copies in circulation as of July 2022, the franchise has left an indelible mark on the manga and anime industry. It has spawned two anime series, two animated theatrical films, video games, and even musical adaptations, further solidifying its place in pop culture.

While fans eagerly await the next chapter in the Hunter x Hunter saga, they must also understand and respect the challenges faced by Yoshihiro Togashi. The dedication and perseverance required to create such a beloved work of art cannot be underestimated. It is a testament to Togashi’s talent and the enduring appeal of Hunter x Hunter that fans continue to support and eagerly anticipate its future, despite the intermittent hiatuses and uncertainties that accompany its publication journey.

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Amane, Canary, Gotoh, Kasuga, Kiriko, Mitsuba