In December 2022, the hit shonen series Hunter x Hunter, created by mangaka Yoshihiro Togashi, reached a milestone with the publication of its 400th chapter. The series follows the thrilling adventures of Gon Freecss, a young boy who embarks on a journey to become a Hunter after discovering that his father, who had abandoned him in his youth, is a renowned Hunter himself.
Hunter x Hunter has faced numerous hiatuses throughout its publication history, often lasting for extended periods. The highly anticipated return of the manga in 2022, after a four-year hiatus, brought excitement to fans. However, the joy was short-lived, as it was announced in December that the series would once again go on hiatus and would no longer be published on a weekly basis.
Disclaimer: Please note that this article contains spoilers for the series.
Now, the question arises: Why has Hunter x Hunter entered another hiatus, and will it eventually resume?
One of the primary reasons for the hiatuses in Hunter x Hunter is Togashi’s recurring health issues. The mangaka has been plagued by back problems, which have frequently hindered his ability to work for prolonged periods. Additionally, he has experienced problems with his right hand due to overexertion. Despite these challenges, Togashi remains determined to complete the story and has even tried unconventional methods like drawing while lying down, although this approach is inherently inefficient.
While there is currently no confirmed release date for Hunter x Hunter chapter 401, fans can take solace in the fact that Shonen JUMP has prioritized Togashi’s health and relieved him of the pressure to publish on a bi-weekly schedule. However, for fans concerned about the mangaka’s ability to finish the series due to his ongoing health issues, there is a contingency plan in place.
Togashi has reportedly already planned out the final stages of the story, including character designs. In the event that he is unable to complete the series himself, his wife, Naoko Takeuchi, who is also a renowned manga artist, is expected to step in and finalize the work.
As for the current state of the series, Hunter x Hunter is currently immersed in its ninth story arc known as the Succession Contest Arc, which commenced with chapter 349. This arc revolves around the intense competition among the fourteen children of Kakin King Nasubi Hui Gou Rou, who must fight to the death in order to determine the future ruler of the Kakin Empire.
Simultaneously, Kurapika has been entrusted with protecting the daughter of the Kakin Empire’s Queen as they journey to the enigmatic Dark Continent. However, Kurapika is also driven by the desire to retrieve the Scarlet Eyes of his Kurta Clan. The arc features the reappearance of the infamous Phantom Troupe, who are in pursuit of Hisoka, as well as a tumultuous conflict between various Mafia families.
The most recent chapter released, titled “Secrecy,” was Hunter x Hunter chapter 400. Although the wait for the next chapter remains uncertain, fans can stay up to date with the story through the Shonen JUMP app or by visiting the official website of Viz Media.
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Pyon, Saiyu, Ging, Morel, Biscuit, Linne