Hunter x Hunter hints at an earlier-than-anticipated manga comeback.
The last nine weeks have been a thrilling time for fans of Hunter x Hunter, the iconic shonen manga crafted by Yoshihiro Togashi since 1998. The series has faced numerous hiatuses due to the author’s health issues, with new chapters typically dropping in batches of 10 every couple of years in Weekly Shonen Jump. With chapter 419 released this past Sunday, fans are bracing for another long wait, but this time, things might play out differently.
The upcoming issue 41 of Weekly Shonen Jump is set to feature an advertising page for Hunter x Hunter. These pages often convey important messages about the series. While fans might expect this to announce another hiatus, there’s reason to be optimistic about more positive news. Togashi has been diligently working on the manga, keeping fans updated on his popular X account. As of the latest update, six of the next 10 chapters have already been submitted to Shonen Jump, with four more in various stages of completion. Fans can track Togashi’s progress through the helpful infographics shared by @togashiactu on X.
Given the author’s solid progress and the advertising page in the next issue, it’s quite possible that Hunter x Hunter won’t be heading into another lengthy hiatus after chapter 420. Back in April, Togashi mentioned on X that Shonen Jump would announce the publication schedule for the next set of chapters, which could very well happen in the upcoming issue.
When a similar announcement was made in 2022, it merely confirmed that the manga wouldn’t be returning to a weekly schedule (something fans had already been painfully aware of), along with a vague reference to a “new format.” This time, however, fans are hoping for more concrete information. Many have long advocated for Hunter x Hunter to transition to a monthly release, allowing Togashi the time he needs to work at a pace that considers his health. With 10 new chapters nearly ready, a monthly schedule would give him almost a year to prepare the next batch.
While it’s still too early to make any definitive predictions, one thing is clear: Hunter x Hunter still has its magic, despite the ongoing hiatuses. The Succession Contest Arc has picked up speed in the latest chapters, with Prince Benjamin making a bold move that could cost him dearly, and Tserriednich revealing the full extent of his new Nen abilities. We even got a nod to Gon and Killua, so all that’s left is confirmation that the manga will be back soon.
The manga will take a break this summer.
