Hunter x Hunter Anime: Will It Come Back?
Hunter x Hunter, the beloved anime adaptation of Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga series, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its intricate plot, complex characters, and unique take on the shonen genre. However, the series has been plagued by long hiatuses and uncertain futures. Let’s dive into the history of Hunter x Hunter, what went wrong, and the prospects for its return.
The Rocky Road of Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter’s anime journey has been anything but smooth:
- 1999 Series: The first anime adaptation ran from 1999 to 2001, covering 62 episodes.
- 2011 Reboot: Madhouse studio rebooted the series in 2011, producing 148 episodes that concluded in 2014.
- Current Status: Since 2014, there have been no new Hunter x Hunter anime episodes.
What Went Wrong?
Several factors contributed to the hiatus of the Hunter x Hunter anime:
Manga Hiatuses:
- The primary issue stems from the source material. Yoshihiro Togashi, the manga’s creator, has taken frequent and extended breaks due to health issues.
- These hiatuses have resulted in a lack of new material for the anime to adapt.
Health Concerns:
- Togashi suffers from chronic back pain, which has significantly impacted his ability to maintain a regular work schedule.
- This health issue has led to unpredictable release patterns for the manga.
Perfectionism:
- Togashi is known for his meticulous attention to detail and unwillingness to compromise on quality.
- This perfectionism, while ensuring high-quality content, also contributes to slower production.
Anime Catching Up:
- The 2011 anime adaptation caught up to the available manga material, leaving no new content to animate.
Studio Commitments:
- Madhouse, the studio behind the 2011 adaptation, has moved on to other projects.
- Reassembling the original team or finding a new studio willing to take on the project presents additional challenges.
Will Hunter x Hunter Come Back?
The prospect of Hunter x Hunter‘s return is a complex issue:
Manga Continuation:
- In late 2022, Togashi resumed work on the manga after a four-year hiatus, releasing new chapters.
- This development has rekindled hope among fans for new anime content.
- Fan Demand:
- The series maintains a dedicated fanbase eager for new content.
- Strong demand could incentivize studios to consider a revival.
Industry Trends:
- The anime industry has seen several long-dormant series revived in recent years (e.g., Bleach, Shaman King).
- This trend might work in Hunter x Hunter’s favor.
Material Availability:
- For a new season to be feasible, there needs to be enough new manga material to adapt.
- The current amount of new content may not yet be sufficient for a full season.
Studio and Staff Availability:
- The original team would need to be available and willing to return to the project.
- Alternatively, a new studio would have to take on the challenge of meeting fans’ high expectations.
Conclusion
While the return of Hunter x Hunter anime remains uncertain, recent developments in the manga have given fans reason for cautious optimism. The series’ comeback ultimately depends on a combination of factors: Togashi’s health and productivity, the accumulation of enough new manga material, and the willingness of a studio to take on the project.
For now, fans can enjoy the new manga chapters and revisit the existing anime episodes. The Hunter x Hunter community remains hopeful, knowing that the world of Hunters is vast and full of untold stories waiting to be animated.
As we wait for official news, one thing is certain: the enduring popularity of Hunter x Hunter demonstrates the impact of Togashi’s creation and the passionate fanbase eager to see Gon, Killua, and the others return to the screen.
