The enduringly popular manga series Hunter X Hunter, crafted by the celebrated artist Yoshihiro Togashi, is poised for a significant resurgence in 2024, marked by the publication of its latest chapters and the release of a new compiled volume. Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, in its 30th issue released on Monday, officially announced that the acclaimed series will resume its serialization in the magazine’s upcoming issue on June 29. This marks a pivotal moment for fans who have eagerly awaited new installments of the intricate narrative and thrilling adventures of Gon Freecss and his companions. Complementing this serialization restart, Shueisha will release the manga’s 39th compiled book volume on July 3, representing the first such release in 22 months. This dual announcement signals a renewed commitment to bringing Hunter X Hunter back into the regular publication cycle, a prospect that has generated considerable excitement within the global manga community.
A Glimpse into Recent Developments and Future Plans
The recent period has seen a measured but consistent flow of new content from Togashi. Chapters 401 through 410 of Hunter X Hunter were published in Weekly Shonen Jump across issues 45 of 2024 and issue two of 2025. This release schedule indicates a period of dedicated work and publication following a significant hiatus. Further underscoring Togashi’s commitment, it was reported in December 2024 that he had undergone surgery and had already completed the storyboard layouts for two additional chapters. This proactive approach to content creation, even amidst personal health challenges, demonstrates the author’s deep engagement with his magnum opus.
The 38th compiled volume of Hunter X Hunter, which served as the most recent physical collection of new chapters up to chapter 400, was released by Shueisha in September 2024. This volume was highly anticipated, as it represented the culmination of a substantial period of serialization following the manga’s return from its previous hiatus. Viz Media, the North American publisher of the series, subsequently released the English version of volume 38 on January 6, making it accessible to a wider international audience. The consistent release of both individual chapters and compiled volumes indicates a strategic effort by Shueisha and Togashi to re-establish a steady publishing rhythm for the beloved series.
Historical Context and Serialization Challenges
Hunter X Hunter has a long and storied history within the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump. Launched by Yoshihiro Togashi in 1998, the manga quickly garnered a devoted following due to its complex power system, intricate plotlines, and morally ambiguous characters. However, the series has also been characterized by frequent and prolonged hiatuses, primarily attributed to the author’s ongoing health issues. These breaks, while frustrating for fans, have often been accompanied by Togashi’s dedication to refining the narrative and ensuring the highest quality of his work.
The most recent extended hiatus began in January 2023, with Shueisha acknowledging Togashi’s health concerns as the primary reason for the pause. At the time, the publisher stated that it had consulted with Togashi and that a decision had been made for the manga to move away from a strict weekly serialization format. This implied a more flexible approach to publication, allowing for longer periods of development and potential breaks as needed. The announcement of the serialization resumption on June 29 signifies a successful navigation of these challenges, with a renewed focus on consistent delivery.
Multimedia Expansion and Franchise Growth
Beyond its print serialization, Hunter X Hunter has cultivated a robust multimedia presence. The manga has inspired two highly successful television anime series, two anime films, multiple original video anime (OVA) titles, and several stage play adaptations. This expansive franchise ecosystem speaks to the enduring appeal and cultural impact of Togashi’s creation.
The latest theatrical adaptation, titled Hunter X Hunter The Stage 3, commenced its run in May 2025 at the The Galaxy Theatre in Tokyo, followed by performances at the Sky Theater MBS in Osaka in June 2025. This stage production focuses on the manga’s acclaimed "Greed Island Arc," offering fans a live-action interpretation of key narrative arcs.
The franchise has also ventured into the realm of video games. Hunter X Hunter: Nen x Survivor, a survival roguelike game, was launched worldwide for iOS and Android devices on February 18. Furthermore, Bushiroad Games and Eighting released Hunter X Hunter: Nen x Impact, a 2D 3v3 fighting game, in July 2025. This title is available globally for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam, further expanding the interactive experiences available to fans. The strategic release of these multimedia projects alongside the manga’s return suggests a coordinated effort to re-engage and captivate the Hunter X Hunter fanbase across multiple platforms.
Author’s Engagement and Fan Communication
Yoshihiro Togashi has actively engaged with fans regarding the manga’s progress, primarily through posts on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). These updates have provided glimpses into his creative process and offered a sense of transparency regarding the manga’s development. For instance, Togashi revealed in March 2023 that chapter 401 of the series had been completed. More recently, in May 2024, he teased progress on chapter 405, building anticipation for the eventual return. This direct line of communication, while informal, has been crucial in maintaining fan engagement during periods of hiatus and providing reassurance about the manga’s future.
Implications and Analysis
The return of Hunter X Hunter to regular serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump carries significant implications for both the manga industry and the dedicated fanbase. For Weekly Shonen Jump, the reinstatement of such a high-profile and beloved series is a considerable boost, potentially attracting new readers and re-engaging long-term subscribers. The manga’s unique narrative style and complex world-building have consistently placed it among the top-tier titles in shonen manga, and its continued publication is likely to maintain or even enhance the magazine’s standing.
For fans, this resumption represents the culmination of years of anticipation and patience. The consistent flow of new content, coupled with the release of compiled volumes and multimedia projects, suggests a more stable future for the series. This renewed momentum could also lead to increased critical and commercial success, solidifying Hunter X Hunter‘s legacy as one of the most influential manga of its generation. The author’s commitment to his craft, even in the face of health challenges, serves as an inspiration and a testament to the power of storytelling. The strategic rollout of new chapters, compiled volumes, and related media indicates a well-orchestrated plan to revitalize the franchise and ensure its continued relevance in the competitive entertainment landscape. The ongoing updates from Togashi himself, shared via social media, further foster a sense of community and shared excitement, transforming the return of Hunter X Hunter into a collective event for its global audience. The success of this phased return will likely be closely watched as a model for other long-running series grappling with similar publication challenges.
