Hunter x Hunter, a manga celebrated for its intricate storytelling, complex characters, and philosophical themes, has left a memorable mark on the manga and anime world since its 1988 debut. However, the series’s progress has been anything but smooth, with frequent and lengthy hiatuses largely due to the declining health of its creator, Yoshihiro Togashi. Despite these setbacks, the recent return of Hunter x Hunter has reignited that same spark fans had when they first started reading the series.
The hiatuses of Hunter x Hunter have become almost as iconic as the series itself. Since its serialization began in Weekly Shonen Jump, the manga has faced interruptions due to Togashi’s chronic health issues. Togashi, unlike other mangaka who work with teams of assistants, writes and draws all of his mangas independently by hand. This approach has rendered him unable to maintain the rigorous weekly schedule expected in the manga industry. At one point, Hunter x Hunter went on a nearly four-year hiatus from 2018 to 2022, leaving fans uncertain about its future. Though such prolonged absences have frustrated readers, they have also fostered a unique sense of loyalty, with fans understanding that Togashi’s health is vital.
Fans also recognize that despite the numerous challenges, Togashi’s insistence on hand-drawing every manga panel is his way of displaying his passion to readers. In an industry where many creators delegate tasks like background checks and shading to assistants, Togashi’s approach is both rare and admirable. In a tweet shared with fans where Togashi revealed certain endings to the show in the case of his death, Togashi said, “I have to finish this story, no matter what happens.” This statement holds his determination to bring his vision to life, even at great personal cost. In recent updates on social media, Togashi has provided glimpses into his creative process, posting photos of his workstation and pages in progress.
The manga’s return in 2022 was met with overwhelming excitement from fans worldwide. Sophomore at CRLS and Hunter x Hunter reader Quintyn Scott ’27 told the Register Forum, “When the manga was announced to return I almost couldn’t believe it.”
Many fans reflect Scott’s surprise and excitement with social media platforms full of discussions, memes, and expressions of gratitude for Togashi’s perseverance. Fans and critics alike have acknowledged the unique brilliance of Hunter x Hunter, a series that delves deeply into the themes of morality, ambition, and human nature, setting it apart from more conventional shonen mangas that focus on adventure and action rather than interpersonal relationships. The Chimera Ant arc, for instance, is lauded as one of the most profound storylines in manga history, exploring questions of identity, empathy, and the nature of humanity through the comparison of the malice and lack of compassion found in both the human-like chimera ants and also in humans as well.
This series has influenced not only readers but also aspiring manga artists. The return of Hunter x Hunter is more than just the continuation of a beloved series but a testament to the resilience and dedication of Yoshihiro Togashi.
This article also appears in our February 2025 print edition.
