In a highly-anticipated move, renowned Japanese manga artist Yoshihiro Togashi took to social media platform X to tease the return of his much-loved series "Hunter x Hunter." On October 2, 2023, a minimalistic sketch was posted with the caption "Start over," sending the manga community into a frenzy. While the sketch itself revealed little, it marked a significant moment for fans worldwide, as it indicated the continuation of the series.
One Punch Man creator Yusuke Murata was among the first to applaud Togashi's announcement. Fans will remember that in 2022, Togashi used a similar method—publishing a manga sketch—to announce the series' previous comeback.
Start over pic.twitter.com/KfTTq3P3aX
— 冨樫義博 (@Un4v5s8bgsVk9Xp) October 1, 2023
After a nearly 10-month hiatus since the end of 2022, this update is especially welcome. Togashi had shared draft sketches for the 401st chapter in March 2023, suggesting that he was excited to spend more time working. Despite his enthusiasm, given his past history, fans had remained skeptical about when the series would actually resume.
The relatively shorter six-month wait for the new release contrasts sharply with the nearly three-year hiatus that preceded it. "Hunter x Hunter" enjoys a high level of popularity globally, with intricate character designs and storylines that have not only captivated millions of fans but also influenced many other manga artists.
Togashi, who has been struggling with severe back issues, has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the series. His challenges have made him a somewhat controversial figure among fans, many of whom consider "Hunter x Hunter" a "once-in-a-lifetime" series due to its intermittent publication schedule.
Hunter x Hunter
According to past trends, Togashi is expected to release around 10 chapters this time, roughly equivalent to a single volume. He had previously indicated that the release would not be weekly, but would depend on his physical condition. With various unanswered questions and storylines, such as the Phantom Troupe and Kurapika, left hanging in the last installment, fans are left to hope that Togashi's back will hold out for a more extended run this time.
Source: Twitter/X