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Take a look into why should the Hunter x Hunter anime return. If so, can the series overcome its unique production challenges?
Hunter x Hunter fans have waited patiently for almost a decade for news about the anime’s return. The 2011 adaptation by Madhouse, which ended in 2014 with episode 148, stands as one of the most praised anime series. But despite having additional manga chapters to adapt and recent momentum with manga releases, the question remains: should the Hunter x Hunter anime make its return?
The connection between Hunter x Hunter anime and manga has always been tough. It was impacted by creator Yoshihiro Togashi’s health conditions, serialization timetables, and the elaborate nature of the story itself. With the manga now at chapter 400+ and the anime having ended at chapter 339, there’s a growing assumption about whether the time is right for animation to continue. Nevertheless, the decision isn’t as straightforward as having enough source material. There are considerable factors about what a return would mean for both the series and its fans.
The Current State of Hunter x Hunter
The landscape of Hunter x Hunter has shifted dramatically since the anime’s conclusion in 2014. While the 2011 adaptation ended perfectly with Gon meeting his father Ging – fulfilling the story’s initial premise – the manga has continued to move ahead into uncharted territory. As of 2024, there’s a tremendous rebirth in the manga’s momentum, with Togashi working at what could be considered a rapid pace for him. Volume 38 was recently released, and chapters are steadily progressing through the 400s. It shows a commitment to moving the story forward that we haven’t seen in years.
But here’s the thing – this isn’t just about having more chapters. The current state of Hunter x Hunter represents something far more complex. The story has evolved from its original premise of a boy seeking his father into an intricate political thriller with the Succession War arc. The tone, pacing, and narrative complexity have all shifted dramatically. This evolution raises valid questions about whether the anime’s return would need to adapt its style to match the manga’s current direction. And whether the existing fanbase is prepared for such a significant tonal shift or not.
Is There Enough Content for Hunter x Hunter Anime?
Let’s get down to the numbers of Hunter x Hunter. We’re looking at roughly 61+ chapters of unadapted material between where the anime ended (Chapter 339) and the current manga progression (Chapter 400+). Traditionally, anime adaptations typically convert about two manga chapters into one episode, which theoretically gives us enough content for a solid 30-episode season. But Hunter x Hunter isn’t your typical series, and these chapters are incredibly dense.
The current Succession War arc is packed with complicated political maneuvering, multiple character perspectives, and detailed Nen battles that would require attentive adaptation. Some of these chapters are so rich in content that they could potentially fill entire episodes by themselves. The density of the material presents both an opportunity and a challenge. While there’s certainly enough content for a season, the question becomes how to adapt it effectively without losing the nuanced storytelling.
Production Challenges and Studio Considerations
Here’s where things get complicated. Studio Madhouse’s 2011 adaptation of Hunter x Hunter set an exceptionally high bar for quality, consistency, and faithful adaptation. However, the animation industry has changed enormously since then. Many of the essential staff members who worked on the original series have moved on to different projects or studios, making it difficult to recreate the same hex.
The unpredictable nature of Togashi’s release schedule presents another significant hurdle. Animation studios typically prefer working with completed arcs or at least a clear view of where the story is heading. The sporadic release pattern of the manga makes it difficult for any studio to commit to a long-term production schedule.
Additionally, Togashi’s deep involvement in the anime’s creative process – while beneficial for maintaining quality and consistency – adds another layer of complexity to the production pipeline. Any new adaptation would need to balance these factors while meeting modern animation standards and fan expectations.
The Succession War Arc: A New Beginning?
The Succession War arc represents both the biggest opportunity and the greatest challenge for a potential anime return. This arc marks a significant departure from previous storylines, featuring an elaborate web of political intrigue aboard the Black Whale ship. With dozens of new characters, Nen abilities, and multiple simultaneous plotlines, it’s arguably the most ambitious arc in Hunter x Hunter‘s history.
The complexity of this arc raises important questions about adaptation. How would an anime convey the numerous internal monologues and strategic thinking that fill these chapters? How would it maintain viewer engagement with such a dialogue-heavy and politically focused narrative? Moreover, the arc remains unfinished in the manga, which brings us back to the persistent concern about catching up to the source material too quickly. Any adaptation would need to carefully consider these factors while ensuring the story remains accessible to new and returning viewers.
The Case For and Against Revival of Hunter x Hunter Anime
After discussing the above points, let’s weigh both sides of this debate honestly. The case for revival is compelling: there’s sufficient source material, continued fan interest, and the potential for amazing animation with modern technology. The Hunter x Hunter brand remains strong, with recent manga volumes selling well and consistent demand for new content. A return could capitalize on the current trend of successful anime revivals, like Bleach’s Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
However, the arguments against revival are equally valid. The risk of another hiatus looms large, potentially leaving viewers stranded mid-arc. The current storyline’s complexity might not translate well to animation without significant adaptation work. There’s also the question of whether it’s better to leave the 2011 adaptation’s near-perfect ending untouched rather than risk an incomplete continuation.
Conclusion
While the prospect of Hunter x Hunter‘s anime return is exciting, the reality is that timing and execution are crucial. The series deserves more than just a quick revival to capitalize on fan interest. Perhaps the best approach would be to wait until the Succession War arc reaches its conclusion, allowing for a complete and coherent adaptation. The truth is, Hunter x Hunter‘s strength has always been in its willingness to prioritize quality over speed. So, when the time is right, an anime revival will have rich source material to draw from.
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