Fans of Yoshihiro Togashi's seminal shonen manga, Hunter x Hunter, have reason for optimism as recent developments suggest the series may return sooner than anticipated following its latest chapter release. The manga, which began serialization in 1998 and has been frequently interrupted by Togashi's health issues and subsequent hiatuses, recently published chapter 419. Historically, the series has seen batches of 10 chapters released on Weekly Shonen Jump approximately every two years, often followed by extended breaks.
However, an upcoming advertising page in issue 41 of Weekly Shonen Jump is generating hope for more positive news. While such pages typically serve to announce the manga entering another hiatus, Togashi has been actively updating his progress on his X (formerly Twitter) account. As of this writing, six of the next ten planned chapters have been delivered to Shonen Jump, with the remaining four in various stages of completion. These updates are often accompanied by infographics tracking Togashi's progress.
Given the author's apparent progress and the forthcoming Shonen Jump announcement, it is plausible that Hunter x Hunter will not face another prolonged hiatus after chapter 420. Togashi previously stated in April that Shonen Jump would announce the publication schedule for the upcoming chapter batch, and this announcement may arrive with the next magazine issue. This contrasts with a similar announcement in 2022, which merely confirmed the manga would no longer follow a weekly schedule and mentioned a vague "new format."
Speculation among fans has long favored a shift to a monthly release schedule, which would allow Togashi more time to manage his health while maintaining a consistent output. Such a schedule could provide nearly a year for the author to complete the subsequent batch of 10 chapters. While definitive predictions remain premature, the current momentum suggests Hunter x Hunter is gearing up for a renewed presence. The Succession Contest Arc has seen considerable acceleration in recent chapters, featuring Prince Benjamin's fatal power play and Tserriednich's display of advanced Nen abilities, further fueling anticipation for the manga's continuation.