How Much More Of Hxh Is After The Anime Ends
Okay, so picture this: me, sprawled on my couch, again rewatching the Chimera Ant arc for what feels like the hundredth time. My roommate walks in, eyes me with a mixture of pity and amusement, and says, "Still on that bug thing? When will you ever move on?" And that's when it hit me. It's not that I *don't* want to move on from the anime, it's that I'm desperate for more Hunter x Hunter! I just needed to know: how much further does the manga go past where the anime cuts off?
And I bet you're wondering the same thing, aren't you? You've binged the series, fallen in love with Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio (and maybe even Hisoka, no judgment!), and now you're staring into the abyss of...nothingness. Or, well, not nothingness exactly, but a distinct lack of new animated Hunter x Hunter content. The struggle is real.
The Anime's Ending Point: Election Arc
Let's quickly recap. The 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime, in its glorious 148 episodes, concludes with the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc. Gon is, shall we say, indisposed, after *that* little incident with Pitou (you know the one), and Killua is on a quest to heal him using Alluka/Nanika. Kurapika is still hot on the Phantom Troupe's trail, and Leorio...well, Leorio is being Leorio, a lovable and slightly exasperating doctor-in-training. Basically, things are left on a bit of a cliffhanger, even though Gon's situation resolves somewhat.
So, that's where the anime ends. Now for the big question...
Beyond the Anime: How Much Manga is Left?
This is where things get...complicated. As of today, the manga hasn't officially ended, but it's been on a very extended hiatus. The last chapter released was in 2018. Yes, you read that right. 2018. I know, it's a tough pill to swallow.
But, fear not! There *is* more content beyond the anime's ending. The anime adapts up to chapter 339 of the manga. That means everything *after* that is new territory for you, my friend! The manga currently has 390 chapters (though, as we mentioned, it's on hiatus), so there's approximately 51 chapters of material that hasn't been animated.
Think of it this way: it's not a massive amount, but it *is* something. And honestly, after waiting so long, even a crumb of Hunter x Hunter feels like a feast.
What's Covered in Those 51 Chapters?
Okay, let's dive into the details of what you can expect if you decide to pick up the manga where the anime left off. It's important to note that the arc that follows the Election arc is called the Succession Contest arc.
- The Succession Contest Arc Begins: This arc centers on the Kakin Empire and the voyage of the Black Whale ship to the Dark Continent. It quickly devolves into a complex and deadly succession battle between the princes of the Kakin family. Forget the Hunter Exam; this is a whole new level of treacherous scheming!
- Kurapika's Major Role: Remember how Kurapika was all about revenge against the Phantom Troupe? Well, he becomes a significant player in the Succession Contest, acting as a bodyguard for one of the princes. This arc delves deeper into his Nen abilities and his unwavering determination. Expect some serious moral dilemmas and internal conflict.
- New Characters and Complex Relationships: The Succession Contest introduces a plethora of new characters, each with their own agendas, Nen abilities, and intricate relationships with the Kakin princes. Trying to keep track of everyone is a challenge in itself! It honestly feels like Togashi just wanted to see how many moving pieces he could juggle at once.
- The Dark Continent Teaser: While the Black Whale is heading to the Dark Continent, the arc focuses primarily on the Succession Contest *within* the ship. However, there are hints and glimpses of the dangers and mysteries that await them on the Dark Continent itself. It's enough to make you incredibly excited (and slightly terrified).
- Hisoka's...Shenanigans: Let's be real, you were probably wondering where Hisoka fits into all of this. Well, he's there, being his usual unpredictable and unsettling self. He has his own agenda regarding the Phantom Troupe (obviously), and his presence adds another layer of chaos to the already volatile situation. You never know what he's going to do next, which is both thrilling and terrifying.
Why Isn't There More Animated?
Ah, the million-dollar question. Why, oh why, hasn't this arc been animated? The simple answer is...because the manga is on hiatus. Animation studios are hesitant to adapt ongoing manga, especially when the author's publishing schedule is as unpredictable as Yoshihiro Togashi's. They don't want to risk catching up to the source material and having to create filler or, worse, deviate from the author's vision entirely. (I mean, look what happened to the original *Fullmetal Alchemist* anime!)
Basically, we're stuck in a waiting game. We're all just hoping that Togashi-sensei will eventually return to the manga and give us more of this epic story. Until then, we'll have to content ourselves with re-reading the existing chapters and dreaming of what could be.
Is It Worth Reading the Manga?
Absolutely! Even though there are only 51 chapters available past the anime, it's a crucial part of the overall Hunter x Hunter narrative. The Succession Contest arc, while dense and complex, is incredibly engaging and introduces fascinating new characters and concepts. If you're a true fan, you owe it to yourself to experience it.
However, be warned! The art style in the later chapters is... rougher than what you might be used to from the anime or earlier manga volumes. Due to Togashi's health issues, some chapters are published with more sketch-like artwork. It's understandable given the circumstances, but it can take some getting used to. It’s better to have something than nothing, right?
Where to Start Reading?
As mentioned before, the anime ends at chapter 339. So, to continue the story, you should start with chapter 340. You can find the manga online through various platforms, both legal and...less legal. (I'm not going to tell you where to go, but Google is your friend.) There are also physical volumes available for purchase if you prefer the tactile experience of reading a book. Whatever floats your boat!
The Elephant in the Room: The Hiatus
Let's address the elephant in the room: the dreaded hiatus. Yes, the manga has been on hiatus since 2018, and there's no guarantee when (or if) it will return. Togashi-sensei has been battling chronic back pain for years, which has made it difficult for him to continue working on the manga. Health comes first! We have to respect his well-being.
However, there have been glimmers of hope! In 2022, Togashi-sensei opened a Twitter account (much to the excitement of the entire fanbase) and shared updates on his progress. He even posted pictures of new manga pages! While this doesn't guarantee a return to serialization anytime soon, it does suggest that he hasn't given up on the series entirely. So, keep those fingers crossed!
What to Do While Waiting for More HxH
Okay, so you've read the available manga, and now you're back to square one: waiting. What's a Hunter x Hunter fan to do? Here are a few suggestions:
- Rewatch the Anime (Duh!): As I mentioned at the beginning, rewatching the anime is always a good option. You'll notice new details each time, and it's a great way to relive the magic of the series.
- Read Fanfiction: The Hunter x Hunter fandom is incredibly creative, and there's a ton of amazing fanfiction out there. Explore different scenarios, character relationships, and even alternate universes! Just be prepared to dive into some potentially *very* weird territory.
- Create Fanart/Cosplay: If you're artistically inclined, consider creating fanart or cosplay of your favorite characters. It's a fun way to express your love for the series and connect with other fans.
- Play Hunter x Hunter Games: There are a few mobile games based on the series. They're not always the greatest, but they can help scratch that Hunter x Hunter itch.
- Explore Other Anime/Manga by Togashi: If you haven't already, check out Togashi-sensei's other works, such as Yu Yu Hakusho. It's another classic shonen series with a similar blend of action, humor, and character development.
- Be Patient (and Maybe a Little Bit Delusional): Ultimately, the best thing you can do is be patient and hope for the best. Maybe, just maybe, we'll get more Hunter x Hunter someday. In the meantime, let's keep the fandom alive and spread the love for this incredible series!
So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to how much Hunter x Hunter content lies beyond the anime. It might not be a massive amount, but it's definitely worth checking out if you're craving more of this amazing story. And hey, who knows? Maybe someday we'll get that anime adaptation of the Succession Contest arc. A fan can dream, right?
Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go reread chapter 340. Wish me luck!