Where To Read Hunter X Hunter After Anime

Okay, real talk. I remember the crushing disappointment I felt the day I finished the last episode of Hunter x Hunter (2011). It was like... finding the perfect flavor of ice cream, devouring it in record time, and then staring into the empty carton. Empty. Just... gone. You know the feeling, right? That pit in your stomach? The burning question of "What now?"

Well, fellow Hunter enthusiast, fear not! Because while the anime may have reached its current stopping point, the Hunter x Hunter manga, written and illustrated by the legendary Yoshihiro Togashi, continues (albeit sporadically... more on that later). So, the burning question becomes: where do you pick up the story after the anime ends? Let’s dive in!

Picking Up the Thread: Finding Your Starting Point

The 2011 anime adaptation ends around chapter 339 of the manga, which corresponds to the end of the Election Arc. Therefore, if you want to experience the story exactly where the anime leaves off, you should start reading from chapter 340. Simple, right? … Right?!

Okay, maybe not *that* simple. Before you rush off to your favorite manga site, let's consider a few things. Because diving headfirst without a little prep can lead to confusion and, well, more disappointment. And nobody wants that.

Should You Re-Read the Entire Manga?

Honestly? It's up to you. I know, I know, cop-out answer. But hear me out. The anime does a phenomenal job of adapting the manga, and it stays pretty faithful to the source material. So, if you’re itching to see what happens next, jumping straight into chapter 340 is perfectly acceptable.

However, and this is a big "however," there are always little details, nuances, and stylistic choices that get lost in translation during adaptation. Plus, Togashi's art style, especially in the later chapters, is... unique. Let’s just say it's a bit more "raw" and "expressive" than what you see in the polished anime. Re-reading can help you adjust to the art and appreciate the subtle differences. So, consider it! Maybe start from the Chimera Ant arc if you're feeling ambitious. Or just trust me and dive into 340 – no judgment here!

Where Can You Read It? A Few Options to Consider

Alright, so you've decided to continue your Hunter journey with the manga. Great! Now, where can you actually *find* it? You have a few options, ranging from free to paid, and from legal to... let's just say "less legal."

MangaPlus by Shueisha: This is arguably the best option. MangaPlus is the official online manga platform from Shueisha, the publisher of Weekly Shonen Jump (where Hunter x Hunter is serialized). They offer a selection of chapters for free, including the latest ones. While you might not be able to read *every* chapter from start to finish, it’s a fantastic way to catch up on the most recent developments and support the author. Plus, it’s completely legal! Win-win!
Viz Media: Viz Media is another official publisher of Hunter x Hunter in English. You can purchase digital volumes of the manga through their website or app. This is a great option if you prefer to own your manga and want to support the creators. The translations are high-quality, and you're guaranteed a legitimate copy.
ComiXology: Similar to Viz Media, ComiXology offers digital manga for purchase. They often have sales and promotions, so you might be able to snag a good deal on Hunter x Hunter volumes.
Physical Copies: If you're a collector or just prefer the feel of a physical book in your hands, you can buy the Hunter x Hunter manga volumes from bookstores like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, or your local comic shop. There's something special about owning a physical copy of your favorite manga. Just be prepared to wait for shipping, especially if you're catching up on a lot of volumes!
Unofficial Manga Sites: I'm just going to put this out there: there are plenty of websites that offer free manga scans. However, these sites are often illegal, and the translations can be of questionable quality (think weird grammar, awkward phrasing, and sometimes just plain wrong information). Plus, they don't support the author or the official publishers. While I can't stop you from using these sites, I strongly encourage you to consider the legal options first. Remember, supporting the creators helps ensure that they can continue to create the stories we love. Food for thought!

What to Expect After the Anime: The Succession Contest Arc

Okay, you're armed with chapter 340 and your chosen reading platform. So, what's next? You're entering the Succession Contest Arc, also known as the Dark Continent Expedition Arc. This arc is... well, it's a lot. Prepare yourself.

Complexity: The Succession Contest Arc is notoriously complex. There are multiple characters, intricate schemes, and a heavy emphasis on political maneuvering within the Kakin Empire. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, so don't be afraid to re-read chapters or consult online resources to help you understand what's going on.
New Characters: Get ready to meet a whole host of new characters, each with their own agendas and motivations. You'll be introduced to the princes of the Kakin Empire, their guards, and various other individuals involved in the succession contest. It can be challenging to keep track of everyone, so it might be helpful to take notes or create a character chart. Seriously, you might need a spreadsheet.
Nen Abilities: As always, Nen plays a crucial role in the story. Expect to see a wide variety of new and unique Nen abilities, some of which are incredibly powerful and complex. Togashi's creativity with Nen is one of the highlights of Hunter x Hunter, and this arc is no exception.
Political Intrigue: The Succession Contest is essentially a battle for the throne, and the princes are willing to do whatever it takes to win. Expect a lot of backstabbing, alliances, and betrayals. The political intrigue is thick, and it adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story.
The Dark Continent: While the Succession Contest takes center stage, the ultimate goal is to reach the Dark Continent. Hints and glimpses of the Dark Continent are sprinkled throughout the arc, teasing the dangers and mysteries that await. We haven't fully reached the Dark Continent in the manga yet, but the anticipation is palpable.
...Hiatuses: Ah, yes. The elephant in the room. Togashi is known for taking frequent and often lengthy hiatuses due to health issues. This means that the release schedule for Hunter x Hunter is notoriously unpredictable. Be prepared for long waits between chapters. It's frustrating, but it's important to be patient and respectful of Togashi's health. In the meantime, there are plenty of other great manga and anime to enjoy! Think of it as a chance to catch up on your backlog. Silver linings, people!

Tips for Navigating the Succession Contest Arc

Given the complexity of the Succession Contest Arc, here are a few tips to help you stay on track and enjoy the story to the fullest:

Take Notes: As mentioned earlier, taking notes can be incredibly helpful for keeping track of the characters, their relationships, and their motivations. Create a character chart, summarize key events, and jot down any questions you have.
Re-Read Chapters: Don't be afraid to re-read chapters, especially if you're feeling confused. The Succession Contest Arc is dense with information, and you might miss important details on your first read-through.
Consult Online Resources: There are many online resources dedicated to Hunter x Hunter, including fan forums, wikis, and discussion threads. These resources can be invaluable for understanding the plot, clarifying confusing points, and connecting with other fans. Just be wary of spoilers!
Be Patient: The Succession Contest Arc is a long and winding road. Don't expect everything to be resolved quickly. Just sit back, enjoy the ride, and trust that Togashi will eventually deliver a satisfying conclusion (whenever that may be!).
Lower Your Expectations (Slightly): Okay, this might sound harsh, but it's important to be realistic. Togashi's health issues have undoubtedly impacted the manga's production, and the art style in the later chapters reflects this. While the story is still compelling, the art can be a bit rough around the edges. Try to focus on the story and the characters, and don't let the art detract too much from your enjoyment.

Embrace the Journey, Even with the Hiatuses!

Look, I'm not going to lie: waiting for new Hunter x Hunter chapters can be agonizing. But when Togashi does release new material, it's always worth the wait. His storytelling is masterful, his characters are complex and compelling, and his world-building is second to none. So, embrace the journey, even with the hiatuses, and enjoy the ride. You're in for a wild and unforgettable adventure.

And remember, even when the wait feels unbearable, you're not alone. There's a whole community of Hunter x Hunter fans out there who are just as passionate about the series as you are. Connect with them, share your theories, and commiserate over the hiatuses. Together, we can weather the storm and eagerly await the next chapter in this epic saga. Happy reading, fellow Hunters!

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go re-read the Yorknew City arc for the tenth time. Because Kurapika is the best.