Shonen is the most popular genre in anime, and for good reason. There’s nothing better than watching a battle anime with unique characters and hundreds of episodes to get lost within, and when it comes to this beloved genre, few series are as iconic as Hunter X Hunter. 3c4l2

Hunter X Hunter is one of the first Shonen series to really break though to the mainstream when its initial run kicked off back in 1999. This first series was released alongside three OVAs, before it was rebooted over a decade later. Hunter X Hunter 2011 was even bigger than the original show, and it even spawned several spinoff movies.

Those two movies are now set to the always-changing Netflix library. That’s right, if you’ve never seen Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rogue or The Last Mission then you’re about to get a chance. On Nov. 1, 2024, both of these films will arrive on the streaming service.

These two movies are notorious among fans for several reasons, but one of the biggest is their canon status. Neither movie is considered canon to the story so you can really watch them whenever you like, which is great news for newcomers to the franchise. If you are going to check them out alongside the series, then we suggest doing so after Episode 58 to ensure all the continuity remains intact.

If you watched the movies when they were released then you’ve probably got a fond connection to them ignited by nostalgia, but there are also a lot of Hunter X Hunter fans who can’t stand them. Reviews for both movies are mixed, but we say that if you’re a fan of Shonen, then you’ll still get some enjoyment out of checking them out.

2024 is a great year for Hunter X Hunter with the manga returning from an extended hiatus and producing new additions. Of course, the manga is substantially further than the show, so if you want an easy way to get into the franchise, we’d say to check out the 2011 series first before taking the plunge and beginning the manga.

Netflix continues to become one of the best places around for anime fans to get their fix. Not only has the service licensed a ton of iconic franchises like Hunter X Hunter, but they’ve also released platform-exclusive content like Blue Box, which is currently airing, and Arcane which will return for its final season in November.

If you’re after anime then Netflix is a great spot to search. However, as of right now, they don’t have the 2011 Hunter X Hunter series, so if you want to try that out before watching the movies then you’ll have to go to Crunchyroll first. Whatever way you choose to do it, if you are a fan of anime you must watch Hunter X Hunter at least once. As one of the most iconic Shonen series that there is, you’re not going to regret investing the time to see what all the fuss is about.

Mark down your calendars now and enjoy Hunter X Hunter: Phantom Rogue and The Last Mission when they arrive on Nov. 1. That’s only a few days for you to cram in all the pre-watch anime canon necessary, but go on and give it a red-hot crack!

There comes a point in every Hunter x Hunter fan’s life when we must accept that an imminent hiatus is always on the horizon. If you’re like me and got into Hunter x Hunter without knowing this, welcome to the harsh reality because chances are, by the time you’re reading this, the manga is still on hiatus.

And I’m not talking about a short break — oh no. I mean decade-long hiatuses, because that’s just how things work with Yoshihiro Togashi — nothing is ever simple. From the lengthy dialogue bubbles to the intricate and complex powers, Hunter x Hunter is a wild ride from start to finish, but it is absolutely worth your time. Thankfully, Togashi hasn’t entirely forgotten his pride and joy, and soon enough, we’ll be getting more chapters.

When is chapter 401 of Hunter x Hunter coming out? 4o574l

The chapter of Hunter x Hunter is set for release on October 7, 2024, as confirmed by Shonen Jump itself. The news was announced on Aug. 19 during Shonen Jump‘s Jump Press program, where the company revealed that the new chapter will be featured in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 45, scheduled for release in the fall of 2024. This will be Hunter x Hunter‘s first chapter since December 2022.

We knew it was only a matter of time before Hunter x Hunter returned. For months now, Togashi has been sharing sneak peeks of the new pages on his X . Each night, the author posts a picture of a numbered page, indicating that he is actively working on the story, surprisingly enough. Unfortunately, this also means that Togashi has itted his chronic back pain is returning.

At this point, we can only hope that he takes it easy and perhaps considers finding a new artist — because two-year-long hiatuses are just too much for us to handle, again.

To quote Demi Lovato: we like mugs because they’re very comfortable in our hands. They also just so happen to be the best way to introduce a little bit of our inner weeb within the walls of our homes without accidentally driving anyone away with anime. Lowkey fanboyism is a science, okay?

Plus, everyone owns and needs mugs — hence why they make the perfect gift and merch all in one. The only problem is that if you want an anime mug, you might not find particularly good ones in physical stores. More often than not, we must resort to online stores — well, Amazon, really — to find good ones that aren’t just designed with blurred images of Naruto and Sasuke. With that said, if you’re hoping to find the best anime mugs online for your favorite weeb (or for yourself, let’s be honest), you’ve come to the right place.

One Piece devil fruit mug 38e6q

You might have thought we’d choose the usual straw hat mug that everyone seems to have — it is pretty cool, after all — but we decided to surprise you with this 5-star-rated devil fruit mug instead. It’s a shiny blue mug with the phrase “I’m gonna be king of the pirates” printed on the edge of the Sara Sara no Mi, Model: Axolotl. While it is a bit on the expensive side on Amazon, I can assure you it’s worth the money — I know this because I actually own this one.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Gojo and Geto couple mugs 1x325s

If you’re hoping to take a break from browsing Amazon and just so happen to be looking for the perfect couple’s mugs, I’ve got you covered. These Jujutsu Kaisen cups from Walmart are not only subtle enough to blend into any dishware set, but they’re also not too shabby when it comes to the price on the Walmart website. To be honest, part of why we find these especially cute is because they feature the most tragic ship in Shonen: Satosugu.

Studio Ghibli’s pretty glass mug 1k2m16

It comes as no surprise that Studio Ghibli’s mugs are next level. They’re unique and mesmerizing. This Boxlunch glass mug, though, struck us with nostalgia (because which one of us didn’t have a grandma with glass mugs?), but its green hue is just the perfect touch of modernity to make it one of the most beautiful mugs you can get in 2024. Of course, the Neighbor Totoro design makes it even better, elevating this already near-perfect design to pure perfection.

Pokemon’s Pikachu and Pokeball mugs 2un5k

Granted, these are not the most modern or refined pieces of merch one can get, but consider this: they’re super fun. This Amazon mug set is the kind that will not only entertain guests with its quirkiness, but if you have little ones at home, it’s the perfect set to guarantee some bonding over chocolate milk while a Pokémon marathon plays in the background. The opportunities to use these are endless — especially now that we have Pokemon Horizons: The Series to re-watch on repeat.

Demon Slayer Kitsune Mask 38323

Truth be told, there are plenty of Demon Slayer mugs on Amazon. Sometimes, though, a design just talks to your inner weeb in the best way possible. Yeah, that was this mug for me. With Tanjiro’s mask, a Japanese illustration alluding to Tanjiro’s water-breathing forms, and a black square for the aesthetic, this mug is minimalist, incredibly pretty, and one of the best Demon Slayer mugs out there if I do say so myself.

Spy x Family Anya and Bond mug 5y4p33

The scarcity of Spy x Family mugs out there is criminal. Thankfully, though, the Crunchyroll store actually happens to have one of the best. This cute mug not only shows Anya and Bond — arguably the two cutest characters in anime right now — but also includes a bunch of graphic elements alluding to the show, such as Anya’s penguin toy. It’s the kind of mug that will remind you of your comfort anime. However, if you want subtle merch, this mug is not it — but I’d proudly show it to everyone nonetheless.

Oshi No Ko‘s vintage mug 712q5

Now, for all the Gen Z’ers in the room, I have the perfect Y2K mug for you. This Oshi No Ko Amazon cup has a really cool and nostalgic design, almost reminiscent of early 2000s shirt designs that are now called “vintage.” Stab in the heart aside, this Ai Hoshino mug is not only the perfect merch for our favorite animated Japanese idol, but also an ode to the second season of the anime, which is already set for its 2024 release.

My Hero Academia’s relatable Aizawa mug 4r3wn

This My Hero Academia mug is possibly the most relatable piece of merch on this list. With a chibi design and Shota Aizawa’s death stare — ready to kill anyone who gets between him and his coffee— this mug perfectly embodies how everyone feels in the morning: always tired. While it may not be particularly aesthetic or suited for a girly home, it is still perfect for Zillennials hoping to mix a little bit of fandom love into their everyday routine.

One Punch Man Saitama mug 2s6sm

We have yet to get a release date for One Punch Man season 3, but once we do — and if it falls in 2024 — we can at least make sure we have a Saitama mug to accompany us throughout the next season. This Amazon mug is simple in the best possible way. Having Saitama’s plain and nonchalant face, with a where he’s just saying “OK,” is probably the best representation of One Punch Man I can think of.

Hunter x Hunter‘s heat changing mug 2b3b4a

Granted, Hunter x Hunter isn’t the most relevant anime in 2024, considering the manga’s dire lack of updates. However, when I saw this heat-changing mug at Walmart, I couldn’t help but add it to this list. In our opinion, heat-activated mugs are some of the coolest merch items out there, and this one activates green flames behind Gon to match his iconic green attire. The only way we could think to make this better is if there existed a blue Killua mug to match, but no pressure, Walmart!

One Piece Chopper mug a4gc

One can never have too many One Piece mugs — especially when there are so many cool ones on Amazon. For the sake of your wallet, this is our last One Piece pick though, and it just so happens to be a ceramic cup with a wooden lid! It has a lid, everyone! There are also three variations: Chopper’s is pink, Zoro’s is green, and Luffy’s is white. Personally, I think Chopper’s is the cutest, but Luffy’s is a good runner-up.

Attack on Titan‘s most useful mug 14345q

Attack on Titan’s last episode might have aired six months ago, but we’re still grieving our time together with the Survey Corps — and surprisingly, all the Titans. Now that we’re getting used to life without AOT, at least we can get the ODM gear blades of mugs with this green multifunctional Walmart mug. Aside from its color — which will undoubtedly and seamlessly blend in with any kind of dishware — it also works as a sugar cube dispenser, or alternatively, the best mug to carry around without spilling any hot chocolate (and you can stir it anytime you want!).

Sailor Moon ombré mug 524o62

Sailor Moon is the gift that keeps on giving. It doesn’t matter if you started watching it in 1991 or 2024 — there is always a new sequel, movie, or adaptation on the way. Sailor Moon is just that iconic. In 2024, we’ll be getting the final entry in the Sailor Moon Crystal story, Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Cosmos: The Movie, and we need the perfect mug for our imminent Sailor Moon marathon. That’s where this BoxLunch ombré mug comes in. It’s pretty, classy, and perfectly channels the Cosmos energy.

No matter how much time es, Hunter x Hunter never fails to reel in new fans. Known for its adventurous tone, detailed power system, and compelling villains, this series leaves no Shonen enthusiast indifferent.

Among all the incredibly well-written antagonists that Hunter x Hunter has to offer, some stick around for longer than others, and we get the chance to see them develop within the story. Of course, the theiving of the Phantom Troupe fit perfectly in this description, often crossing paths with the series’ main characters. Whenever the “Spiders” are involved, you know you’re in for a good time, which naturally leads to curiosity regarding the Troupe . As folks get further into the story, they learn more about each of these characters. However, when we’re focusing on the big picture, it’s normal for some details like their ages, birthdays, or heights to escape our notice.

This is often the case with Shizuku Murasaki, who tends to be overshadowed by other of the Troupe, such as Chrollo, Feitan, or Machi. Granted, we’ve had plenty of chances to witness how calm she is under pressure, how ruthlessly she can kill her enemies, or how quickly she forgets even the most important things. However, there are still things about this character that fans wonder about, and her age is usually toward the top of that list. Shizuku immediately strikes us as younger than most of the Spiders, but how young is she exactly?

What is Shizuku’s age in Hunter x Hunter? 2i3d5q

Currently, Shizuku’s age is unknown in Hunter x Hunter. Although we have gotten confirmation of some other Phantom Troupe member’s ages in the series, in Shizuku’s case all we can do is speculate. Based on her physical appearance, the antagonist seems to be in her late teens or early 20s, thus, the consensus among fans is that she is 19 or 20 years old. If proven true, this would make Shizuku one of the youngest in the Phantom Troupe, second only to Kalluto.

That said, the Phantom Troupe is still around in the series, which means that we may come to learn Shizuku’s age sometime in the future. With Yoshihiro Togashi’s frequent and lengthy hiatuses, though, there’s no telling how much longer we’ll have to wait for new manga chapters. In the meantime, you should dive into the Hunter x Hunter anime and movies if you haven’t already. They’ll surely keep you well entertained.

Has Solo Leveling got all your attention this season? Well, we know just the right shows to keep you entertained seven days a week while you wait for new episodes to drop.

Solo Leveling stormed into the anime landscape, rapidly conquered the devotion of every action-fantasy fan, and it’s already a contender for Anime of the Year. This means if you haven’t yet delved into the captivating saga of Sung Jin-woo, we couldn’t suggest a better time to do it.

But if you’re already all caught up with this adventures amidst the realm of hunters and monsters, you must be left with a knack for such gripping narratives. While Solo Leveling is a one-of-a-kind anime diverging from conventional clichés and tropes, a few titles evoke a similar feeling. Here are ten anime that promise to captivate you just as much as Solo Leveling.

1. The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019) 2q1e5p

If underdog anime protagonists inspire you, this 2019 dark fantasy anime will win your heart. Like Sung Jin-woo in Solo Leveling, the main character Naofumi in The Rising of the Shield Hero also experiences hardship and discrimination before becoming a formidable figure when summoned into a parallel world. To make it better, a fourth season of The Rising of the Shield Hero was recently announced in Jan. 2024. So, you’re not running out of Naofumi’s adventures anytime soon.

2. Log Horizon (2013) g2q1k

The most captivating narrative device in Solo Leveling is Sung Jin-woo’s imprisonment in a world where monsters and dungeons from video games have come to life. The three-season 2013 anime Log Horizon promises a similar premise where players of the MMORPG Elder Tale are inexplicably brought into the game universe. The series also delves into comparable gaming concepts like Solo Leveling‘s leveling up, such as player classes, skills, and combat methods.

3. Goblin Slayer (2018) 5y3tu

Instead of monsters, the main characters in Goblin Slayer set out on missions to eradicate goblins, encountering many obstacles and perils along the way. The show also delves into dark fantasy themes, examining violence, survival, and the worst sides of human nature. Even though Goblin Slayer doesn’t have extreme undertones, it nonetheless maintains the sense of tension and narrative suspense that Solo Leveling is known for. Goblin Slayer is our pick for viewers seeking a less sentimental story with more excitement!

4. Shangri-La Frontier (2023) 344a1m

Much like the realm of dungeons and monsters in Solo Leveling, the characters in Shangri-La Frontier are transported to a fantasy world complete with levels, stats, and skills. So, character growth and development are central themes in both the anime. If you’re looking for the ideal balance of fantasy and adventure, you might like watching this futuristic anime from last year.

5. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (2015) 2y54u

If the anime’s title didn’t strike a similarity already, this fantasy comedy anime is set in a similar fantasy world filled with monsters, dungeons, and magic. While Solo Leveling focuses more on the action part, Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? will make sure to leave you in a jolly mood after every episode. And, whether it’s Bell Cranel forming alliances with other adventurers in a dungeon or Sung Jin-woo teaming up with other hunters, both anime will teach you the value of cooperation.

6. Tower of God (2020) y5z2q

Before Solo Leveling, another popular South Korean manhwa, Tower of God, was adapted into an incredible anime in June 2020. The series has distinct power structures that propel the narrative and guarantee you never miss the iconic Solo Leveling action. The fights in both series are gripping and strategically interesting, whether it’s Bam taking on lethal challenges inside the Tower or Sung Jin-woo battling formidable monsters. A second season of Tower of God is also set to premiere in July 2024.

7. Overlord (2015) 5v2q6v

Ainz Ooal Gown, the overlord in charge of the virtual realm of Yggdrasil will make you forget all about Solo Leveling. If he doesn’t, the series’ themes of ambition and power will undoubtedly bring to mind the hints of Solo Leveling. Either way, Overlord has become the ideal anime for lovers of the dark fantasy subgenre since 2015 and wrapped up its fourth season in 2022. Like Solo Leveling, the show explores the mechanics of a virtual world and features jaw-dropping battles to keep you captivated for the entire four seasons.

8. Sword Art Online (2012) 3i6fi

Players in Sword Art Online are imprisoned within the titular game set in a world known as Aincrad. Like Sung Jin-woo in Solo Leveling, the players in Sword Art Online level up and acquire experience points by slaying monsters and completing objectives. In both narratives, the characters go on exciting adventures that propel the plot; whether clearing dungeons, facing monsters, or discovering hidden mysteries. Despite being a decade old, the anime remains one of the best virtual reality-themed stories out there.

9. The Unwanted Undead Adventurer (2024) j465d

The Unwanted Undead Adventurer recently premiered on Jan. 8, 2024, following the story of Rentt Faina, a 25-year-old Bronze-ranked adventurer. While not very similar to Solo Leveling in of the plot, the anime features captivating fantasy adventures set in a richly imagined world. However, Faina’s character growth will remind you of Sung Jin-woo at times.

10. Hunter X Hunter (2011) 641311

The Hunter × Hunter material is so good that it was adapted into an anime twice. Whether you want to watch the 62-episode 1999 version or the most recent 148-episode 2011 version, Hunter x Hunter will not leave you bored. The series explores the diverse world of hunters, Nen s, and various factions, and focuses on a young boy named Gon aspiring to become a hunter. Fans of Solo Leveling will also appreciate the strategic depth and complexity of the combat scenes in Hunter X Hunter.

Or, if you just want the real deal, you can watch Solo Levelling as part of a Crunchyroll subscription.

Let’s be completely honest here: hardly anyone ever considers the possibility of celebrities liking anime, especially because until recently, it was almost a niche interest shared by a few people who shamefully whispered the word “otaku” online, almost as if it were a dirty little secret.

Thankfully, those days are far behind us now, and anime has finally gathered the legion of fans worldwide it deserves, with everyone unapologetically sharing their favorite anime on the internet. And, of course, celebrities are also ing the roster. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of actors, musicians, and directors sharing their favorite shows and movies, but one thing that was often overlooked is exactly how many A-list celebrities actually have anime as their favorite medium — or at least, one of their favorites.

For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest celebrities who have time and time again shared their love for Japanese anime, undeniably considering themselves “weebs.”

Megan Thee Stallion 5h4q1z

At this point, we all know that the biggest anime fan among celebrities is the one and only Megan Thee Stallion — as if we ever needed more reasons to love her. From music videos to cosplays, and even song references, Megan incorporates her favorite anime in her craft time and time again. For this reason, we know that her favorite anime are Black Clover, My Hero Academia, Hunter x Hunter, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan. With just a few shy days away from presenting the 2024 Crunchyroll Awards, we can almost certainly affirm that we’re just as excited about the event as she is.

BTS 1s5t59

Of course, if BTS and Megan are besties, it only makes sense that one of the reasons behind their strong bond is their love for anime — friendships are sustained by common interests, after all. Over their decade-old career, several have shared their anime expertise time and time again (even J-Hope). With most of them being absolutely obsessed with filling their very limited free time with anime, we’ve come to discover over the years that many of their favorites are One Piece, Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Haikyuu!!!

Quentin Tarantino 6h78

Quentin Tarantino is a man of peculiar tastes, and apparently, anime is among them. While it’s not entirely surprising for a Western director to be an anime fan — most are assumed to have enjoyed some Studio Ghibli films — few have been as vocal about their favorite anime as Tarantino. According to the director, his top anime films include Ghost in the Shell and Blood: The Last Vampire. So much so, that he allegedly commissioned Production I.G to create O-Ren Ishii’s (Cottonmouth’s) backstory scene in Kill Bill: Vol. 1.

Michael B. Jordan 5nc2c

If Megan Thee Stallion reigns as the Queen of Anime among celebrities, then Michael B. Jordan assumes the mantle of King. In Creed III, a film directed by Jordan himself, numerous scenes draw heavy inspiration from a lengthy list of anime, as revealed by the actor. Additionally, during a BBC Radio 1 interview, Jordan advocated for watching anime, suggesting a starting lineup comprising One Piece, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Bleach, and Hunter x Hunter. Taste.

Kanye West 4d4954

Controversial and talented might as well be Kanye “Ye” West’s middle name, but what no one could have assumed about the rapper, is that he’s quite the anime fan. Ye has often expressed to draw inspiration for music from several animated films, including Akira — which also happens to be his favorite movie of all time. Similarly, in his docu-series Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy, the designer also recommends someone to watch the 1985 mystery anime film Angel’s Egg, and he’s also mentioned the manga Lupin the Third in the song “Touch the Sky.”

Jamie Lee Curtis 5l472a

Now, Jamie Lee Curtis hasn’t mentioned anime very often, but she does have one of my favorite anime-related stories of all time. Even before the news of a One Piece live-action adaptation came out, the Everything Everywhere All At Once actress consistently advocated and campaigned to be cast as Kureha. Now that a live-action is officially in full force, and Drum Island is expected to be adapted during season two, we can only hope that Jamie Lee Curtis has her wish fulfilled at long last.

Ariana Grande 2x3c52

Ariana Grande’s love for anime has always been on display for all of us to see. The “Thank U, Next” singer has several tattoos across her body depicting some of her favorite and most impactful anime. At this point in time, Grande has at least 61 known tattoos, two of which are anime-inspired. One of Grande’s most loved tattoos among fans is that of Spirited Away’s Chihiro on her right arm, and a few years later, on her upper arm, she got a tattoo of Eevee, her favorite Pokémon.

Megan Fox p1j2h

Now, I assume not many of you knew Megan Fox was a huge anime fan; I certainly didn’t. But upon further inspection, I can confidently proclaim Megan as a certified weeb. In an old interview for Seventeen, the actress shared that she started watching anime as a kid on Adult Swim on Cartoon Network and eventually evolved into reading graphic novels (we’ve all been there). According to Megan herself, she watched anime like Cowboy Bebop and Inuyasha, fell in love with the art, and to this day, she still adores anime and manga.

Robin Williams 22e65

The late Robin Williams never let his age get in the way of his love for anime. The highly acclaimed actor of Dead Poets Society proved time and again his penchant for anime, frequently recommending his favorite titles. In an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, Williams shared his most-played video games, along with his favorite anime and anime films, including Cowboy Bebop, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Akira, Ghost in the Shell, and Blood: The Last Vampire. However, it appears he wasn’t particularly familiar with Fullmetal Alchemist.

John Boyega 1v19

Apparently, being a brilliant actor will not keep you away from anime — just ask Star Wars’ John Boyega. As another certified weeb (yes, I just christened him that), Boyega has taken time out of his day, time and time again, to boast about anime as a limitless medium and, of course, about his favorite anime. According to the actor, Attack on Titan, Naruto, The Seven Deadly Sins, Hunter x Hunter, and Bleach are among his favorite titles. Amazing taste, but I recommend One Piece next, Boyega.

The Hunter x Hunter drought is an endless cycle, friends. The series is consistently on hiatus, and the anime hasn’t aired any new episodes since 2014. It’s not easy being a Hunter x Hunter fan, but hey, someone’s gotta do it and I’ll gladly take on that task.

Considering the story has progressed quite a bit in the manga – albeit with plenty of expected breaks between chapters – many fans expected the anime to get picked up once more to cover the current arcs, but that hasn’t happened yet. In fact, the manga is once again in some sort of unofficial hiatus – which might be for health purposes or just to fill the Dragon Quest-shaped hole in Yoshihiro Togashi’s heart.

At the same time, now that the manga has picked up its pace and seems to be far from forgotten, rumors of a season 7 release are also speculated among many fans on social media, so let’s go over what we know.

When is Hunter x Hunter season 7 coming out? 1q3bs

At this moment in time, season 7 of Hunter x Hunter hasn’t been announced yet, and for this reason, a release date is still nonexistent. Nothing indicates that the 2011 remake of Togashi’s story will continue, though hope is never lost. Considered by many to be one of the best adaptations of a manga into the animated format, Hunter x Hunter is still incredibly popular today.

Considering the story in the manga is currently ongoing, with already two arcs released since the 2011 adaptation, the anime would have quite a bit of content to adapt for the smaller screen. However, the story is far from over, and perhaps the series might only get picked up once a substantial chunk of the plot is fully released.

What could season 7 from Hunter x Hunter adapt? 423435

As said above, season 7 isn’t yet confirmed, however, we can already speculate on what it might cover. Since season 6 ended with the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc, a potential season 7 could still adapt the Dark Continent Expedition, followed by the Succession Contest arc – which is still ongoing.

These chunks of the story are more focused on Leorio, Kurapika, and the Phantom Troupe. The arcs also introduce several characters to the narrative, including Isaac Newton’s son and the heirs to the Kakin Empire. Overall, a potential new season would have to adapt 57 chapters of history, comprised of a lot of convoluted information – as expected.

Is the Hunter x Hunter anime over? 482t2p

Truthfully, we don’t know if Nippon Animation plans to ever continue the Hunter x Hunter anime. At this moment in time, they don’t have sufficient content to cover, and ideally, they wouldn’t have to rely on filler that could damage the quality of the series. Ultimately, only time will tell if the animation studio will also be adapting the current story in the manga.

At the same time, we’re also unsure about the future of the manga itself. Considering Togashi’s chronic health issues, alongside his inability to write or draw for a long period of time, the author has itted that he has plans if he were never able to finish Hunter x Hunter. Just in 2023, the author shared with fans an alternative ending that would work as his fourth option.

As expected, we might need to wait an unspecified amount of time before we finally get news about Hunter x Hunter and a renewal. At least we got a new video game, which is still better than nothing.

Every iconic anime is bound to have a video game at some point. If an anime has a fighting game, chances are that the anime is big enough in the popularity metrics. At the same time, this means that Hunter x Hunter should have gotten a video game ages ago.

I’m not going overboard when I say that the holy trinity of anime should be a quartet instead. Hunter x Hunter deserves as much recognition as One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, dang it! For years, it was the only manga able to stand side by side with One Piece‘s numbers and story build, so yes — it did deserve a video game years ago.

After countless hiatuses that unofficially re-named the story of ‘Hiatus x Hiatus,’ it was about time that we fans finally got a little something to get us through the Hunterdrought. But are the rumors of a video game actually true, or is it another internet hoax?

Will there be a Hunter x Hunter video game? 3d2q1m

Yes, a new Hunter x Hunter fighting video game is on the way. The news came from Bushiroad Games, a publisher who revealed that the video game developer company Eighting is working on a fighting game based on the Hunter x Hunter franchise.

The announcement was made at the anime convention and Jump Festa 2024, eliciting an immediate cheer among Hunter x Hunter fans worldwide after Bushiroad Games officially announced it on Twitter. Several fans also cheered on the possibility of the game not being an arena fighter – unlike popular titles like Naruto Ninja Storm or the Jujutsu Kaisen: Cursed Clash.

The Japanese video game developer has an understatedly impressive catalog. Founded in 1993, Eighting has developed over 50 video games, many of which are based on various anime. Naruto, Bleach, Inuyasha, Castlevania, and Fullmetal Alchemist are among the numerous titles adapted into video games – in addition to its cornerstone, Marvel vs. Capcom.

Recently, the company developed the Dungeon Fighter Online spin-off, DNG Duel, in collaboration with Guilty Gear‘s Arc System Works. Pikmin 4 was also one of the most recent projects from Eighting, formerly known as Raizing until its rebranding in 2001.

No further details were revealed regarding the video game just yet, but it will surely serve as the perfect addition to the 1998 story created by Yoshihiro Togashi. Thus far, Hunter x Hunter has also received two (incomplete) anime adaptations based on the ongoing story, including a 2009 anime and a 2011 revamp.

The following article contains spoilers for the most recent arcs of Hunter x Hunter.

Hunter x Hunter is a rite of age for any anime fan. Not only is it one of the best Shonen manga in history, but it also stands among the best manga overall – yes, I’m totally biased, and you should be too.

Many aspects make making Hunter x Hunter one of the best action stories out there. Firstly, the characters are incredibly morally complex, with beautifully written nuances and character developments like no other. Secondly, the world-building is phenomenal – while it may not be on the scale of One Piece, it still ranks among the best. After all, Yoshihiro Togashi was, for a long time, the author that Eiichiro Oda looked up to.

It takes a genius to know another after all. This naturally means that the task of ranking the few – but mighty – Hunter x Hunter arcs is daunting but not impossible. I’ll go ahead and start.

9. Dark Continent Expedition Arc 2o1w4b

• Manga: Chapters 340-348

If you’ve only watched the anime, you might not be familiar with the Dark Continent Expedition arc, so let me explain. The Dark Expedition arc follows the 13th Election arc, where Isaac Netero’s son initiates an expedition to the forbidden Dark Continent. The Zodiacs, along with Leorio and Kurapika, continuously try to stop them while undercover. Despite introducing really interesting characters, the arc is incredibly slow-paced and, in general, continues to prove Togashi’s biggest flaw: excessive walls of text.

8. Zoldyck Family 6n1r59

• Anime (2011): Episodes 22-26
• Manga: Chapters 39-43

The Zoldyck Family arc is the second arc in the series and the first one to set up the tone for the darkest arcs – as if Gon being tortured in the Hunter exam wasn’t explicit enough. While this arc is among one of my favorite ones in the series, it doesn’t offer much to the table. We get some insight into Killua’s upbringing and his peculiarly messed up family aside from meeting one of Hunter x Hunter‘s vilest characters, Silva. On the other hand, it is a very short arc that can drag itself at times, but even in all of its flaws, it stands as a fantastic stand-alone arc, and I will die on this hill.

7. 13th Hunter Chairman Election 71o17

• Anime (2011): Episodes 137-148
• Manga: Chapters 319-339

Once more, the 13th Election Arc introduces an entire roster of characters that completely aid the continuation of the story. The Zodiacs are introduced, alongside Alluka and Nanika, which also provides an entirely new light into Zoldyck’s scary and downright foul family dynamics. It’s a good and well-rounded arc overall, but it almost works as a conduit between arcs, introducing Dark Continent’s protagonists while saying goodbye to Gon, Killua, and Alluka for the time being.

6. Heavens Arena 2d3i14

• Anime (2011): Episodes 27-36
• Manga: Chapters 44-63

The third arc in the series is Heavens Arena, and it is brimming with action, fights, and character development. While this arc is often overlooked by many, it is comprised of some undeniable highlights including the battle between Hisoka and Gon, Killua and Gon’s ascent through the ranks, and, of course, the moment when they finally learn Nen – the last step towards becoming fully well-rounded hunters. Overall, it’s an arc that heavily focuses on character and strength development, something that many fans can undoubtedly appreciate.

5. Greed Island 541k2m

• Anime (2011): Episodes 59-75
• Manga: Chapters 120-185

The next one up on our list is Greed Island. There are quite a few factors that make Greed Island an exceptional arc, but there are also reasons that make it rank lower. For starters, Greed Island introduces Biscuit, and that in itself should be worthy of praise. She is one of the protagonists in the story, and undeniably one of the funniest bits of the arc.

Next up, we reunite with the Phantom Troupe, which is always fun, but unfortunately, Bomber is one of the weakest and least interesting villains in the entire series, and that completely diminishes the quality of the arc in its entirety. Truthfully, we understand that we needed a less convoluted villain before the Chimera arc, but Bomber was simply boring.

4. Hunter Exam 624m1k

• Anime (2011): Episodes 1-21
• Manga: Chapters 1-38

The Hunter Exam arc probably holds a special place in each of our hearts. Not only is it the moment when we first meet Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio, but it’s also the time when we all fall in love with the story itself. The first arc has everything we could have wanted – it’s fun, light-hearted, filled with action, and, of course, has lots of comedy in the mix. It’s the perfect start to the series, setting the tone for some of the lighter arcs in the manga – by Hunter x Hunter standards, that is.

3. Yorknew City 2i7068

• Anime (2011): Episodes 37-58
• Manga: Chapters 64-119

Yorknew City is the fourth arc in the series and the second-longest one so far. It’s intricately woven and exceptionally well-written, offering us more insight into Kurapika, the Kurta Clan, and, of course, the long-awaited introduction of the Phantom Troupe – the infamous group responsible for wiping out Kurapika’s entire clan. This arc is just fantastic from start to finish, taking us through the intense Auction and the gripping underground activities in the series. It’s truly a thrilling experience to watch and read.

2. Succession Contest 5v4g4t

Manga: Chapters 349 – ongoing

Currently in the story, we’re witnessing the Succession Contest unfold right before our eyes – and yeah, it’s already at the top of my ranking. It brings in a perfectly set-up team battle royale in which each of the throne heirs ingeniously works on taking down the others, with intricate webs of tactics and just pure disregard for one another – it’s just a fun read. Plus, the Phantom Troupe is back, and what more could we possibly want? On a more shallow note, Togashi has also taken a break from the gigantic walls of text that scare people away, and the art is probably the best it’s ever been.

1. Chimera Ant 43a50

• Anime (2011): Episodes 137-148
• Manga: Chapters 137-148

Nearly every Hunter x Hunter fan is likely to name the Chimera Ant arc as the best in the entire series. The story is meticulously set up, with a slow-paced introduction that may border on boring; however, it only highlights the intricate and detailed nature of Togashi’s writing. After this initial setup, the Palace Invasion becomes incredibly fast-paced, unfolding in just 22 minutes, with each episode representing about three minutes of the event.

This entire arc is masterfully planned to the bone. We meet some of the most interesting and morally ambiguous villains in the story – the Royal Guards and the Chimeras – along with the most complex villain in manga and anime, Meruem. It delves into the duality of human nature versus nurture from an animalistic perspective, and of course, delivers moments capable of reducing grown men to tears. It’s just wonderful, and there isn’t a single downside to this arc.

We’ve all seen different power sources in anime over the years. Whether they may be devil fruits, chakra, or quirks, they’re always present in Shonen anime – but One Punch Man may just be the odd one out.

The perennial debate to determine the strongest anime character will never end, but one thing’s for certain: Saitama from One Punch Man is an undeniable frontrunner. And what, you may ask, is his power? Nothing more, nothing less than his mighty punch. His unwavering determination, coupled with his unparalleled physical prowess, has earned the Shounen protagonist the distinction of being one of – if not the – strongest characters in the entire anime realm.

Since Saitama’s introduction in 2009, everyone’s been trying to identify a worthy opponent in a one-on-one battle. You may think it’s an impossible task, but I’m here to show you that several characters could potentially outmaneuver the bald hero, even if it is through some dirty tricks.

Alluka (Hunter x Hunter) 5z585y

Let’s start with Alluka from Hunter x Hunter. Naturally, she possesses absolutely no Nen ability, and in a one-on-one encounter, Alluka would have no chance against Saitama (though I’d argue he’d hesitate when it comes to punching a cute and innocent 13-year-old). Still, she is arguably the strongest Zoldyck, all due to her Nanika power that grants someone else any wish, as long as that person fulfills her own desires three times in a row. On the other hand, if someone were to deny her, they would simply implode into bits.

If she were ever to become involved with Saitama, it could go both ways: Either he would deny her wishes four times and not live to tell the tale, or Killua – the only one who can effectively tame and control Nanika’s power – could simply wish for Saitama’s demise. However unlikely this scenario may be, I believe that under the right circumstances, Saitama could indeed be defeated by Alluka, Nanika, and consequently, Killua.

Zeno (Dragon Ball) 1w2b3a

Arguably, one of the few characters capable of defeating Saitama in a fight would be none other than Zeno from Dragon Ball. Throughout the course of Dragon Ball, we’ve witnessed Zeno obliterate several universes and planets in fits of anger. He’s quite literally the God of Gods in the Dragon Ball universe. Plus, given the anime’s unbelievably limitless power scale, Zeno isn’t even the sole character in the series who could potentially overpower Saitama in combat.

The debate regarding whether Goku would triumph over Saitama has also been a long-standing discussion. On the whole, he probably would. While we’ve seen Goku lose and even die in battles on several occasions, his character has consistently faced formidable foes who would undoubtedly prove stronger than Saitama as an adversary. For this reason, it’s safe to assume that Dragon Ball‘s immensely overpowering world would be evident in a confrontation with the bald hero.

Light (Death Note) 182h37

Death Note is one of the anime that gets a free against Saitama, with a little trick up its sleeve. If Light were ever inclined to eliminate Saitama, they wouldn’t need to engage in a physical confrontation. Instead, all Light would have to do is write down Saitama’s name in the Death Note, ensuring his demise right from the outset. In essence, Light wouldn’t even have to risk a face-off with Saitama’s devastating punch, since a direct encounter wouldn’t be necessary.

Similarly, Ryuk, the God of Death, would also easily outmatch Saitama due to his Shinigami powers. Ryuk can manipulate death using the Death Note and steal lifespans, in addition to being immortal himself. Comparable to the situation with Alluka and Killua, this implies that Light could only beat Saitama through the utilization of the Death Note and Ryuk’s abilities.

Sugar (One Piece) 4t1p63

There are quite a few Devil Fruit wielders in One Piece who could undoubtedly match Saitama’s abilities (if we’re talking about a fight though, that notion can surely be argued), but Sugar is one of the characters who would likely secure an easy victory against Saitama. While a punch could undoubtedly end the confrontation, Sugar ate the Hobby Hobby fruit, which bestowed upon her the power to transform anyone into a living doll and erase their existence from everyone’s memories.

Ultimately, as long as she remains conscious, the power will continue without cessation. This implies that unless someone intervenes in her ‘fight’ with Saitama, the protagonist of One Punch Man would likely have to adapt to living as a powerless doll. He wouldn’t even be able to persuade Genos to defend him by attacking a child, since Genos wouldn’t recall his teacher’s existence. Quite the advantageous loophole.

Anos Voldigoad (The Misfit Of Demon King Academy) 46424t

While Saitama’s determination may be strong against several types of espers and other supernatural creatures, I hardly believe that would be the case with Anos Voldigoad. The Demon King of Tyranny from The Misfit Of Demon King Academy is certainly a worthy opponent for Saitama, especially if you expect him to win. Not only is he immortal, reincarnating himself time and time again (only challenged by the destruction of the source), but a snap of his fingers is enough to completely obliterate a person, even Saitama.

In fact, one could argue that for Saitama to have a chance, he would need to get sufficiently close to land a punch on Anos. However, as we all know, that attempt would likely prove futile, merely delaying the inevitable. Considering how bizarre the world of One Punch Man truly is, Anos is one of the characters who could possibly exist in the series. He’d likely be the one antagonist capable of achieving his goals.

Giorno Giovanna (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures) 4f1l3u

Needless to say, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is full of weird powers and hacks. After all, ‘bizarre’ is in its name. So naturally, one can easily expect a few characters whose powers and abilities are strong enough to defeat even the strongest of fighters — Saitama included. In this case, Giorno Giovanna is one of the many characters who could emerge victorious.

Utilizing the power of Gold Experience Requiem, the protagonist from part five would undeniably be able to triumph over Saitama by reverting any and every one of Saitama’s actions, nullifying them. Therefore, if Saitama were to ever attempt to punch Giorno, his ive ability would activate and completely nullify the action. At worst, it would result in a never-ending battle, with neither one being able to defeat the other.

Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen) 2k6c1g

Another character who could at least evade Saitama’s power is Gojo from Jujutsu Kaisen. Before anyone comes for me, yes — Gojo would technically stand no chance against Saitama’s punch. However, considering the power core in Jujutsu Kaisen is based on cursed energy and cursed spirits, Gojo would undoubtedly have the upper hand in a non-physical fight with Saitama.

To begin with, the bald hero wouldn’t even come close to Gojo due to his unlimited void expansion technique. In the end, the one move that would potentially give Saitama an advantage would inevitably be rendered null. While Saitama would still be extremely quick on his feet, we’ve all seen how Gojo remains unaffected by his opponent’s speed. Although Saitama’s determination might prevent him from feeling overwhelmed inside the limitless void, he would likely lose some sense of reality, resulting in a loss against Gojo.

Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime) 2e21k

Rimuru Tempest also possesses a sort of cheat code when it comes to fighting, which could easily overthrow Saitama: the ability to stop time. Now, there are plenty of anime characters who can essentially halt time itself (and a few more who can still win regardless, such as Giorno Giovanna), and while there has been discussion about whether or not Saitama could evade time stopping, nothing has ever been confirmed.

Assuming he wouldn’t be able to escape having his surroundings — and consequently himself — frozen in time, Saitama wouldn’t ever be able to elude Rimuru’s grasp. In addition to this ability, the Demon Slime also possesses the capacity to regenerate after an attack, even against something as brutal as Saitama’s assault. So, for the sake of this article, let’s assume Saitama wouldn’t be able to move even with time stopped — although his gag-character privileges might persevere after they both exhaust each other.

Aizen (Bleach) m4y57

Similar to Dragon Ball or Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Bleach is another anime rich with a multitude of extraordinary abilities that allow us to identify several characters who could potentially overcome Saitama, whether in battle or through other means. While a prevalent fan theory suggests that Baraggan Louisenbairn is the top contender for a character capable of defeating Saitama, I am actually here making the case for Aizen.

The former captain of the 5th division would undoubtedly have the upper hand in a battle against Saitama with his Complete Hypnosis ability. Though it’s uncertain whether hypnosis would affect Saitama, this particular power manipulates an opponent’s five senses, causing them to lose touch with reality and misinterpret their surroundings. While the person grapples with the overwhelming flood of sensory input, Aizen could deliver a fatal blow. Additionally, he possesses a form of semi-immortality, adding another layer to his power.

Saiki Kusuo (The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.) 4563h

There has long been a prevailing belief within anime circles that Saiki K. would undoubtedly emerge victorious against Saitama, and for once, I find myself inclined to agree. Saiki possesses the ability to leap through time, allowing him to eliminate Saitama as a baby or even prevent his parents from conceiving him, making it a decidedly uneven fight.

Moreover, in a physical altercation, several of Saiki K.’s other abilities could certainly aid him and potentially overcome Saitama. Using teleportation or even turning Saitama into stone are also viable options. While both Saiki and Saitama were conceived as gag characters intended to be ridiculously powerful, it is fair to say that Saiki’s power is uniquely eccentric, tipping the balance in a way that could ultimately overpower Saitama.

Simon (Gurren Lagann) 3i283p

Some anime have downright ridiculous power cores, and Gurren Lagann is one of them. While it might be a story many of us haven’t watched, we’ve surely heard about it at some point. Possibly because they throw galaxies at each other — no, I’m not joking. Simon can actually throw galaxies at his opponents.

Naturally, as strong as Saitama may be, he’d have a hard time fighting someone who can summon a robot as big as the observable universe. You could argue that in the One Punch Man world, Saitama could punch his way through a fight, but in this particular instance, he wouldn’t have time to even react to Simon and how stupidly overpowered he is.

Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon) 105q2t

While Sailor Moon is unmistakably labeled as a Shoujo anime and story, there’s no denying that Usagi Tsukino could effortlessly take down most Shounen protagonists with a single shot, and I’ll firmly stand by that. In the ongoing debate of whether she could outmatch Goku, the consensus often leans in her favor, making it reasonable to assume a similar outcome against Saitama.

Talking raw strength, Saitama’s might is hard to dispute. However, Usagi brings a lot more to the table. Her powers stem from the silver crystal, a force potent enough to trump Saitama. What’s more, it grants her the automatic ability to defend against any attack and even death. With immeasurable and unlimited energy, the silver crystal places the entire universe under Usagi’s command. She’s practically indestructible and invincible, armed with limitless power – the winner is as clear as day.

Arale (Dr.Slump) 1d134k

If we’re considering Dragon Ball characters, it’s only fair to add in Arale from Dr. Slump, also created by Akira Toriyama. Much like Saitama, she’s a gag character, and as we all know, Toriyama has a penchant for creating absurdly overpowered universes and characters. This means that while Saitama is undeniably powerful, he’s not invincible – and that’s where Arale steps in.

Picture this: Saitama throws a punch at her, maybe feels a pang of guilt about hitting a kid, only to see Arale pop her head back into place, and just like that, the fight continues until she wins. After all, we’ve seen Arale effortlessly take down Dragon Ball Super Vegeta and keep pace with Super Saiyan Blue Goku, using just 1 percent of her power to match his Kamehameha – in the end, Saitama would pose no threat to her whatsoever.

Everyone who has been a manga fan for a while now is surely no stranger to how challenging this can be. Often plagued by exhaustion, chronic pain, or outright burnout, creating manga is no easy feat, and Yoshihiro Togashi, the author of Hunter x Hunter, is well aware of this reality.

You may be familiar with Togashi not just for his brilliant contribution to what’s considered one of the best Shonen series of all time but also because his work is commonly referred to as ‘Hiatus x Hiatus.’ While this nickname may make us chuckle, it becomes a source of frustration as days without any updates on the adventures of Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio.

Despite the shared disappointment, we ought to understand that Togashi’s numerous hiatuses stem not from an inability to create a story but rather from his battles with illness. Let’s delve into the details once and for all.

Is the ‘Hunter x Hunter’ author dead? 3o6r6w

No, Togashi is very much alive, thankfully. However, many fans may not be fully aware that the reason behind the lack of Hunter x Hunter updates lies in Togashi’s health issues. For years, the author has openly and candidly shared the bad habits that led to his chronic back and hip pain, resulting in breaks from writing. In fact, he has itted that he is most comfortable writing and drawing while lying down.

Last year, the author itted on Twitter that while working on and coloring the manga pages, he can’t help but be constantly moving around due to his chronic pain. The tweet translates to: “I have no choice but to stand up when coloring my current drawings. Besides, I have to stand up when drawing the lines of the s. I can’t maintain my posture even for 10 minutes, so I have no choice but to roam around. No choice.”

Despite a brief return to Hunter x Hunter in 2022, Togashi has once again gone on hiatus, likely due to his chronic health concerns. While he did publish the ‘D’ ending in case the worst scenario were to happen, he is still alive and well – as well as he can be. Actually, here is some good news: Togashi has been suspiciously active on social media once more, suggesting that the manga is likely to make a comeback very soon.

While no one can be sure when that comeback might be, Togashi has confirmed that chapter 401 is already finished, and it is likely a matter of time before we’re all reunited with the Phantom Troupe once again. If you’re not yet caught up with the story, I highly recommend that you head to the Shõnen Jump magazine and get your fix as soon as possible.

Many of us believe there is a slim chance that Hunter x Hunter will ever reach its conclusion. Sadly, it seems that even the author, Yoshihiro Togashi, is a significant factor behind this belief.

Despite earning the title of one of the best Shonen of all time and nearly dethroning the Big Trio, Hunter x Hunter suffers from one fatal flaw: the lack of updates. Any HxH fan who has been actively following the story since 1998 has undoubtedly endured through hiatuses time and time again. At this point, whenever Togashi returns, we just know it’s a matter of time until the chapters cease to exist once again.

Nevertheless, the fame preceding Hunter x Hunter is so immense that fans eagerly seize the opportunity to read a new chapter or, more recently, a new ending. If you’ve come across a specific Hunter x Hunter ending and found yourself wondering what was happening, allow us to explain.

Is Hunter x Hunter ending? 12d6b

Eventually, yes, Hunter x Hunter will end, but today is not that day. However, you’ve likely come across several tweets sharing the story’s ending, but not everything is as it seems. The ending circulating online was indeed written by Togashi, but it’s just one of the possible endings if he were to away before concluding the series. In fact, this is only his fourth scenario and the least likely to be chosen if the story were to end abruptly.

In this scenario, Togashi introduces a new character — Jin — to the roster. She’s a young kid with an affection for fishing, and her ambition lies in never leaving her island. However, in this scenario, Jin is Gon’s granddaughter, and her parents dream that she’ll become a Hunter instead, following Gon’s footsteps. This ending will likely never be published as an official conclusion to the story.

Aside from ending ‘D,’ as he called it, Togashi also shared that there are three possible endings to the story. Ending ‘C’ has a 10% likelihood of satisfaction among fans — with the percentage increasing with endings ‘B’ and ‘A.’ As for why the author would keep endings ‘C’ and ‘D’ as options despite a high dissatisfaction percentage, he just simply explains that it is his personal preference.

So, why is Togashi suddenly publishing an alternative ending for the fans? Well, because the author has long been open regarding his health concerns. Togashi suffers from chronic back pain, that severely limits his capacity to write and draw for hours, as manga authors are often required to do. This leads the story to have several hiatuses and long breaks, postponing the story time and time again.

Regardless, the story is still expected to continue for as long as Togashi is capable of doing it — slowly, but surely. As a matter of fact, a rumored comeback is allegedly in the works so if you’re not yet caught up with the story, I highly recommend that get your fix as soon as possible.