Hunter x Hunter, a beloved anime series, has been a subject of curiosity and wonder for many fans since its initial cancellation. This move left viewers worldwide with unanswered questions and a storytale hanging on a cliffhanger. The anime was first created by Madhouse and directed by Noriyuki Abe, with the first season airing from 2011 to 2014. The second season began in 2014 and was slated to run for 148 episodes, covering the Yorknew City arc. However, it was cancelled after 136 episodes, leaving fans baffled and craving for more. But why did the studio decide to halt its production? Let's delve into the reasons behind this decision.
The cancellation of Hunter x Hunter caught fans off guard, especially after the massive chássis the anime had set. It had faithfully adapted a significant portion of the manga series, which was still ongoing, and the story was far from over. The reasoning behind its cancellation, however, isn't as mysterious as one might think. It's intertwined with several production-related issues that impacted the anime's trajectory.
Production Challenges
The production process of Hunter x Hunter was no walk in the park. The anime is adaptively complex, featuring a wide range of diverse locations, intricate action sequences, and a plethora of characters with distinct designs. The level of detail and artistic quality required for each episode was immense, leading to a demanding production schedule.
The anime industry faces constant pressure in terms of working conditions and meeting tight deadlines. According to a tweet by the sound director of Hunter x Hunter, Yohta Togashi, the animation production was marred by low staffing levels, high workload, and long working hours - all contributing factors to the delays in production and eventually, the anime's cancellation.
Creators' Decisions
Togashi, the creator of the manga series on which the anime is based, has been vocal about his involvement or lack thereof, in the anime adaptation. He stepped away from direct involvement in the anime's production after the manga had reached its Yorknew City arc. The Yorknew City arc, which the anime mirrored, is particularly complex, with a vast number of characters and intricate storylines, suggesting that the production team was facing a considerable challenge.
In an interview, Togashi mentioned that he did not monitor the anime's production process due to the workload associated with creating the original manga. His decision not to intervene may have inadvertently lengthened the production process, contributing to the eventual cancellation of the series. However, it is essential to note that Togashi's primary focus was and continues to be the manga, which remains one of the most popular titles in the industry.
Financial Considerations
Anime production is a costly endeavor, and Hunter x Hunter was no exception. The complex nature of the storyline and the intricate animation required to bring it to life were both expensive to produce. While the series' Blu-ray and DVD sales were robust, they may not have been sufficient to cover the production costs, especially considering the longer wait between seasons compared to many other anime series.
The anime industry's financial model relies heavily on sales of home video releases and merchandise. Though Hunter x Hunter had a significant following, its niche audience base might not have been adequate to sustain the high production costs over a more extended period.
The Influence of Other Factors
While production challenges and financial considerations were significant factors in Hunter x Hunter's cancellation, other external factors may have also played a role.
The anime adaptation of Hunter x Hunter came at a time when the original manga was still ongoing. This made predicting the complete storyline and preparing for its adaptation challenging. The manga's author, Yoshihiro Togashi, is known for taking frequent hiatuses due to health issues, which can result in delayed chapters and slowed-down storytelling. This inherent unpredictability might have made planning the anime adaptation's future seasons difficult.
The Impact of COVID-19
The global COVID-19 pandemic, which started in 2020, also significantly impacted the anime industry worldwide. Production schedules were disrupted, and many anime series were delayed or postponed indefinitely. While the Hunter x Hunter anime had been cancelled years before the pandemic, the industry's overall turmoil may have made a re-animation of the series less likely.
During the pandemic, the focus shifted towards newer anime series and productions that could be released promptly, while established series with uncertain production pathways, like Hunter x Hunter, faced even greater challenges in securing new seasons.
In the world of anime, cancellations are not uncommon, and Hunter x Hunter's fate is no exception. Despite the pain points and challenges, the story of Gon Freecss and his journey continues to captivate fans worldwide, celebrated not only through the manga and anime but also through various forms of merchandise, fan artwork, and cosplay. Although the anime may have met its end, the universe of Hunter x Hunter remains open, with potential for other forms of media to fill the void and continue the narrative. Perhaps, one day, we will see a continuation of the Hunter x Hunter story through a new anime adaptation, video game, or even a live-action series. Until then, fans eagerly anticipate the release of new manga chapters, keeping the dream of a re-animation alive.