In a recent appearance on the television talk show Iwakura to Yoshizumi no Bangumi, Yoshihiro Togashi, the mastermind behind the beloved manga “Hunter x Hunter,” disclosed intriguing insights into the series’ possible conclusions. The veteran mangaka, currently 57 years old, presented four envisioned endings, with one specifically crafted as a contingency in case of his untimely passing.
Togashi detailed the fourth and discarded ending, known as “ending D,” which unfolds after a substantial time skip into the future. The narrative revolves around a girl named Gin, reminiscent of the manga’s inception, fishing at a pond and catching a colossal fish. The twist comes when she refuses to follow in the footsteps of her famous grandfather, Gon, who was a renowned hunter. Expressing disappointment in her decision, Gin’s parents engage in a poignant discussion about her future. The ending concludes with a determined Gin vowing to never leave her island home, a decision influenced by her grandfather’s frequent absence during his hunting adventures.
The emotional resonance of ending D culminates as Gin, now resolved in her decision, is joined by a mysterious boy in the room. The final image depicts a bird soaring into the sky, leaving viewers with a sense of contemplation.
Togashi openly shared his creative process, acknowledging that he had hoped to craft an ending compelling enough to negate the necessity of resorting to the alternatives labeled A, B, or C. He predicted mixed audience reactions, with 80% positivity for ending A, a divided response for ending B, and a substantial 90% negativity for ending C. Interestingly, despite anticipating backlash, Togashi personally favored ending C, deeming it the most resonant of the potential conclusions.
The manga’s recent hiatus in January, attributed to Togashi’s health concerns, raised questions about the series’ future. Shueisha, the publisher, decided to shift away from the weekly serialized format and announced that details of the manga’s return would be disclosed once concrete plans were finalized. Togashi hinted at an imminent return, and true to his word, the manga resumed after nearly four years in the 47th issue of 2022, released in October.
The 37th compiled volume, the first in four years, hit shelves in November 2022, and Viz Media is set to release the English version on October 3. “Hunter x Hunter,” which made its debut in 1998, has left an indelible mark on the anime and manga landscape, inspiring television series, films, and OVAs. Togashi’s unique storytelling and character development have garnered a devoted fan base, eagerly anticipating the next chapters of this gripping saga.
