After a long wait, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter is moving forward in a way that has fans buzzing: Shueisha has announced the release of Volume 39, arriving on July 3. This marks the manga’s first collected volume in 22 months and follows the publication of Volume 38, which collected chapters through chapter 400. With Togashi teasing new chapter progress on social media and the series diversifying across stage plays and games, Volume 39 is shaping up to be a major moment for long-time readers and newcomers alike.
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What to expect from Hunter x Hunter Volume 39
Volume 39 is highly anticipated because it represents the next collected installment in Togashi’s long-running epic. Volume 38 ended at chapter 400, and Togashi has publicly hinted that chapter 401 was completed in March 2023 with further progress teased later. While Shueisha has not published a full chapter list for Volume 39 in this announcement, fans can reasonably expect it to collect the new chapters released since Volume 38 — potentially deepening storylines in the current arc and continuing Togashi’s characteristic blend of intricate strategy, character development, and surprising tonal shifts.
Why this release matters
Hunter x Hunter has been one of the most influential shonen series since its 1998 debut in Weekly Shonen Jump. Each new volume is not simply a continuation of plot but a cultural event: Togashi’s pacing and health-related hiatuses have made each update especially meaningful. Volume 39’s arrival after a 22-month gap signals that the series’ publication rhythm is stabilizing and gives readers a tangible milestone to anticipate.
Togashi’s return: progress and publication format
Togashi has gradually returned to producing new material and has used social posts to tease chapter progress, including confirmation that chapter 401 was completed and later progress on chapter 405. Following a January 2023 hiatus where Shueisha confirmed it would reconsider the manga’s serialization format (moving away from strict weekly serialization), the editorial department indicated they would reveal details once a new schedule was decided. Volume releases like Volume 39 suggest Shueisha is balancing Togashi’s pace with reader demand for collected editions.
Hiatus history and changes to serialization
The manga’s hiatuses — often tied to Togashi’s health — are well-known. In response, Shueisha has adapted by shifting away from weekly serialization expectations. This flexibility has allowed Togashi to focus on chapter quality and sustainable output, even if releases are less frequent. For readers, that means collected volumes may arrive irregularly but with more complete chapters included when they do.
English release and international availability
Volume 38 was released in Japan in September 2024 and shipped in English by Viz Media on January 6 (English shipping date cited in reference material). While Shueisha handles the Japanese release, Viz continues to be the primary English-language publisher for Hunter x Hunter volumes. If Volume 39 follows the same pattern, international fans can expect a subsequent English release window several months after the Japanese launch. Keep an eye on official Viz Media announcements for pre-order and shipping details. (Image credit and a pre-order reference are available via Viz Media.)
Related media: stage plays, games, and the franchise ecosystem
Hunter x Hunter’s influence extends well beyond the manga pages. The third stage play adaptation, Hunter x Hunter The Stage 3, staged the “Greed Island” arc and ran in Tokyo and Osaka, showcasing how the story adapts to live performance. On the gaming front, the franchise has welcomed new entries: a “survival roguelike” mobile title, Hunter x Hunter Nen x Survivor, launched worldwide for iOS and Android, and console/PC fighting titles such as Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact — the latter released on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. These adaptations breathe new life into the franchise and help new audiences discover the manga ahead of each volume release.
Why cross-media growth helps the manga
Stage plays, games, and other spin-offs augment interest in the manga by offering alternative entry points. Fans who discover the series through a game or stage production often return to the source material to follow character arcs and plot threads, which helps drive demand for each new volume release.
How to prepare for Volume 39
If you want Volume 39 as soon as it’s available, consider these steps:
- Follow official publisher accounts and the manga’s official pages for pre-order announcements.
- Check major retailers and your local bookstore for pre-order options once the release is officially listed.
- If you read in English, monitor Viz Media’s site and store pages for pre-order and shipping updates. (Example pre-order listings for previous volumes can be found on Viz Media’s site.)
What Volume 39 could mean for the story
Given the pacing and Togashi’s penchant for layered storytelling, Volume 39 may deepen long-running mysteries while introducing fresh confrontations. Expect complex Nen applications, tactical showdowns, and emotional beats that reframe prior events. For veteran readers, each new volume brings the possibility of long-awaited resolutions or significant shifts in character direction.
Sources and further reading
For the official image and prior English-volume details, see the Viz Media product page referenced in the caption above. Additional publication details and reporting on the release were covered by Japanese sources; one reference is noted here for context. Comic Natalie (source)
Final thoughts
Volume 39 of Hunter x Hunter is more than just a new book — it’s a milestone in a series shaped by creative brilliance and irregular but meaningful returns. Whether you’re a longtime fan who’s tracked every arc since 1998 or a new reader drawn in by recent stage plays and games, this release promises fresh developments from one of manga’s most imaginative creators. Keep watch for pre-order announcements and official chapter listings as July 3 approaches — and get ready to dive back into Togashi’s world when the new volume lands.
