Recently, a recurring theme emerged on a popular Japanese manga discussion forum. “HUNTER x HUNTER”, in which users criticize the “excess of text” contained in the workwhich led to the perception that reading it is more similar to reading a light novel than reading a conventional manga. These complaints intensified after readers expressed frustration with the long suspension periods the series suffered.

The manga, created by Yoshihiro Togashi, has suffered several interruptions over the years, largely due to the author's health problems. However, although Togashi resumed publication on certain occasions, the work was unable to maintain a constant pace, which caused many readers to forget part of the plot. This problem, combined with the abundance of dialogue and detailed explanations, has led to growing dissatisfaction among fans.

On the forum, some users did not mince words to express their discontent:

• «What should we do with this…? If this continues, even if I come back next month, I won’t be able to follow the story…».
• «It's definitely not going to end and go on pause again, right? I won't buy the compilation volumes anymore, they have no value.».
• «Lots of text, it took me a long time to read».
• «This is another manga by a completely different author. The balance is completely broken.».
• «It's not a problem of reading comprehension. People just don't take the time to read carefully anymore because they're bored. There are many forms of entertainment nowadays besides manga.».
• «It doesn't have to be a manga anymore. If you're going to put so much text that anyone can understand it, then there's no point in it being a manga.».
• «It took me an hour and a half to read volume 37.».
• «I couldn't even finish volume 37. The Ant Arc was a masterpiece, but now...»
• «I forgot what the story was about. Maybe I have amnesia.».
• «The author is 58 years old. They should let him rest now. Drawing manga, especially on a weekly basis, must be extremely tiring. Look at 'Kinnikuman', which is still in publication, but the author must be a superman».
• «I'm already lost with the current plot, and on top of that they're now going to involve the mafia and the spiders, which will complicate things even more.».
• «I don't think they will finish, I'm sure there will be an abrupt ending or a cut. The dark continent is impossible».

Too much text isn't the only criticism. Some users pointed out that the work lost the balance between illustration and narrative. «It's not that there are too many words, it's that there aren't enough pictures.», said one participant in the debate, suggesting that manga has moved away from its traditional visual format.

On the other hand, other fans defend the complexity of the plot and the depth of its characters, although they recognize that the pace of publication makes it difficult to fully enjoy it. «It's true that the narrative became very dense, but that's what makes 'Hunter x Hunter' unique.» commented a reader, highlighting that, despite its flaws, the manga remains an influential work.

Despite suspensions and debates over its textual density, 'HUNTER x HUNTER' remains one of the most popular franchises and beloved in the manga world. However, uncertainty about the future of the series and Togashi's health keeps fans in suspense. «Will he actually be able to finish the Dark Continent arc?» many wonder, as the plot continues to thicken and the story slowly moves forward.

Source: Yaraon!