'Hunter X Hunter' Episode 361 release date, rumors, spoilers: Comeback episode to feature 'Dark Continent' arc

Several fans of the hit anime series "Hunter X Hunter" have been wondering if the next season will be aired anytime soon. So far, it appears unlikely that the continuation of series creator Yoshihiro Togashi's work will be seen in the coming months, especially with his current health condition. This sparked the rumor that "Hunter X Hunter" might be officially canceled by the Weekly Shonen Jump publisher, Shueisha. Nevertheless, there is still hope that the anime might get picked up for a third season and feature a popular story arc from the original manga series.

As there are no official announcements yet regarding the return of "Hunter X Hunter" this year, it is getting more likely that the series will return in 2017 at the very least. It was earlier rumored that "Hunter X Hunter" will return in 2017 with new episodes. A total of 26 new episodes is expected upon its return, although there is still no credible source revealing the possible storyline of the next season. For now, the rumors are rife that the anime will use the "Dark Continent" arc from the manga version.

To recall, the most recent "Hunter X Hunter" series originally aired in Japan in 2011. Around 2014, the anime series has concluded its last major arc. The series was then aired earlier this year on Adult Swim's Toonami programming block.

The 2011 "Hunter X Hunter" is considered as the second season of the entire series that originally aired back in 1999. However, the 2011 series is actually a reboot of the earlier version, keeping most of the elements in the original while doing some revisions in the story.

On the other hand, as "Hunter X Hunter" is in danger of being canceled as Togashi remains unable to do the next chapter, it is reported that another creator will step in to continue the show. According to Yibada , Shueisha has reportedly hired new creators and appointed Togashi as consultant to prevent the series' cancellation. However, things did not go as planned and now, "Hunter X Hunter" may officially get axed by the publisher.

The good news for now is that Togashi's wife, Naoko Takeuchi, is reported to pick up the development of the new "Hunter X Hunter" chapter. Takeuchi is actually a popular manga illustrator herself, helping his husband with the creation of the "Hunter X Hunter" manga series. She is also the person behind the internationally acclaimed anime series "Sailormoon" in the 90's, thus making her a worthy candidate to fill in Togashi's shoes and continue the "Hunter X Hunter" saga.