Shueisha has not responded to questions about the release of "Hunter X Hunter" chapter 361. Recent reports suggest that publisher Shueisha may soon force creator Yoshihiro Togashi to surrender all the rights that he has on the hit manga and anime series.
According to the rumors, comic book, and video game publisher, Shueisha is considering a replacement for Yoshihiro Togashi. However, before he gets replaced, he will have to give up on his ownership of "Hunter X Hunter" chapter 361 and potentially the preceding installments of the series.
It is also speculated that the reason why the "Hunter X Hunter" chapter 361 release date has not been disclosed yet is due to issues with a settlement. Rumor has it that Yoshihiro Togashi refuses to give up his rights on the fan-loved franchise. It is further said that Shueisha has not yet chosen an illustrator to replace the famous artist.
It has been four months since chapter 360 rolled out. Until now, there's still no solid news about the upcoming installment's release. Some fans speculate that announcements about the "Hunter X Hunter" release date will be on hold until Yoshihiro Togashi is ready to either give up the series or proceed in its production.
Other reports indicate that Yoshihiro Togashi may still be suffering from an undisclosed health condition. There have been rumors over the past months that his sickness is the reason why there is still no official word about the highly anticipated "Hunter X Hunter" chapter 361 release. Should Shueisha force Togashi to let his masterpiece go, some critics believe that his wife, Naoko Takeuchi, should take over.
Naoko Takeuchi is the creator of "Sailor Moon." She has collaborated with her husband in the past for some "Hunter X Hunter" projects. It appears that she is among the famed manga artists who are being eyed by Shueisha to step up to the plate and resume the job left by Yoshihiro Togashi.
Late last year, Rocket News said some of the reasons given in the past to appease fans who have gotten impatient over Yoshihiro Togashi's long breaks is illness and back pain. Some fans are wondering if the "Hunter X Hunter" creator is still sick. Others speculate that he may be running away from the pressures of a weekly or monthly release.
Shueisha and Yoshihiro Togashi have yet to address the rumors. For now, fans can only wait for official word on the "Hunter X Hunter" chapter 361 release date.