The world of manga is filled with epic adventures, complex characters, and intricate storylines. Among these, Hunter x Hunter, created by Yoshihiro Togashi, stands out for its unique blend of shonen tropes, dark themes, and unpredictable plot twists. However, due to Togashi’s health issues, the series has been plagued by frequent hiatuses, leaving fans yearning for a consistent narrative. While many titles attempt to capture the magic of Hunter x Hunter, one manga has emerged as a potential successor: Golden Kamuy.
The Hiatus and the Search for a Successor
Hunter x Hunter has had a long and tumultuous publication history. Since 1998, the manga has captivated readers with its engaging storyline and memorable characters like Gon Freecs and Killua Zoldyck. However, the series has been marred by numerous, often lengthy hiatuses, the most significant of which lasted almost four years between 2018 and 2022. Recently, after a brief return, the manga went on hiatus again after the release of chapter 410 on December 8, 2024, though there is hope it may return sooner than previous hiatuses. This constant uncertainty has led fans to seek out other manga that can offer a similar level of depth and excitement.
Many series have been recommended as alternatives, such as Naruto, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and One Piece. These are all excellent mangas in their own right but they don’t quite capture the unique feel of Hunter x Hunter. While they share common elements like adventure and complex characters, they lack the specific blend of dark undertones, strategic battles, and morally grey areas that define Hunter x Hunter. It’s in this space that Golden Kamuy shines.
What Makes Golden Kamuy a Strong Candidate?
Golden Kamuy, written and illustrated by Satoru Noda, is a historical adventure manga that was serialized from August 2014 to April 2022. Set in the aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War, it follows Saichi Sugimoto, a veteran known as “Sugimoto the Immortal,” and Asirpa, a young Ainu girl, as they search for a hidden treasure of gold. While the premise might sound different from Hunter x Hunter, the manga shares many key elements that make it a worthy successor.
Similarities in Plot and Themes
- Adventure and Exploration: Both mangas are centered around exploration and adventure. Hunter x Hunter features the vast world map and the mysterious Dark Continent, while Golden Kamuy takes us through the Hokkaido wilderness with its unique terrain and hidden locations.
- Unique Cultures: Both Hunter x Hunter and Golden Kamuy showcase unique cultures and traditions. Hunter x Hunter introduces various societies with different rules and customs, whereas Golden Kamuy delves into the rich culture of the Ainu people, providing an educational and engaging experience.
- Intricate Plot: Like Hunter x Hunter’s complex storylines with layered conspiracies, Golden Kamuy is full of twists, betrayals, and hidden agendas, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The pursuit of gold is intertwined with political intrigue and personal vendettas, creating a rich tapestry of narratives.
- Morally Grey Characters: Both mangas feature characters that are not simply “good” or “evil.” Sugimoto, like many characters in Hunter x Hunter, often operates in morally ambiguous ways, making his goals and actions more complex and compelling.
- Survival and Resourcefulness: Both stories require their characters to rely on their skills, intelligence, and adaptability to survive. Hunter x Hunter frequently showcases the resourcefulness of its characters in Nen battles, while Golden Kamuy highlights the survival skills necessary to navigate the harsh landscapes and the importance of understanding local flora, fauna, and survival techniques.
Parallels in Character Dynamics
Golden Kamuy’s strength lies in its diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique quirks and motivations. The dynamic between Sugimoto and Asirpa echoes the relationship between Gon and Killua to some extent, though with its own nuances.
- Sugimoto is a hardened veteran with a strong sense of justice, who is also capable of great violence. This mirrors the complex nature of characters like Kurapika or even Hisoka in Hunter x Hunter.
- Asirpa is a resourceful and intelligent young girl with a deep understanding of her culture. She’s not just a sidekick; she’s a crucial part of the narrative and often outsmarts her enemies, reminiscent of the strong female characters in Hunter x Hunter, like Bisky.
The supporting characters also contribute to the depth of the narrative. From the cunning Lieutenant Tsurumi to the enigmatic escape artist Yoshitake Shiraishi, each character adds layers of complexity to the story, much like the Phantom Troupe or the Zodiacs do in Hunter x Hunter.
Why Golden Kamuy Surpasses Other Potential Successors
While series like Toriko and Rave Master share some similar elements with Hunter x Hunter, they don’t fully replicate the same complex tone and thematic depth. Golden Kamuy stands out due to its mature themes, attention to historical detail, and well-developed characters. It balances intense action with moments of levity and human connection, all while exploring serious topics like war, survival, and cultural preservation.
- Toriko, while also about hunters, focuses primarily on the pursuit of rare and delicious foods, lacking the political intrigue and complex character interactions of Hunter x Hunter.
- Rave Master, while an excellent adventure manga, has a more straightforward narrative and does not delve as deeply into moral complexities as Hunter x Hunter or Golden Kamuy.
Golden Kamuy is a more than capable successor due to its maturity, intricate plotting, and its willingness to explore morally complex themes. It provides the same sense of adventure and discovery that fans love in Hunter x Hunter, with its own unique blend of historical context and cultural insights.
The Future of Hunter x Hunter and the Appeal of Golden Kamuy
While the future of Hunter x Hunter remains uncertain due to ongoing hiatuses, fans can find solace in Golden Kamuy. It is a series that offers a similarly compelling blend of action, adventure, and intricate storytelling. The manga has concluded, offering a satisfying end to its complex narrative, which is more than can currently be said for Hunter x Hunter.
Despite the recent hiatus of Hunter x Hunter, author Yoshihiro Togashi has stated that he is working on new chapters and has even shared some planned endings for the series. This provides hope for fans, but the unpredictability of the series’s return highlights the need for reliable and engaging alternatives. Golden Kamuy serves as a solid option, providing a satisfying read that can fill the void left by Hunter x Hunter’s hiatuses.
Golden Kamuy is not just a replacement for Hunter x Hunter, but a manga that stands on its own merits as a masterpiece of adventure and storytelling. Its unique setting, complex characters, and engaging plot make it a must-read for any fan of the genre, and especially for those who appreciate the depth and intricacy of Hunter x Hunter. While we eagerly await the return of Gon and friends, Golden Kamuy offers a rich and captivating experience that might just be the perfect successor for the adventurous spirit of Hunter x Hunter fans.
