'Hunter x Hunter' chapter 361 release date 2016: Chapter reportedly delayed to early 2017

Promotional banner for the "Hunter x Hunter" mangaShonen Jump

Fans of the "Hunter x Hunter" manga series were left hanging when the series went on hiatus back in 2014 as the series creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, suffered from several health issues, particularly recurring back pains. Despite the series continuing this past April, a report from Ecumenical News reveals it might go on hiatus again until chapter 361 is released, possibly in early 2017.

According to the report, Togashi may be able to continue working on the manga series and release chapter 361 by February next year although his recurring health problems might push it back even further until 2018. There are even rumors that the previously released chapter would be the series' last, ending "Hunter x Hunter" on an unresolved cliffhanger.

The report continues to point out that the series might have to resort to getting newer writers to take Togashi's place, writers that the creator would have to sign his approval for. However, it is further stated that the series might not go forward without Togashi's direct involvement. It is undetermined at this point if new writers will be hired to finish the series.

Parent Herald reports that Togashi is irreplaceable and that the publishers would not move forward unless he was directly involved as the writer for the series. However, this does open the doors for other artists and partners to step in and help Togashi to finish the series in some shape or form.

The report also points out that the publishers have officiated the break, calling it a necessity due to Togashi's back pains getting worse. The publishers did assure fans that Togashi will be going back to write and finish chapter 361 although they did not give a more specific release window. 

In the last chapter, Gon and his allies had been hunting a mysterious killer and it was expected that the killer's identity would be unveiled in chapter 361, which is one of the reasons why it is in popular demand.