Ethan Crossfield 
The anime and manga calendar is heating up: Chainsaw Man is poised to reveal a major new project that could reshape Part 3’s future, while Hunter x Hunter returns after a long hiatus. With multiple adaptations, figure releases, and platform drops lining up, this is the kind of week where fans get both story momentum and fresh collectibles to chase.
What happened
Several high-profile series are moving in parallel across 2026 and beyond. Chainsaw Man Part 3 is reportedly heading toward a reveal tied to June 19, 2026, with the possibility that the announcement could be directly related to Part 3’s next chapter. At the same time, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter is set to return next month after a two-year gap, signaling that long waits may finally be ending.
Adaptations and reintroductions are also in focus. Kagurabachi’s anime adaptation is confirmed for 2027, and an early release date has been teased for episode 1. Black Clover has officially finished its run with Chapter 392, but it’s returning with an extra bonus chapter designed to provide fans with a new ending.
Beyond story updates, the merchandise pipeline is in full swing: new S.H. Figuarts figures are planned for characters tied to popular arcs and eras, including Gohan during the Android Saga and Yuji Itadori for the Shibuya Incident Arc. There’s also a steady stream of collaborations—such as Uniqlo’s summer shirt lineup featuring Shonen Jump series, and a Converse Tokyo collab inspired by Cardcaptor Sakura—plus event-style releases like a GKIDS big-screen run for Adolescence of Utena in the U.S.
Why it matters
For fans who follow anime the way esports audiences follow patches and seasons, these announcements matter because they change pacing. Chainsaw Man’s Part 3 tease suggests the story could be entering a new phase soon rather than continuing to sit in limbo. Hunter x Hunter’s return after a long break is the kind of development that can re-energize entire communities—especially those that coordinate watch discussions and re-read schedules.
Meanwhile, the industry’s focus on short-form and alternative formats is visible. Crunchyroll is preparing 12 mini-episodes for a July platform release, indicating that series branding isn’t limited to full episodes anymore. On the collectible side, the volume of figure news—spanning S.H. Figuarts, anniversary items, and character-specific releases—shows how studios and partners are leveraging nostalgia and fan demand to keep engagement high even between major story beats.
Collaboration branding also remains a major lever. When apparel partners target major IP like One Piece, Naruto, Cardcaptor Sakura, and Sailor Moon R, they effectively turn fandom attention into year-round visibility—something esports orgs would recognize as always-on audience retention.
What to watch next
Keep an eye on the June 19, 2026 reveal for Chainsaw Man’s next project direction, as it may clarify what “Part 3” will look like going forward. Next month’s Hunter x Hunter return is the other immediate must-track item, especially for viewers planning their next watch cycle.
Looking further ahead, Kagurabachi’s 2027 anime rollout is worth monitoring from the episode-1 timing announcement onward. Fans of long-running franchises should also track the summer and July windows: bonus content for Black Clover, platform mini-episodes from Crunchyroll, and a busy lineup of apparel collabs releasing through the season.
Finally, if you’re a collector, preorder timing and figure releases are becoming a parallel news stream—between new S.H. Figuarts drops and major anniversary merchandise, the next few months look built for both story watchers and display-case hunters.
Practical takeaways for fans
- Mark June 19, 2026 for the Chainsaw Man Part 3-related reveal—this could define the next phase of the franchise.
- Plan for Hunter x Hunter’s return next month after a two-year gap if you want to re-enter the series while momentum is high.
- Watch for July-related releases, including Crunchyroll’s mini-episodes and Black Clover’s bonus chapter ending.
- If you collect, track S.H. Figuarts preorder windows and figure release announcements—several high-demand characters are getting new versions.
- For merch-focused fans, summer collabs (including Uniqlo and other brand partnerships) are likely to be the busiest drop period.
Expert View
This roundup shows a clear pattern: the anime scene is no longer pacing itself solely through long-form episodes. Story reveals (Chainsaw Man), comeback scheduling (Hunter x Hunter), and format diversification (mini-episodes and theater releases) are being paired with an aggressive collectibles and collab strategy. For the wider fandom, that means fewer dead weeks—and for studios and platforms, it’s a reminder that engagement now lives across releases, merchandise, and cross-industry partnerships, not just in the next episode.
