New Anime Anthology from ‘Chainsaw Man’ Creator Launches on Prime Video
The acclaimed creator of *Chainsaw Man*, Tatsuki Fujimoto, is set to expand his reach with a new anime anthology series premiering on November 7, 2023, on Prime Video. This adaptation will feature a collection of Fujimoto’s early short stories, showcasing his evolution as a storyteller prior to his breakout successes with *Fire Punch* and *Chainsaw Man*.
The series, titled *Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26*, will include eight one-shot manga stories produced by Flagship Line. Each episode will be crafted by various animation studios, including P.A. Works, Zexcs, and Studio Kafka, among others. The stories included in the anthology are: *A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard*, *Sasaki Stopped a Bullet*, *Love Is Blind*, *Shikaku*, *Mermaid Rhapsody*, *Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome*, *Nayuto of the Prophecy*, and *Sisters*.
Fujimoto penned these narratives between the ages of 17 and 26, and they were previously compiled into two collections by Viz Media in 2021. The anthology promises a diverse range of themes, from post-apocalyptic survival in *A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard* to the comedic sci-fi romance of *Love Is Blind*, which explores love on a cosmic scale.
Fujimoto’s Reflections on Adaptation
In an official statement shared on the anime’s website, Fujimoto expressed his initial hesitations about adapting works from his student days. “I was worried about whether it was really okay to adapt a work created during [my] student days into an anime,” he stated. He noted that while he has not yet viewed the final product, he believes it has been well-executed due to the talent of the directors involved.
Some of the stories, particularly *Sisters*, served as prototypes for elements he later incorporated into his more recognized works. Notably, the character Nayuta has already made a return in *Chainsaw Man Part 2* as Denji’s surrogate little sister, hinting at the continuity of his creative vision.
Upcoming Releases and Fan Expectations
The announcement of this anthology series coincides with the upcoming theatrical release of *Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc*. This film is scheduled to premiere in Japan on September 19, 2023, followed by international screenings on September 24, 2023, and in the United States on October 29, 2023.
With both the anime anthology and the movie on the horizon, fans of Fujimoto can look forward to an exciting period for anime adaptations. Should *Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26* resonate with audiences, there may be potential for further adaptations of his other works, such as *Goodbye, Eri* and *Just Listen to the Song*.
Given the momentum of these projects, it appears that 2023 is shaping up to be a significant year for anime enthusiasts, as they eagerly anticipate the newest offerings from one of the industry’s most promising talents.
