Tatsuki Fujimoto, the mastermind behind the global phenomenon Chainsaw Man, is about to give fans a deeper look into his creative origins. Amazon’s Prime Video has officially announced an anthology anime series titled Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, which will adapt eight of the acclaimed manga creator’s early one-shot stories. The series is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on November 7, 2025, in over 240 countries and territories worldwide.
This is a huge move for both Fujimoto and Prime Video, signaling a major investment in one of manga’s most exciting and unpredictable voices. While Chainsaw Man has catapulted Fujimoto to international stardom, his earlier works offer a fascinating glimpse into the development of his unique style and thematic preoccupations. These stories, written between the ages of 17 and 26, showcase the raw talent and imaginative spark that would eventually lead to the creation of Denji and his devil-hunting comrades.
Source: Amazon MGM Studios Press
What is Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26?
The anthology series will adapt eight of Fujimoto’s early one-shot manga, which were originally published in two collections by VIZ Media: Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17-21 and Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 22-26. These collections feature a wide range of stories, from sci-fi romantic comedies to post-apocalyptic survival tales, all infused with Fujimoto’s signature blend of dark humor, surrealism, and emotional depth.
What makes this project particularly exciting is that each of the eight stories will be handled by a different animation studio and director. This approach promises a diverse and visually dynamic series, with each episode offering a unique interpretation of Fujimoto’s work. It’s a bold creative choice that reflects the eclectic nature of the source material and gives a platform to a variety of talented animators and directors.
Source: CBR
The Stories and Studios
Here’s a breakdown of the eight stories being adapted, along with the studios and directors bringing them to life:
- “A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard”: A post-apocalyptic story about two survivors, animated by ZEXCS (Backflip!!) and directed by Seishirō Nagaya, who worked as a key animator on Chainsaw Man.
- “Sasaki Stopped a Bullet”: An exploration of intense adolescent emotions, animated by Lapin Track (I’ve Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level) and directed by Nobukage Kimura.
- “Love is Blind”: A sci-fi romantic comedy on a cosmic scale, also animated by Lapin Track and directed by Nobuyuki Takeuchi (Fireworks).
- “Shikaku”: A twisted love story about an unhinged assassin girl, animated by GRAPH77 and directed by Naoya Ando (Paradox Live The Animation).
- “Mermaid Rhapsody”: A romance between a boy and a mermaid centered around an underwater piano, animated by 100Studio and directed by Tetsuaki Watanabe (BLUELOCK).
- “Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome”: A story about finding one’s true self beyond gender norms, animated by Studio Kafka and directed by Kazuaki Terasawa (The Ancient Magus’ Bride Season 2).
- “Nayuta of the Prophecy”: A tale of siblings bound by a harsh destiny, also animated by 100Studio and directed by Tetsuaki Watanabe.
- “Sisters”: A story of rivalry and growth between two artistically inclined sisters, animated by the acclaimed studio P.A.WORKS (Call of the Night) and directed by Osamu Honma.
This impressive lineup of studios and directors, combined with the diverse range of stories, makes Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2025.
Source: VIZ Media
Why This Matters for Fujimoto and Anime Fans
The announcement of Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 is significant for several reasons. First, it’s a testament to the massive success of Chainsaw Man, which has sold over 30 million copies worldwide and become a cultural phenomenon. The anime adaptation, produced by MAPPA, was one of the most-watched shows of 2022, and a movie sequel, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, is currently in production. This new anthology series shows that the industry has immense faith in Fujimoto’s creative vision and is eager to explore his other works.
Second, it’s a rare opportunity for fans to see the early works of a master storyteller brought to life. These one-shots offer a fascinating look at Fujimoto’s development as an artist and writer, and they contain the seeds of many of the themes and ideas that would later be explored in Chainsaw Man. From his unconventional sense of humor to his ability to blend the mundane with the bizarre, these stories are pure, unfiltered Fujimoto.
Finally, the anthology format is a welcome change of pace in an industry often dominated by long-running series. It allows for a greater degree of creative freedom and experimentation, and it gives a platform to a wider range of talent. With eight different studios and directors involved, Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 is poised to be a showcase of the best that the anime industry has to offer.
Source: VIZ Media
What to Expect from the Series
Given the source material, fans can expect a wild and unpredictable ride. Fujimoto’s stories are known for their sharp turns, unexpected emotional depth, and a healthy dose of the bizarre. One moment you might be laughing at a ridiculous sci-fi premise, and the next you might be moved to tears by a poignant character moment. That’s the magic of Fujimoto’s storytelling, and it’s what has made him one of the most beloved and respected creators in manga today.
In a statement about the anthology, Fujimoto himself expressed some anxiety about his early works being adapted, but also his faith in the talented directors involved. “Having my works from my student years being adapted into anime made me anxious, wondering if this was really okay, and if these works might have relied too heavily on others’ inspiration,” he said. “However, although I haven’t seen them yet, I believe that through the work of talented directors, they have become proper, well-crafted pieces.”
With a diverse lineup of stories, a talented team of creators, and the full backing of Amazon’s Prime Video, Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 is shaping up to be a must-watch for any fan of Chainsaw Man or innovative storytelling in general. Mark your calendars for November 7, 2025, because you won’t want to miss this deep dive into the mind of a modern manga master.
References:
[1] Amazon MGM Studios Press [2] CBR [3] VIZ Media
