Hey there, fellow anime fans! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been buzzing with excitement about the upcoming Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime series. As someone who’s been following Fujimoto’s work since his Chainsaw Man days, I couldn’t help but wonder: does this anime actually have a manga source material? Well, I’ve done some deep digging, and let me tell you – the answer is fascinating!
The Short Answer: Yes, But It’s Not What You Think
Okay, let me get straight to the point because I know you’re curious. Yes, the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime does have a manga source, but it’s not your typical ongoing manga series. Instead, it’s based on a collection of one-shot stories that Fujimoto wrote between the ages of 17 and 26. These stories were later compiled into two volumes titled “Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man.”
When I first discovered this, I was honestly blown away. I mean, think about it – we’re getting to see the evolution of one of the most creative minds in manga history, from his teenage years through his mid-twenties. It’s like getting a backstage pass to Fujimoto’s creative journey!
What Exactly Are These Manga Volumes?
Let me break this down for you. The manga source material consists of two volumes:
- Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17-21
- Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 22-26
The numbers aren’t random, either. They represent Fujimoto’s age when he created each story. How cool is that? Volume one includes his work from ages seventeen to twenty-one, while volume two covers his stories from ages twenty-two to twenty-six. It’s basically a creative time capsule of Fujimoto’s early career.
I’ve read both volumes, and let me tell you – they’re incredible. You can literally see Fujimoto finding his voice as a storyteller. Some stories are rough around the edges, but that’s what makes them so special. You’re watching an artist figure out their style in real time!
Complete List of One-Shot Stories
Now, let me give you the complete breakdown of all eight one-shot stories that make up the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime. I’ve created this handy table so you can see everything at a glance:
| Story Title | Year Created | Anime Episode | Director | Animation Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard | 2011 | Episode 1 | Seiishiro Nagaya | ZEXCS |
| Sasaki Stopped a Bullet | 2013 | Episode 2 | Nobukage Kimura | Lapin Track |
| Love is Blind | 2013 | Episode 3 | Nobuyuki Takeuchi | Lapin Track |
| Shikaku | 2014 | Episode 4 | Naoya Ando | GRAPH77 |
| Mermaid Rhapsody | 2014 | Episode 5 | Tetsuaki Watanabe | 100studio |
| Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome | 2017 | Episode 6 | Kazuaki Terasawa | Studio Kafka |
| Nayuta of the Prophecy | 2015 | Episode 7 | Tetsuaki Watanabe | 100studio |
| Sisters | 2018 | Episode 8 | Shu Honma | P.A.WORKS |
When I look at this table, I’m amazed by the variety. Each story comes from a different point in Fujimoto’s life, and now each episode gets its own director and animation studio. This approach is genius because it means each story maintains its unique vibe and visual style.
What Makes These Stories Special?
I’ve got to be honest with you – these one-shots are something else. They’re not just random stories; they’re the foundation of everything that makes Fujimoto’s work so unique today. Let me share what I think makes them so special:
1. Genre Diversity
Fujimoto experiments with so many different genres in these stories. We’ve got:
- Post-apocalyptic alien invasions
- High school romances
- Vampire love stories
- Gender identity explorations
- Sibling rivalries
- Prophecies and destiny
When I read through them, I was impressed by how Fujimoto jumps between genres so effortlessly. It’s like he was testing out different styles to see what worked best for him.
2. Raw Creativity
These stories feel raw and unfiltered. Unlike his later, more polished work in Chainsaw Man, these one-shots have this incredible energy that comes from an artist still finding their voice. Some of them are a bit rough around the edges, but that’s exactly what makes them so charming.
3. Early Signs of Genius
Even in these early works, you can see the seeds of what would make Fujimoto famous. The way he blends absurd humor with genuine emotion, his unique paneling style, his ability to create memorable characters – it’s all there, just in a more raw form.
Where Can You Read the Manga?
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: “I want to read these stories before watching the anime!” Great news – you absolutely can! Here’s where you can find them:
English Releases
Viz Media released English versions of both volumes in early 2023. You can find them in print under the title “Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man.” I bought both volumes, and let me tell you, they’re worth every penny.
Digital Options
The stories are also being republished on the Shonen Jump+ App to coincide with the anime release. They’re rolling them out on a schedule:
- November 8: A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard
- November 15: Sasaki Stopped a Bullet
- November 22: Love is Blind
- November 29: Shikaku
And so on for the remaining stories. This is perfect if you want to read along with the anime release schedule!
What’s Special About the Manga Volumes?
One thing I absolutely love about the physical manga volumes is that they include author’s notes from Fujimoto himself. He shares what he was thinking when he created each work, giving us incredible insight into his creative process. It’s like getting a personal masterclass from Fujimoto!
How the Anime Handles the Adaptation?
Okay, let’s talk about the anime adaptation because it’s honestly one of the most ambitious projects I’ve seen in recent years. Amazon Prime Video went all out with this one.
Multiple Studios, Multiple Visions
Instead of giving the entire series to one animation studio, Prime Video assembled six different studios and seven directors to bring these stories to life. Each episode gets its own creative team, which means each one-shot maintains its unique visual style.
When I first heard about this approach, I was skeptical. I worried it might feel disjointed. But after seeing the trailers and reading about the directors involved, I’m convinced this was the right call. These stories are so different from each other that they deserve their own unique visual treatment.
Star-Studded Directors and Cast
The talent involved in this project is insane. We’ve got directors from shows like Blue Lock, Kaguya-sama: Love is War, and The Ancient Magus’ Bride. And the voice cast includes some of the biggest names in the industry:
- Kensho Ono (known for his role as Giorno Giovanna in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
- Kana Hanazawa (famous for playing Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul)
- Tomokazu Sugita (the legendary Gintoki from Gintama)
- And many more talented voice actors!
Theatrical Release
Here’s something really cool – before the anime hits Prime Video, it’s getting a limited theatrical run starting October 17, 2025. If you’re lucky enough to live near a theater showing it, you’ll even get a special booklet with a conversation between Fujimoto and his editor Shihei Hayashi. I’m definitely trying to catch this in theaters if I can!
Why These Stories Matter for Fujimoto Fans?
As someone who’s been following Fujimoto’s career for years, I can’t stress enough how important these early stories are for understanding his work. Here’s why I think they matter:
1. Seeing the Evolution
When you read these stories in chronological order, you can literally watch Fujimoto grow as an artist and storyteller. The early stories (from when he was 17-18) have this raw, unpolished energy, while the later ones (22-26) show more sophistication and confidence.
2. Understanding His Influences
These stories reveal what was influencing Fujimoto during his formative years. You can see traces of different manga styles, cinematic influences, and even some Western media inspiration. It’s fascinating to see how these elements would later combine to create his unique style.
3. Appreciating His Mastery
Reading these early works makes you appreciate Chainsaw Man even more. You can see how Fujimoto took the lessons learned from these one-shots and applied them to create something truly groundbreaking. It’s like seeing the rough sketches before the masterpiece.
Release Schedule and Where to Watch
I know you’re probably excited about when and where you can watch this anime, so let me break it all down for you:
Anime Release Dates
- Theatrical Release: October 17, 2025 (limited two-week run)
- Prime Video Debut: November 7, 2025 (November 8 in Japan)
Streaming Platform
The entire series will be available exclusively on Amazon Prime Video worldwide. If you don’t have a Prime subscription, now might be the time to get one – this series alone is worth it!
Episode Format
Since there are eight one-shot stories, we’re getting eight episodes in total. Each episode will adapt one complete story, making it perfect for binge-watching or savoring one episode at a time.
My Personal Thoughts on the Stories
I want to share my personal take on a few of these stories because they really left an impression on me. Remember, this is just my opinion, but maybe it’ll help you decide which ones to look forward to the most!
“A Couple Clucking Chickens Were Still Kickin’ in the Schoolyard”
This one is chaos in the best possible way. It’s a post-apocalyptic story with alien invasions, and it’s just so wonderfully weird. You can tell Fujimoto was having fun with this one, pushing boundaries and seeing what he could get away with. When I read it, I couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity while also being genuinely invested in the characters.
“Love is Blind”
This might be my favorite of the bunch. It starts as a simple romantic comedy but escalates into absolutely absurd territory. It’s like Fujimoto took every romantic comedy trope and turned it up to eleven. The way he blends humor with genuine emotional moments is just masterful, even at this early stage in his career.
“Sisters”
This one is more recent (from when Fujimoto was 26) and it shows. It’s a more mature story about sibling rivalry through art, and it’s genuinely touching. You can see how much Fujimoto had grown as a storyteller by this point. The emotional depth in this one really surprised me.
“Woke-Up-as-a-Girl Syndrome”
This story tackles gender identity in Fujimoto’s typically unconventional way. It’s thought-provoking, funny, and surprisingly sensitive. I appreciate how Fujimoto handles such a complex topic with both humor and respect.
Why This Anime is Important for the Industry?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and I believe the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime represents something really important for the anime industry as a whole.
Anthology Format
In an era where most anime are long-running adaptations of popular manga, seeing an anthology series like this get the green light is refreshing. It shows that there’s still room for experimentation and different formats in the industry.
Celebrating Creator’s Early Work
This project is essentially a celebration of a creator’s early work. It’s not about adapting the most popular or commercially successful material; it’s about showcasing an artist’s journey and evolution. That’s something I really respect.
Multiple Studio Approach
The decision to use multiple studios for different episodes is bold and innovative. It could pave the way for more experimental approaches to anime production in the future.
FAQ About Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about this series, so let me answer some of the most common ones:
Is Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 connected to Chainsaw Man?
Not directly in terms of plot, but it’s definitely connected in terms of creative evolution. These are the stories Fujimoto wrote before creating Chainsaw Man, so you can see the foundations of his style and storytelling approach.
Do I need to read the manga before watching the anime?
Not at all! The anime is designed to work as a standalone experience. However, I personally recommend reading the manga if you can, because Fujimoto’s author’s notes add so much context and insight.
Will there be a season 2?
Since this is an anthology adapting all eight of Fujimoto’s early one-shots, it’s designed as a complete series. There’s no source material for a second season, but never say never in the world of anime!
Is this suitable for all ages?
Fujimoto’s work often contains mature themes and some graphic content, so I’d recommend it for older teens and adults. As always, check content ratings before watching.
Where can I buy the manga volumes?
You can find “Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man” volumes 1 and 2 at most major bookstores, online retailers, or directly from Viz Media’s website.
How long is each episode?
Each episode adapts one complete one-shot story, so they’ll likely be standard anime episode length (around 22-24 minutes).
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up this deep dive into Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26, I can’t help but feel excited about what this series represents. It’s not just another anime adaptation; it’s a celebration of artistic growth and creativity.
For me, discovering these early works has given me a whole new appreciation for Fujimoto as a creator. Seeing his evolution from a teenager experimenting with storytelling to the master craftsman behind Chainsaw Man is genuinely inspiring.
Whether you’re a longtime Fujimoto fan or new to his work, I think Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 has something special to offer. It’s a rare opportunity to see the formative years of one of manga’s most unique voices, brought to life by some of the industry’s most talented animators.
So mark your calendars for November 7, 2025, and get ready to experience the wild, weird, and wonderful