Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 Anime Review: Early Chainsaw Man Gems

If you’re a fan of Chainsaw Man‘s chaotic energy, irreverent humor, and gut-punching emotional twists, then Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 is your next must-watch. This groundbreaking anime anthology, released on November 7, 2025, on Prime Video, adapts eight short stories Fujimoto penned between ages 17 and 26 his raw, unfiltered creative origins before he became a manga sensation.

It’s a surreal rollercoaster blending post-apocalyptic absurdity, tender romances, and dark comedies that feel like fever dreams. In this guide, we’ll break down the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime, from episode highlights to production magic, helping you decide if this anthology deserves a spot in your watchlist. (And yes, it’s optimized for binge-watching each episode clocks in at 20-30 minutes.)

What Is the Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 Anime?

Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 isn’t your typical series; it’s an original net animation (ONA) anthology that resurrects the short-film vibe of classics like Robot Carnival. Drawing from Fujimoto’s collections Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man 17-21 and its sequel, it showcases his evolution as a storyteller from his first competition submission to polished gems that echo Look Back and Chainsaw Man Part 2.

The premise? Eight standalone tales exploring themes of identity, love, loss, and the bizarre underbelly of human (and alien) existence. Fujimoto’s signature style shines: sharp wit masking profound heartache, with visuals that swing from lush velvet sunsets to gritty, textured agony. Directed by talents like Kazuaki Terasawa (Shoujo☆Kageki Revue Starlight) and Tetsuaki Watanabe, and animated by six studios (P.A. Works, Zexcs, and more), it’s a collaborative triumph that feels both intimate and explosive.

Announced in September 2025 with a teaser trailer, the full rollout hit with eight episode trailers in October, building hype for its Prime Video debut. Voice cast includes stars like Kenshô Ono and Kazuki Ura, bringing Fujimoto’s quirky characters to life.

Production Highlights and Animation in Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26

What elevates Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 anime beyond fan service? The animation. Multiple studios deliver diverse styles: 2D fluidity from P.A. Works, experimental 3D hybrids, even live-action teases. It’s “stunningly animated,” per critics, with sharp humor and casual brutality that mirrors Fujimoto’s manga roots. Trailers dropped in October 2025, teasing the anthology’s range from alien schoolyards to mermaid depths.

Reviews and Reception: Is Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 Worth the Hype?

Critics are hooked. Decider’s “Stream It” verdict praises its “quirky, affecting” tales and Chainsaw Man-esque visuals, warning of bleak nudity and violence but urging anime fans to dive in. Gizmodo calls it a “joyously unhinged” window into Fujimoto’s “wildest auteur” mind, highlighting its thought-provoking absurdity and studio spotlights. IMDb sits at 8.4/10, with X users echoing 9/10 scores for the “gran animación” (great animation).

Weaknesses? It’s unrelentingly bleak at times, but that’s Fujimoto—beauty in the broken.

Why You Should Watch Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 Today

In a sea of formulaic anime, Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 stands out as a raw testament to genius in the making. It’s not just nostalgia it’s a reminder of why Fujimoto redefined the medium. If you love surreal stories with heart (and a side of chaos), hit play. What’s your favorite episode? Drop it in the comments!