**"Fist of the North Star: Elegy of the Ken-Oh Army Grunts"** is the official spin-off of the legendary work "Fist of the North Star."
A gag-filled comedy work spotlighting the "grunts" who get defeated instantly in the main series.
Original concept by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara, art by Hiroshi Kurao—the popular manga completed in 3 volumes is finally getting an anime adaptation.
Starting January 2026, it will premiere as a short anime and the debut work of new anime production label "Animatica"!
True to its catchphrase "Grunts-dying-left-and-right Comedy ☆ Begins!", it comically depicts the grunts meeting their swift ends in the harsh post-apocalyptic world 💀
① From the Perspective of Protagonist Nobu Who Joined the Ken-Oh Army
In the job-scarce post-apocalypse, protagonist Nobu finally found a job at the "Ken-Oh Army."
A poor ordinary person who fell for a scam-like job posting: "Three meals included, company housing, beginners welcome! A warm, family-like workplace full of smiles!"
At a workplace so dangerous that deaths outnumber applicants, how long can he survive...!? 🏢
② The Lovable Grunt Characters' Action
The grunts who get defeated instantly in the main series are the stars!
Fan-favorite unique grunts appear one after another—"the grunt disguised as an old lady," "Cassandra's Warden Uighur," "the Holy Emperor Army's 'sterilize the filth' guy," and more.
The way these needlessly violent, somehow cheerful, always-smiling grunts live is a must-see 💪
③ Supposed to Be Hardboiled, But Hilarious
"Fist of the North Star" is known for being a hardboiled action work.
However, this work is a gag-filled comedy completely unrelated to the serious battles of the strong characters from the main series.
The carefree way of living and dying of the grunts in this nuclear-war-ravaged, violence-ruled world has nothing grim about it 😂
④ Produced with New Anime Technology "Animatica"
This work is the debut project of "Animatica," a new anime production label launched by Frontier Works and Doraku.
A new technology that enables character breathing and timing direction that conventional motion comics couldn't achieve.
With professional voice actor dubbing, you can enjoy an immersive experience different from reading the comic ✨
⑤ Enjoyable for Fans in Their 40s+ and Young Generations
"Fist of the North Star" is a legendary work that took the 1980s by storm.
A famous work that everyone over 40 knows, but this spin-off is an anime we'd like young people worried about jobs and their future to watch too.
The content synchronizing the harsh post-apocalyptic environment with modern black companies resonates across generations 📺
① Nobu's Fate of Encountering Kenshiro
In the original manga, as the story progresses, the timeline runs parallel to "Fist of the North Star" Episode 1.
Nobu has actually seen Kenshiro up close and made the Ken-Oh Army members recognize that Jagi was a fake.
Pay attention to how the terror of "the man with seven scars on his chest" is depicted from the grunts' perspective 👀
② Development Depicting the Ken-Oh Army's Collapse
In original volume 3, the Ken-Oh Army finally faces its collapse.
A work that makes you truly understand how terrifying the elusive Kenshiro is to various factions in troubled times—wandering around killing mohawked men one after another.
Pay attention to what happens to Nobu's fate in the final chapter, and whether it's depicted in the anime ⚡
③ Involvement with Other Forces Like the Holy Emperor Army
Not just the Ken-Oh Army, but grunts from other forces like the Holy Emperor Army and KING Army also appear.
The flamethrower mohawk famous for "Sterilize the filth!!" is also depicted panicking when running out of gas.
Looking forward to learning about the ecology of grunts from each faction 🔥
④ Tournament to Decide the Strongest in the Grunt World
In original volume 2, a tournament among grunts begins!
A tournament where 16 fighters battle—"Big Old Lady," "Heart," "Flamethrower Guy," "Ken-Oh Invasion Squad Garon," "Taizan Youken Hilka," "Baran," and more.
Who is the strongest in the grunt world~~!? Looking forward to seeing it in the anime 🏆
⑤ Performances by Luxurious Voice Cast
Hiro Shimono has been cast as protagonist Nobu.
A skilled voice actor known for playing Zenitsu Agatsuma in "Demon Slayer."
The recording was reportedly "a rarely seen manly set in recent years, a wonderful set with endless laughter," so look forward to the voice cast's enthusiastic performances 🎤
① 199X, Post-Apocalyptic Job Shortage
199X—the world engulfed in nuclear flames is a world where just surviving is difficult.
In such times, protagonist Nobu sees a scam-like job posting and finally finds employment.
However, that employer was none other than the "Ken-Oh Army"...! 💀
② New Employee Training at Cassandra
Nobu heads to the impregnable prison Cassandra for new employee training.
There he meets Warden Uighur and experiences various trials.
He also encounters Toki and gets hit by a guard's Hokuto Ujou Hagan Ken when mistaken for a prisoner 🏰
③ Daily Life in the Ken-Oh Army
Nobu works as a Ken-Oh Army member under squad leader Buzz in his assigned unit.
He ends up spending fearful days among the giant mohawked seniors around him.
However, he has enough guts to calmly judge situations and voice his opinions 💪
④ Grunt Tournament Held
A tournament among grunts is held as the Ken-Oh Army Martial Arts Tournament.
With Raoh watching, 16 grunt warriors clash.
Familiar characters from the main series like "Big Old Lady" and "Heart" participate 🏆
⑤ The Threat of Kenshiro
Rumors of "the man with seven scars on his chest" Kenshiro spread within the Ken-Oh Army.
Nobu has seen Kenshiro up close and points out that Jagi is a fake.
Even the portrait drawn by the Ken-Oh Army's PR department has the chest scars completely wrong, spreading confusion 😱
⑥ Toward the Ken-Oh Army's Collapse
Entering a timeline running parallel to original "Fist of the North Star" Episode 1, the Ken-Oh Army finally faces its collapse.
Grunts are defeated one after another by the elusive Kenshiro.
What is the fate of Nobu who accidentally joined the Ken-Oh Army...!? Revealed in the final volume 💀
📺 AT-X
Premiere: January 5, 2026 (Mon)~
Broadcast Time: Every Monday at 20:00~
Repeat Broadcasts:
Every Wednesday at 8:00~
Every Friday at 14:00~
※Fastest January new anime broadcast! 📺
📺 TOKYO MX
Premiere: January 5, 2026 (Mon)~
Broadcast Time: Every Monday at 21:54~
Broadcasting as a 5-minute short anime 📡
🎵 Theme Song Information
Opening:
"Blacker Co., Ltd." / Itsuka▶︎
Ending:
"Elegy of the Enemies" / The Canbellz
Pay attention to the songs overflowing with post-apocalyptic vibes 🎶
📱 Official Information
Check the official site (zakoban.com) for the latest broadcast and streaming information!
The original manga can be read on "Manga Hot" 📖