A short anime adaptation of Hiroshi Kurao’s comedic Fist of the North Star spinoff manga, Hokuto no Ken: Ken’ō-gun Zako-tachi no Banka (Fist of the North Star: Elegy of Ken-Oh’s Army Grunts), has been officially announced and is set to air and stream in January 2026. The news broke during the “Itʼs Fist of the North Star Day! Gather Around, All Four Brothers!!” special event held on Saturday.
Diving into the World of Ken-Oh’s Lesser Soldiers
The upcoming short anime will bring to life the unique perspective of the often-overlooked foot soldiers in Ken-Oh’s formidable army, set within the post-apocalyptic world of Fist of the North Star. Unlike the main series, which focuses on the heroic Kenshiro and his powerful adversaries, this spinoff offers a humorous take on the daily lives and struggles of the grunts merely trying to survive. The tagline for the comedy highlights their plight: “Three daily meals included.”
The Manga Behind the Anime
Hiroshi Kurao’s Elegy of Ken-Oh’s Army Grunts is a gag manga that originally serialized on Coamix’s Manga Hot app. It provides a lighthearted contrast to the grim and violent tone of the original Fist of the North Star series, which is known for its deadly martial arts and gory outcomes. Kurao is also known for another Fist of the North Star spinoff, Hokuto no Ken Seikimatsu Drama Satsuei-hen (Fist of the North Star Apocalypse Drama Filming Arc).
Fist of the North Star: A Legacy of Post-Apocalyptic Action
The original Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken) manga, written by Buronson and illustrated by Tetsuo Hara, was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1983 to 1988. It introduced readers to Kenshiro, the successor to the deadly martial art Hokuto Shinken, as he navigates a wasteland after a nuclear war, fighting various gangs and warlords. The series has spawned a massive media franchise, including two anime television series by Toei Animation (totaling 152 episodes), films, OVAs, video games, and numerous spin-offs.
The Enduring Appeal of Hokuto no Ken
The Fist of the North Star franchise continues to captivate audiences with its blend of martial arts, adventure, and post-apocalyptic themes. Its influence can be seen across various forms of media, and the upcoming Elegy of Ken-Oh’s Army Grunts short anime demonstrates the versatility and enduring popularity of its universe, proving there’s always room for new perspectives, even from the lowest ranks. In addition to this short anime, a new CGI-animated Fist of the North Star television series is also slated to premiere in 2026.
