Henchmen perspective comedy is such a fun idea—seeing the Fist of the North Star universe through disposable villain minions creates unique comedic opportunities. Fist of the North Star deserves more spin-offs; the rich world Tetsuo Hara and Buronson created has tons of untapped potential. Workplace comedy in a post-apocalyptic setting is brilliant—treating the Ken-Oh Army like a dangerous office job is an inspired premise. Short-form anime works well for comedy like this; quick episodes keep the gags punchy and fast-paced.

It's good to be bad, and now the upcoming short form TV anime adaptation based on the spin-off comedy manga Elegy for the Henchmen: Fist of the North Star (known as Hokuto no Ken: Ken'oh-gun Zako-tachi no Banka in Japan) has published a new, extended trailer that hints at all of the violence and hilarity to come. The series broadcasts in Japan beginning on January 5, 2026.

WATCH THE EXTENDED TRAILER: Elegy for the Henchmen: Fist of the North Star Trailer 2

Production Staff

Animation Director: Daisuke Miura

Animation Studio: do-raku

Assistant Director: Kapiko

Music: Seiji Miura

About the Manga

A comedic take on the Fist of the North Star series created by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson, the original Elegy for the Henchmen: Fist of the North Star manga by Hiroshi Kurao was published from November 2017 to February 2020 in Coamix's Manga Hot digital manga magazine, with 3 print volumes also released in Japan.

The Story

The story follows Nobu, a young man who joins up with the Ken-Oh Army and struggles to survive in a deranged and dangerous workplace.

Premiere Information

Date: January 5, 2026 Format: Short-form TV anime

Are you excited for this comedic spin-off? Do you know the original Fist of the North Star? What other series deserve henchmen perspective stories? Will you watch on January 5? Share your thoughts in the comments below!