The much-anticipated second part of the short anime adaptation for Hiroshi Kurao's unique spin-off manga, Elegy for the Henchmen: Fist of the North Star, is gearing up for its grand return! Fans of the post-apocalyptic comedy can mark their calendars, as the official website has just dropped exciting new details, including a promotional video, a fresh main visual, and, perhaps most eagerly awaited, the details on its new theme songs and premiere date.
Fresh Sounds for the Apocalypse
Adding a new layer of auditory experience to the comedic chaos, the second part of Elegy for the Henchmen introduces brand-new opening and ending theme songs. The energetic three-member unit, The Candellz, will be performing the new opening theme song, appropriately titled "I'm a Loser." This track promises to set the perfect tone for Nobu's ongoing struggle as a mere grunt in the formidable Ken-Oh's army, where survival is a daily challenge and promotions are deadly.
Returning to grace the airwaves, Itsuka▶ (also known as Itsuka Saisei, meaning "Itsuka Play"), the same unit that delivered the first part's opening theme, is back to perform the ending theme song. Their new track, "Shiroi Chō ga Tondara" (When a White Butterfly Flies), features the talents of Dr. Washington and special guest guitarist Tsuyoshi Ujiki. This collaboration is set to provide a compelling close to each episode, perhaps offering a moment of reflection amidst the daily grind of the Henchmen.
Premiere Dates and Streaming Access
Fans won't have to wait much longer to dive back into Nobu's perilous workplace adventures. The second part of the Elegy for the Henchmen anime is scheduled to premiere on July 6. Japanese viewers can catch it first on the AT-X channel at 8:00 p.m. JST (7:00 a.m. EDT), followed by Tokyo MX at 9:54 p.m. JST. For those who prefer streaming, the anime will first be available on the Animate Times streaming service in Japan on July 6 at 9:00 p.m. JST.
For a wider audience in Japan, streaming will expand significantly from July 13, with the anime becoming available on popular platforms such as Hulu Japan, d Anime Store, ABEMA, and several other services. This broad availability ensures that more fans can follow Nobu's hilarious and often grim journey through the nuclear wasteland.
The Hilarious Premise and Cast
For newcomers or those needing a refresher, Elegy for the Henchmen: Fist of the North Star offers a unique perspective on the iconic post-apocalyptic world. Its tagline, "Three daily meals included, company room and board, no experience necessary!" perfectly encapsulates the dark humor. The story follows Nobu, who, in the year 199X after the nuclear apocalypse, finds himself a lowly grunt in Ken-Oh's intimidating army. The series hilariously chronicles his attempts to survive in a workplace where job applicants are often outnumbered by casualties. It's a refreshing take, focusing on the often-overlooked background characters and their daily struggles in a world ruled by powerful martial artists.
The talented voice cast brings these characters to life, with Hiro Shimono leading as the protagonist Nobu. Shinnosuke Ogami voices Zaku, Masaaki Yano takes on the role of Buzz, and Shinya Takahashi serves as the ever-present narrator, guiding viewers through the perilous world of Ken-Oh's army grunts. The animation is handled by Do-Raku, with Takuma Hase and Yūma Saitō serving as technical directors and editors. Daisuke Miura is the animation director, ensuring the visual quality of this unique spin-off.
Continuing the Legacy
This second part builds upon the foundation laid by the first part, which premiered earlier this year on January 5. The original manga, created by Hiroshi Kurao, ran on Coamix's Manga Hot app from November 2017 to February 2020, concluding with its third and final compiled book volume. This anime adaptation continues to be a humorous and engaging expansion of the Fist of the North Star universe, offering a different lens through which to view its legendary world. As a bonus for fans of the wider franchise, a new anime of Tetsuo Hara's original manga, Hokuto no Ken -Fist of the North Star-, also premiered recently, with Amazon Prime Video streaming it worldwide. There's never been a better time to be a fan of the Fist of the North Star!
