Before the world was captivated by the chaotic brilliance of *Chainsaw Man* or the scorched-earth nihilism of *Fire Punch*, Tatsuki Fujimoto was already honing his craft through a series of provocative, bizarre, and deeply emotional short stories. Collected in two essential volumes titled "Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 17–21" and "22–26", these anthologies serve as a roadmap to the mind of a modern manga genius. For any "otaku erudito," these stories are not just supplementary material; they are the DNA of Fujimoto’s unique storytelling philosophy.
Demographics and Genre Fluidity
While these stories were primarily published in Shueisha’s *Jump SQ* and *Shonen Jump+*, labeling them strictly as Shonen would be a simplification. Fujimoto’s work has always danced on the edge of Seinen due to its psychological complexity, graphic violence, and subversive themes. These collections showcase a transition from high-concept absurdist comedy to poignant, character-driven dramas, blending elements of supernatural fantasy, romance, and slice-of-life.
Synopsis: A Journey Through Evolution
The two volumes are categorized by the age at which Fujimoto drew them, offering a chronological look at his artistic and narrative growth.
Volume 17–21: The Raw Spark
This volume captures the unpolished, high-energy experimentation of a young creator. It begins with *There Were Two Chickens in the Garden*, a surreal tale involving an alien invasion and a high school setting that immediately establishes Fujimoto’s penchant for the "weird."
One of the standouts is *Sasaki Has Stopped the Bullet*, where a young man’s unrequited love manifests in a supernatural ability to catch bullets, blending teenage angst with sudden, jarring action. Another highlight is *Love is Blind*, a frantic, hilarious comedy about a student council president so focused on confessing his love that he remains completely oblivious to a literal alien invasion and assassination attempts happening around him. These early works are characterized by a "punk rock" energy—rough around the edges but bursting with original ideas.
Volume 22–26: The Refined Vision
As we move into the second volume, the stories become more cinematic and emotionally resonant. *Shikaku* tells the story of a high-ranking assassin who is hired to kill a vampire, only to find an unexpected emotional connection.
The most significant piece in this collection is arguably *Nayuta of the Prophecy*. Fans of *Chainsaw Man* will immediately recognize the name and the aesthetic of the protagonist. It follows a brother trying to protect his sister, who is prophesied to destroy the world. It explores the burden of family and the fear of the "other," themes that would later define Fujimoto’s major serializations. The volume concludes with *Siren Rhapsody*, a story about a boy who falls for a mermaid, further exploring the bridge between the mundane and the monstrous.
Core Themes and Style
Several recurring themes define "Before Chainsaw Man":
1. The Cinematic Lens: Fujimoto is a known cinephile. His paneling often mimics camera movements, and his stories frequently reference the act of watching or creating films. This "meta" approach gives his manga a distinct rhythm unlike traditional Shonen.
2. The "Other" and Social Isolation: Many of his protagonists are outcasts—monsters, assassins, or social misfits. Fujimoto explores the humanity within the "inhuman," asking what it means to belong in a world that fears you.
3. Absurdism vs. Tragedy: Fujimoto excels at the "tonal whiplash." He can make you laugh at a ridiculous situation in one panel and break your heart in the next. This unpredictability is his greatest weapon.
4. Subverting Expectations: He consistently takes tropes—the "magical girl," the "chosen one," or the "rom-com confession"—and twists them into something unrecognizable and fresh.
Why It Matters
For fans of *Chainsaw Man*, these volumes are a treasure trove of "proto-ideas." You can see the visual prototypes for characters like Power, Denji, and Nayuta. However, even as standalone pieces, these stories hold immense value. They represent the voice of a creator who refuses to play by the rules of the industry.
In conclusion, *Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man* is more than just a collection of "early works." It is a masterclass in short-form storytelling that proves Fujimoto was a visionary long before he became a household name. Whether you are looking for absurdist humor or a deep dive into the human psyche, these volumes are an essential addition to any serious manga collection.
📖 Leer online en Donmanga:
➡️ Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man – Leer Manga
