Tsuyoshi Takaki’s Black Torch manga is officially getting a TV anime adaptation. The announcement was made at Emerald City Comic Con on March 8, 2025, by VIZ Media, sending waves of excitement through the manga and anime community. A teaser trailer and visual have been released, offering a first glimpse into the animated world of Jiro and Rago.
Black Torch Anime: A New Era of Ninja and Mononoke
Production and Staff
The Black Torch anime is being produced by 100studio, with Kei Umabiki (known for Kono Sekai wa Fukanzen Sugiru) at the helm as director. The series composition and screenplay are being handled by Gigaemon Ichikawa (Otonari ni Ginga), while Gou Suzuki (Sword Art Online: Alicization) is in charge of character designs. The music will be composed by Yutaka Yamada (Vinland Saga).
Creator’s Excitement
Tsuyoshi Takaki, the creator of Black Torch, expressed his excitement and surprise at the anime adaptation: “Congratulations on the anime adaptation of Black Torch! I don’t think there’s anyone more excited and surprised than me. This is all thanks to everyone who has loved the manga, both in Japan and overseas.” He also mentioned his involvement in supervising the settings and storyboards, ensuring that the anime remains faithful to the original story while enhancing it with voices, sounds, movement, and color.
Story Synopsis
Black Torch follows the story of Jiro Azuma, a teenage ninja descendant with the ability to communicate with animals. His life takes a dramatic turn when he rescues a black cat named Rago, who turns out to be an immortal mononoke (evil spirit) known as the Black Star of Doom. When other mononoke attack Rago for refusing to join them, Jiro is mortally wounded defending him. To save Jiro’s life, Rago merges with him, granting him supernatural powers and drawing him into the hidden battle between humanity and the mononoke. The official synopsis states: “A new era of ninja battles begins… A shinobi clash between boy and mononoke is about to ignite!”
Manga Origins and Popularity
Serialization and Publication
The Black Torch manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine from December 2016 to March 2018. It then moved to Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ online platform, where it ran until July 2018. The 19 individual chapters were compiled into five tankōbon volumes, published between April 2017 and August 2018.
English Release
VIZ Media licensed the Black Torch manga for English release in North America, with the first volume released on August 7, 2018. The series has also been published in multiple other languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian.
Reception
Black Torch has garnered positive reviews, with critics praising its fast-paced action, strong character designs, and interesting premise. In 2019, it was included in the Young Adult Library Services Association’s “Top 10 Graphic Novels for Teens.”
Anime Expectations and Potential
A Second Chance
The anime adaptation offers Black Torch a second chance to reach a wider audience. Despite its relatively short run, the manga has a dedicated fanbase that is eagerly anticipating the anime.
Animation Quality and Studio
100studio is a relatively new animation studio, but the talent involved in the production suggests a high level of quality. Gou Suzuki’s character designs are expected to bring the manga’s characters to life with vibrant and dynamic visuals.
Potential for Expansion
Given that the manga is a complete series, the anime is likely to have a concise and impactful run. However, there is also the possibility that the anime could expand upon the original story or introduce new elements, as hinted at by Tsuyoshi Takaki.
Where to Watch the Trailer and Stay Updated
The official Black Torch anime teaser trailer is available on VIZ Media’s YouTube channel and other anime news sites like IGN and Anime Corner. Fans can follow VIZ Media’s social media channels and the official Black Torch website for the latest updates on the anime’s release date and other news.
Expert Opinion
While no specific expert has come forward with their view on the Black Torch anime adaptation, Tsuyoshi Takaki, the original manga creator, could be considered the leading expert. His involvement in supervising the adaptation suggests a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the source material while enhancing it for the animated format. Takaki’s statement expressing his excitement and surprise further underscores his deep connection to the project and his hopes for its success. The production team, including director Kei Umabiki, character designer Gou Suzuki, and composer Yutaka Yamada, collectively bring expertise from other successful anime projects, suggesting a potentially high-quality adaptation.
