Black Torch Anime Is Officially In Production at VIZ Media

Exciting news for anime fans: VIZ Media has officially announced that the popular manga series Black Torch is being adapted into an anime. IGN is thrilled to share the exclusive first trailer, revealed during VIZ Media's panel at Emerald City Comic Con. The trailer introduces fans to Jiro Azuma, clad in his stealth uniform, alongside his powerful mononoke companion, Rago, perched on his shoulder. A glimpse of a sinister figure reflected in the cityscape hints at the thrilling dangers that await in this new series.

For those new to the series, Black Torch was crafted by the talented Tsuyoshi Yakaki and initially serialized in Jump SQ. and Shonen Jump+ from 2017 to 2018. Here’s the official synopsis to bring you up to speed on the upcoming anime:

"A new era of ninja battles begins," the official synopsis reads. "Hailing from a long line of ninja, Jiro has been brought up by his grandfather in the ancient warrior art of the shinobi. Jiro also happens to be a particularly skilled communicator able to converse with the animal world. But life takes an abrupt turn thanks to a mysterious encounter in the forest with an injured black cat named Rago. Only, Rago's feline appearance is deceiving...

"It turns out the “ordinary” cat is the stuff of mononoke legend – the Black Star of Doom! Swarming in the shadows are more mononoke, eager to exploit Rago’s uniquely immense powers. To fight back against the tide of dark spirits, the undercover Bureau of Espionage is poised to seek and destroy. Of course, everyone has their motives when it comes to Rago’s powers. But Jiro and Rago are ready. A shinobi clash between boy and mononoke is about to ignite!"

Adding to the excitement, Tsuyoshi Takaki, the creator of Black Torch, shared his thoughts at the panel: “I’ve been supervising the settings and storyboards, and I feel it’s been recreated into something even better, while still fully respecting the original story. A new BLACK TORCH has been brought to life, now with voices, sounds, movement, and color.”

For more on this thrilling announcement, keep an eye out for a special drawing by Takaki from the panel, celebrating this significant milestone for Black Torch. (Link to be added when available.)

While you wait for Black Torch to hit the screens, dive into our list of favorite anime from 2024, explore the other major anime releases planned for 2025, and don't miss our top 25 anime of all time.