"VIZ Media Announces Black Torch Anime Production"

IGN is thrilled to exclusively reveal that a Black Torch anime is now in production at VIZ Media, alongside the release of its first trailer. The announcement was made at VIZ Media's Emerald City Comic Con panel, where fans got a sneak peek at Jiro Azuma in his stealth uniform, accompanied by his powerful mononoke, Rago. The trailer also teases a mysterious dark figure reflected in the cityscape, hinting at the thrilling dangers ahead.

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

"A new era of ninja battles begins," the synopsis states. "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!"

Black Torch Manga Art. Image Credit: VIZ

To celebrate this significant milestone for Black Torch, Tsuyoshi Takaki shared a special drawing from the panel. (Link will be added once available.)

“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," Takaki stated. "A new BLACK TORCH has been brought to life, now with voices, sounds, movement, and color.”

For more anime excitement, don't miss our favorite anime from 2024, the other major anime releases coming in 2025, and our top 25 anime of all time.