"VIZ Media Confirms Black Torch Anime Production"

Exciting news for anime enthusiasts: VIZ Media has officially announced that the much-anticipated "Black Torch" anime is in production. IGN has the exclusive first look at the trailer, which was unveiled at VIZ Media's panel during Emerald City Comic Con. The trailer introduces us to Jiro Azuma, clad in his stealth uniform, accompanied by his formidable mononoke companion, Rago, perched on his shoulder. A glimpse of a mysterious dark figure reflected in the cityscape teases the looming threats that Jiro will face.

For those new to the series, "Black Torch" was crafted by Tsuyoshi Takaki and initially ran in Jump SQ. and Shonen Jump+ from 2017 to 2018. Here's the official synopsis to bring you up to speed on what to expect from 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!"

For a deeper dive into the world of "Black Torch," don't miss the exclusive drawing by Takaki from the panel, celebrating this significant milestone for the series. (Link will be added once it's live.)

Tsuyoshi Takaki, deeply involved in the anime's production, shared his enthusiasm: “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.”

Stay tuned for more anime excitement with our picks for the best anime of 2024, the major releases slated for 2025, and our top 25 anime of all time.