VIZ Media Greenlights Black Torch Anime Production

IGN is thrilled to exclusively reveal the first trailer for the Black Torch anime, now officially in production at VIZ Media! Announced at VIZ Media's Emerald City Comic Con panel, the trailer showcases Jiro Azuma in his stealth ninja uniform, alongside his powerful mononoke companion, Rago, perched on his shoulder. A shadowy figure glimpsed in the cityscape hints at the thrilling dangers ahead.

For those unfamiliar with Black Torch, this exciting series, created by Tsuyoshi Yakaki and originally serialized in Jump SQ. and Shonen Jump+ from 2017 to 2018, is about to explode onto the screen. Here's the official synopsis:

"A new era of ninja battles begins. Jiro, descended from a long line of ninjas, has been trained by his grandfather in the ancient art of shinobi. He possesses a unique skill—the ability to communicate with animals. His life takes a dramatic turn after a mysterious encounter in the forest with an injured black cat, Rago. But Rago is no ordinary feline; he's a legendary mononoke—the Black Star of Doom! More mononoke emerge from the shadows, seeking to exploit Rago's immense power. The undercover Bureau of Espionage is mobilized to confront this threat, but everyone has their own motives regarding Rago's abilities. Prepare for an explosive shinobi clash between boy and mononoke!"

Tsuyoshi Takaki shared his excitement about the anime adaptation, stating, “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.” A celebratory drawing by Takaki from the Emerald City Comic Con panel will be added here soon. [will add link when it is live.]

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