"VIZ Media Announces Production of Black Torch Anime"

Exciting news for fans of the supernatural and ninja action—Black Torch is officially getting the anime treatment from VIZ Media! IGN has the exclusive first look at the trailer, which was unveiled at VIZ Media's Emerald City Comic Con panel. The trailer features protagonist Jiro Azuma donned in his stealth uniform, accompanied by the formidable mononoke, Rago, perched on his shoulder. A glimpse of a shadowy figure reflected against the cityscape hints at the thrilling dangers that lie ahead in this animated adaptation.

For those new to the series, Black Torch is the brainchild of Tsuyoshi Yakaki, originally serialized 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!"

Creator Tsuyoshi Takaki shared his excitement about the adaptation during the panel, 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."

For more on Black Torch, keep an eye out for a special drawing by Takaki from the panel, celebrating this significant milestone (link to be added once available). In the meantime, don't miss out on our roundup of the best anime of 2024, the most anticipated anime of 2025, and our definitive list of the top 25 anime of all time.