Exciting news for anime fans: VIZ Media has officially announced the production of the "Black Torch" anime at its Emerald City Comic Con panel, and IGN is thrilled to exclusively share its first trailer. The trailer introduces viewers to Jiro Azuma, donning 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 danger that awaits.
For those new to the series, "Black Torch" is the creation of Tsuyoshi Yakaki, 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 declares. "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
For a deeper look into this exciting development, don't miss out on this drawing by Takaki from the panel that celebrates this significant milestone for "Black Torch." (Link to be added when 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 shared. "A new BLACK TORCH has been brought to life, now with voices, sounds, movement, and color.”
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