IGN is thrilled to share the exciting news that a Black Torch anime is officially in production at VIZ Media, and we're exclusively revealing its first trailer!
During VIZ Media's panel at Emerald City Comic Con, the announcement of the Black Torch anime was met with great enthusiasm. The trailer showcases protagonist Jiro Azuma donning his stealth uniform, accompanied by his formidable mononoke companion, Rago, perched on his shoulder. Additionally, the trailer teases a mysterious dark figure looming in the cityscape, hinting at the thrilling dangers that lie ahead.
For those new to the series, Black Torch is a creation of Tsuyoshi Takaki, 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 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!"
For a deeper dive, check out this special drawing by Takaki from the panel, celebrating this significant milestone for Black Torch. (Link will be added once it's live.)
Tsuyoshi Takaki shared his thoughts on the project, 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."
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