"Black Torch Anime Now in Production by VIZ Media"

IGN is thrilled to share the exciting news that VIZ Media has officially announced the production of the Black Torch anime, and we have the exclusive first trailer to unveil.

During VIZ Media's panel at Emerald City Comic Con, the Black Torch anime was revealed, featuring the protagonist Jiro Azuma in his stealth uniform. Accompanying Jiro is his formidable mononoke companion, Rago, perched on his shoulder. The trailer also teases a mysterious dark figure looming over the cityscape, hinting at the thrilling dangers that lie ahead.

"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!"

“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 added. "A new BLACK TORCH has been brought to life, now with voices, sounds, movement, and color.”

For more anime updates, don't miss our list of favorite anime from 2024, the most anticipated anime coming in 2025, and our top 25 anime of all time.