The anime adaptation of Tsuyoshi Takaki’s manga Black Torch was officially announced during Emerald City Comic Con, confirming earlier leaks and sparking intrigue among fans. The series, which follows a young shinobi’s alliance with a demon cat against malevolent spirits, will be produced by 100studio, with key staff details revealed—but the announcement has also reignited questions about the manga’s abrupt cancellation in 2018.
Production Team & Trailer Debut
- A teaser trailer (linked below) showcased the anime’s stylized action and supernatural themes, accompanied by a melancholic soundtrack hinting at the story’s darker tones.
- The production team includes:
- Director: Kei Umabiki (Classicaloid, Quality Assurance in Another World)
- Scriptwriter: Gigaemon Ichikawa (Chikasugi Idol Akae-chan)
- Character Designer/Animation Director: Gō Suzuki (Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale)
- Composer: Yutaka Yamada (Tokyo Ghoul, Babylon)
From Canceled Manga to Anime: A Rocky Road
Originally serialized in Shueisha’s Jump SQ from December 2016 to July 2018, Black Torch ended abruptly after 19 chapters, leaving its narrative unresolved. The manga’s cancellation was a blow to fans of Takaki, known for works like Rose Guns Days: Aishuu no Cross Knife and Heart Gear. The anime’s announcement suggests a revival of the incomplete story, though specifics about plot extensions or original material remain unconfirmed.
Synopsis: Shinobi, Demons, and a Fateful Pact
Seventeen-year-old Jirō Azuma lives with his grandfather, training in their ancestral shinobi arts while using his ability to communicate with animals. Their quiet life shatters when Jirō rescues Ragō, a stray cat revealed to be a mononoke (demonic spirit) hunted by both humans and his own kind. When Ragō saves Jirō from a lethal attack by a hostile mononoke, the two form a symbiotic bond: Ragō grants Jirō supernatural powers, while Jirō vows to protect him. Recruited by the covert Black Torch squad, led by espionage officer Ryōsuke Shiba, Jirō must navigate a treacherous world where humans and demons clash—and alliances come at a cost.
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. While fans celebrate the revival of a cult-favorite manga, others question how the anime will address the source material’s unresolved plotlines. The involvement of composer Yutaka Yamada (Tokyo Ghoul’s haunting scores) and director Kei Umabiki’s experience with action-driven narratives hint at a polished, emotionally charged adaptation.
Context & Creator Legacy
Tsuyoshi Takaki’s career spans genres, from the mafia drama Rose Guns Days to the sci-fi Heart Gear. Black Torch, his blend of supernatural action and moral ambiguity, aligns with themes common in seinen manga—but its short run left its potential untapped. The anime’s revival could reintroduce Takaki’s work to global audiences, leveraging the enduring popularity of dark fantasy and shinobi lore.
While details remain scarce, the Black Torch anime represents both a second chance for Takaki’s story and a gamble for 100studio. Can a canceled manga’s legacy be redeemed? Audiences will watch closely when the series launches—date and streaming details pending.
