Black Torch Anime Is Officially In Production at VIZ Media

IGN is thrilled to exclusively share the exciting news that a Black Torch anime is now officially in production at VIZ Media. Alongside this announcement, we're proud to present the first trailer, unveiled at VIZ Media's Emerald City Comic Con panel.

The trailer introduces us to Jiro Azuma, depicted in his stealth uniform, with his formidable mononoke companion, Rago, perched on his shoulder. A glimpse of a mysterious, ominous figure reflected in the cityscape suggests the looming threats that await in this thrilling series.

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

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