IGN is thrilled to exclusively share that the highly anticipated Black Torch anime is officially in production at VIZ Media. Alongside this exciting announcement, we're also unveiling the very first trailer for the series, which was revealed during VIZ Media's panel at Emerald City Comic Con.
The trailer introduces us to Jiro Azuma, clad in his stealth uniform, accompanied by his formidable mononoke companion, Rago, perched on his shoulder. A glimpse of a mysterious, ominous figure reflected in the cityscape hints at the thrilling dangers that await in the series.
For those new to the Black Torch universe, the series was crafted by Tsuyoshi Takaki and first serialized in Jump SQ. and Shonen Jump+ from 2017 to 2018. Here's the official synopsis to bring you up to speed:
"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!"
To celebrate this significant milestone for Black Torch, Tsuyoshi Takaki shared a special drawing from the panel (link to be added when available). Takaki also commented on the anime adaptation, 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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