Fans of Tsuyoshi Takaki’s Black Torch have reason to celebrate: the manga is officially being adapted into a TV anime series. The announcement was made at Emerald City Comic Con, accompanied by a teaser trailer that offers a glimpse into the upcoming adaptation.
A Revival Seven Years in the Making
Black Torch was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square and Shonen Jump+ between 2017 and 2018, concluding with five volumes. The series follows Jiro Azuma, a young man who can communicate with animals, as he becomes entangled in a hidden battle against Japanese spirits known as mononoke.
Despite its brief run, the manga garnered a dedicated fanbase, particularly in Europe and the United States. The announcement of the anime adaptation has surprised many, given the series concluded seven years ago. Discussions on platforms like Reddit reflect this sentiment, with fans expressing both surprise and excitement over the news.
Creative Team and Production Details
The anime adaptation boasts a notable creative team:
- Director: Kei Umabiki, known for his work on Quality Assurance in Another World.
- Production Studio: 100studio, a company with a growing reputation for quality animation.
- Series Composition and Scriptwriter: Gigaemon Ichikawa, recognized for his contributions to various anime series.
This team aims to bring the world of Black Torch to life, capturing the essence of the original manga while introducing dynamic visuals and storytelling.
Tsuyoshi Takaki, the creator of Black Torch, shared his excitement about the adaptation:
“Congratulations on the anime adaptation of Black Torch! I don’t think there’s anyone more excited and surprised than me. This is all thanks to everyone who has loved the manga, both in Japan and overseas.”
Takaki has been actively involved in the production process, supervising settings and storyboards to ensure the anime respects the original story while enhancing it with voices, sounds, movement, and color.
While an official release date has yet to be announced, the anime is expected to be subtitled in six different languages, indicating a broad international release. This accessibility ensures that both longtime fans and newcomers can experience Jiro’s journey across various platforms.
