In a surprising turn of events, 100Studio has announced an anime adaptation of BLACK TORCH, a manga series that was canceled after just five volumes. The revival of this series has raised questions regarding the reasons for its abrupt end and the potential direction the anime will take. This unexpected adaptation has captured the attention of fans, leaving them eagerly anticipating how the studio will handle this unique narrative.
Originally serialized in 2016, BLACK TORCH was a Japanese manga created by Tsuyoshi Takaki. Despite its promising start, the series was discontinued in 2018 after only five volumes. Fans were left disappointed by the manga’s premature, with many wondering what could have been if the story had continued. Now, the anime adaptation is giving them another chance in this intriguing world, with many wondering what could go wrong.
Background on ‘BLACK TORCH’ Manga
BLACK TORCH follows the story of Jiro Azuma, a young man who finds himself caught between the world of humans and supernatural beings after encountering a mysterious talking cat. The manga was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square and later continued on the Shonen Jump+ platform. Despite receiving positive initial reception, the manga’s cancellation led to fans speculating on what could have caused its abrupt end.
At the Emerald City Comic Con in March 2025, 100Studio officially announced their plans to adapt BLACK TORCH into an anime. The series will be directed by Kei Umabiki, with scripts by Gigaemon Ichikawa and character designs by Gō Suzuki. Music will be composed by Yutaka Yamada. The anime promises to bring the original story to a broader audience and breathe new life into the series.
Tsuyoshi Takaki, the creator of BLACK TORCH, has expressed both surprise and excitement at the announcement of the anime. He mentioned that he has been involved in supervising the settings and storyboards for the adaptation. Takaki believes that the anime has transformed into something even better than the original manga, with the addition of voices, movement, sounds, and vibrant colors bringing the story to life in ways that weren’t possible in the printed format.
The announcement of the BLACK TORCH anime has sparked a wide range of reactions from fans. While many are excited about the series’ revival, others have expressed skepticism due to the manga’s early cancellation. Reddit discussions and social media platforms have been flooded with opinions, with some fans wondering about the motivation behind adapting a series that was left unfinished. The varying reactions highlight both the excitement and curiosity surrounding the project.
Although an official release date has yet to be announced, the anticipation surrounding the BLACK TORCH anime is already building. Fans are particularly interested in how closely the adaptation will stick to the original material, especially since the manga was never given a proper. The involvement of 100Studio, known for their successful work on series like Gimai Seikatsu, has further increased expectations, making it one of the most anticipated anime releases.
The revival of BLACK TORCH through its anime adaptation demonstrates the fluidity and unpredictability of the entertainment industry. It’s a clear example of how fan interest and creative vision can bring back stories that were once abandoned. As more details about the anime emerge, both loyal fans and newcomers will be watching closely to see how 100Studio reimagines this unique manga series.
