The Black Torch manga, originally canceled in 2018, is experiencing a resurgence eight years later following the successful debut of its anime adaptation this summer season. Written and illustrated by Tsuyoshi Takaki, the manga ran in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine for a limited run before its cancellation, but its compelling narrative caught the attention of animation studio EEK, leading to the confirmed anime adaptation.
Black Torch Manga and Anime’s Unlikely Comeback
Eight years after the manga’s cancellation, Black Torch has become a fan-favorite series, largely due to the anime’s debut this summer season.
The manga, written and illustrated by Tsuyoshi Takaki, was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine from 2016 to 2018. During its monthly serialization, the series only managed to release 19 chapters before Shueisha canceled it.
However, the story’s underlying potential did not go unnoticed by the animation studio EEK. This led to the confirmation of an anime adaptation several years after the manga’s original run.
As anticipated, the anime quickly became one of the most talked-about series of the year, capturing the hearts of Shonen Jump fans globally. This success has brought renewed attention to the manga, which had been largely forgotten.
Plot of Black Torch
The story of Black Torch centers on 17-year-old Jiro Azuma, a descendant of a long-standing shinobi clan with the inherited ability to communicate with animals. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters and rescues an injured cat, who he later discovers is a powerful demonic spirit known as a mononoke.
This spirit, named Rago, is being targeted by his own kind because he refuses to assist them in their destructive plans for the world. After their chance meeting, Jiro selflessly risks his life to protect Rago.
Jiro tragically dies from a fatal wound sustained during this act of bravery. In response, Rago uses his own energy to revive Jiro, saving his life and intertwining their fates.
Following this event, Jiro finds himself drawn into a series of chaotic situations involving various supernatural beings. The anime adaptation is scheduled for a 12-episode run, with new episodes releasing weekly on Crunchyroll.
Black Torch Manga Final Release Details
The official website of Viz Media has confirmed that an official box set of the Black Torch manga will be released on September 22nd, 2026. This collection will include all five paperback volumes of the manga. An exclusive double-sided poster will also be included in the box set.
The manga volumes within the box set are available in a paperback format. Pre-orders for the box set are already open on Amazon. Viz Media has provided a direct link for fans to pre-order the manga’s final release. This announcement comes eight years after the manga’s original cancellation in 2018.
Anime Adaptation and Reception
The anime adaptation of Black Torch, produced by EEK, premiered this summer season and has quickly gained popularity.
While Shueisha typically cancels manga for reasons such as poor sales or low viewership, the story’s latent potential was evidently recognized by the animation studio. The anime’s success has significantly boosted the manga’s visibility, turning a forgotten series into a current fan-favorite.
The anime is set to comprise 12 episodes and is currently streaming weekly on Crunchyroll. The series’ reception highlights how successful anime adaptations can revive interest in previously canceled manga.
The source material, originally serialized from 2016 to 2018, only had 19 chapters published. The anime’s popularity has led to the upcoming release of a complete manga box set on September 22nd, 2026.
Manga’s Original Run and Cancellation
The Black Torch manga was originally serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine. Its run began in 2016 and concluded in 2018. During this period, the magazine published a total of 19 chapters for the series. Despite its potential, the manga was ultimately canceled by the publisher, a common occurrence in monthly magazines with limited space.
Reasons for cancellation often include underperformance in sales or viewership. Publishers may choose to end a series that is not meeting expectations to make room for new, promising titles.
Although the exact reason for Black Torch’s cancellation was not officially stated by Shueisha, it likely fell into this category. Takaki was unable to fully expand the story as he had originally intended due to the limited number of chapters released.
Future of Black Torch
Following the success of the anime adaptation, the Black Torch manga will be released as a complete box set on September 22nd, 2026. This set will include all five paperback volumes of the series.
However, the manga itself will not receive a continuation, as the story has officially concluded. There have been no announcements regarding a potential sequel to the manga.
The anime adaptation is scheduled for 12 episodes, and the current season is airing weekly. While the manga’s story is complete, the anime’s trajectory is still unfolding.
Fans can anticipate the full manga collection’s release and continue to follow the anime’s progression weekly. Currently, there is no official word on further anime seasons or spin-off projects beyond the initial 12 episodes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Black Torch manga and anime?
Black Torch is a manga series written and illustrated by Tsuyoshi Takaki, serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square from 2016 to 2018. An anime adaptation, produced by EEK, debuted this summer season and has revitalized interest in the series.
What is the story of Black Torch?
The story follows Jiro Azuma, a 17-year-old from a shinobi clan who can talk to animals. He saves a demonic spirit named Rago, who then revives Jiro after he is fatally wounded, leading them into a world of supernatural conflicts.
When is the Black Torch manga final release?
The official box set of the Black Torch manga, containing all five paperback volumes and a poster, will be released on September 22nd, 2026. It is currently available for pre-order on Amazon.
Will there be more Black Torch manga or anime?
The manga story has concluded and will be released as a complete box set. The anime adaptation is scheduled for 12 episodes, with no current announcements regarding a sequel series or additional seasons.
