Black Torch (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tsuyoshi Takaki. It was serialized in Shueisha's monthly manga magazine Jump Square from December 2016 to March 2018, and later on the digital platform Shōnen Jump+ from April to July 2018. Its chapters were compiled in five volumes. In North America, the manga was licensed for English release by Viz Media. An anime television series adaptation produced by 100studio is set to premiere in July 2026.
Plot
Jiro Azuma is a teenage punk, trained in the art of the ninja, who has the incredible ability to talk to animals. Despite this, he was constantly bullied as a child for talking to animals; he could only find solace with other animals, such as his dog Nachi. One day, Jiro is led into the woods by some birds and encounters a gravely injured cat. He nurses the cat back to health, who is shocked to find out that Jiro can understand him. The cat reveals himself as Rago of the Black Star of Doom, an immortal, or evil spirit. He reveals that he was attacked by other for refusing to help them. Later that night, Rago attempts to escape from Jiro's house, but they are attacked by one of the Rago encountered earlier. This kills Jiro by stabbing him through the chest with his immense claws. Feeling pity and indebted to Jiro for saving him earlier, Rago fuses with Jiro to give him a second chance at life. With their combined power, they kill the mononoke, but are then taken into custody by the Bureau of Espionage. The two later join the Bureau in order to stop more in the future.