Miracles do exist in the anime world and Black Torch just happens to be an example of that. The axed series is making a comeback after almost six years and it sure looks like a banger. Almost no one expected a discontinued manga to get an anime, but this is just the beginning.
Not only does the teaser look promising, but it might be a cut above the rest especially with the series’ premise and other elements. The production team and Tsuyoshi Takaki’s involvement will make it even better. But what does make a difference is the fact that the series might surpass most modern anime.
Black Torch anime is a cut above the rest
Black Torch is one of a kind shonen series that deserves to be noticed. It deserves to be appreciated especially when it comes to its premise, characters and setting. A black cat and a laidback guy is an unusual but sassy combination but it most certainly works well.
The story follows Jiro Azuma, who can talk to and even understand animals. From crows to cats, he goes out of his way to help them out. But it results in an unsavoury predicament when he helps Rago, a black cat, only to find out that the feline is a Mononoke. But hey, it is not what you think it is.
The black cat stereotype isn’t going to work here, especially with how Tsuyoshi Takaki wrote his characters. Cats can be sassy and overpowered, and Mononoke and Rago are one such example. Both characters complement each other in terms of their personality and mannerisms.
Interestingly, though, the manga maps out the character backstories in a well-detailed and intricate manner. This is impressive considering the series is compiled within 5 volumes. Yet, Takaki’s manga getting an anime is something even he did not see it coming.
In an interview with Comic Natalie, Takaki expressed his delight and spoke about his involvement in the production process. He said:
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.
As for the production, 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.
The series is a cut above the rest mainly because it brings different elements together. The plot enmeshes themes of humanity, self-discovery, strength and growth. This is something that most modern anime unpack within their premise yet Takaki’s work might surpass it eventually and here’s why.
Tsuyoshi Takaki’s work might surpass modern anime
When we think about yokai and demons in modern anime, there’s Dandadan and Demon Slayer. Both are some of the finest series in the Shonen genre that have reshaped narratives as well as tropes. Takaki’s manga, too, overturns tropes in the manner of storytelling as well as characters.
In particular, there’s a constant seesaw when it comes to a character being spotlit. Mostly, the story doesn’t focus on Jiro’s growth alone but a collective growth. Reiji’s fears along with Ichika’s loss show that the characters are anything but mere showpieces in the story.
This also goes for side characters as well as villains that are well-written. There are indeed elements that are yet to be expanded upon but Takaki did a fine job bringing different aspects together. Folklore, action and occult blend seamlessly with a sprinkle of comedy. It is a wholesome treat in itself.
In terms of the characters, setting, premise and the blend of different genres, the series might surpass modern anime in most ways. The animation as well as the art makes it a sight for sore eyes and indeed 100studio is doing a pretty good job notching it up.
Black Torch manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
