From Cancelled Manga to Anime Revival: The Return of Black Torch
Takaki Tsuyoshi’s Black Torch manga originally got cancelled by Shueisha and Viz Media after a brief 19-chapter, five-volume run in Jump Square and Shonen Jump+. However, thanks to its popularity with fans worldwide, the story has received a second wind through a full anime adaptation to finally complete its intended narrative.
This first impressions review covers episodes one through three of Black Torch.
Shonen Tropes & Comparisons: Chainsaw Man, Naruto, or Shin Megami Tensei?
Black Torch is currently being compared to other shonen series like Chainsaw Man (which began its run after this manga series was published) and Naruto for obvious reasons (i.e., a supernatural being and a human host bond) but to be honest, I got more ‘nahobino’ (or ‘Gouitsujin’ ) from Shin Megami Tensei vibes than anything else.
Rago, the “Black Star of Doom” is a Mononoke, a being from an immortal race who can present in a humanoid or animal form. Nahobino in SMT were also presented as immortal, supernatural beings who fused with a human host to regain lost knowledge in life, and often imbued the host with unique abilities following the merging of the two distinct entities into one.
Mononoke Fusion, Mononoke Realms, and the Azuma Ninja Lineage
While it is not clear yet what the exact extent of Shinobi bloodline abilities are in this show, it seems the Azuma clan has the ability to speak with animals. I’m not sure if Ichika and Reiji can perceive Rago’s presence and speech because he is a Mononoke, or if it’s because it is an inherited trait ninja families possess in this world.
Unpacking Rago and Jiro’s Symbiotic Bond
Likewise, I’m not sure why Jiro couldn’t perceive that they had shifted into the realm of Mononoke when Rago could, when they are supposed to be fused, essentially in body and spirit?
Hopefully, that is something the anime will completely expand upon in a way the manga couldn’t during its five-volume run. I don’t know if it’s because the shonen genre has shifted slightly, or because Chainsaw Man was animated first, but since we have so many similar-feeling stories within this ‘supernatural fusion’ trope, I could see how Black Torch got lost in the Jump Square and Shonen Jump+ mix years ago, despite displaying an interesting premise.
Central Conflicts & Community Questions for Black Torch
Either way, I’ll be watching – but tell me your thoughts: are you happy that this manga still got an anime adaptation? What do you think the story’s central conflict will be, since Rago and Jiro get along well?
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