Black Torch

Jiro Azuma stands out among the Azuma clan ninjas for a flaw his grandfather despises: he can talk to animals. During a routine patrol in December 2016, this trait leads him to Rago, a black cat that turns out to be a centuries-old mononoke spirit called the Black Star of Doom. A violent clash leaves Jiro near death, forcing him to fuse with the creature to survive. The union grants him control over dark flames but marks him as a target for a secret government agency hunting spirits and rogue entities seeking Rago's power.

Tsuyoshi Takaki drew on his time as an assistant to Tite Kubo during Bleach to craft the series' visual style, favoring clean lines and fluid motion. Shueisha serialized the story in Jump Square from late 2016 through early 2018 before moving it to the digital platform Shonen Jump+ for its conclusion. Viz Media handled the English release from April 2019 to February 2020, collecting all 19 chapters into five volumes released between April 2017 and August 2018.

Critics often compare the narrative to Chainsaw Man due to its visceral action and monster-of-the-week structure mixed with deeper lore. While reviewers praise the art and fight choreography, many note that the short run results in compressed world-building and rushed character arcs. The manga holds a 6.9 rating on MyAnimeList, where fans frequently discuss it as a cult favorite that ended prematurely. An anime adaptation produced by 100studio premiered in July 2026, featuring an opening theme by the rock band SiM. [edit]