“VIZ Media Shakes Up ECCC with Massive Anime & Manga Announcements – ‘Black Torch’ Anime, ‘Kingdom’ English Release & More!”
Manga and anime lovers, brace yourselves—VIZ Media just set Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) on fire with a string of jaw-dropping announcements! From a highly anticipated Black Torch anime adaptation to the long-awaited English debut of Kingdom and the return of Yaiba, VIZ is making waves and proving once again why they reign supreme in the industry.
The ‘Black Torch’ Anime is Officially Happening!
Fans of Tsuyoshi Takaki’s Black Torch manga can finally rejoice—an anime adaptation is officially in production! Announced during VIZ’s ECCC panel, this supernatural ninja action series is getting the full animation treatment, and the hype is real. A teaser visual featuring protagonist Jiro Azuma and his mononoke companion, Rago, was revealed, setting the stage for an epic showdown against dark forces lurking in the shadows.
For those new to the series, here’s what you need to know:
Synopsis: Jiro Azuma isn’t your average teenager—he hails from a long lineage of ninjas and has the rare ability to communicate with animals. But when he rescues a mysterious black cat, Rago, he unwittingly gets pulled into a battle between mononoke and secret intelligence agencies who want to harness Rago’s immense power. Cue intense ninja battles, supernatural chaos, and one of the most badass human-mononoke duos in anime history!
The Black Torch anime is being produced by 100studio, with Kei Umabiki directing and Gigaemon Ichikawa handling the series composition. The team is dedicated to staying true to the manga while elevating the action with dynamic visuals and powerful music.
‘Kingdom’ Finally Gets an English Release & a New Trailer
It’s been a long time coming, but Kingdom, Yasuhisa Hara’s legendary historical manga, is officially getting an English translation! Set to launch on November 11, this critically acclaimed saga has sold over 110 million copies worldwide, inspiring an anime adaptation, multiple live-action films, and even video games.
Synopsis: Kingdom takes readers deep into China’s Warring States period, following Xin, a war orphan who dreams of becoming the greatest general in history. After his best friend Piao dies under mysterious circumstances, Xin joins forces with young King Ying Zheng, whose ambition is to unite China under one rule. What follows is a gripping tale of warfare, strategy, and political intrigue that has captivated audiences for decades.
Alongside the English manga announcement, VIZ also dropped a brand-new Kingdom anime trailer, sending fans into a frenzy. If you haven’t experienced this epic story yet, November is the perfect time to dive in!
‘Yaiba: Samurai Legend’ is Coming to Netflix & Hulu
That’s right—Yaiba: Samurai Legend, based on Gosho Aoyama’s (Case Closed) classic shonen manga, is making its streaming debut on April 5! The series will be available on Netflix (North America, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand) and Hulu (U.S.), bringing this action-packed samurai adventure to a global audience.
Synopsis: Yaiba follows young swordsman Yaiba Kurogane, whose life takes a wild turn when he returns to Japan and finds himself caught in an ancient battle between two legendary swords: the Fujinken (Wind God’s Sword) and the Raijinken (Thunder God’s Sword). Alongside his new friends—and a few unexpected foes—Yaiba embarks on a thrilling quest filled with humor, epic duels, and supernatural powers.
To make things even better, VIZ Manga will also release the first 23 chapters of Yaiba: Samurai Legend digitally in English on March 20, with the print version of Volume 1 hitting shelves on July 8. So whether you want to stream it or read it, VIZ has you covered!
Final Thoughts: The Future is Bright for Manga & Anime Fans
VIZ Media didn’t just drop announcements at ECCC—they delivered an absolute feast for fans. With Black Torch getting its well-deserved anime adaptation, Kingdom finally crossing language barriers, and Yaiba making a triumphant return, 2024 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for anime and manga lovers.
So, which announcement has you the most excited? Will you be diving into Kingdom’s epic saga, binging Yaiba on Netflix, or gearing up for the Black Torch anime debut? No matter your pick, one thing’s for sure—VIZ Media is bringing the heat, and we’re here for it!
