VIZ Unveils Major Announcements for ‘Black Torch,’ ‘Kingdom’ & ‘Yaiba’ at ECCC

VIZ Media took center stage at Emerald City Comic Con (ECCC) Saturday, unveiling a powerhouse lineup of major announcements that underscore its commitment to delivering the best in manga and anime to global audiences.

During its highly anticipated panel, VIZ thrilled fans by confirming that the anime adaptation of Black Torch is officially in production, dropping the first English trailer for the translation of legendary manga Kingdom, and revealing key details about the upcoming streaming debut of Yaiba: Samurai Legend on Netflix and Hulu.

Black Torch Anime Officially in Production

At Emerald City Comic Con, VIZ Media confirmed that the anime adaptation of Black Torch — Tsuyoshi Takaki’s acclaimed ninja-meets-mononoke manga — is now in production. The series is known for its high-stakes action and supernatural themes. A teaser visual and preview were debuted at the Con.

The newly unveiled teaser visual showcases protagonist Jiro Azuma in his stealth uniform, with Rago, the powerful mononoke, perched on his shoulder. A mysterious silhouette reflected in the cityscape hints at the looming threats they will face.

Synopsis: A New Era of Ninja Battles Begins! Jiro Azuma is not your average high schooler. Hailing from a long line of ninja, Jiro has been brought up by his grandfather in the ancient warrior art of the shinobi. Jiro also happens to be a particularly skilled communicator able to converse with the animal world. But life takes an abrupt turn thanks to a mysterious encounter in the forest with an injured black cat named Rago.

Only, Rago’s feline appearance is deceiving … It turns out the “ordinary” cat is the stuff of mononoke legend — the Black Star of Doom! Swarming in the shadows are more mononoke, eager to exploit Rago’s uniquely immense powers. To fight back against the tide of dark spirits, the undercover Bureau of Espionage is poised to seek and destroy. Of course, everyone has their motives when it comes to Rago’s powers. But Jiro and Rago are ready.

Takaki also shared an exclusive drawing for fans to join in celebration.

“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,” said Takaki. A new Black Torch has been brought to life, now with voices, sounds, movement and color.”

Produced by 100studio, the Black Torch anime is being directed by Kei Umabiki, with series composition and screenplay by Gigaemon Ichikawa. Gou Suzuki is the show’s character designer, while Yutaka Yamada handles the music.

“In creating the anime, we’ve made full use of elements that are unique to the medium like color, movement, music and a brilliant cast,” Umabiki shared. “The entire staff is working hard to bring the excitement and charm of the original work to this production!“

Kingdom Trailer Revealed & English Debut Announced

For the first time, Yasuhisa Hara’s critically acclaimed manga Kingdom — a historical epic with over 110 million copies sold worldwide — will be published in English, launching November 11. The series has inspired an anime adaptation, three live-action films, and video games, cementing its place as one of Japan’s most revered sagas.

Synopsis: Offering readers a thrilling window into one of the most transformative periods in Chinese history, Kingdom is set during China’s Warring States period and follows Xin, a war orphan from the kingdom of Qin, who dreams of becoming a great general and uniting China.

After his closest friend, Piao, dies under mysterious circumstances, Xin embarks on a journey to fulfill their shared dream. Along the way, he meets Ying Zheng, a young king bearing a striking resemblance to Piao, who seeks Xin’s help to reclaim his throne and change the course of history.

Hara is an acclaimed manga artist known for his meticulous storytelling and dedication to historical themes. Kingdom is his magnum opus, regarded as one of the greatest manga series in Japan.

Yaiba: Samurai Legend to Stream on Netflix & Hulu

VIZ Media also announced that Yaiba: Samurai Legend, based on Gosho Aoyama’s (Case Closed) classic shonen manga, will make its streaming debut on April 5, available on Netflix (North America, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand) and Hulu (U.S.). The action-packed adventure follows young samurai Yaiba Kurogane as he embarks on a journey filled with humor, epic battles, and legendary swords.

The exclusive acquisition of the Yaiba: Samurai Legend anime is a landmark deal granting VIZ Media the master license rights, including theatrical, television, digital, home entertainment,
ancillary, and merchandise for North America, Latin America (including the Caribbean), Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re excited to bring Yaiba to a wider audience,” said Brian Ige, Sr. Vice President, Animation. “This series has been a fan favorite in Japan for years, and we’re eager to introduce its unique blend of action, adventure, and humor to the global market. This acquisition reinforces VIZ Media’s commitment to delivering the best in manga and anime entertainment.”

Additionally, VIZ Manga will release chapters 1-23 of the Yaiba: Samurai Legend manga series digitally in English for the first time on March 20, with Volume 1 set to publish in print on July 8, allowing new and returning fans to experience the thrilling saga from the very beginning.

Synopsis: Yaiba Kurogane has spent his days training in the jungle in order to attain his goal of becoming a real samurai. By a twist of fate, he returns to Japan and starts living with the Mine family, who are connected to his father, Kenjuro. Yaiba constantly baffles the Mines’ daughter Sayaka as she witnesses his wild and reckless ways.

One day, Yaiba tags along with Sayaka to school and has a fateful encounter with Takeshi Onimaru, a kendo expert. Yaiba and Onimaru repeatedly clash, and as if in response to their search for strength, two ancient powers are unleashed: the Fujinken, the Wind God’s Sword, and the Raijinken, the Thunder God’s Sword. Both supernatural blades that have jolted the world since ancient days have reawakened .. .and the truth behind them is revealed!