Slot July 4, 2026: Black Torch from 100studio starts up. 12 eps, source is manga — what to know before episode one.
Quick answer
Black Torch premieres on July 4, 2026 from 100studio, with 12 episodes scheduled, with streaming partners to be confirmed. The show adapts a manga and sits in the action-leaning corner of the Summer 2026 slate.
The setup
Seventeen-year-old Jirou Azuma lives a quiet life with his grandfather, utilizing his supernatural ability to speak with animals to befriend and protect them. Both Jirou and his grandfather are descendants of a long-standing shinobi clan, training in combat to keep the art of battle alive within their family. Jirou's life is thrown into upheaval after rescuing a seemingly normal black cat, Ragou, only to discover that the cat is actually a mononoke—a demonic spirit that has long been at war with mankind. When a hostile mononoke comes looking for Ragou, Jirou uses his shinobi training to jump to the cat's defense, but immediately suffers a mortal wound.
Faced with the decision of whether or not to devour Jirou's fading energy and restore himself to full power, Ragou instead chooses to give his remaining energy to Jirou. Reviving the boy, the transfer also grants him great supernatural powers that complement his own shinobi fighting style. This act is witnessed by Ryousuke Shiba, an officer in the Bureau of Espionage whose job revolves around dispatching aggressive mononoke. Shiba extends Jirou and his grandfather an offer: to join the Bureau's new squad, Black Torch, and help them battle powerful mononoke who seek to devour innocent people.
The team
100studio handles animation.
Director: Umabiki, Kei.
Series composition / script: Ichikawa, Gigaemon.
Character design: Kinoshita, Mariko.
Music: Takadera, Takeshi.
International licensing handled by VIZ Media.
The IP context
Source format: Manga.
source readers will know whether the adaptation has the right rhythm; for newcomers, the manga is the homework if you want to commit early.
Japanese title: BLACK TORCH.
Demographic positioning: Shounen.
Air schedule
Premiere: July 4, 2026.
Episode count: 12.
Episode duration: Unknown.
International streaming partners haven't been firmed up yet at time of writing.
Pre-air read
Members tracking the show on MAL: 21,373.
Popularity rank: #5412.
Looking for context? See the full Best Summer 2026 anime ranking and what to watch this Summer 2026 primer.
What to expect
If you're someone who slots action-leaning shows on principle, Black Torch is an automatic add to the first-three-episode try-list. If the manga resonates with you, that doubles the case.
What to watch for in week one: animation density of episode one (premieres usually peak there — does episode two hold?), how the 100studio team handles the first big set piece, and whether the OP/ED give the show a sonic identity beyond the source's existing fan signaling.
Slot it for the first three episodes. If the production's holding by week three, you've got a season-runner.
Frequently asked questions
Q: When does Black Torch premiere?
A: Black Torch premieres on July 4, 2026. Broadcast slot to be confirmed.
Q: Where can I watch Black Torch?
A: Streaming partners for Black Torch haven't been confirmed publicly yet. SenpaiRanks updates this page as platforms announce.
Q: Is Black Torch based on a manga or light novel?
A: Black Torch adapts a manga. source readers will know whether the adaptation has the right rhythm; for newcomers, the manga is the homework if you want to commit early.
Q: How many episodes does Black Torch have?
A: Black Torch is scheduled for 12 episodes.
Q: Who is producing Black Torch?
A: 100studio handles animation production. Director: Umabiki, Kei. Series composition: Ichikawa, Gigaemon. Character design: Kinoshita, Mariko.