Black Torch Episode 1 Review: A Promising Shonen Debut
A new shonen anime dropped this week, and it already has people comparing it to two of the biggest names in the genre. This Black Torch episode 1 review breaks down whether that comparison holds up, and whether the show is worth your Saturday night.
Black Torch is based on Tsuyoshi Takaki’s manga and premiered on July 4, 2026, produced by 100studio and directed by Kei Umabiki. It follows Jiro Azuma, a delinquent looking teenager who can talk to animals and comes from a long line of ninja.
Black Torch Episode 1 Plot Summary
Jiro lives a quiet life with his grandfather, training in shinobi combat while keeping his ability to speak with animals mostly hidden. That ability has made him a target of bullying since childhood, so animals have become his only real comfort.
Everything changes when Jiro finds a badly injured black cat in the woods and nurses it back to health. The cat turns out to be Rago, an immortal mononoke, a demonic spirit that has been at war with humanity for centuries.
The Fight That Changes Everything
Before Jiro can process what Rago actually is, a hostile mononoke attacks and leaves him fatally wounded. Rago makes the choice to fuse with Jiro’s dying body, granting him shadow ninja powers strong enough to fight back and survive.
The entire sequence is witnessed by Ryousuke Shiba, an officer from the Bureau of Espionage, an organization built specifically to handle dangerous mononoke. That encounter sets up Jiro’s recruitment into the Bureau’s new squad, Black Torch, which gives the show its name.
Black Torch Episode 1 Review: Does It Live Up To The Hype
The comparisons to Bleach are hard to ignore, and the show does not try very hard to hide them. A delinquent protagonist with a hidden power, a soul fusing with a spirit partner, and a shadowy government organization investigating supernatural threats are all lifted straight from that same shonen playbook.
There is also a clear nod to Chainsaw Man in how the inciting incident plays out, with Jiro’s near death experience mirroring the beat that kicks off that story. None of this makes Black Torch feel like a copy though. The cat centric approach to Jiro’s ninjutsu and his animal communication ability give the show its own identity fast.
Where The Episode Stumbles
The pacing crams a lot into 25 minutes, and it shows in a few places. Jiro’s grandfather appears mainly to deliver exposition about the family lineage and their ceremonial sword before disappearing from the rest of the episode, which feels rushed rather than earned.
A few action beats also pause mid fight for slow motion shots of Jiro’s fighting form, which looks stylish the first time but starts to feel repetitive by the end of the episode.
Animation and Art Style
Black Torch leans heavily on 3DCG work handled across several of 100studio’s offices, which is more CG heavy than most of the studio’s previous hybrid animation projects. The monochrome inspired color palette borrowed from the original manga translates well into the anime, giving fight scenes a distinct look compared to typical shonen action.
Jiro Azuma: Black Torch’s Lead Character
Jiro is written as earnest rather than edgy, which separates him from a lot of brooding shonen leads. He is rough around the edges and quick to throw a punch, but his loyalty to the animals and people around him comes through immediately.
His new partnership with Rago gives the show an easy dynamic to build on going forward, especially since Rago’s motivations for helping a human are still mostly a mystery after episode one.
Is Black Torch Worth Watching
If you are a fan of Bleach style soul fusion stories or Chainsaw Man’s chaotic energy, Black Torch episode 1 gives you enough of both to justify sticking around. It does not reinvent the shonen formula, but it executes the familiar beats with confidence and a visual style that stands apart from most seasonal competition.
Where To Watch Black Torch Episode 1
Black Torch is streaming globally on Crunchyroll with a same day English dub. New episodes release weekly on Saturdays, with each episode running about 25 minutes.
You can watch anime online and follow our weekly episode breakdowns for Black Torch and other summer 2026 releases over on our watch anime online blog section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Torch based on a manga?
Yes. It is based on the manga by Tsuyoshi Takaki, originally serialized in Jump Square and later Shonen Jump Plus between 2016 and 2018.
Who does Jiro Azuma partner with in Black Torch?
Jiro partners with Rago, an immortal mononoke who takes the form of a black cat and fuses with Jiro to save his life in episode one.
Is Black Torch similar to Bleach?
Yes, in some ways. Both feature a delinquent lead who gains supernatural powers through a soul fusion and joins an organization that fights spirits, though Black Torch’s animal communication angle sets it apart.
Where can I watch Black Torch episode 1?
Black Torch is available on Crunchyroll with subtitles and a same day English dub.
How long is each Black Torch episode?
Each episode runs approximately 25 minutes and releases weekly on Saturdays.
Is Black Torch worth watching for shonen fans?
Yes. It borrows familiar shonen elements but blends them with a distinct animal centric power system and strong visual identity, making it a solid pick for the season.