Black Torch English Dub Premieres This Saturday on Crunchyroll
The highly anticipated English dub for Tsuyoshi Takaki's thrilling manga adaptation, Black Torch, is officially set to ignite screens this Saturday, courtesy of Crunchyroll. Anime enthusiasts worldwide are buzzing with excitement as the streaming giant prepares for a same-day English dub release, ensuring fans can dive into the supernatural action without delay. This announcement brings with it a star-studded voice cast and a seasoned production team, promising an immersive auditory experience for all who tune in. Get ready to witness the hidden battle against menacing spirits unfold with a fresh English voice track, starting very soon.
Meet the English Voice Talent Bringing Black Torch to Life
Crunchyroll has assembled an exceptional lineup of voice actors to breathe life into the vibrant characters of Black Torch. Leading the charge is A.J. Beckles, stepping into the shoes of Jiro Azuma, the shinobi descendant with a unique ability to communicate with animals. Beckles' portrayal is expected to capture Jiro's blend of rough exterior and compassionate heart, especially when confronted with the mysterious stray cat that changes his destiny.
Joining him is Ben Balmaceda as Toshimasa Azuma, adding another layer to the Azuma family's storied legacy. The versatile Ben Diskin takes on a dual role as Amagi and Crow, promising a captivating performance that showcases his range. Fans can anticipate his distinct voice bringing depth to these pivotal characters.
Erin Yvette lends her vocal talents to Ichika Kishimojin, a character undoubtedly central to the unfolding supernatural narrative. Her seasoned presence in the cast is a testament to the quality Crunchyroll is aiming for with this dub. Keith Silverstein, a familiar and beloved voice in the anime community, will portray Rago, adding gravitas and intensity to his role. Kellen Goff, known for his powerful voice work, takes on the imposing Huge Mononoke, a role that promises to highlight his remarkable talent for larger-than-life characters.
The mischievous Hoodlums will be voiced by a trio of skilled actors: Kyle McCarley, Mick Lauer, and Ben Diskin, ensuring dynamic and memorable interactions. Mick Lauer also takes on the role of the enigmatic Stray Cat, a character pivotal to Jiro's journey and transformation. Ryan Bartley as Nachi and Ryan Colt Levy as Ryosuke Shiba complete this impressive ensemble, each bringing their unique interpretations to the Black Torch universe. This meticulously chosen cast underscores Crunchyroll's commitment to delivering a premium English dub experience.
The Expert Team Behind the Dub Production
Bringing an anime to life in another language requires a dedicated and talented production crew, and the Black Torch English dub is no exception. STUDIOPOLIS, Inc., a name synonymous with quality anime dubbing, is at the helm of ADR Production. Their extensive experience ensures a polished and authentic localization that resonates with English-speaking audiences.
Kirstie Simone serves as the Dialogue Director and also as Production Manager, guiding the voice actors to deliver performances that capture the original intent and emotional nuances of the series. David Walsh holds the crucial roles of Recording Engineer and Dialogue Editor, ensuring pristine audio quality and seamless integration.
The project is helmed by Producers Jamie Simone and Rita Majkut, whose expertise in managing complex productions is invaluable. Seth Walther is credited as the ADR Script Adapter, meticulously translating and refining the script to ensure cultural relevance and natural dialogue flow while maintaining fidelity to the original story. Post Production Supervisor James Lafferty, Re-Recording Mixer Ernie Sheesley, and Video Editor Sean Kelley round out this stellar team, each contributing their specialized skills to perfect the final product. Their collective efforts are poised to make the Black Torch English dub a standout offering for fans.
Black Torch Anime: A Glimpse into its Creation
Beyond the vocal performances, the Black Torch anime itself is a product of remarkable creative talent. Kei Umabiki, known for his work on series like ClassicaLoid, directs the anime at 100Studio, promising a unique visual and narrative approach. Gō Suzuki, a character designer recognized for his contributions to Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale, is responsible for crafting the distinctive look of the characters, ensuring they leap off the screen with energy and style.
Gigaemon Ichikawa, with experience on titles like Chikasugi Idol Akae-chan, supervises and writes the series scripts, translating the manga's compelling narrative into an engaging animated format. The atmospheric music that will underscore the supernatural battles and emotional moments is composed by Yutaka Yamada, acclaimed for his work on Babylon and Tokyo Ghoul.
The animation quality is further bolstered by a team of additional staff members. Yumi Nakamura, Masahiko Suzuki, and Mariko Kinoshita handle Sub-Character Design, ensuring a rich and diverse cast. Shunya Kikuchi contributes Design Works, while Sachi Takahashi and Shōko Imaizumi serve as Art Directors, shaping the series' visual aesthetic. Haruko Nobori oversees Color Design, Hirotaka Naito is the CG Director, and Satoshi Yamamoto is the Director of Photography. Masato Yoshitake handles Editing, Takeshi Takadera is the Sound Director, and Naoto Yamatani provides the Sound Effects, all collaborating to bring the Black Torch world to vibrant life.
The Manga That Started It All: Tsuyoshi Takaki's Vision
At the heart of this exciting anime adaptation is Tsuyoshi Takaki's original Black Torch manga series. Published in Shueisha's Jump Square magazine starting in December 2016, the manga quickly captivated readers with its unique blend of action, supernatural elements, and compelling characters. Viz Media, the English publisher, describes the story with an intriguing premise that hints at the adventures awaiting viewers in the anime.
The narrative centers on Jiro Azuma, a young man descended from a long line of shinobi. His unique gift allows him to communicate with animals, revealing a compassionate side beneath his tough exterior. This soft spot for furry critters, however, leads him directly into major trouble when a mysterious and suspicious stray cat fuses with him. This unexpected fusion grants Jiro exceptional power, but it also pulls him headfirst into a hidden, ancient battle between humanity and powerful, menacing spirits. The manga successfully concluded with its fifth and final compiled book volume released in August 2018, leaving a complete and thrilling story for fans to discover. The anime adaptation promises to bring this beloved supernatural tale to a new visual medium, allowing both new and existing fans to experience Jiro's journey.
Dynamic Theme Songs Set the Mood
No anime is complete without its iconic theme songs, and Black Torch features two dynamic tracks that perfectly capture its essence. The opening theme song, "Freeze Me Up," is performed by the popular band SiM. Known for their energetic and hard-hitting sound, SiM's track is sure to get viewers pumped for the action and mystery that unfolds in each episode.
For the ending theme, "Groooovy," I Don't Like Mondays. takes the stage. Their distinctive musical style will provide a compelling close to each episode, leaving audiences eager for the next installment of Jiro's supernatural adventures. These musical selections are crucial in setting the tone and enhancing the overall viewing experience, solidifying the anime's identity.
Global Streaming and a Future Premiere
The Black Torch anime is set to be a global phenomenon. Crunchyroll will stream the series across a vast array of regions, including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, and CIS, ensuring that fans across the globe can join Jiro Azuma on his thrilling journey. The broad distribution highlights the series' international appeal and Crunchyroll's commitment to delivering anime to a worldwide audience.
Adding to the excitement, the anime is slated for a world premiere screening at the prestigious Anime Expo 2026 event. This early screening promises an exclusive first look for attendees, building anticipation for the full series release. While the English dub launches this Saturday, the future Anime Expo premiere suggests even more events and fan engagement opportunities down the line.
Don't Miss the Black Torch English Dub Premiere!
The wait is almost over! The Black Torch English dub is poised to deliver a fantastic experience, blending supernatural action with a compelling storyline and top-tier voice acting. With A.J. Beckles leading an impressive cast, and STUDIOPOLIS, Inc. handling the expert production, fans are in for a treat this Saturday. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare to immerse yourself in the world of Black Torch. Crunchyroll is your destination for this exciting new anime adventure. Get ready to witness Jiro Azuma's battle against menacing spirits like never before.
