Black Torch
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
Capable of communicating with animals, Jirou Azuma, a troublesome 17-year-old high school student, is constantly scolded by his grandfather for fighting humans that harm his winged and four-legged friends. However, after Jirou saves a black cat named Ragou from certain death, his carefree existence soon comes to an end. Unbeknownst to Jirou, Ragou is no ordinary cat but a mononoke, a magical creature of immense power. While trying to protect Ragou from another mononoke, Jirou is easily defeated and left for dead. In a dramatic turn of events, Ragou decides to pay off his debt to the dying young man, making Jirou a rare human-mononoke hybrid that easily overpowers his aggressor. Unfortunately, Jirou is now sought by both Ragou's kin who want to use the latter's powers, and the Bureau of Espionage, a secret governmental organization protecting civilians against hostile mononoke. Forcibly enlisted by the Bureau of Espionage's Ryousuke Shiba, Jirou must prove his worth in a new anti-mononoke task force, lest he be killed as a menace himself.
Audience Consensus
Audience opinion is sharply divided, with praise for animation and sound clashing with widespread criticism of its unoriginality, shallow characters, and inconsistent writing. While some find it a fun, albeit stereotypical, action romp, many feel it fails to stand out and relies too heavily on tropes and fan service.
Strengths
- Animation and visuals are solid, with good character designs and color palettes.
- Action sequences are well-executed and visually appealing.
- The soundtrack and music, including OP/ED, are surprisingly good.
- The dynamic between the protagonist and Ragou is a redeeming aspect.
Weaknesses
- Overly reliant on clichés and derivative of other shonen series like Bleach.
- Inconsistent writing, abandonment of established lore/abilities, and plot convenience over logic.
- Shallow and underdeveloped characters with predictable archetypes.
- Excessive and unnecessary fan service, particularly focusing on female characters' bodies.
- Rushed pacing, especially in the latter half, leading to underdeveloped plot points and character arcs.
- Generic and forgettable story that lacks originality and impact.