Black Torch Discontinued: What Happened to the Manga and Its English Release?
Black Torch is a shōnen manga created by Ryu Mizunagi that debuted in 2015. The series quickly gained a cult following for its blend of supernatural action, quirky humor, and a protagonist who becomes a devil’s apprentice. However, fans outside Japan have noticed a sudden gap in the English market. This article examines why Black Torch was discontinued, the timeline of its publication, and what options remain for readers who still want to explore the series.
Original Publication and Story Premise
Black Torch was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Square magazine, a monthly platform for emerging shōnen titles. The story follows Ryu, a high‑school student who discovers a mysterious torch that summons a devil named Jiro. Together they navigate battles against otherworldly threats while uncovering the secrets of the torch’s origin. The manga’s art style mixes traditional Japanese motifs with modern urban settings, making it stand out among other action‑oriented series.
English Licensing and the Viz Media Connection
In 2018, Viz Media announced a digital release of Black Torch on its Manga Plus platform. The announcement generated excitement, especially after a YouTuber highlighted a “curious find on Viz media” and said, “I found this manga by random and gave it a go.” The series was offered chapter‑by‑chapter in English, allowing readers worldwide to keep up with the story in near real‑time.
Despite the initial enthusiasm, several factors contributed to the eventual discontinuation of the English release:
- Publication Schedule: The monthly Japanese release meant a slower flow of new chapters for translation, leading to gaps in the English schedule.
- Sales Performance: While the series had a dedicated fanbase, overall sales figures in the English market did not meet Viz Media’s thresholds for continued investment.
- Strategic Shifts: Viz Media has periodically reevaluated its catalog to prioritize titles with higher global demand, and Black Torch
