{
  "id": 896789,
  "title": "Black Torch fans should 'expect the unexpected' in upcoming episodes as 'emotional' breakout Crunchyroll anime hits the halfway point",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/black-torch-fans-should-expect-the-unexpected-in-upcoming-episodes-as",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T18:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/streaming/entertainment/black-torch-fans-should-expect-the-unexpected-in-upcoming-episodes-as-emotional-breakout-crunchyroll-anime-hits-the-halfway-point"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For avid anime enthusiasts, diving into a fresh show delivers a distinct thrill, and Crunchyroll's latest series, BLACK TORCH, is no exception. Now six episodes in, the story follows Jiro, a high schooler and descendant of ninjas with the ability to communicate with animals. After rescuing a wounded black cat named Rago, who is actually a powerful demon spirit, Jiro finds himself mortally wounded while protecting Rago. In response, Rago fuses with Jiro, creating a hybrid of human and spirit. Recruited by Japan's covert Bureau of Espionage, Jiro is now a member of the special unit known as Black Torch, tasked with combating rogue mononoke.\n\nFrom the outset, BLACK TORCH has effectively merged high-intensity action with a strong emotional core, garnering praise from anime fans. With six episodes remaining, what can viewers anticipate in the second half of the series? According to the English dub cast's AJ Beckles (Jiro) and Ryan Colt Levy (Ryosuke Shiba), the answer is \"expect the unexpected.\" Beckles emphasizes that this will be \"more of what we've had... but bigger.\" As episodes progress, viewers can expect increasingly intense and serious moments. The voice cast's enthusiasm for their roles is palpable, and their dedication to bringing Jiro and Rago to life fills the reporter with optimism about the upcoming episodes.",
  "summary": "BLACK TORCH is steaming ahead with its second set of six episodes this weekend — and if you're watching on Crunchyroll, be prepared to \"expect the unexpected.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "BLACK TORCH follows Jiro, ninja descendant with animal communication ability.",
    "Jiro merges with black cat Rago, becoming hybrid of human and spirit.",
    "Jiro joins covert Bureau of Espionage's Black Torch unit."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}