Review by Frank Plowright

A ninja who can talk with animals was the starting point for Black Torch, and despite the cast expanding Black Torch has been both a coming of age story and a terrifying rite of passage for Jiro. He begins this conclusion having learned considerably about himself and a lot about the powerful mononoke, and how one discontented spirit has marshalled others into agreeing to his plan to wipe out humanity. It will restore the world to the way it once was.

Tsuyoshi Takaki spends this volume’s opening chapter exclusively with the mononoke, supplying a demonic example of Amagi’s true intentions, and how unpleasant a world under his control will be. It’s a darkest before the dawn scenario, and after the revelations of Black Torch 4 Takaki doesn’t feature Jiro himself for a while, although he’s on the minds of most other characters. When Jiro does return it’s with increased power, but also with increased limitations.

Because this is the final volume and Takaki isn’t committed to continuing anyone’s story there’s a narrative freedom not available to the latest creator on a franchised property, and it generates tension.

There are two chapters of set-up, but for the most part this is where Takaki lets loose. For a while the final battle was always going to come down to Jiro with what he has of Rago’s power facing off against Amagi, and the art is astonishingly good. It’s clear, yet powerful and unrestrained, and Takaki still manages to surprise. There’s even room for an extended post-battle epilogue offering a thoughtful discussion about power.

For a Japanese series Black Torch is brief at five volumes, but supplies a page turning thriller mixing science with mysticism, great action art and viable personalities.