VIZ Media Debuts Black Torch and GalaXic at Anime Expo
.png)
VIZ Media Anime Expo 2026 Debuts: Black Torch and GalaXic Baseball League
VIZ Media, the leading manga and anime publisher in North America, announced at Anime Expo 2026 the English print debut of two new manga series: Black Torch by Tsuyoshi Takaki and GalaXic Baseball League by Yūki Tabata (creator of Black Clover). These titles expand VIZ Media’s catalog of action and sports manga, offering English-speaking readers official translations of popular Japanese series previously unavailable in print. The announcements were made during the VIZ Media Industry Panel on July 2, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Title (Black Torch) | Black Torch |
| Author (Black Torch) | Tsuyoshi Takaki |
| Publisher (Black Torch) | VIZ Media (English print) |
| Release Date (Black Torch Vol. 1) | November 10, 2026 |
| Price (Black Torch Vol. 1) | $12.99 USD |
| Volumes (Black Torch) | 5 volumes (complete series) |
| Title (GalaXic Baseball League) | GalaXic Baseball League |
| Author (GalaXic Baseball League) | Yūki Tabata |
| Publisher (GalaXic Baseball League) | VIZ Media (English print) |
| Release Date (GalaXic Baseball League Vol. 1) | January 12, 2027 |
| Price (GalaXic Baseball League Vol. 1) | $14.99 USD |
| Genre | Action / Supernatural (Black Torch); Sports / Sci-Fi (GalaXic Baseball League) |
What Is Black Torch?
Black Torch is a completed five-volume manga series by Tsuyoshi Takaki that blends ninja action with supernatural elements. The story follows Jiro Azuma, a young ninja who can communicate with animals, as he becomes entangled in a conflict between humans and demonic spirits. VIZ Media’s English print edition will release Volume 1 on November 10, 2026, at $12.99 USD. The series originally ran in Jump Square from 2016 to 2018.
According to the Anime Expo panel, the English translation was handled by Caleb Cook, known for his work on Jujutsu Kaisen. “Black Torch has a dedicated fanbase that has been waiting years for an official English print release,” said VIZ Media Senior Editor Mike Montesa during the panel.
“We are thrilled to finally bring Black Torch to English readers. The series combines fast-paced action with a unique animal-bonding mechanic that sets it apart from other shonen titles.” – Mike Montesa, VIZ Media Senior Editor VIZ Media Industry Panel, Anime Expo 2026
What Is GalaXic Baseball League?
GalaXic Baseball League is a new manga series by Yūki Tabata, creator of Black Clover, that reimagines baseball as an intergalactic sport. The story follows rookie pitcher Hoshino as he joins a team competing in a league spanning multiple planets. Volume 1 is scheduled for January 12, 2027, at $14.99 USD. The series debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan in April 2026.
VIZ Media announced that the first print run will include a special poster featuring character designs by Tabata. “GalaXic Baseball League is Tabata’s first sports manga, and it brings his signature high-energy art style to a completely new genre,” the panel noted.
“We expect GalaXic Baseball League to attract both sports fans and existing Black Clover readers. The cosmic setting allows for creative rule twists that keep every game unpredictable.” – VIZ Media representative at Anime Expo 2026 VIZ Media Industry Panel, Anime Expo 2026
When and Where Were These Announced?
Both titles were officially announced during the VIZ Media Industry Panel at Anime Expo 2026 on July 2, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The panel was livestreamed on VIZ Media’s YouTube channel and drew an estimated 12,000 concurrent viewers. Pre-orders for both volumes opened immediately after the panel on the VIZ Media online store and major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
“Anime Expo 2026 marked the first time VIZ Media revealed English print plans for both Black Torch and GalaXic Baseball League in a single panel,” according to the event recap on The Movie Blog.
Who Is This For?
These releases target English-speaking manga readers who prefer official translations over fan scans. Black Torch appeals to fans of supernatural action series like Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen, while GalaXic Baseball League is ideal for sports manga enthusiasts and followers of Yūki Tabata’s previous work. Both series are rated Teen (13+) by VIZ Media.
According to a 2025 survey by the Anime Industry Association, 68% of manga readers in North America prefer print editions over digital, and 41% actively seek out series that have not yet received an English release. VIZ Media’s decision to debut these titles at Anime Expo aligns with this demand.
Common Questions
Will Black Torch have an anime adaptation?
As of July 2026, no anime adaptation has been announced. The manga completed its run in 2018 with five volumes, and VIZ Media’s English print release may increase interest from studios, but no official plans exist.
Is GalaXic Baseball League a new series or a spin-off?
GalaXic Baseball League is an entirely new series by Yūki Tabata, not a spin-off of Black Clover. It debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in April 2026 and is currently ongoing in Japan.
Where can I pre-order these manga volumes?
Pre-orders are available on the VIZ Media official website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and local comic shops. Black Torch Vol. 1 is priced at $12.99 USD, and GalaXic Baseball League Vol. 1 at $14.99 USD.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the VIZ Media Industry Panel coverage published on The Movie Blog on July 2, 2026 (source). Additional details were cross-referenced with VIZ Media’s official press release and the Weekly Shonen Jump Japanese publication schedule. All prices are in USD and were current as of the announcement date. This article was last updated on July 3, 2026.