English Dub Review: Black Torch “WHAT’S MY NAME?”

Overview

Jiro is cuffed in a van, and the tension could be cut with a katana thanks to Jiro’s escort, Ichika.


Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, Black Torch continues introducing its core cast while officially bringing Jiro into the team. Ichika takes center stage this week, immediately proving herself to be a capable fighter despite her icy personality. Although her attitude can be abrasive, there are subtle hints that she begins warming up to Jiro after their battle, making their dynamic more interesting than it initially appears. The action is entertaining enough, and the episode does a decent job establishing the group’s chemistry while teasing the rivalry between Jiro and another newly introduced character, named Reiji.

That said, the rest of the proceedings also highlight many of the series’ biggest weaknesses. The characters largely fall into familiar shounen archetypes, making it difficult for anyone besides the main duo to leave a lasting impression. Ichika’s personality is particularly divisive, with her harsh demeanor overshadowing the limited depth she’s been given so far. Although there are enjoyable fight sequences and a few intriguing moments, the story, world-building, and power system haven’t done much to distinguish themselves from countless other battle shonen, making it easier to understand why the original manga struggled to stand out.

Overall, this was a serviceable episode that moves the story forward while continuing to lay the foundation for the series without offering many major surprises. The formation of the Black Torch squad, the growing teamwork between the characters, a few solid action sequences, and the setup for Jiro’s upcoming clash with Reiji provide enough intrigue to keep watching. However, the series still needs stronger character writing, more creative world-building, and a more distinctive identity if it hopes to leave a lasting impression.