English Dub Review: Black Torch “3 ON THREE”

Overview

Mononoke has just committed mass murder, but it’s more than just all-you-can-eat human meat.

Our Take

Picking up from the previous episode, Black Torch continues to build momentum with the reveal surrounding Rago and the source of his growing power. The episode balances exposition with action, expanding the lore behind the Mononoke while setting up the next major conflict. Jiro and Ichika each get their moments to shine, with Jiro’s battle standing out thanks to Rago’s involvement and the reveal of a more dangerous form. Ichika’s fight, meanwhile, is considerably less memorable, feeling rushed and ending almost as quickly as it begins, although it does show that she can be surprisingly resourceful when pushed.

The rest of the proceedings also provide a clearer picture of the Mononoke and their motivations, suggesting that their conflict with humanity is more complicated than it initially appeared. While some of the dialogue-heavy sections slow the pace, the added world-building gives the story more depth and raises some interesting questions about the past. The biggest concern remains the rushed nature of several fights, which makes the power progression feel somewhat abrupt. Meanwhile, the implications surrounding Rago’s growing strength and its connection to Jiro add an intriguing layer of uncertainty without giving away where things might be headed.

Overall, Black Torch delivers another solid episode that successfully moves the larger story forward while leaving plenty of questions hanging in the air. The action may be uneven, but the expanding lore, stronger character dynamics, and increasingly complicated conflict make the series more interesting with each episode. With the next confrontation seemingly carrying a much more personal weight, the story appears to be setting the stage for what could be its most compelling fight yet.