Image: Teaservisual zum TV-Anime „MURCIÉLAGO“, Kana Yoshimura/Square Enix, Produktionskomitee „MURCIÉLAGO“
AMBot | 08/23/2026 | Reading Time: 3 Min.
The TV adaptation of Kana Yoshimura's manga "Murciélago" will start in January 2027 on Japanese television and streaming services. The broadcast and release period was announced by those responsible at "Anime NYC 2026" in New York, which is one of the largest anime events in the world. Specifically, the announcement was made during the HIDIVE panel at the convention, where artboards for the series' background design were also shown for the first time.
The series adaptation had already been announced in July 2026 at Anime Expo, at that time with the vague time frame of 2027. At that time, the producers released a teaser trailer and a first key visual. With the new announcement, in which NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan is also involved, the start has now been specified as January 2027. In parallel, the streaming service HIDIVE confirmed that it will show the series as an exclusive simulcast in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
The plot of the source material revolves around Kuroko Koumori, a former death row inmate who, through an extraordinary legal measure, was appointed as a state-sanctioned executioner. On behalf of the state, she is to bring other serious criminals to justice. At her side is Hinako Tozakura, a girl with a carefree nature who demonstrates extraordinary abilities behind the wheel. The mismatched partners confront the abysses of society – a buddy action story with black humor, drastic action, and horror elements, whose motto is "Fight evil with evil."
The manga by Kana Yoshimura has been published since August 2013 in Square Enix's Young Gangan magazine and has achieved a worldwide circulation of more than 2.3 million copies. In Japan, 28 volumes have been released so far, internationally 26; the English edition is published by Yen Press.
The animation is jointly handled by the studios Satelight and Staple Entertainment. The chief director is Takashi Naoya, who also takes on the series composition; the direction is led by Matsuo Asami. The character design comes from Sei Tateishi, and the music is composed by Masanori Akita and Yuichi Tsuchiya. The project is produced by the production committee "MURCIÉLAGO."
Which voice actors will take on the main roles has not yet been announced. On the official website and the official anime channel on X, those responsible announce that further information will be released gradually until the start.
The series adaptation had already been announced in July 2026 at Anime Expo, at that time with the vague time frame of 2027. At that time, the producers released a teaser trailer and a first key visual. With the new announcement, in which NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan is also involved, the start has now been specified as January 2027. In parallel, the streaming service HIDIVE confirmed that it will show the series as an exclusive simulcast in the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
The plot of the source material revolves around Kuroko Koumori, a former death row inmate who, through an extraordinary legal measure, was appointed as a state-sanctioned executioner. On behalf of the state, she is to bring other serious criminals to justice. At her side is Hinako Tozakura, a girl with a carefree nature who demonstrates extraordinary abilities behind the wheel. The mismatched partners confront the abysses of society – a buddy action story with black humor, drastic action, and horror elements, whose motto is "Fight evil with evil."
The manga by Kana Yoshimura has been published since August 2013 in Square Enix's Young Gangan magazine and has achieved a worldwide circulation of more than 2.3 million copies. In Japan, 28 volumes have been released so far, internationally 26; the English edition is published by Yen Press.
The animation is jointly handled by the studios Satelight and Staple Entertainment. The chief director is Takashi Naoya, who also takes on the series composition; the direction is led by Matsuo Asami. The character design comes from Sei Tateishi, and the music is composed by Masanori Akita and Yuichi Tsuchiya. The project is produced by the production committee "MURCIÉLAGO."
Which voice actors will take on the main roles has not yet been announced. On the official website and the official anime channel on X, those responsible announce that further information will be released gradually until the start.
This article was originally published in German. It was translated with technical support and editorially reviewed before publication.
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