Unveiled at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, enthusiasts of dark manga thrillers can anticipate a fresh TV anime adaptation of Kana Yoshimura’s Murciélago. AMC Global Media’s HIDIVE will stream the series exclusively as part of its 2027 roster for subscribers in the U.S. and Canada, along with significant overseas markets such as the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
Serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan, Murciélago first appeared in August 2013 and has now exceeded 2.3 million copies in circulation globally, currently encompassing 28 volumes in Japan (26 volumes available internationally). The manga is published in North America by Yen Press (vol. 1-26 available).
The narrative centers on Kuroko Koumori, a former death-row inmate transformed into a state-sanctioned executioner, alongside her partner Hinako Tozakura, an innocent-looking girl with remarkable driving talents. Together, they form a deranged yet unstoppable duo tackling the evils of society.
Illustration by Kana Yoshimura
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
The announcement of the anime came with a ‘super teaser’ and key visual, alongside a commemorative illustration and a special message from original creator Yoshimura.
“Ever since I chose the profession of manga artist, having one of my works adapted into an anime has been one of my greatest dreams. It is thanks to the support and cooperation of all the readers and everyone involved that this dream has finally come true, and first and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude. Thank you. Thank you very much.
I am already excited myself to see Kuroko and the others brought to life and moving on screen. To all of our readers, I hope you will continue to support both the original manga and the Murciélago anime. It’s going to be a blast! Oryaa!!”
— Kana Yoshimura
Takashi Naoya (Am I Actually the Strongest?; Tales of Wedding Rings) takes on the role of chief director for the anime, while Matsuo Asami (I’m the Villainess, but I’m Being Doted on by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Kingdom; Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table) serves as director. MURCIÉLAGO is a collaborative animation effort between Satelight (Drops of God; PSYREN) and Staple Entertainment (Tales of Wedding Rings; Watari-kun’s ****** Is About to Collapse).
“This was my first time participating in a project as chief director, so while respecting the authority of the director, I took on responsibilities where I could best contribute — namely series composition, scriptwriting, and storyboarding. In terms of series composition, I focused our script discussions on how to most effectively convey the appeal of this work within the span of a single cour,” remarked Naoya. “I would also like to thank Ms. Yoshimura, who warmly supported us throughout the script meetings and shared many invaluable insights. My favorite characters are Manjūbito and Hinako. I’m also quite fond of Urara and Momoyama. But… in the end, Kuroko truly stands out — she’s cool, charmingly mischievous, and even an excellent cook. She’s wonderful!”
Asami mentioned, “We are currently in the middle of the voice recording, and the portrayals of Kuroko and Hinako are so captivating that they often exceed our visual expectations. Every time, I find myself inspired by their performances and channeling that energy back into the animation. Visually, with the support of our many talented animators, we are striving to depict the stylish crime-action essence of the original work while pushing the erotic and grotesque elements to their limits according to broadcast standards. Additionally, we are putting considerable effort into the car action sequences. With the collaboration of Satelight’s CG department, we aspire to present some truly impressive 3D action scenes. Everyone on the team is diligently working so that we can showcase Kuroko and Hinako in motion as soon as possible. Please anticipate it, and bear with us a little longer.”
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - BarCharts Publishing Inc. (Publisher)
The creative team also comprises character designer Sei Tateishi and composers Masanori Akita and Yuichi Tsuchiya.
Synopsis: Fight evil with evil—
Kuroko Koumori, a former death-row inmate chosen through extraordinary legal measures to serve as a state-sanctioned executioner.
By her side is her watchdog and partner, Hinako Tozakura, whose extraordinary driving skills are second to none.
As one heinous crime after another lands on their doorstep, the strongest duo takes on the darkness lurking within society.
A wildly unconventional, addictively insane and dangerously intoxicating buddy action series is set in motion…
