Kana Yoshimura’s long-running action manga MURCIÉLAGO is officially getting a TV anime adaptation in 2027, more than a decade after the series debuted in Young Gangan. The announcement was made at Anime Expo 2026 with a super teaser trailer, key visual, and the first production details.
HIDIVE also confirmed it has acquired the series for an exclusive simulcast in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand as part of its 2027 lineup.
Originally serialized by Square Enix since August 2013, MURCIÉLAGO has surpassed 2.3 million copies in circulation worldwide and currently has 28 volumes in Japan and 26 internationally.
The adaptation will be led by Takashi Naoya (Am I Actually the Strongest?, Tales of Wedding Rings) as chief director, with Matsuo Asami serving as director. The anime is a joint production between Satelight and Staple Entertainment.
The announced staff includes:
- Original work: Kana Yoshimura
- Chief Director: Takashi Naoya
- Director: Matsuo Asami
- Series Composition: Takashi Naoya
- Character Design: Sei Tateishi
- Music: Masanori Akita, Yuichi Tsuchiya
- Animation Production: Satelight × Staple Entertainment
MURCIÉLAGO follows Kuroko Koumori, a former death row inmate selected through extraordinary legal measures to become a government-sanctioned executioner. Partnered with expert driver Hinako Tozakura, the pair investigate and eliminate some of society’s most dangerous criminals in a violent crime-action story blending dark humor, action, and horror.
You can watch the super teaser trailer below.
To commemorate the announcement, original creator Kana Yoshimura shared a message reflecting on finally seeing the series adapted into animation.
“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!!”
Chief director Takashi Naoya explained that his primary focus was adapting the manga into a single cour while preserving its appeal.
“This was my first time participating in a project in the capacity of 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 best convey the appeal of this work within the span of a single cour.
I would also like to thank Ms. Yoshimura, who warmly supported us throughout the script meetings and provided many invaluable insights.
My favorite characters are Manjubito and Hinako. I’m also very fond of Urara and Momoyama.
But… in the end, Kuroko really is the best. She’s cool, charmingly mischievous, and even a great cook. She’s wonderful!”
Director Matsuo Asami also confirmed production is well underway.
“We are currently right in the middle of voice recording, and the performances of Kuroko and Hinako are so engaging that they often surpass what we had envisioned in the visuals. Every time, I find myself inspired by their acting and incorporating that energy back into the animation.
On the visual side, with the support of our many talented animators, we are striving to capture the stylish crime-action spirit of the original work, while pushing the erotic and grotesque elements right up to the limits of broadcast standards.
We are also putting a great deal of effort into the car action sequences. With the cooperation of Satelight’s CG department, we are aiming to deliver some truly cool 3D action scenes.
Everyone on the team is working hard every day so that we can show you Kuroko and Hinako in motion as soon as possible. Please look forward to it and bear with us just a little longer.”
Source: Press Release, Anime Expo 2026
©Yoshimurakana/SQUARE ENIX,MURCIÉLAGO Project
Participate In Discussions