Yoshimura Kana’s manga “Murciélago” is set to become a TV anime, premiering in 2027. HIDIVE has secured exclusive streaming rights for audiences in the U.S., Canada, and other key markets.
This adaptation was revealed during Anime Expo 2026.
“Murciélago,” serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan since August 2013, has achieved global sales exceeding 2.3 million copies. It consists of 28 volumes in Japan, with 26 volumes available internationally.
HIDIVE, the anime streaming platform from AMC Global Media, will exclusively provide the series to subscribers in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
The narrative follows Kuroko Koumori, a former death-row convict who becomes a state executioner under a unique legal agreement. Her partner, Hinako Tozakura, is a seemingly ordinary young woman with exceptional driving talents. Together, they confront hidden societal threats.
Naoya Takashi, known for “Am I Actually the Strongest?” and “Tales of Wedding Rings,” serves as chief director, while Asami Matsuo, recognized for “I’m the Villainess, but I’m Being Doted on by the Crown Prince of the Neighboring Kingdom” and “Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table,” directs. Animation is jointly managed by Satelight, known for “Drops of God” and “PSYREN,” and Staple Entertainment, producers of “Tales of Wedding Rings” and “Watari-kun’s ****** Is About to Collapse.”
Tateishi Sei is responsible for character design, while Akita Masanori and Tsuchiya Yuichi handle the musical score.
To accompany the announcement, producers released a teaser, a key visual, a commemorative illustration, and messages from Yoshimura, as well as the two directors.
“Since I became a manga artist, one of my biggest dreams has been to see my work adapted into an anime,” Yoshimura expressed. Yoshimura conveyed gratitude to readers and collaborators for making the project possible and urged fans to continue supporting both the manga and the anime.
“This was my debut as chief director, and while respecting the director’s authority, I contributed mostly to series composition, scriptwriting, and storyboarding,” Takashi explained.
Takashi mentioned Manjūbito, Hinako, Urara, and Momoyama as his favorite characters, but concluded, “Kuroko is the best—cool, charmingly mischievous, and an excellent cook. She’s wonderful,” Takashi shared.
“We are in the midst of voice recording, and the performances of Kuroko and Hinako often exceed our visual expectations,” Matsuo commented. “Visually, with support from talented animators, we aim to capture the original work’s stylish crime-action essence while pushing the broadcast standards for erotic and grotesque elements to their limits.”
“Murciélago” represents the second collaboration between Takashi and Matsuo, and their studios following the recent adaptation of “Übel Blatt.”
