The manga series Murciélago, created by Kana Yoshimura, will be adapted into a television anime set to release in 2027. This announcement coincided with HIDIVE confirming their acquisition of the exclusive streaming rights for the simulcast for subscribers in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.
Murciélago follows Kuroko Koumori, a former death-row inmate who becomes a state-sanctioned executioner, alongside her partner Hinako Tozakura, described as an innocent-looking girl with exceptional driving skills. Together the pair confront criminal activity within society.
Takashi Naoya has been announced as Chief Director of the project, with Matsuo Asami will serving as Director. Animation production is being handled jointly by Satelight and Staple Entertainment.
Alongside the anime announcement, a super teaser PV and key visual for Murciélago were released, along with a commemorative illustration and a message from original creator Kana Yoshimura. Comments from Chief Director Takashi Naoya and Director Matsuo Asami were also shared as part of the announcement.
Kana Yoshimura reflected on seeing the manga adapted into an anime, describing it as a long-held ambition:
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
Chief Director Takashi Naoya
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 Manjūbito 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
I’m Matsuo Asami, the director, and I’m primarily responsible for overseeing the production on site.
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.
