During Anime Expo 2026, NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan announced that Kana Yoshimura’s Murciélago manga will be getting an anime adaptation in 2027. HIDIVE will stream the anime in U.S., Canada, U.K., Australia, and New Zealand.
To celebrate the announcement, Yoshimura drew a celebratory illustration:
Matsuo Asami, known for his work on, Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table is directing the anime at Satelight and Staple Entertainment. Takashi Naoya serves as the chief director and is also handling the series composition. Sei Tateishi is handling the character design, while Akita and Yuichi Tsuchiya are composing the music.
Kana Yoshimura, Takashi Naoya, and Matsuo Asami also shared comments on the anime adaptation:
“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
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! ♡
— Chief Director Takashi Naoya
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.
— Director Matsuo Asami
Yoshimura launched the manga in Square Enix’s Young Gangan magazine in 2013. Square Enix published the manga’s 28th compiled book volume on January 23. Yen Press is releasing the original Murciélago manga in English, and it published the 26th volume in English on February 24.
Lastly, here’s an overview of the series via HIDIVE:
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—
