Acclaimed Manga Series MURCIÉLAGO Getting Anime Adaptation; HIDIVE to Stream Simulcast Exclusively

Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©Yoshimurakana/SQUARE ENIX,MURCIÉLAGO Project

Source: HIDIVE
Official Site: https://murcielago-anime.com/ (Japan)
Special Thanks to Scott Barretto (AMCN Entertainment Group)

Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©Yoshimurakana/SQUARE ENIX,MURCIÉLAGO Project

It was announced at Anime Expo 2026 that MURCIÉLAGO (ムルシエラゴ, Murushierago), the provocative and wildly popular manga series created by Kana Yoshimura, will receive a long-awaited adaptation into a TV anime in 2027. Serialized in Square Enix’s Young Gangan, MURCIÉLAGO debuted in August 2013 and has now surpassed 2.3 million copies in circulation worldwide and currently spans 28 volumes in Japan (26 volumes internationally). Today’s announcement is being made simultaneously around the world.

HIDIVE, the popular anime service from AMC Global Media, will stream MURCIÉLAGO exclusively as part of its 2027 line-up and be available to subscribers throughout the U.S. and Canada as well as in key overseas markets including U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

MURCIÉLAGO follows the story of Kuroko Koumori, former death-row inmate turned state-appointed officially sanctioned executioner, and her partner Hinako Tozakura, an innocent-looking girl with extraordinary driving skills. Together, they are a deranged yet unbeatable duo, confronting the darkness lurking within society. This thrilling and uncompromising story has earned a passionate fanbase both in Japan and around the world.

Takashi Naoya, well known for such series as AM I ACTUALLY THE STRONGEST? and the TALES OF WEDDING RINGS, serves as Chief Director together with Matsuo Asami, credited with numerous acclaimed works including 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, in the role of Director. MURCIÉLAGO is a joint animation production by Satelight, the studio behind for DROPS OF GOD and PSYREN, and Staple Entertainment, the studio behind TALES OF WEDDING RINGS and WATARI-KUN'S ****** IS ABOUT TO COLLAPSE.

To commemorate today’s anime announcement, not only were both a super teaser PV and key visual for MURCIÉLAGO revealed but also a commemorative illustration and accompanying special message from original creator Kana Yoshimura were unveiled as well. In addition, Chief Director Takashi Naoya and Director Matsuo Asami, provided personal comments include as part of this press release.as part of this have also been released.

Please stay tuned for further developments regarding the TV anime MURCIÉLAGO. Follow HIDIVE on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

STORY

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—

STAFF

Original Work: Kana Yoshimura (serialized in Young Gangan, published by Square Enix)
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
Production: MURCIÉLAGO Production Committee

©Yoshimurakana/SQUARE ENIX,MURCIÉLAGO Project

Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©Yoshimurakana/SQUARE ENIX,MURCIÉLAGO Project

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM THE ORIGINAL CREATOR

Commemorative illustration. Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©Yoshimurakana/SQUARE ENIX,MURCIÉLAGO Project

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

Photo courtesy of HIDIVE. ©Yoshimurakana/SQUARE ENIX,MURCIÉLAGO Project

COMMENTS FROM THE DIRECTORS

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.

OFFICIAL MANGA

Read the MURCIÉLAGO manga published by Yen Press!

Volumes 1-26 are available now in print and digital here!

About HIDIVE

HIDIVE is a fast-growing, fan-centric anime service and part of AMC Networks’ targeted streaming portfolio. From English subs and dubs to episodic series, movies and more, HIDIVE delivers a full-tilt, genre-spanning anime experience with blockbusters, classics and underrated masterpieces by Japan’s leading and emerging producers. Each season, subscribers have exclusive access to first-run simulcasts of the best new anime at or near the same time as their Japanese broadcast. HIDIVE can be viewed on a wide array of platforms, including desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone and connected TV, and is currently available by subscription in the U.S. and Canada as well as key overseas markets including the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. For more information on HIDIVE or to sign up for a free trial, visit www.hidive.com.