Black Summoner: The Complete Guide to Kuro no Shoukanshi
2025 | Anime & Light Novel Guide
⚡ BATTLE JUNKIE • 🌟 SUMMONER CLASS • 💫 HAREM ELEMENTS • 🎮 RPG MECHANICS • 🏆 S-RANK ADVENTURER
Light Novel • Manga Adaptation • Anime Series • 20+ Volumes • 12-Episode Anime
The Story of Black Summoner
When Kelvin awakens in a new world, he has no memories of his past life. He soon discovers he willingly traded these memories for powerful abilities during his reincarnation, becoming an S-rank Summoner. Accompanied by the goddess Melfina, who facilitated his rebirth, Kelvin embraces his new life as an adventurer with a hidden passion for challenging strong opponents.
Kelvin's transformation from memory-less newcomer to powerful summoner
As Kelvin progresses through this RPG-like world, he forms contracts with various beings, including the former Demon King's daughter Sera and the half-elf Efil. Together, they take on increasingly difficult quests, battle formidable monsters, and uncover the mysteries of Kelvin's past and the world he now inhabits.
Media Formats and Adaptations
Black Summoner has expanded across multiple media formats, each offering a slightly different experience of the story.
Light Novel
Status: Ongoing
Volumes: 20+
Original: 2014-Present
Publisher: Shōsetsuka ni Narō
The original web novel that started it all, with detailed world-building and character development.
Manga Adaptation
Status: Ongoing
Volumes: 10+
Artist: Gin Ammo
Serialization: 2018-Present
A visual retelling of the light novel with dynamic artwork that brings battles and characters to life.
Anime Series
Episodes: 12
Studio: Satelight
Aired: July-Sept 2022
Rating: 7.1/10 (MAL)
A 12-episode adaptation covering the early arcs of Kelvin's adventure in the new world.
Black Summoner Anime Statistics
The anime adaptation brought Kelvin's story to a wider audience in 2022
Main Characters
The world of Black Summoner is populated by a diverse cast of characters who join Kelvin on his adventures.
| Character | Role | Voice Actor (JP/EN) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelvin | Protagonist | Koki Uchiyama / Van Barr | S-rank Summoner who traded memories for power; battle enthusiast |
| Melfina | Goddess of Reincarnation | Reina Ueda / Tia Ballard | Facilitated Kelvin's rebirth; becomes his first follower and love interest |
| Efil | Half-elf Archer | Manaka Iwami / Bev Mageto | Originally purchased as a slave by Kelvin; becomes devoted companion |
| Sera | Former Demon King's Daughter | Minori Suzuki / Alexis Tipton | Powerful fighter who becomes Kelvin's third contracted servant |
As Kelvin's party grows, so do their abilities and relationships. The series explores how these characters evolve individually and as a team, facing challenges that test their bonds and abilities.
Key Story Elements and Themes
Black Summoner incorporates several popular isekai and fantasy elements that contribute to its appeal.
Production Timeline
The development of Black Summoner across different media formats spans nearly a decade.
Web Novel Debut: Doufu Mayoi begins publishing Kuro no Shoukanshi as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, establishing the foundation of the series.
Light Novel Publication: The series is picked up for official light novel publication with illustrations by Dai-XT, expanding its reach to a wider audience.
Manga Adaptation: Gin Ammo begins serializing the manga adaptation of Black Summoner, bringing visual life to the characters and world.
Anime Adaptation: Studio Satelight produces a 12-episode anime adaptation that airs from July to September, introducing the series to international audiences.
Critical Reception and Fan Response
Black Summoner has received mixed to positive reviews, with particular praise for its battle sequences and character dynamics.
Strengths
Engaging Battle Scenes: The series features well-choreographed combat that highlights Kelvin's strategic use of summoning abilities.
Character Development: Kelvin's relationships with his party members evolve naturally throughout the story.
World-Building: The RPG-like mechanics and fantasy setting create an immersive experience for isekai fans.
Criticisms
Generic Elements: Some critics note the series follows familiar isekai tropes without significant innovation.
Pacing Issues: The anime adaptation in particular condenses some story elements, potentially confusing new viewers.
Character Archetypes: Certain characters fit common harem and isekai archetypes that may feel repetitive to seasoned anime fans.
Fan Perspective
Enjoyable Power Fantasy: Fans appreciate Kelvin's progression from amnesiac to powerful summoner.
Party Dynamics: The interactions between Kelvin and his growing group of followers are a highlight for many readers.
Consistent Quality: The light novel maintains its engaging storytelling across multiple volumes, keeping fans invested.
Where to Start with Black Summoner
For Complete Story Experience
The light novel provides the most comprehensive version of Kelvin's story, with detailed world-building and character development not fully captured in other adaptations. Starting from Volume 1 allows readers to experience the complete narrative as intended by the author, including inner monologues and expanded scenes that enhance understanding of character motivations and the world's mechanics.
For Visual Learners
The manga adaptation offers a balanced middle ground between the detailed storytelling of the light novel and the animated action of the anime. With 10+ volumes available, it covers significant ground in the story while maintaining the visual appeal that many fans enjoy. The artwork by Gin Ammo effectively captures battle sequences and character expressions, bringing the world of Black Summoner to life.
For Casual Viewers
The 12-episode anime serves as an accessible entry point to the series, providing a condensed version of the early story arcs with voice acting and animation that enhance key moments. While some details are inevitably omitted due to time constraints, the anime captures the core elements of Kelvin's character and his initial adventures, making it an enjoyable watch for those new to the isekai genre or looking for a straightforward introduction.
Black Summoner's Place in the Isekai Genre
As part of the crowded isekai landscape, Black Summoner distinguishes itself through specific narrative choices and character dynamics.
Notable Genre Contributions
- Memory Trade Concept: Kelvin's voluntary sacrifice of memories for power provides an interesting twist on the typical isekai premise where protagonists often retain full knowledge of their previous lives.
- Summoner Class Focus: While many isekai protagonists are warriors or mages, Kelvin's specialization as a Summoner offers unique tactical possibilities in battles.
- Battle Enthusiast Protagonist: Kelvin's genuine enjoyment of combat sets him apart from more reluctant or passive isekai heroes.
- Gradual Harem Development: The relationships in Kelvin's party develop organically rather than through forced scenarios common in the genre.
- Consistent Power Progression: The series maintains a believable power curve where challenges remain meaningful despite Kelvin's S-rank status.
Common Questions About Black Summoner
Newcomers to the series often have similar questions about its content and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many volumes of the light novel are available? As of 2025, there are over 20 volumes of the light novel available in Japanese, with English translations steadily catching up.
- Does the anime cover the entire story? No, the 12-episode anime only adapts the beginning arcs of the story. The light novel and manga continue far beyond where the anime ends.
- Is there romance in Black Summoner? Yes, romantic elements develop between Kelvin and several female characters, particularly Melfina, though the focus remains on adventure and combat.
- How does Kelvin's memory loss affect the story? His missing memories create mystery and occasionally resurface in meaningful ways, affecting his decisions and relationships.
- What makes Black Summoner different from other isekai? The combination of the memory trade premise, summoner class focus, and Kelvin's battle-loving personality creates a distinct experience within the genre.
As the series continues to grow in popularity, these questions help new fans navigate the various adaptations and understand what to expect from the story.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Black Summoner
Kuro no Shoukanshi stands as a solid entry in the isekai genre, offering an engaging story of power, adventure, and relationship-building. Kelvin's journey from amnesiac newcomer to respected S-rank adventurer provides the satisfying progression that fans of the genre appreciate, while his unique circumstances—trading memories for power—add an intriguing layer to the standard isekai formula.
The series' expansion across light novels, manga, and anime demonstrates its broad appeal and the strength of its core concepts. While it may not revolutionize the genre, Black Summoner executes familiar tropes effectively, creating an enjoyable experience for fans of fantasy adventure, strategic combat, and character-driven storytelling.
As the light novel continues and the manga adaptation progresses, there's much more of Kelvin's story yet to be told. For those seeking a well-crafted isekai with compelling battles, interesting characters, and consistent world-building, Black Summoner remains a worthwhile addition to any fantasy fan's reading or watch list.