Episode 1: Shinra Kusakabe Enlists
Enen no Shouboutai (Fire Force) is an anime based on the manga series of the same name. From what I can tell the reception for the manga was lukewarm. However, I can’t imagine that this anime will be received in such a way. I’ll keep it simple. This series checks every one of my needs for an anime. Interesting story, interesting characters, great action and most importantly (for me anyway) amazing animation. The art style, the sound (I rarely notice sound) are all impeccable. Basically, I LOVE THIS SERIES.
While I’m familiar with the initial story arc, seeing it animated was great. Shinra Kusakabe joins the 8th Special Fire force. He dreams of being a hero, but is view as being a “devil.” This is due to an accident that resulted in the death of his brother and mother. Shinra has unfortunately developed a weird smiling tick. I makes him look creepy and evil. What separate Shinra from other shonen protagonists is that he’s not considered “good” by society (a least not yet) and he doesn’t appear to have to learn his power. While, I believe that he will continue to learn new abilities, but the tutorial phase was skipped.
The current team of the Fire Force consists of five members (including Shinra), Oubi Akitaru, Sister Iris, Oze Maki, and Hinawa Takehisa. So far it seems that Sister Iris “just” prays for the Infernals. It doesn’t appear to have any real effect and she seems like she’s in the way to be honest. Oze Maki is my favorite so far, but I would like to learn more about her ability. It seems like she has some nullifying power, but there’s probably more to it. I don’t like Hinawa at all, he’s just rude. Regardless, I could go on and on about this series. I’m excited for what this series has to offer in the next 23 episodes.
Looks really sharp for sure. I could definitely see this becoming one of the big titles to keep an eye out for.
It was very well done.