When Fire Force burst onto screens in the summer of 2019, it ignited immediate interest among anime fans. Based on the manga by Atsushi Ōkubo (creator of Soul Eater), this Fire Force Season 1 review explores how the series carved its own blazing path in the crowded shōnen landscape. With its unique premise combining firefighting and supernatural abilities, Fire Force promised something both familiar and fresh—but did it deliver on that promise?
Set in a world ravaged by spontaneous human combustion, where victims either become raging Infernals or awaken as pyrokinetics, Fire Force introduces us to Special Fire Force Company 8—a team fighting flames with flames. Season 1 established Fire Force as more than just another action series, blending spectacular fire-based combat with mystery, religious themes, and character drama that slowly burns beneath the surface.
As we dive into this review, we’ll explore how this fiery newcomer fared in its debut season, examining everything from its distinctive world-building to its explosive animation and complex characters. By the end, you’ll know whether Fire Force Season 1 is worth fanning the flames of your interest or if it ultimately burns out under scrutiny.
Plot Overview: Fighting Fire With Fire
Fire Force anime Season 1 introduces viewers to a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, now known as the Tokyo Empire, rebuilt after a devastating event called the Great Cataclysm. In this new reality, spontaneous human combustion has become a terrifying phenomenon where people randomly burst into flames, transforming into mindless burning monsters called Infernals. To combat this threat, special fire forces have been established, comprised of individuals with pyrokinetic abilities.
The story centers on Shinra Kusakabe, nicknamed “Devil’s Footprints” due to his nervous habit of grinning in tense situations and his ability to ignite his feet. Haunted by the tragic death of his mother and younger brother in a house fire—for which he was wrongfully blamed—Shinra joins Special Fire Force Company 8 with the goal of becoming a hero and uncovering the truth behind that fateful day.
Across its 24 episodes (Fire Force Season 1 total episode count), the narrative weaves between Company 8’s missions to put Infernals to rest and Shinra’s personal investigation. As the season progresses, layers of conspiracy unfold, involving the Holy Sol Temple (the dominant religious institution), other Fire Force companies, and a mysterious organization called the White-Clad that may be artificially creating Infernals.
The world-building in Fire Force is particularly intriguing, melding religious iconography with firefighting imagery. The Fire Forces operate as both spiritual and practical entities—they don’t just extinguish Infernals; they “put their souls to rest.” This blend of action, mystery, and spiritual themes creates a compelling foundation that constantly evolves throughout the season, keeping viewers guessing about the true nature of spontaneous human combustion and the darker forces at work.
Characters That Fuel the Flame
The Fire Force characters Season 1 introduces form a colorful ensemble that balances typical shōnen archetypes with unique traits tied to the show’s firefighting premise.
Shinra Kusakabe, our protagonist, stands out among shōnen leads. While he possesses the typical determination and power growth, his backstory as an alleged family killer who was actually a victim of circumstance gives him distinctive depth. His “Devil’s Footprints” nickname and nervous grin create an interesting contradiction—a hero with a demonic appearance but a pure heart. His ability to ignite his feet for mobility and combat makes for some of the show’s most dynamic action sequences.
Arthur Boyle, self-proclaimed “Knight King,” serves as both Shinra’s rival and counterbalance. His delusions of knight-hood might seem one-note comedic relief, but the series cleverly ties this into his combat effectiveness—he literally becomes stronger when he believes in his knight persona. His plasma-cutting sword, “Excalibur,” created from his pyrokinetic abilities, provides a perfect foil to Shinra’s kick-based fighting style.
Maki Oze, a former military soldier with the ability to manipulate and create flames, defies typical female anime character tropes. Her physical strength and combat expertise make her formidable, while her love for cute things (particularly her flame sprites she calls “Sputter”) adds charm without undermining her capabilities. Her characterization balances strength with vulnerability in refreshing ways.
Captain Akitaru Ōbi stands unique among the cast as he possesses no pyrokinetic abilities whatsoever. Instead, he relies on physical training, courage, and leadership. His traditional firefighting equipment and techniques remind viewers of the show’s core theme—heroism doesn’t always require supernatural powers.
Other notable characters include Iris, a devout sister from the Holy Sol Temple; Lieutenant Takehisa Hinawa, the stern, glasses-wearing marksman; and Tamaki Kotatsu, whose “Lucky Lecher Lure” (randomly finding herself in compromising situations) unfortunately undercuts her otherwise interesting character development.
As the season progresses, we also meet compelling antagonists and morally ambiguous figures like Joker, a mysterious man with connections to Shinra’s past, and members of other Fire Force companies who may not be what they seem. The character dynamics evolve throughout the season, with initially simplistic relationships gaining complexity as hidden agendas and past connections come to light.
Animation & Sound: David Production’s Fiery Work
David Production, the studio behind JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, brought their A-game to Fire Force’s visual presentation. The animation quality stands as one of the show’s strongest assets, with fire effects that deserve special recognition. Rather than relying solely on CGI, the studio used hand-drawn fire animation complemented by modern effects, creating flames that feel alive and expressive. Each character’s flame manifestation has its own distinct visual identity—Shinra’s explosive blue foot flames differ dramatically from Arthur’s plasma blade or Maki’s controlled flame manipulations.
The action choreography deserves particular praise. Fight sequences are fluid and dynamic, with creative camera angles and impactful moments that emphasize the weight and power behind each move. Shinra’s rapid-fire kicks and aerial maneuvers showcase exceptional animation that captures both speed and impact. Battle scenes avoid the common anime pitfall of static backgrounds during action, instead featuring fully animated environments that react to the chaos of pyrokinetic combat.
The sound design complements the visuals perfectly. The crackling of flames, the whoosh of Shinra’s accelerating feet, and the impact of attacks all have satisfying audio presence. The soundtrack by Kenichiro Suehiro effectively underscores both action sequences and emotional moments, with distinctive battle themes that heighten the excitement without overwhelming the animation.
Opening themes “Inferno” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE and “MAYDAY” by coldrain featuring Ryo from Crystal Lake perfectly capture the show’s energy, while ending themes provide effective emotional contrast. The first ending, “veil” by Keina Suda, pairs hauntingly beautiful visuals with a reflective tone that balances the often intense episodes.
The voice acting in both the original Japanese and English dub delivers strong performances. Particularly noteworthy is Gakuto Kajiwara’s portrayal of Shinra, capturing both his determination and vulnerability, especially in scenes where his nervous grin appears despite his inner turmoil.
Action Sequences: Firefights That Burn Bright
Fire Force’s action sequences stand as some of the most visually distinctive in recent shōnen anime. The combination of firefighting themes with supernatural pyrokinesis creates battle scenarios unlike anything else in the genre. Season 1 features several standout encounters that showcase the series’ unique approach to combat.
The early battle between Shinra and the Princess Hibana of Company 5 demonstrates the show’s capacity for creative power matchups. Hibana’s ability to control heat and flames to manipulate people like puppets creates visually stunning sequences, with her pink flames contrasting against Shinra’s blue bursts. The fight choreography here shows how mobility and strategy matter as much as raw power.
Company 8’s assault on Company 1’s headquarters represents one of the season’s most ambitious action set pieces. The multi-level firefight features nearly every main character showcasing their abilities while highlighting team dynamics. Arthur’s confrontation with Lieutenant Rekka during this arc exemplifies how the animation team can make a seemingly simple sword fight extraordinary through dynamic camera work and impactful frame composition.
The standout battle of Season 1, however, comes during the Netherworld arc when Shinra confronts the White-Clad leader, Sho, who is revealed to be his supposedly dead younger brother. The emotional weight behind this encounter elevates it beyond typical shōnen combat, while the introduction of “Adolla Link” and time manipulation powers pushes the animation team to create truly mind-bending visual sequences. The speed at which these characters move is conveyed with impressive clarity despite the complexity of the movements.
Where the action occasionally falls short is in maintaining its early momentum. Some mid-season fights rely too heavily on static power-up scenes or extended dialogue in the middle of battles, breaking the otherwise excellent flow of combat. Additionally, certain fights featuring secondary characters don’t receive the same animation quality as Shinra’s showcase battles, creating noticeable inconsistency.
Nevertheless, when Fire Force’s action hits its stride, it delivers some of the most visually spectacular firefights in recent anime, with a distinctive visual identity that makes each battle memorable.
Themes & Symbolism: Fire, Faith, and Fear
Beneath its explosive action exterior, Fire Force Season 1 explores several sophisticated themes that give the story unexpected depth. The most prominent theme is the duality of fire as both destroyer and purifier. Throughout history, fire has represented both devastation and salvation—it can raze civilizations but also cleanse and renew. Fire Force embodies this contradiction through its premise: the same force that creates horrific Infernals also powers the abilities of those who fight them.
The religious symbolism throughout the series adds another layer of complexity. The Holy Sol Temple’s doctrine revolves around fire worship, with the sun as the ultimate symbol of their faith. Terms like “baptism by fire” take on literal meaning in this world. The Fire Force companies themselves function partly as religious organizations, “purifying” Infernals and sending them to rest through prayer. This blend of spiritual duty with militant action raises questions about the role of faith in society and how institutions can manipulate religious devotion.
Family trauma emerges as another central theme, particularly through Shinra’s story. His quest to discover the truth about his family’s destruction drives much of the narrative. The revelation that his brother not only survived but became an antagonist transforms his personal journey from simple revenge to a more complex quest for redemption and reconciliation. Several other characters, including Arthur and Maki, have complicated family relationships that influence their motivations and development.
Fear itself—both societal and personal—serves as an underlying current throughout Season 1. The world lives in constant fear of spontaneous combustion, creating a society built around managing this existential threat. On a personal level, characters must confront their own fears: Shinra fears his own power and reputation; Arthur fears being ordinary; Captain Ōbi fears failing those who depend on him. How characters face these fears defines their growth throughout the season.
The show also subtly examines heroism and its public perception. Shinra wants to be a hero despite his demonic appearance and reputation, raising questions about the gap between public image and true heroic action. The competing Fire Force companies highlight different approaches to heroism, from Company 8’s straightforward rescue ethics to Company 7’s showmanship and Company 5’s scientific detachment.
These thematic elements elevate Fire Force beyond typical shōnen fare, offering viewers substantial ideas to consider alongside the spectacular pyrotechnics.
Comparing Fire Force Season 1 to Other Shōnen Debuts
When positioned alongside other major shōnen debuts of its era, Fire Force Season 1 holds its own unique place in the landscape. Released in the shadow of phenomenal successes like Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia, Fire Force faced tough competition but managed to carve out its distinctive identity.
Compared to Demon Slayer’s traditional Japanese aesthetic and emotional core, Fire Force offers a more modern, quasi-futuristic setting with steampunk elements. While both series feature protagonists motivated by family tragedy, Demon Slayer’s Tanjiro seeks to cure his demonized sister, whereas Shinra’s journey evolves from seeking simple truth to confronting a complex conspiracy. Demon Slayer’s more straightforward good-versus-evil narrative contrasts with Fire Force’s institutional corruption and moral ambiguity.
My Hero Academia’s superhero-inspired world of quirks provides a more optimistic view of special abilities compared to Fire Force’s pyrokinesis, which is intrinsically tied to tragedy. Both shows feature protagonist underdogs (Deku and Shinra), but Fire Force’s tone skews darker, with powers born from humanity’s suffering rather than evolutionary advancement. The school setting of My Hero Academia also creates a different dynamic than Fire Force’s workplace environment, allowing for different types of character development.
Jujutsu Kaisen, which debuted shortly after Fire Force, shares its supernatural horror elements but grounds them in a more contemporary setting. Both series feature unique power systems and organizational hierarchies, but Fire Force’s religious elements and post-apocalyptic setting create a more distinct world.
Where Fire Force particularly stands out among its contemporaries is in its world-building. The alternate history, religious institutions, and scientific exploration of spontaneous human combustion create a setting with unique internal logic. Its blend of traditional firefighting imagery with supernatural powers also gives the action sequences a distinctive visual identity compared to the sword-centric combat of Demon Slayer or the diverse quirks of My Hero Academia.
However, Fire Force’s fanservice elements, particularly those involving Tamaki’s character, received mixed reception compared to its contemporaries. While fanservice exists in many shōnen series, Fire Force’s implementation sometimes disrupted serious or intense moments, an issue less present in shows like Demon Slayer.
In terms of pacing, Fire Force Season 1 takes a more methodical approach than the rapid character introductions of My Hero Academia or the mission-based structure of Demon Slayer. It spends more time establishing its complex world before accelerating into the broader conspiracy, which may appeal to viewers who appreciate more detailed world-building but challenge those looking for immediate plot advancement.
Critical Reception: Audience & Critic Responses
The Fire Force Season 1 anime review landscape showed a mix of praise and criticism from both professional critics and the anime community, particularly in the United States. The series debuted to generally positive reception, with most reviews highlighting its outstanding animation and unique premise as particular strengths.
Professional critics lauded David Production’s animation quality, with many noting that the fire effects set a new standard for elemental visualization in anime. The distinctive character designs and fluid action sequences received nearly universal praise. The Anime News Network gave the series a B+ rating, commending its “visual flair and imaginative world-building,” while Crunchyroll featured several editorial pieces celebrating the animation techniques employed in key battle sequences.
The show’s world-building also garnered significant praise. Critics appreciated the thought put into creating a society structured around both fighting and worshipping fire, with the religious elements adding unexpected depth. The blend of sci-fi and supernatural elements created what IGN called “one of the most distinctive settings in recent shōnen anime.”
Where critical reception became more divided was regarding the show’s pacing and fanservice. Some reviewers felt the first half of the season moved too slowly, with the conspiracy elements taking too long to develop into compelling storylines. Polygon’s review pointed out that “Fire Force takes nearly half its runtime to ignite its most interesting plot threads.”
The fanservice elements, particularly those involving Tamaki’s “Lucky Lecher Lure,” received the sharpest criticism. Many reviewers felt these moments undermined otherwise serious scenes and conflicted with the show’s more sophisticated themes. This criticism was especially prevalent in Western reviews, where such content was viewed as detracting from the series’ strengths.
Among fans, reaction was similarly mixed but generally positive. On MyAnimeList, the series maintained a solid 7.59 rating during its first season run—respectable but not reaching the heights of contemporaries like Demon Slayer. Reddit discussions showed enthusiastic support for the animation quality and fight choreography, while debates about pacing and character development dominated weekly episode threads.
Fan reception in the United States particularly praised the English dub, which many considered among the stronger localizations of that anime season. The voice acting for Shinra and Arthur received specific mention as capturing the characters’ essences effectively.
By the conclusion of Season 1, Fire Force had established a dedicated fanbase, though not quite reaching the mainstream penetration of some of its contemporaries. Most viewers who stayed with the series through its complete first season expressed anticipation for the second season, indicating that despite some criticism, the show had successfully hooked a substantial audience with its unique premise and visual spectacle.
Final Verdict: Should You Watch Fire Force Season 1?
After burning through all 24 episodes of Fire Force Season 1, the time has come for a final verdict on this fiery shōnen entry. Does it deserve your viewing time in an increasingly crowded anime landscape?
Let’s start with the undeniable strengths: visually, Fire Force represents some of the finest animation work in recent television anime. The fire effects alone showcase extraordinary attention to detail, while the dynamic action sequences demonstrate David Production’s mastery of movement and impact. Few anime debuts offer such consistent visual excellence, making it worth watching for the animation quality alone.
The world-building also stands as a major achievement. The alternate history Tokyo Empire with its unique societal structure built around combating spontaneous human combustion creates a setting unlike anything else in the genre. The blend of firefighting procedures, religious institutions, and conspiracy elements establishes a rich foundation that feels well-thought-out rather than arbitrarily assembled.
Character development proves more uneven. Shinra receives satisfying growth throughout the season, evolving from an outsider seeking redemption to someone beginning to question the very institutions he’s joined. Secondary characters like Captain Ōbi and Maki show promising development, but others remain somewhat one-dimensional by season’s end. The antagonists, particularly those revealed later in the season, present intriguing mysteries but haven’t yet reached their full potential.
The series’ biggest weaknesses lie in its pacing and tonal inconsistency. The first half moves somewhat sluggishly before the larger conspiracy elements kick in, potentially testing viewer patience. More problematically, the fanservice moments—particularly Tamaki’s recurring “Lucky Lecher” scenarios—often undercut tense or emotional scenes, creating jarring tonal shifts that detract from the otherwise compelling storytelling.
For this Fire Force Season 1 anime review, the final ratings break down as follows:
Animation: 8.5/10 – Exceptional visual quality with some of the best fire animation in the medium
Story: 7.5/10 – Intriguing premise and world-building somewhat hampered by pacing issues
Characters: 8/10 – Strong protagonist with a solid supporting cast, though some remain underdeveloped
Overall: 8/10 – A visually stunning and unique entry in the shōnen genre that overcomes its flaws with distinctive strengths
Fire Force Season 1 is definitely worth watching for anime fans who appreciate creative power systems, spectacular animation, and intricate world-building. While not perfect, it establishes a solid foundation that promises even greater developments in subsequent seasons. Viewers willing to look past occasional pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies will find a fiery adventure that’s both visually spectacular and narratively intriguing.
FAQs About Fire Force Season 1
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How many episodes are in Fire Force Season 1?
Fire Force Season 1 consists of 24 episodes. The season aired from July to December 2019, with the episodes covering roughly the first 90 chapters of the manga.
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Who are the main characters in Fire Force Season 1?
The main characters in Fire Force Season 1 include Shinra Kusakabe (the protagonist with ignition abilities in his feet), Arthur Boyle (the self-proclaimed knight with plasma-cutting abilities), Maki Oze (a Second Generation pyrokinetic who can manipulate flames), Captain Akitaru Ōbi (the non-powered leader of Company 8), Iris (a sister from the Holy Sol Temple), and Lieutenant Takehisa Hinawa (the precision-focused marksman of the group).
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Is Fire Force Season 1 worth watching?
Yes, Fire Force Season 1 is worth watching, especially for fans of action-focused shōnen anime. Its standout animation, unique premise, and interesting world-building overcome some pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies. The series offers spectacular fire-based action sequences that showcase some of the best elemental animation in recent anime.
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Where can I watch Fire Force Season 1 online?
Fire Force Season 1 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll, Funimation (now part of Crunchyroll), Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu in the United States. Both subbed and dubbed versions are available on most platforms.
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Does Fire Force Season 1 cover the manga well?
Fire Force Season 1 covers approximately the first 90 chapters of the manga, adapting the material at a moderate pace that allows for proper development of key scenes. The adaptation remains largely faithful to the source material, with minor adjustments for pacing and episode structure. Most manga readers consider it a successful adaptation that captures the essence of Atsushi Ōkubo’s work while enhancing the action sequences through animation.
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