Fire Force
Fire Force Review: Flames, Faith, and the Fight for Humanity's Soul
1. Introduction
Fire Force (En'en no Shōbōtai) is a high-octane supernatural action anime created by Atsushi Ōkubo, the mind behind Soul Eater. Set in a world where people can spontaneously combust and turn into fiery monsters called Infernals, the series blends intense battles, religious symbolism, mystery, and camaraderie. With slick animation and a fiery protagonist, it delivers both explosive spectacle and philosophical depth.
2. Plot Summary
In a future Tokyo devastated by a phenomenon called Spontaneous Human Combustion, the Special Fire Force is tasked with dealing with Infernals—humans transformed into fire-wielding monsters. Enter Shinra Kusakabe, a third-generation pyrokinetic nicknamed "Devil's Footprints" for his fiery speed.
Shinra joins Company 8, hoping to become a hero and uncover the truth behind the fire that killed his family. Alongside a cast of fiery personalities, he uncovers a vast conspiracy involving the Evangelist, the Holy Sol Temple, and the Adolla Burst, a mysterious flame connected to another dimension.
3. Main Characters
Shinra Kusakabe – The hot-footed, sharp-toothed protagonist who wants to be a hero but is haunted by his past.Arthur Boyle – A knight-obsessed swordsman with plasma powers and delusions of grandeur.Maki Oze – A tough but sweet former soldier who manipulates fire with grace.Iris – A kind-hearted nun who provides spiritual support during missions.Lieutenant Hinawa – A stoic sharpshooter with precise fire control.Captain Obi – A powerfully built, non-powered leader who earns respect through sheer determination and heart.Joker – A rogue anti-hero with connections to the darker truths of the world.
4. Arcs & Sagas
🔥 Company 8 Introduction Arc – Establishes the world, the mystery of combustion, and Shinra’s resolve.
👣 Netherworld Arc – A dark dive into the underground world of Infernals and Evangelist operations.
⚔️ Chinese Peninsula Arc – Expands the world’s lore, introducing links to the Adolla dimension.
🌀 Stigma Arc – Reveals key backstories and the origins of powerful characters like Sho and Joker.
🛐 Holy Sol Shadow Arc – Delves into the corruption of religious institutions and the truth behind the Holy Sol Temple.
🔥 Final Conflict Arc (Season 2 climax) – Sets the stage for the larger war to come between the Fire Force and the Evangelist’s followers.
5. Powers & Abilities
🧬 Generations of Pyrokinetics:
First Gen: Turn into Infernals (uncontrolled combustion).
Second Gen: Control external flames.
Third Gen: Create and manipulate their own fire (like Shinra, Arthur).
Fourth Gen/Adolla users: Connected to another dimension and can access reality-bending powers.
🔥 Signature abilities include:
Shinra’s Devil’s Footprints – Super-speed via fire propulsion.
Arthur’s Excalibur – Plasma sword fueled by imagination.
Maki’s Fire Spirits – Controlled, sentient flames called “Sputters.”
Joker’s Cards – Combustible playing cards and smoke manipulation.
6. Top Moments & Highlights
⚡ Shinra vs. Sho – Emotionally and visually intense brother battle with time manipulation.
🔮 Adolla Vision Sequences – Surreal, terrifying flashes to an otherworldly realm.
🧯 Company 8's Full Team Fight – Shows cohesion, strategy, and character synergy.
🔥 Maki’s Flame Control Masterclass – Tactical brilliance and emotional growth.
💥 Joker vs. Holy Sol Guards – One of the slickest and most stylized fights in the series.
7. Influence & Legacy
Created by Atsushi Ōkubo, bringing his trademark style from Soul Eater.
Known for its stunning fire animation, stylish direction, and ambitious worldbuilding.
Tackled themes like faith vs. science, institutional corruption, and identity through power.
Influenced later series with its generation-based power systems and unique religious-infused aesthetic.
8. Anime & Manga Status
📚 Manga: Completed with 34 volumes (2015–2022).📺 Anime:
Season 1 (24 episodes, 2019)
Season 2 (24 episodes, 2020)
Season 3: Announced and currently in production (as of 2025).
9. Where to Start Watching?
🔥 Start with Episode 1 of Season 1—the pacing is tight and story builds quickly.
No filler arcs. Every episode pushes plot, lore, or character forward.
10. Manga vs. Anime Differences
Anime is faithful, but manga has more graphic intensity and deeper philosophical musings.
Certain action scenes in the manga are more brutal, whereas the anime sometimes stylizes them.
Manga offers more Joker content and worldbuilding details earlier on.
11. Movies & Specials
🎬 No official movies yet, but speculation exists that the final arc may be adapted as a movie trilogy.
Several OVA episodes (like “Fire Soldier’s Special Missions”) available with manga volumes.
12. Fan Theories & Speculations
🌀 Adolla = Hell or Alternate Reality – Many believe it's a metaphysical plane shaped by human emotion.
👹 Shinra = God or Devil Figure – The conclusion teases a cosmic role for Shinra.💀 Soul Eater Connection – Officially confirmed that Fire Force is a prequel to Soul Eater, set in the same universe’s past.
📜 Rewriting Reality – The final arcs suggest the world we know may have been shaped through Adolla’s flame and perception.
13. Final Episodes & Sequel Hints
The manga ends with Shinra literally rewriting the world, linking directly to Soul Eater.
The anime is set to adapt this in the third season, with expectations for a visual and narrative climax.
A potential Soul Eater reboot or continuation could follow due to the confirmed universe link.
14. Live-Action Adaptation
🎭 No live-action adaptation currently exists. Given its effects-heavy nature, any attempt would require serious VFX and careful direction to do it justice.
15. Ratings & Reviews
⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★☆ (8.5/10)
🔥 Animation & Fight Choreography: ★★★★★ (9.5/10)
🛐 Worldbuilding & Lore: ★★★★☆ (8.7/10)
🧠 Thematic Depth: ★★★☆☆ (7.5/10)
💬 Dialogue & Humor: ★★★☆☆ (7.2/10)
16. Recommendations
⚡ Watch if you like:
Fast-paced action with deep lore
Fire-themed powers and stunning animation
Stylish characters with flair and grit
🔥 Similar Titles: Soul Eater, Jujutsu Kaisen, Blue Exorcist, My Hero Academia, D.Gray-man
