Wind Breaker - Season 1

Delinquents with a heart of gold! Wind Breaker brings a simple and straightforward story set in a strange world where it seems there’s no police force, so local students step up as the protectors of order. It sounds silly and a bit far-fetched, but I'm willing to overlook that because everything else works so well. Most of the characters are likable, and while it's mostly about different gangs of delinquents fighting each other, it’s presented in a way that feels endearing and genuinely human. The main character, Haruka, is the biggest tsundere I’ve encountered in years, and I never thought it would work so well for a male character, but I quickly grew to love him. His behavior is understandable, his tragic past makes him relatable, his determination is admirable, and his decisions are very human, making it easy to root for him. Other interesting characters form around him, and the show skillfully emphasizes the power of friendship, which I found easy to accept and enjoy. Who doesn’t love righteous protectors, good guys who fight for their friends? It’s not just the story that’s captivating; the visuals are a treat too. Whenever screenwriter Hiroshi Seko is involved, I know the project will be worth my attention, and this one definitely delivers on that promise. Every fight scene is incredibly well-done, thanks to the talented animators at CloverWorks – smooth, clear, fast-paced, dynamic, and above all, engaging. The sakuga is excellent, and I savored every episode. The backgrounds are also well-crafted, clean, and easy to follow. It feels like a lot of heart went into this series, and possibly a decent budget too, because the animation quality is top-notch. My rating is clear: this is at least an 8/10 for me, and I'm thrilled they’ve already announced a second season. (27.06.2024)