Crunchyroll’s New Delinquent Anime Could Easily Be Spring 2024’s Best New Series

Crunchyroll’s newest delinquent anime, Wind Breaker, recently aired its first few episodes, and it could easily be spring 2024’s best new series. This Shōnen anime is based on Satoru Nii’s 16-volume manga series, first serialized on Kodansha's Magazine Pocket manga website in January 2021. While Wind Breaker has just begun, it is quickly shaping up to be the most enticing new series in spring 2024.

Produced by CloverWorkers studio, Wind Breaker follows the story of Haruka Sakura, a heterochromatic first-year student, interested only in becoming the strongest of the strong. Sakura dreams of enrolling in Furin High School, an institute of degenerates, known primarily for their strength.

Once there, he plans to reach the top of the food chain. However, the protagonist’s expectations are quickly shattered when he learns that Bofurin, a gang of Furin students, serves as the town’s protectors. Wind Breaker’s new anime adaptation is fun, action-packed, and down-right hilarious, making it one of the most exciting new series of the year:

“This story is about how a boy at the lowest of the low, hated by all, worth nothing but his fists, became the hero of the town.” - Wind Breaker

Related Crunchyroll's New Manhwa Adaptation Proves it's The Season's Must-Watch Anime with New Episode Episode 2 of Viral Hit confirms it is such an undeniable heavyweight contender for best series of the season.

Wind Breaker’s Enigmatic Protagonist: Haruka Sakura

Haruka Sakura is brilliantly crafted, both inside and out, leaving viewers wanting more

Sakura’s eye-catching character design, both inside and out, immediately captivates viewers’ attention. His striking appearance isn’t just for looks, it drives his story forward. The main character’s half-black, half-white hair, and heterochromia attract judging comments from those around him. In a metaphorical sequence, Sakura balances precariously on a tightrope in the series’ first episode. He recalls the snide comments he received about his appearance, which causes him to stumble. Nevertheless, the strong-headed high-schooler chooses to stay true to himself. Not only does he fully expect criticism when helping others, he is more comfortable with it.

The audience’s first impression of Wind Breaker’s protagonist is his unintentionally heroic act of saving a friendly barista, Kotoha Tachibana, from a band of thugs.

Fun Fact: In the screenwriting community, if the audience's first impression of a protagonist is a heroic act, it is sometimes referred to as a “save the cat” moment. This term was coined by author and screenwriter, Blake Snyder.

After successfully protecting her, Kotoha thanks Sakura, but he is confused by her warm demeanor. Taken aback, he blushes a bright pink (adding new meaning to his name) but claims he has no interest in saving others, only beating weaklings. However, his worldview is quickly challenged when the Bofurin, a gang of Furin High students, is revealed to be the beloved protectors of the town. In subsequent episodes, the Shōnen anime slowly turns introspective as Sakura meets Wind Breaker’s vibrant cast of characters.

Wind Breaker is Stacked with Vivacious Character Designs and a Promising Storyline of Self-Discovery

A vibrant cast of characters makes Wind Breaker's story utterly addictive

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A classroom full of the toughest of the tough awaits the main character as he is accepted into the school of his dreams. One of them is Akihiko Nirei, a bubbly blond who is a bit too into fashion for Sakura’s taste. While Nirei isn’t physically strong, his tenacious spirit shakes the protagonist’s negative assumptions about him. Kotoha graciously denotes Sakura’s quick judgment, forcing him to realize that despite the discrimination he has received for his looks, he too has arbitrary opinions by which he underestimates others:

“Did I just assume that they’d never look at me like that?” - Sakura in Wind Breaker

Nirei’s Zenitsu-like demeanor, Jou Togame’s sluggish, brazen personality, and Hajime Umemiya’s unprecedented amiability make Wind Breaker a truly addicting story. Furthermore, CloverWorks’ animation breathes life into Nii’s original manga through art styles that resemble fan favorites like Spy x Family, The Promised Neverland, and Horimiya.

This year’s most exciting new Shōnen has already received glowing reviews, and this new delinquent anime, Wind Breaker, is proving that it could easily be spring 2024’s best new series on Crunchyroll.

Wind Breaker releases new episodes on Thursdays on Crunchyroll

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