Wind Breaker Vol. 1 Review: Delinquents With Hearts of Gold

Wind Breaker

Review

Rating

8

Good

Writer: Satoru Nii

Artist: Satoru Nii

Publisher: Kodansha

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Page Count: 192

Format: Manga

This fast-paced shonen manga packs a punch with its intense action and cast of charming characters. There’s plenty to love here in a classic story of an unlikely hero putting in work to protect his new home.

Wind Breaker

Review

Writer: Satoru Nii

Artist: Satoru Nii

Publisher: Kodansha

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Page Count: 192

Format: Manga

This fast-paced shonen manga packs a punch with its intense action and cast of charming characters. There’s plenty to love here in a classic story of an unlikely hero putting in work to protect his new home.

Rating

8

Good

Growing up, I often heard rumors of schools filled with delinquents and that I should steer clear of them. While such stories have faded over time, the concept of a yankee manga remains constant, captivating readers with its bold characters and rebellious charm. There’s something undeniably intriguing about their way of life—perhaps it’s the aesthetics, the camaraderie, or their unwavering sense of justice.

One of the current standouts in this genre is Wind Breaker by Nii Satoru. With its anime adaptation airing since April, it’s the perfect time to dive into this series. If you haven’t watched it yet, it’s available on streaming platforms—don’t miss it!

Image: Kodansha

Overview

Set at Fuurin High School, Wind Breaker centers on a school widely regarded as a gathering place for delinquents disrupting the town’s peace. Yet, appearances can be deceiving. These students proudly call themselves “Boufuurin” (Windbreakers), acting not as troublemakers but as the town’s protectors. Despite their rough language and stereotypical delinquent appearances, they’re deeply committed to safeguarding their community.

Review

At the heart of Wind Breaker is Haruka Sakura, an energetic protagonist with striking two-tone eyes and hair who arrives at Fuurin High with plans to dominate the school. Haruka initially sees the school as just another delinquent stronghold, but that is something he feels he’s conquered before. However, his journey throughout the halls of Fuurin takes an unexpected turn as his classmates and seniors recognize his hidden kindness and strength. Despite being the delinquent character that he is, Haruka slowly forms bonds that truly shape what’s fun and engaging about this unique shonen manga. 

The end of the first chapter reveals a tagline that perfectly sets the tone for the series: “This is the story of someone at rock bottom who’s only good at fighting. And how he rises to become a hero.” With his newfound comrades in Fuurin High, Haruka learns to protect the town while growing through countless battles. His journey is one of strength, vulnerability, and learning to trust others—a hallmark of shonen manga done right.

Image: Kodansha

While Haruka’s exceptional fighting skills make him a force to be reckoned with, his awkwardness and straightforward nature give him a relatable edge. Easily embarrassed and prone to blushing, Haruka starts as a solitary figure. The story will sometimes hint at the loneliness he experiences despite his outwardly brash nature. It’s a vivid reminder of his past isolation. But over time, thanks to the bonds he forms, Haruka learns to rely on others and becomes someone his friends can depend on in return.

The manga’s fight scenes are a visual and emotional highlight. Boufuurin’s mission to protect their town inevitably leads to clashes with neighboring groups like Shishigashira-ren, KEEL, and GRAVEL. These rival teams are vividly drawn, with distinct personalities and backstories that add depth to the conflicts. But what separates Wind Breaker is how it delves beyond the punches and victories. Each rival has a story, and even seemingly irredeemable characters gain layers of sympathy as their pasts are revealed. This focus on personal growth and understanding elevates the series, making the fights not just thrilling but emotionally impactful.

Image: Kodansha

Final Thoughts

Currently spanning 17 volumes, WIND BREAKER continues to deliver a captivating mix of action, camaraderie, and heartfelt storytelling as Haruka and the Boufuurin protect their beloved town and school. With these series now at over 150 chapters, now is the perfect time to dive in and enjoy this modern shonen manga masterpiece.

Let the intensity of WIND BREAKER heat things up for the holidays. Whether you’re a longtime fan of shonen manga or new to the genre, this series offers a refreshing and exhilarating take on what it means to fight for the people and places you hold dear.

Why You Should Read Wind Breaker

• The fight scenes are fast-paced and incredibly detailed. 
• Haruka Sakura is a surprisingly endearing shonen manga protagonist. 
• Even the side characters and villains are developed well throughout the story.