REVIEW: The Fire Hunter Episode 1 — “Departure”

It’s been a while since the iconic Mamoru Oshii has helmed an anime, but that ends with The Fire Hunter (Hikari no Ô). A fantasy series from Signal.MD, The Fire Hunter is written by Oshii and directed by Junji Nishimura, adapted from a manga series of the same name. Visually stunning, this fantasy story manages to build a wide world that in one episode sets the stage for larger commentary on industrialization and humanity’s place in the world because of our destructive power.

Set in the aftermath of humanity’s apocalyptic Last War, the series takes place in a world overrun by dark forests and fiery beasts known as Flame Fiends who roam within them. Protecting themselves from flames is paramount, as a tiny spark can burn a human from the inside thanks to a special and devastating weapon used in the war. Now, humans rely on magical barriers to keep them away from the outside world and on Fire Hunters to protect them from the fiends. One day, in the dark woods where the beasts roam, is where Touko, a young villager, is rescued from an attack by one of these skilled trackers, Koshi. But their meeting was no accident, and a new destiny begins.

The Fire Hunter Episode 1 has a tall order. It must drop the viewer into a world with fantastic concepts and make it work while connecting them to the characters. To do all of this in just 24 minutes is difficult, especially without becoming an exposition dump, but the premiere episode manages to succeed. In one episode, viewers understand the circumstances of the world, the difficulties that have come into play, the importance of the titular fire hunters, and why Touko’s responsibility is one that she can’t shirk. Most importantly, though, it weaves together two different paths around technology, history, and more by introducing Koushi.

While Touko is a young girl in a rural village, chosen by a Fire Hunter, Loushi is a young boy who has just lost his mother thanks to pollution from factories in the capital city. While we’re only briefly introduced to him, the core of the story and where he fits in are identifiable. What is humanity’s impact on the natural world, and how do we overcome it?

There is still a lot more to unpack, and this episode is just a building block for the future, but it’s a stellar start. Signal.MD’s animation style is breathtaking, to say the least. One of the most visually unique series this season, The Fire Hunter Episode 1 not only manages to build a world with vast possibilities but also makes viewers immediately connect with the characters. Without mincing any words, The Fire Hunter premiere episode is easily the best first episode of the Winter 2023 anime season. I hope with all of my heart that the series takes off and competes in viewership with the stacked shonen series this season. It deserves attention and praise.