REVIEW: ‘Wind Breaker’ Episode 2 — “The Hero Of My Dreams”

Wind Breaker Episode 2 continues to impress following its strong series premiere. In “The Hero of My Dreams,” the CloverWorks series doubles down on certain established elements. The first is that despite his bark, Haruka Sakura (Yuma Uchida) is an instantly lovable protagonist. Second, the animation is, expectedly, gorgeous. The most integral, new aspect comes with adding more characters that help round out the ensemble. Yes, Sakura is engaging enough on his own. However, the ensemble is crucial for a series that is building itself on the shoulders of the importance of camaraderie for growth.

Directed by Toshifumi Akai and based on the manga by Satoru Nii, Wind Breaker Episode 2 takes place on Sakura’s first official school day. The series again upsets expectations with the quick reveal that Sakura is excited. Kotoha (Ikumi Hasegawa) points this out immediately when she realizes he’s up and ready far too early. It all works in his favor, as he’s treated to breakfast (much to his embarrassed chagrin) and can meet one of his classmates, Nirei (Shōya Chiba).

Nirei exemplifies all that Sakura can’t stand. At least on the surface. Sakura believes that anyone who tries too hard to look tough and flashy is all talk. And to a degree, he’s correct. Despite his bluster and eagerness, Nirei is relatively helpless. He trips through the front door of Kotoha’s cafe with the tags of his new clothes still attached. He gets up in Sakura’s face and can’t hold his own in a fight. The catalyst between the two comes when Sakura must rush to Nirei’s aid because the latter tried to protect a woman from unwanted advances from a group of men.

Sakura can efficiently dispatch the group targeting Nirei, making the latter feel worse. Suffering from the effects of bullying in his middle school years, he’s long accepted he isn’t a fighter. However, after an upperclassman rescued him in the past, he made it his mission to help continue the Furin legacy of helping save and protect their town. Nirei’s admission reaches Sakura. While Sakura isn’t ready to play nice completely, he offers restrained kindness. Because of this, Nirei takes it upon himself to be his right-hand man to get acquainted with the school.

Nirei, despite his revelations, is pretty one note, though considering the expansive cast, there’s little doubt he’ll get more depth as we move forward. More than anything, he behaves as a solid support for Sakura’s more abrasive attitude. This is especially clear as the two near the school, with Nirei expressing intense apprehension. His main concern is Sakura. As an outsider, Sakura could easily face distrust from his classmates. Nirei urges him not to enter class with clenched fists, though Sakura takes this more as bait, stretching to ready himself for any possible fights.

Despite everything, Sakura still believes he must fight to some unseen top of the ladder. He’s seen the considerable strength of the Furin gang when they fight together and has met only kindness from those in town who celebrate their strength. But he’s yet to realize that these reactions aren’t momentary but, instead, the foundation on which the school and town exist. The kindness perturbs him because he’s so wholly unused to it.

It makes his continued feral antics in Wind Breaker Episode 2 all the more charming. He meets another student, Sou (Nobunaga Shimazaki), who eagerly brings him into the fold. With his eyepatch and dangling earrings, Sou continues the trend of interesting and distinctive character designs. Despite his reputation, his personality is aloof and goofy, lying in ways that ruffle Sakura and Nieri. But the arrival of the dangerous Kyotaro (Koki Uchiyama) ups the stakes. He’s the first classmate who seems bothered by Sakura’s arrival, and, for his part, Sakura is thrilled.

This introduces a potentially fun dynamic, considering Sakura’s cat-like antics and his labeling Kyotaro a “mad dog.” Wind Breaker Episode 2 is relatively light on action, so hopefully, the cliffhanger ending is positioning the upcoming installment for more. What little action there is remains impressive. Adding wind flourishes to certain moves helps build the character of this world and the style of fight animation the team is tackling. Everything possesses a level of appealing fluidity that draws the eye in.

The entire series has a strong sense of style and visual presentation. From the vibrancy of the shopping district to each character’s distinctive style, the world has texture and a lived-in quality. This is especially true at the school, drowning in street art and graffiti, run-down but not lifeless. The score by Ryo Takahashi (whose work on Sk8 the Infinity only adds to the comparison of the series) also gives the show a jaunty element. The series is still only in the establishing period, with only two episodes under its belt; it has already created a clear and specific tonality. It is a touch absurd but grounded by the sincerity of its lead character.

Wind Breaker Episode 2 chases the high of its premiere and sticks the landing. With its charismatic protagonist and a colorful cast of characters building out the ensemble, the series displays apparent affection for the story it’s telling. Going against the expected tone with one that’s more playful yet never at the expense of its story or characters, the series promises to be a seasonal highlight.

Wind Breaker Episode 2 is available now on Crunchyroll.