Fire Force, Vol. 5

炎炎ノ消防隊 [Enen no Shouboutai] #5

by Atsushi Ohkubo

From the creator of Soul Eater!
The city of Tokyo is in the grip of a reign of terror! Possessed by demons, people have begun to burst into flame, leading to the establishment of a special firefighting team: the Fire Force, ready to roll on a moment's notice to fight spontaneous combustion anywhere it might break out. But the team is about to get a very unique addition: Shinra, a boy who possesses the unique power to run at the speed of a rocket, leaving behind the famous -devil's footprints- (and destroying his shoes in the process). Can the Fire Force discover the source of this strange phenomenon and put a stop to it? Or will the city burn to ashes first?

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Comics, Shonen, Fiction, Action, Graphic Novels

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 17, 2016

About the author

OHKUBO Atsushi

Atsushi Ōkubo ( 大久保篤), also romanized as Atsushi Ohkubo, is a Japanese manga author and fantasy artist known for his work on the manga series Soul Eater, which has been adapted into an anime. Okubo worked as an assistant under Rando Ayamine, on the manga series Get Backers. He also created artwork for various cards for the Lord of Vermillion game.

Atsushi Ōkubo was not a model student and was more attracted to drawing than to learning. At the age of 20, after finishing studies at a manga school where he met Rando Ayamine, the author of Get Backers, he became Rando Ayamine's assistant for two years. Finally, he won a competition at Square Enix's Gangan magazine with his first manga series B.Ichi and it was published for four volumes. After the end of his last manga, he created Soul Eater, still for Square Enix's Gangan magazine, which brought him worldwide success.

Reviews

[Gabriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Se avista un poco del pasado de Hinawa y Obi y de cuando ambos decidieron crear el 8vo escuadrón.

Por otro lado me encanta el líder del 7mo escuadrón. Es un híbrido de verdad, tanto un manipulador de las habilidades de la segunda y tercera generación, como un hombre violento e intenso pero a la vez gentil y de buen corazón. ¿Será este mi nuevo ser amado? Ya veremos.

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually pretty good.

It gives the necessary exposition with Joker and then we have Shinra telling his team mates what happened and then we have the history of how this co. was formed and how Hinawa was part of it and his emotional backstory, reaffirming their stance and going to Akakuga and helping Cap Benimaru there but things turn from good to worse as the minions of Evangelists might have incited a civil war between the two co.s ?

I am loving this manga and the way its slowly coming as one and the way it highlights Shinra is awesome and loving the extra focus on Cap Obi and Hinawa and other side characters plus the motive of Benimaru is so good and he is really a unique character for sure! A must read!

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book via Kindle Unlimited.

I know I said it in my last review, but I am officially on board with this series now. Shinra has been told by Joker that his younger brother Sho is a commander with the knights of the Evangelist and he is at odds of whether he should keep that intel to himself, considering it's source. When Company 8 return back to their headquarters, they begin to work through old reports in order to establish whether or not these mysterious white knights have appeared before and have been missed. In the process, we learn about the origins of Company 8 and how Obi, an ordinary fire fighter, and Hinawa, a soldier, came together to form the company after Hinawa had his own faith challenged and they both discovered they have a dignity for human life lacking in the Special Fire Forces. When the realise the White Knights appeared in their first ever call out, they decide to ask Company 7 for help.

I loved learning more about Company 8 and their origins in this volume. I really grew to like Hinawa despite his tough and difficult exterior, it's clear he has a lot of respect for what he does. I love that Shinra knew he could trust his family and I loved seeing more of Company 7. I can't wait for the next volume.

[Elijah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shizznizz is about to hit the fan!!! 👀👀

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get to see Company 7 and their leader. This is a pretty fun volume with again, some great fights. What works best here is to show why Company has a leader with zero powers yet still a force to be reckon with. I'm wondering what the heck the plan is for these guys turning people into fire monsters, but even more so wondering how our main hero and his brother will come into all this in the end.

Good fun shonen action fun. A 4 out of 5.

[Ronald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as part of omnibus vol 2.

This was an amazing volume, lots going on, the plot moves. We learn so much and the story is well told. Shinra tells his story and we also get the history of Station 8. It was downright moving.

Then, then... the dumbest plot twist and worst clichéd trope in all of history of fiction is dropped. Now the captain of Station 7 is out to kill Station 8. So much for him being smart or suspicious. I'm really disappointed after the last few chapters showed so much improvement in the storytelling.

I mean the real cliffhanger should be the white robes attacking.

[The Book Dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the action in the last volume, this one is a bit of a let down. But, we get to see the genesis story of Company 8. Meanwhile, everyone's on the lookout for the evangelist and the white hoods and a small lead points to Company 7's jurisdiction.

This series has 34 volumes.

[Adam Spanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall v5 was great and moved the plot nicely. My typical beef still stands with Arthur being a bit too in the background, which hopefully can be improved soon. Comedy moments with Shinra and the twins was cute, and the random scene where it appeared that Arthur was smiling and supportive of Shinra and his brother dilemma was sweet.
Bonus content such as the Natsu x Shinra page, and the Mashima x Okuba interview was good too.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

We get to see Company 7 and their leader. This is a pretty fun volume with again, some great fights. What works best here is to show why Company has a leader with zero powers yet still a force to be reckon with. I'm wondering what the heck the plan is for these guys turning people into fire monsters, but even more so wondering how our main hero and his brother will come into all this in the end.

Good fun shonen action fun. A 4 out of 5.

[Prab · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHINMON BENIMARU IS HERE!! YIPPEEE!!!

[Mert · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Stars (%90/100)

I think it was a great chapter overall. In the beginning, we learn how Obi formed 8th Company with Hinawa through flashbacks. Later, the 8th (in the present) goes to the 7th for an investigation. Here, we see the legend himself once again: Benimaru Shinmon. This time, we get to see him in action and because of a misunderstanding, he fights the whole 8th by himself proving that he is indeed King of Destruction. Not only Benimaru has very cool abilities but his whole character is great. Asakusa Arc in general is brilliant in my opinion.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yaaaas! The 7th force arc is the arc I love the most.

Akamaru! Obi!

[Liz (Quirky Cat) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Fire has always been a thing of nightmares for many. In this world, people are at risk of spontaneously combusting and turning into Infernals. An Infernal wants only one thing - to destroy. They are no longer considered human. That is where the Fire Force comes into play. It's their duty to protect the people.

Recently, Shinra learned something new about his missing (presumed dead) brother. And it isn't good news. Now Shinra has to decide what to do with this information – and who he can trust to help him make a plan.

Review:

Things are heating up in Fire Force Vol. 5. Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun (you guys should be proud that it took me five volumes to cave). Given how intense the plot already is, it makes me wonder what's going to happen in the next thirty-odd volumes.

The good news is that Fire Force Vol. 5 didn't bother me as much as the previous volume (time to celebrate!). Yes, the fan service still happened (it's a given with Atsushi Ohkubo's works, I'm sure), but it isn't so in-your-face, nor does it take away from an otherwise impactful moment. I still think I liked the balance in Soul Eater better (where the fan service was mostly relegated to secondary characters and plots).

I love that we're getting to see yet another Company and how they operate. Thus far, no two Companies have been the same, which is fascinating. I hope this means we'll eventually get to meet them all.

Highlights:
Manga – Shonen
Connected to Soul Eater
Lots of Action

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[Hanii Aburame · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fire volume!

4.5 stars for the single and omnibus volume.
Learning from the Joker that his younger brother Shō is not only alive but running a group within the Evangelist/whitehood organization, Shinra relies on Company 8, his new family, to help find him as their investigation into the organization deepens. After what happened in Company 1, the entire Fire Force decides to set their sights on the Evangelist to stop them from creating more infernals. Company 8 finds a clue that leads them to Asakusa, Company 7's jurisdiction. But after a manufactured mistaken identity mishap, Captain Obi must duke it out with the captain of Company 7 - the strongest in the force - Benjimaru, before he'll listen to reason.

The story has progressed well so far! The art is fantastic, and the characters are hilarious and sometimes dim-witted, but they have big hearts and tend to think things through before they act, which is a nice change of pace when reading a lot of shonen series. Speaking of thinking, the revelation that Shinra's little brother, Shō, is not only part of the White Hood organization but is a leader in it!? That came out of nowhere. I mean, I figured he had to be alive just out of reader hope and, come on, he had to be. Shinra would be heartbroken otherwise.

It's been really fun getting to know all the interesting characters in the Fire Force world. One thing, though, within the fifth volume, some of the panels seemed to be jumping a little bit. Nothing too drastic, but it tended to pull me out of the story a bit. I checked back to see if I missed something, but I hadn't. Hopefully, that will smooth out and not become a recurring pattern.

Overall, a great action series with heart and a lot of thought put into it that I am excited to continue reading!


This review is only for the single volume five, even though I'm currently reading the omnibus set. I'm still going to review volumes one, five, ten, etc., and also put them on the corresponding omnibus volumes that house those single volumes.



Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy.Otaku

[Katherine V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este volumen baja un poquito la intensidad con respecto a los anteriores, pero no por eso deja de soltar información jugosa. Arranca con Joker soltándole a Shinra una bomba: su hermanito Shō es nada más y nada menos que el capitán de Los Caballeros de la Llama Cinérea. Obviamente, Shinra entra en crisis existencial porque, ¿cómo va a enfrentar al hermanito que creía muerto? ¿Se lo cuenta al escuadrón o no? Pero ya sabemos que el Octavo es su familia, así que se lo confía a Ôbi y compañía, y ellos, con todo el amor del mundo, le dicen que lo apoyan, que esperarán a ver cómo se dan las cosas.

Siguen con su investigación y dan con su primer caso relacionado con los encapuchados blancos, lo que nos lleva a una mini historia de origen del Octavo Escuadrón. Vemos el pasado del capitán Hinawa (que era más seco que una galleta de soda) y cómo perdió a su amigo convertido en Infernal. Eso lo llevó a decidirse por el camino de bombero, recomendó a Maki (que resulta ser hija de un teniente importantísimo), y así fue naciendo este escuadrón tan peculiar.

La pista los lleva a Asakusa, hogar del Séptimo Escuadrón y de mi tormentoso y perfecto Shinmon Benimaru 😮‍💨💥. Al principio hay tensión (obvio, Beni no se fía de nadie), pero después de que el Octavo ayuda a reconstruir su zona y apaciguar un Infernal, decide darles una oportunidad y ayudar con la investigación. Pero como esto es un shonen, la paz no dura ni medio capítulo.

De repente aparecen unas copias fake de Ôbi y Hinawa, diciendo que ellos mismos convirtieron al Infernal para conseguir el apoyo de Asakusa. Y claro, Beni, que ama a su gente y no se anda con vueltas, se enfurece. Entra en modo “bestia berserker hybrid” y sin pensarlo dos veces, ataca a Ôbi y Hinawa versión original. ¡Y ahí nos dejan! Justo con dos comandantes enfrentándose a muerte por una trampa de los encapuchados.

[Tuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Volume 5 provided much needed backstory on the origins of Company 8 and the leaders in it. I found that this content really helped round out Obi and Hinawa making them come more alive than the tropes that they espouse. Hinawa rose to a new tier in my book for character attractiveness and relatability. While Obi was always fun to have around seeing his dedication to his beliefs and justice rope Hinawa into it was nice and enhanced his character for me too.

For the main content, I found giving Benimaru screen time now really helped improve his character beyond the too cool for school I do my own thing type of character that he was introduced as a few volumes ago. His lieutenant really helped round him out and give him the human component that trope heavy exaggerated characters need to keep a series, as fantastical as it may seem, grounded.

Finally the movement of the white hoods plot was compelling especially in its use of dopplegangers here and framing it in the way that everyone can understand each other through fighting. It remains to be seen how Benimaru will be convinced even after mowing down Shinra and Arthur, while taking a hit from Obi.

Overall v5 was great and moved the plot nicely. My typical beef still stands with Arthur being a bit too in the background, which hopefully can be improved soon. Comedy moments with Shinra and the twins was cute, and the random scene where it appeared that Arthur was smiling and supportive of Shinra and his brother dilemma was sweet.
Bonus content such as the Natsu x Shinra page, and the Mashima x Okuba interview was good too.

[Ophélie Regat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joker a révélé à Shinra que son frère, Shô, était sous les ordres du Grand Prédicateur.

Ce dernier ne sait pas s'il doit le dire à ses équipiers de la Huitième brigade. Après avoir cherché des indices sur le Grand Prédicateur dans les rapports d'enquête, Hinawa et Obi racontent comment la Huitième Brigade s'est formée. La volonté d'apaiser les âmes en toute humanité est la base de leur engagement. Suite à ce récit, Shinra leur explique tout.

L'un des rapports d'enquête (le premier de la Brigade, en fait) indique que la victime était habillée en blanc et détenait une croix rouge. L'affaire s'est déroulée à Asakusa, fief de la Septième Brigade. Celle-ci est dirigée par Shinmon Benimaru, un pompier conservateur (qui ne croit pas au culte du Saint-Soleil). On voit ce dernier apaiser l'âme d'un habitant du quartier (dont il est attaché, malgré son apparence distante) en détruisant les habitations, ce qui est habituel pour lui. Les deux brigades et les habitants s'entraident pour la reconstruction, ils semblent bien s’entendre.

Toutefois, deux hommes en blanc se sont fait passés pour Obi et Hinawa. Benimaru les a entendus se féliciter d'avoir déclencher la combustion de l'habitant cité précédemment. Benimaru pense donc qu'ils sont à l'origine de ce phénomène et qu'ils les ont bernés. Il se bat contre Obi et dévoile sa puissance.

[78sunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Reihe habe ich im August 2019 angefangen und war gleich hellauf begeistert. Hier meine Review zu Band 1. Bis Band 4 habe ich die Bände dann schnell weggelesen und dann musste ich erst einmal Nachschub kaufen. Und dann vergaß ich die Reihe. Nun lese ich endlich weiter und bin wieder sehr begeistert.
Es geht hier um Feuerwehrsoldaten die gegen Feuerwesen kämpfen. Wie diese entstehen, weiß man mittlerweile an diesem Punkt der Reihe, aber ich möchte es nicht spoilern. Ich finde den ganzen Weltaufbau genial. Die verschiedenen Sondereinheiten, die sich nicht wirklich grün sind, die Feuerwesen, der große unbekannte/mysteriöse Bösewicht im Hintergrund. Das alles ist richtig gut umgesetzt und halt mal was innovatives.
Die Charaktere sind richtig interessant und haben Tiefe. In diesem Band erfährt man auch wie die 8. Sondereinheit überhaupt entstanden ist. Das war auch sehr interessant.
Den Zeichenstil liebe ich total. Ich mag diesen etwas comichaften Stil und finde die Charaktere sehr ausdrucksstark.
Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band und dieses mal nehme ich mir vor nicht so lange zu warten.


Story 4,4/5
Emotionen 4,0/5
Charaktere 4,6/5
Zeichenstil 5,0/5
Lesegefühl 4,4/5
Gesamt 4,4/5

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75*

This volume has seriously touched me all around. It is really creative and the new characters introduced are really interesting. I couldn't put it down at all. The leutenant told us the backstory of Company 8's creation. And so, we learn what started the relationship between Obi and Hinawa. More importantly, the core of Company 8's values is revealed. Those values are in stark contrast with all the other companies, and the backstory perfectly shows that. Company 8 would definitely have my vote. It suits my views and values too. The moral argument the backstory makes is a relevant one and will lead neatly into the next volume (06).

In the end of this book, you will witness another company, Company 7. And there's a lot to say for Ohkubo's world building: I'm on a rollercoaster and so far it has been going long and strong.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Manga and Anime always has "filler" episodes. this is where Fire Force #5 comes in. It's 75% exposition, but it still happens to move the story forward while not going to fast. It's a nice midway point for getting to the next volume.

We get to learn about the origins of Company 8 and how it got started, which was the filler I spoke about, however it still solidifies the characters and gives them depth. Which then propels us into the continuation of their investigations into the Evenagelist and his cronies. While it doesn't give us any info we didn't know from the last entry, we still are further along then most filler episodes ever get you.

So, while this isn't the best entry in the Fire Force series by far, it's still a great filler episode that get's you depth into the characters; then decides to tease you with what could possibly come.

[Nicholas Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this one a four because the last fight was exciting and got me pretty pumped. The interplay of the characters was pretty compelling for the most part. While I still find some of the characters pretty boring, the drama of the infernals is pretty engaging. The weight of death is strong.

It felt like there was less fan service. Overall a strong volume. There was an interview in the back with Ohkubo and the manga artist who did Fairy Tail. the Fairy Tail artist’s favorite Fireforce character is the fan service girl! It’s kind of interesting to see them talk about their individual work schedules and favorite games and so on as well. I’m glad to hear they have some time off, since manga artists’ schedules seem so crazy.

[Phantom_Redux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that we got to see how 8th company came to be and and Hinawa met Obi. The volume wasn't that action packed, but I still enjoyed it. Also learned a bit more about 7th company and their leader and his powers.
The story overall is unravelling, I would say, fast and slowly at the same time. Nothing against it, but will need to get used to this pace. Maybe its just me.
Anyways, lets see what volume 6 has in store.

[L.G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5 stars

This volume contains chapters 35 - 42. The artwork is wonderful and easily conveys emotions and movement. Since I previously watched the anime, there have been no surprises so far.

The mysteries and secrets are still hiding the source of the evil and greed. The 8th, and now individuals from other groups, are starting to gather to figure out the truth behind Flame People.

Arthur continues to make me laugh! I especially like the characters from the 7th.

[Frank Chillura (OhYouRead) · Rating 5 out of 5]

We got a peek into Company 7 in this volume. I love getting to see what all the districts of Tokyo look like in this world. As well as more of the Evangelists.

The cliffhanger ending of Volume 4 is FINALLY talked about when Shinra tells his team what’s been weighing on him. I love that he finally felt comfortable enough to open up to them and come clean about what The Joker has told him.

This book ended on a cliffhanger again, so yay to that and moving on to Volume 6

[Mirian Magana-Mendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shinra has found out that has his brother is alive and he is working for the enemy! Will turn on his on family? Learn the origin of company 8 and how it was formed!



Another amazing volume! I don’t have much to say about this but yeah…


then again…the fan service 💀 AHHHHH that tamaki girl is SOOO WEIRD! LIKE WHY?! ITS SO UNNECESSARY! 🏃‍♀️💨


Ps. Saving up for a fire force funko pop 💅



-A very pro rant + review by Mirian 💚

[Jon (VICIOUS) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another big step up from last volume. I loved seeing some of Company 8’s backstory and seeing Obi be a badass. We also get to see how cool Company 7’s captain is. This volume definitely had more heart to it and it was really nice to read. Looking forward to the next volume to see how the fight in the final pages concludes

[Zachary Omans]

Excellent

This book continues to impress as I go through them. I recently read Legion of Superheroes by Bendis and the character work in Fire Force is above and beyond what that book is. I know company 7s motivations in a few panels faster than a Bendis book full stop.

[Haley Shinzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The drama in this volume is super intense. You get to learn more about the history of Company 8 which is really interesting. The manga is paced nicely, so it never gets boring. This series has really captured my attention so far. Can't wait to read the next volumes in the series!

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, I love this series!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some Bleach to it, which is fine with me.