New anime series Wind Breaker has been making waves since its premiere on April 5, 2024. Some fans have been quick to compare Wind Breaker to the hugely popular delinquent anime Tokyo Revengers. But why are these two shows similar? Let us break it down.
Setting the Scene
Wind Breaker and Tokyo Revengers both take place in gritty, contemporary Japanese cities with rival teen crime gangs. Each show follows its hero into the world of street fighting and gang warfare.
Wind Breaker introduces us to Haruka Sakura, a loner who attends Furin High School, a school full of rowdy, fighting kids. Haruka only wants to rise to the top and become a champion delinquent.
Similarly, Tokyo Revengers follows Takemichi Hanagaki, who gets involved with the Tokyo Manji Gang in order to prevent a tragic future event. Both guys find themselves drawn into a gang-violence world in very different ways.
Stylish Aesthetics
The snazzy, edgy looks of these delinquent anime are one of the reasons they appeal. With his two-toned hair and tough-guy demeanor, Wind Breaker’s Haruka definitely fits the “troubled loner badass” mold. In the meantime, Tokyo Revengers’ Manji gang members sport that slick jacket and unbelievable hairstyle for that iconic biker Gang look.
The overall look is very similar, with emphasis on dramatic character designs with attitude. The animation is also first rate, especially for the intense fight sequences both series are known for.
Fists of Fury
And speaking of fights, here is where the comparisons really shine. Bone-crushing brawls and bloody beatdowns abound in Wind Breaker and Tokyo Revengers, too. Wind Breaker’s first episode received raves for its fight scene animation that depicts Haruka’s devastating attacks in action.
Tokyo Revengers also received positive reviews for its kinetic and choreographed action scenes as Takemichi and his gang took on rivals. The slick martial arts styles and heavy blows were popular with fans. For many viewers, those epic fights were a standout from both series.
Relatability Beneath the Tough Exterior
Despite the plethora of punch-ups, the real connection between Wind Breaker and Tokyo Revengers may be in their raw, raw stories.
Beneath Haruka (Wind Breaker) is an awkward teenager targeted for discrimination and ostracization because of his physical appearance. His violent actions originate from loneliness and a need to be self-worthy wherever he can. In a similar vein, Takemichi of Tokyo Revengers has emotional motives as he tries to change the future and avert his ex-girlfriend’s death.
Both series, at their core, employ the overblown delinquent/gang setting to explore very human, relatable issues of purpose and healing from past trauma. Action and fights are great highlights, but it’s those deeper character arcs that really resonate.
“The Next Big Thing”?
Given Tokyo Revengers ‘popularity and large following, it makes sense that Wind Breaker has already been compared to the hit show after one episode. Fans have enthusiastically dubbed Wind Breaker as the “next Tokyo Revengers” on social media.
Some have even said Wind Breaker already surpasses Tokyo Revengers in animation quality and simplified premise. But it is still too soon to say that definitively. Tokyo Revengers was a long-running franchise that lasted several seasons and weathered some rough patches in its story arcs, but left an impression.
If Wind Breaker keeps up the high quality throughout its run and can join the likes of Tokyo Revengers and all-time great delinquent anime, only time will tell. The potential is clearly there based on the strong start. For now, Wind Breaker’s opening salvo has plenty to appeal to hardboiled action fans, choreographers who choreograph fight scenes, layered characters, and raw emotional storytelling.
So get ready to see this new delinquent contender throw its weight around. You never know who might catch Wind Breaker and become your new favorite tough-as-nails anime series.
