Fire Force Season 3 Part 2 premiered on the right foot and is already considered the best anime premiere of 2026. The opening episode, titled “Unaware,” arrived on Crunchyroll on January 9th, plunging fans back into the intense world of Shinra Kusakabe. Meanwhile, the winter season also brings the highly anticipated return of giants like Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren, but it was the return of Fire Force that won over critics and audiences with its cinematic execution and tense narrative. Its relevance is significant, as the series overcomes a troubled phase and begins its final arc at full strength, proving its place among the most important new-generation shonens.
The plot resumes after a three-month time skip, a device that places the protagonist Shinra in a scenario of distrust and imminent danger. In this way, the episode functions as a masterful reintroduction to the series’ universe, establishing a sinister tone for the conflicts to come. The production, featuring sharp visuals and deep dialogue, manages to build a palpable sense of urgency and fear, captivating even viewers who had become disillusioned with the second season. Therefore, the premiere is not just a return, but a powerful affirmation of the quality the franchise can achieve.
Back on Track at Full Strength
For many fans, Fire Force‘s journey has been full of ups and downs. The first season, in fact, is remembered for its clean and experimental narrative arc, while the second faced criticism for inconsistent animation and a plot that seemed to go in circles. However, the premiere of Season 3 Part 2 appears to have decisively corrected the course. The narrative now advances with a clear purpose, focusing on Shinra’s disorientation and the dark threats surrounding even his closest allies, like Sister Iris. Thanks to this approach, the episode avoids clichés and delivers a reunion loaded with tension and foreshadowing.
Furthermore, comparison with hits like Chainsaw Man and the legacy of Soul Eater (by the same creator) becomes inevitable. Fire Force, with its 20 million manga copies in circulation, proves it can engage with modern visual language while honoring its legacy. Benimaru’s drunken smile at the end of the episode, for example, functions as an eloquent omen that even more difficult times are coming. Thus, the series demonstrates it is ready for a finale worthy of its name, offering an experience worth every minute of the wait.
Where to Watch and What to Expect
The endgame of Fire Force has already begun and is available exclusively on Crunchyroll, the platform that remains the main home for anime in Brazil. The expectation is that the new episodes will maintain the level of quality established by this impressive premiere, leading the story to a satisfying conclusion. For fans who have followed the series from the beginning, this moment is the reward for persevering through the less consistent phases. Meanwhile, for newcomers, it may be the perfect opportunity to dive into a rich and action-packed universe that promises to only heat up from here on out. The race for the title of best anime of 2026 is just beginning, but Fire Force has already taken a decisive step ahead.
