Fire Force, the hugely popular battle fantasy manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine, will be adapted into an anime series starting in the summer of 2019. In this article, we've put together some key information about the "Homurabito," the monsters that protagonist Shinra and his friends fight in the series.
[Fire Force] The Terrifying Spontaneous Combustion Phenomenon
In the world of Fire Force, following a catastrophe that occurred 200 years ago, people live in fear of the threat of spontaneous combustion, in which they suddenly become engulfed in flames, lose their sanity, and transform into "Homurabitos," who spread flames without warning. The Special Fire Force was established to protect people from the threat of the Homurabitos, and this is the unit to which our protagonist, Shinra, belongs.
Is there a way to return to normal?
While it's impossible to say for sure, the exact cause is unknown. They lose their sanity, cause damage to those around them, and continue their rampage until they die. Since this can happen to anyone, becoming a Homurabito in a public facility is hellish. Therefore, at present, all we can do is "appease" them and put them at ease.
[Fire Force] "Homurabito = First Generation Ability Users" - What does this mean?
"Homurabito" are also known as "First-Generation Ability Users." This name comes from the emergence of a group of people who were able to control and manipulate flames without transforming into mindless monsters, even when spontaneous combustion occurred. These people were later referred to as "Second-Generation Ability Users" and "Third-Generation Ability Users," so they are referred to as "First-Generation Ability Users."
Second-Generation Ability Users
This refers to those who, despite manifesting spontaneous human combustion, do not become irrational monsters but instead awaken to the ability to manipulate flames. While second-generation ability users cannot directly generate flames, they instead excel at controlling them. Company Captain Hinawa of the 8th Fire Brigade and Maki Oze, also of the 8th Fire Brigade, are examples of second-generation ability users.
Third-Generation Ability Users
Unlike second-generation ability users, third-generation ability users are able to generate flames themselves. Each has their own unique characteristics, and generally seem to be able to produce more firepower than second-generation ability users. However, since they can only control the flames they generate, their abilities are not very versatile. Shinra and Arthur (8th generation) and Leonardo and Tamaki (1st generation) are third-generation ability users. Although unique, there are also some who combine second- and third-generation ability users.
Powerless Persons
These people lack the ability to spontaneously combust, become Homurabitos, and possess no other abilities. They cannot control flames, and in emergencies, they wear heavy protective gear developed by Haijima Heavy Industries to fight or rescue. However, it seems there are also physical monsters who are powerless yet can fight on equal terms with the strongest firefighters.
[Fire Force] Can Homurabitos be created? The terror of artificial Homurabitos!!
While the cause of Homurabitos, created by spontaneous human combustion, remains unknown, it is actually possible to artificially create such Homurabitos. This is done by forcibly creating Homurabitos by infesting the body with special "insects" called "Homurabitos." Those without the aptitude become Homurabitos, while those with the aptitude awaken as Homurabitos. In the story, a certain organization caused an incident in which ordinary children were transformed into Homurabitos.
Why would they do something so cruel!
The goal was to gather compatible children and use them as a fighting force for the organization. This organization, a faction known as the Evangelists, is involved in numerous incidents and operates in the shadows. It's unclear how they secure the Mushi, but they appear to be operating with a certain grand purpose. Their goal, it seems, is to "transform all humans into flames, engulf the earth, burn imperfect humanity and the Earth in the flames of salvation, and turn this planet into a second sun."
The Evangelist's evil hand is reaching out in all directions...
The Evangelist's secret activities know no bounds. Even within the Special Fire Force, whose mission is to protect people from Homurabito, there are factions of Evangelist members. The culprit who was turning children into Homurabito was Rekka Hoshimiya of Special Fire Force 1, who was also part of the Evangelist's faction. Giovanni, the battalion commander of Special Fire Force 3, was also part of the Evangelist's faction. You might think the Special Fire Force is a bit too fishy, but it was precisely because of this fishy suspicion that Battalion Commander Sakurabi established the 8th Fire Force and began investigating.
[Fire Force] Are there any special cases of Homurabito?
Generally, those who become Homurabito lose their sanity and transform into monsters that spread flames around them. However, there are also cases where Homurabito retain their sense of self. However, in such cases, due to the original person's high level of aggressiveness, they become even more dangerous. There is still much mystery surrounding them.
Horned Homurabito
There are also special horned Homurabito. The conditions for the emergence of these Homurabito are currently unknown, but they generally possess extremely high combat abilities and cannot be defeated with average combat strength. The only people who have ever defeated a Homurabito alone are Special Fire Force Company 7's battalion commander, Shinmon Benimaru, and company commander, Company Commander Konro. However, Company Commander Konro's body was partially carbonized due to the aftereffects of the battle, rendering him unable to fully use his powers.
Shinra and the Homurabito with a Fate
In fact, this demon Homurabito also appeared during a fire that struck Shinra's family 12 years ago. Shinra believes this demon Homurabito is the culprit who burned his younger brother and mother to death. But what is its true identity?
Their True Identity
The truth behind the incident is that Shinra's younger brother, Sho, who was still a baby at the time, awakened as an Adolla Burst. As a result, his mother became a Homura Burst, and Shinra awakened as a Third Generation Homura Burst. The true identity of the demon Homura Burst was Shinra's mother. Therefore, I believe the emergence of the demons may be related to the Adolla Burst.
Homura Burst Summary
This time, I've summarized what we know about the Homura Burst, an important keyword in Fire Force. There are still many mysteries surrounding Fire Force, but these foreshadowing and mysteries are what make the series so fascinating. The Fire Force anime will begin airing in the summer of 2019!
