Kaze No Stigma: Wind - Season 1 Part 1

As the family business centers around fire, those who cannot handle the intense heat must seek a different path - perhaps even a new family. Kazuma is a member of an ancient clan known for their expertise in the mystical Fire Arts. Unfortunately, it seems that this talent skipped a generation with him. After being defeated by his younger female cousin, Ayano, in a competition to become the clan's next leader, Kazuma is banished with only the bitter taste of failure lingering in his mind. However, he returns stronger than ever, armed with a newfound power that is bound to ignite the flames of family rivalry.

The more composed Kazuma becomes, the more Ayano's fiery temper flares up. When Wind clashes with Fire, the city of Tokyo finds itself in the midst of a supernatural storm. In the fantasy-adventure series "Kaze no Stigma" (2007), Kazuma was disowned by the Kannagi clan for his inability to master Fire Magic, their traditional source of strength. Over time, he has honed his skills as a formidable wielder of Wind Magic, while the future of the Kannagi clan rests upon his vocal cousin, Ayano.

Despite their reluctant partnership, Kazuma and Ayano join forces to combat various supernatural adversaries, ranging from malevolent deities to mischievous spirits. However, neither Kazuma nor Ayano are particularly endearing characters: he comes across as a cynical, self-serving individual, while she tends to resort to shouting and complaining, relying on Kazuma to come to her rescue - and take her out for dinner.

The creators of the series struggle to find a balance between comedy, romance, and adventure. Gratuitous fan-service moments interrupt crucial conflicts, adventures are cut short prematurely, and any potential relationship between Kazuma and Ayano seems more like a case of settling for the least objectionable option. Nearly every aspect of "Kaze no Stigma" feels derivative, lacking the finesse seen in other series with similar themes.

(Rated TV-14 for violence, violence against women, disturbing imagery, alcohol consumption, nudity, and potentially offensive religious references) --Charles Solomon (1. Return of Wind, 2. Confrontation with the Past, 3. Kannagi Family Head, 4. Contractor, 5. The One Who Discarded Her Hesitation, 6. The Price of Power, 7. The Price of a Soul, 8. Ayano-chan's Misfortune, 9. Meeting Under the Moonlight, 10. The One to Protect, 11. One's Own Determination, 12. Confession Under the Moon)

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