The official website for the anime adaptation of Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe’s “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” manga recently introduced two additional cast members. Kana Ichinose is set to voice Fern, while Chiaki Kobayashi will voice Stark. Both Fern and Stark will accompany Frieren on her journey.
Excitingly, the anime is scheduled to debut on September 29 at 9:00 p.m. JST (5:30 p.m. IST) with a special two-hour episode, marking the first-ever television anime series to premiere on NTV’s “Kinyō Roadshow,” a Friday evening slot traditionally reserved for movies. Subsequent episodes will air in October as part of NTV’s new anime timeslot.
Set in a mystical world where magic and mystery hold hands, this story follows the adventures of Frieren, a determined and courageous protagonist. As the last remaining member of an ancient order who defeated the infamous Demon King, she now sets out on a whole new adventure.
With newfound allies and a trusty sword at hand, Frieren is ready to live out her life and give us a satisfying watch in the process. With breathtaking scenic locations, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End treats us to enchanting magic, mythical creatures, and a touch of steampunk vibes.
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Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End News
Madhouse makes an exciting and intriguing return with the production of this adaptation. Keiichirō Saitō will be taking the director’s role for the anime, Tomohiro Suzuki, best known for One-Punch Man, will be writing the series scripts, and the character design is handled by Reiko Nagasawa. The music is composed by Evan Call.
The newly announced cast includes Kana Ichinose voicing Fern and Chiaki Kobayashi voicing voice Stark. The other cast includes Atsumi Tanezaki voicing Frieren, Nobuhiko Okamoto voicing Himmel, Hiroki Touchi voicing Heiter, and Yōji Ueda voicing Eisen.
Penned by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday in 2020. With 10 volumes already under its belt as of 2023, the manga has entertained readers worldwide and earned plenty of rewards.
It won awards such as the New Creator Prize for the 25th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the 14th Manga Taisho Award. Also, it’s been a formidable contender at prestigious Manga Awards ceremonies, including Kodansha’s 45th and 46th annual Manga Awards.
It also made its existence known beyond borders, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End claimed a spot on the American Library Association’s 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List.
The Plot
In the aftermath of an intense battle, the demon king’s defeat leads to the victorious return of the hero party to their native land. As they prepare to part ways, mage Frieren, hero Himmel, priest Heiter, and warrior Eisen gather to walk down memory lane about their thrilling decade-long journey together.
However, Frieren’s elven nature makes her live indefinitely, and she witnesses her dear companions aging and dying one after another.
In a heart-wrenching moment, Heiter, moments before his death, gives to Frieren a young human friend named Fern. To become the master of several magical spells, Frieren and Fern began what seemed like a purposeless journey, retracing the footsteps of their predecessors.
Along the way, Frieren faces her regrets, confronting the missed opportunities to deepen bonds with her long-lost friends, and slowly begins to heal her heart as they journey together.
Sousou no Frieren or Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is nowhere close to a typical fantasy story. It shines for its impactful and human narrative, creating an emotional connection that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. It’s an instant classic must-read for those searching for a deep and heartfelt story that teaches one to enjoy and remember the small moments in life.
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