The official Twitter account for the anime “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” unveiled its key visual, which replicates the manga’s first volume cover. The visual is crafted by character designer Reiko Nagasawa and concept artist Seiko Yoshioka.
The anime is all set for its release on September 29 at 9:00 p.m. JST (5:30 p.m. IST), with a special two-hour episode, making history as the first-ever television anime to debut in NTV’s “Kinyō Roadshow” Friday evening slot, typically reserved for “feature films.” Following the premiere, expect more exciting episodes airing on NTV’s new anime timeslot in October.
From the creative minds of Japan’s finest manga maestros, Kanehito Yamada, and Tsukasa Abe, comes a fantastical tale that will stir your emotions, tingle your senses, and set fire to your soul. A universe overflowing with enchanting magic, mythical creatures, and a touch of steampunk vibes. That’s what Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is.
The flawless artwork in the manga is ready to leap off the page and onto the screen, and the storytelling will have you binging the anime like no tomorrow. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is an absolute feast for the manga and anime community. Blending action and emotion in a way we’ve never seen, this series will keep you engaged, begging for more with every episode.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Details
Madhouse is making a comeback with the production of this adaptation. Keiichirō Saitō will be taking the director’s chair for the anime, Tomohiro Suzuki, best known for One-Punch Man, will be writing the series scripts and character design is handled by Reiko Nagasawa. The music is composed by Evan Call.
The cast includes Atsumi Tanezaki voicing Frieren, Nobuhiko Okamoto voicing Himmel, Hiroki Touchi voicing Heiter and Yōji Ueda voicing Eisen.
Written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, this piece was serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday in 2020. With ten volumes already under its belt as of 2023, the manga has entertained readers worldwide and earned plenty of rewards.
It won awards like the New Creator Prize for the 25th Annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the 14th Manga Taisho Award. Not to mention, it’s been a formidable contender at prestigious Manga Awards ceremonies, including Kodansha’s 45th and 46th annual Manga Awards.
Plus, making its existence known beyond borders, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End secured a spot on the American Library Association’s 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List.
The Plot of the Series
In the aftermath of an epic battle, the demon king’s defeat leads to the victorious return of the hero party to their homeland. As they prepare to part ways, mage Frieren, hero Himmel, priest Heiter, and warrior Eisen gather to reminisce about their thrilling decade-long journey together.
But Frieren’s elven nature allows her to live indefinitely, and she witnesses her dear companions ageing and passing away one after another.
In a heartbreaking moment, Heiter, before his death, gives to Frieren with a young human ally named Fern. To become the master of several magical spells, Frieren and Fern embark on what seems like a purposeless journey, retracing the footsteps of their predecessors.
Along the way, Frieren confronts her regrets, acknowledging the missed opportunities to deepen connections 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 far from a mere fantasy story. It stands out for its impactful and relatable narrative, forming an emotional connection that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. It’s an instant must-read for those wanting a deep and heartfelt story that teaches one to celebrate the small moments in life.
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