|
|
||||||||||
| Overall | Art | Animation | Character Design | Music | Series Story | Episode Story | Reviewer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buy | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 |
 AstroNerdBoy
|
[series:4716#436] |
|
It is rare than a title set in a medieval, magical, fantasy setting really catches my attention. Too often, modern day fantasy titles are just crappy copies of great stuff that's come before. And in the anime/manga world, too often, fantasy titles feel rather over the top in their premises. That's not to say there aren't enjoyable titles, but none really grabbed me, until Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. The story starts shortly after the Hero Himmel's party of four (the human fighter Himmel, dwarf warrior Einsen, human priest Heiter, and elf mage Frieren) defeat the Demon King. When the reunite 50 years later, Himmel's frail, elderly appearance shocks her. After taking one final trip with her old companions, Himmel dies. During the funeral, Frieren realizes that during her ten years with Himmel's party, she never got to know them. Thus, she sets out to slowly retrace the Hero's party's trail and remember the times she spent with her party. The elderly Heiter cons her into taking a young human girl as a mage apprentice. A few years later, Frieren hires Eisen's human warrior apprentice, Stark. Through her companions, Frieren attempts to understand humans more, thus understanding Himmel more. The character work of the series is strong. That's one of the major appeals of the series. Because the story is from Frieren's perspective, it feels like we get a fresh look at the fantasy genre started by J.R.R. Tolkien. Heck, even most of the guest characters leave an impact with the viewer. And in the case of the final story arc in the series, there are many characters who will be around for the sequel. Further, the story of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is quite good. The world building is just incredible. The main enemies are demons (mazoku), who are monsters who can resemble humans and use speech to prey on humans via sympathy and empathy, even though many words mean nothing to demons. However, because demons use deception to fool humans to their deaths, Frieren fools demons to their doom. I hate to gush, but man, this series is so good, I've rewatched it six times already and will watch it many more times once it is completely released on blu-ray. Madhouse has come a long way since Record of Lodoss War. While Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is not primarily an action title, it does have stories where action plays a major roll. Indeed, later in the series, Frieren has to fight a mage battle with her shadow clone. That was quite incredible to watch, as were any other battle that happened. Finally, the incidental music of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is very good. Not since Inuyasha (and thus Yashahime) has an anime series incidental music landed so well with me. I will probably pick up the soundtrack from Japan at some point. Bottom line: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is an amazing fantasy series, filled with incredible characters, an absorbing story, good art, good animation, and good music. This is a must-watch title for any fantasy genre lover. Last updated Sunday, February 23 2025. Created Sunday, January 19 2025. | ||||||||
| Unevaluated |
 Stretch
|
[series:4716#628] | ||||||
|
(One episode watched): On the one hand, episode one takes a sentimental, almost mournful tone as time marches on and the unemotional Frieren finds her once virile companions growing old and weak. Being an Elf, she has a much longer lifespan. On the other, since we haven't really gotten to know them all that well, it's hard to feel the intended emotions. They are largely strangers. Where is this going? Heiter (his personality largely consists of the fact that he drinks too much) asks Frieren to take on an orphan, Fern, who has potential to become a mage herself as an apprentice. Frieren won't go that far but agrees to teach her some magic. And that is about all we know after one episode about where this story is headed. I guess I will watch episode two, since I still have little idea whether this will be a good show or not. But one thing that annoys me is Eisen's almost superdeformed character design. Last updated Saturday, September 30 2023. Created Saturday, September 30 2023. | ||||||||
