Contents
Introduction
Imagine a life unhindered by the relentless march of time, with the boundless sands of eternity stretching before you as both a blessing and a curse. Immortality, a concept that raises fundamental philosophical questions, invites us to contemplate the very nature of existence. What decisions would you make if the threat of death was only a distant memory? Would you pursue fame, amass wealth, seek learning, or perhaps long for the peaceful embrace of peace?
These are the provocative questions at the heart of "Sousou no Frieren," also known as "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End," a captivating manga and soon-to-be-anime masterpiece written by Kanehito Yamada and brought to life by Tsukasa Abe's beautiful drawings. Within its pages and frames, it explores the intricate web of immortality, the enduring bonds of friendship, and the ever-ticking clock of human existence.
The Tale of Frieren: An Immortal Among Mortals
Frieren, as seen in the anime trailer.
Sousou no Frieren introduces us to Frieren, an elven mage who has roamed the world for over a thousand years. Time, for her, is but a fleeting whisper. Yet, her endless journey takes a surprising turn when she joins a band of heroes on a mission to defeat the nefarious demon lord.
For humans, the years pass and age wearies them, but not Frieren. Half a century after the triumphant defeat of the Demon Lord, she reunites with her heroic companions. Yet, she's met with a harsh realization – their time is running out. To her astonishment, she barely knows them, for they "only" traveled together for a mere decade.
Frieren bids farewell to her original party after the defeat of the Demon King.
Prompted by the dying wish of a dear friend, Frieren reluctantly takes on the responsibility of caring for a young mage. As she embarks on this journey, her heart begins to thaw, and she develops a newfound curiosity about humanity.
The era they now inhabit is one of relative peace. The achievements of the hero party have faded into obscurity, and the populace barely remembers their names. It is against this backdrop that the manga unfolds, chronicling the adventures of the new party led by Frieren.
One of the standout features of the manga is its exquisite artwork. The series employs a clever storytelling technique where frames, devoid of text, depict various scenes that can be humorous, melancholic, or mundanely ordinary. These snapshots of life convey the passage of time, enriching the narrative with subtle details that invite repeated readings.
Despite the intricate world-building and evolving backgrounds, the story's pacing remains deliberate, allowing for the gradual development of characters and themes. It's a deliberate, thoughtful approach that prioritizes storytelling over flashy action—an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil, reflective narrative.
Sousou no Frieren delves into profound philosophical themes. It probes the fear of being forgotten, the relentless pursuit of one's aspirations, and the overarching question of life's purpose. This manga provides ample room for introspection, inviting readers to grapple with existential questions that transcend the confines of its fantasy world.
However, it's worth noting that this series may not cater to those who crave constant action and spectacle. While action sequences are present, they play a secondary role in the broader narrative of exploration and personal growth in a peaceful era.
Frieren Anime: A Masterpiece in the Making
Despite not yet having an anime adaptation back then, Sousou no Frieren has already achieved remarkable acclaim. It has won prestigious awards such as the Manga Taisho Award (which it won against the ever-popular Oshi no Ko) and the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize. The manga's immense success has even led to comparisons with the juggernaut Demon Slayer, with the editors from Shonen Sunday predicting that Sousou no Frieren could potentially surpass the iconic series in five years' time.
What sets this anime apart is its groundbreaking premiere. Fans of the series have much to look forward to, as an anime adaptation of Sousou no Frieren is set to premiere on September 29th. The anime will kick off with a two-hour special, promising an unforgettable debut. The first episode will air on Nippon TV's premium Friday evening "Friday Roadshow" movie slot, marking the first time an in-season anime has received this honor. This slot is renowned for showcasing anime movies and Japanese films, consistently trending on Twitter upon its broadcast. It's a testament to the anticipation and excitement surrounding Sousou no Frieren.
「Sousou no Frieren」Official Trailer English subs</p>
But that's not all, the Sousou no Frieren anime is not holding back on any front! The opening song will be performed by YOASOBI, the sensational duo who recently broke records with their hit, "Idol." Their electrifying music is sure to set the tone for an unforgettable anime experience.
And to cap off each episode in style, the ending song will be performed by milet, another beloved and immensely popular singer. With such a powerhouse lineup of musical talent, "Sousou no Frieren" is poised to become the anime of the year, enchanting audiences with both its story and its incredible soundtrack, which will be done by Evan Call.
Should you watch Sousou no Frieren?
In the end, whether you should delve into the world of Sousou no Frieren depends on your appetite for thought-provoking, character-driven fantasy stories. This series is a journey of self-discovery and human connection, wrapped in a beautiful artistic package. It's a tale that will leave you contemplating the meaning of life, the bonds we forge, and the legacy we leave behind.
Frieren’s current companions: Fern and Stark.
In closing, I echo the sentiments of countless fans who have found themselves deeply moved by Sousou no Frieren. It's a series that elicits a range of emotions, from happiness to profound sorrow. It's a narrative that challenges us to ponder the passage of time, the inevitability of loss, and the power of empathy. If you seek a story that transcends the boundaries of its genre and touches the core of the human experience, give Sousou no Frieren a chance. It's a journey you won't soon forget.
And of course, if you wanna check out this series, you can take a look at the manga first—you can get it here at ZenPlus so you can easily buy authentic Japanese products straight from Japan!
What do you think?
Will Frieren be able to learn more about humans?
Do you think Sousou no Frieren can surpass Demon Slayer just like what the editors from Sunday said?
What are the lessons you’ve learned from Frieren’s journey?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Sousou no Frieren on Crunchyroll and Muse Asia.
About The Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
