If you’re into reincarnation and second chances in anime and web novels, you’ve probably seen Mushoku Tensei. But there’s another story that’s been getting a lot of attention lately, The Beginning After The End (or TBATE). These two stories often get compared, and sometimes that includes accusations that one copied the other.
Instead of picking sides, it’s more helpful to look at how these two series are similar and where they really stand apart. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious, here are five big differences between The Beginning After The End and Mushoku Tensei, and five things they clearly have in common.
DIFFERENT: Studio & Animation Quality
Mushoku Tensei is created by Studio Bind which was solely created to work on the Mushoku Tensei anime series. Although, later on they have taken on other anime projects but there is no denying that they worked on Mushoku Tensei for quite a long time before releasing the series. That is why the animation quality is on par with Studios like Ufotable and Mappa.
The Beginning After the End is animated by Studio A-CAT who previously worked on titles like Frame Arms Girl and “She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man” (2022). However their track record is not that impressive. TBATE premiere episode received a negative audience review because of poor quality animation.
DIFFERENT: Their Past Lives Set the Tone
Arthur Leywin used to be King Grey, someone at the top of his world in terms of strength and influence. He was a total powerhouse, but emotionally distant and lonely.
Rudeus, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. Before being reincarnated, he was a 34-year-old shut-in with no job, no friends, and nothing to be proud of. His failures in life pushed him to want to change, while Arthur’s past success left him looking for meaning and real relationships. They both want different things because of where they came from.
SIMILAR: Both Start With the Same Isekai Setup
Just like most classic isekai stories, both Arthur and Rudeus die and are born again in new worlds, keeping all their old memories. Because of that, they grow up way faster than regular kids. It’s a popular setup, but both series handle it in their own way while sticking to the familiar formula that fans love.
DIFFERENT: One Has a Level System, the Other Is About Understanding
TBATE uses a structured magic system where characters develop their mana cores and hit different stages, like upgrading their stats in a game. It’s clear when someone gets stronger.
Mushoku Tensei does it differently. It’s more about learning, experimenting, and mastering magic through experience. Rudeus slowly figures things out and even learns to cast spells without chanting. His growth comes from insight, not hitting specific levels.
SIMILAR: Both Are Prodigy Kids With Overpowered Skills
Because they kept their adult brains, both Arthur and Rudeus become skilled fighters and magic users early on. Their talents blow people away, and they both get noticed quickly. Whether it’s battle skills or magic theory, they’re ahead of everyone from a young age.
DIFFERENT: TBATE Is War-Focused, MT Takes Its Time
The Beginning After The End kicks off major world events early. There’s a huge war brewing between two continents and powerful groups like the Asuras pulling the strings. Arthur gets pulled into these large-scale fights pretty quickly.
Mushoku Tensei starts smaller. Rudeus deals with personal stuff first, family issues, trauma, and friendships, before moving into bigger events like the Mana Calamity. Even the main villain, Hitogami, acts more from the shadows instead of launching open attacks.
SIMILAR: Great Worldbuilding With Deep Lore
Both series have rich fantasy worlds filled with politics, races, magical rules, and history. TBATE and MT take their time introducing different cultures and regions, giving fans a lot to explore. This detailed worldbuilding is a big part of what makes both stories feel alive.
DIFFERENT: Arthur Fights Outside Threats, Rudeus Battles Himself
Arthur was strong in his past life, but emotionally closed off. In his new world, he wants to protect others and build bonds, but sometimes acts too confident or takes risks without thinking.
Rudeus starts from a place of insecurity. He constantly struggles with his past, including social problems and a need to improve himself. His battles are often internal, dealing with shame, fear, and bad habits he’s trying to fix.
SIMILAR: Long-Term Character Growth From Childhood On
Both stories follow the main characters from birth into adulthood. That means you really see them grow, not just in power, but as people. Their relationships, views on life, and emotional maturity all evolve as the years go by. This long-term development makes both stories feel like a full journey.
DIFFERENT: TBATE Is Always Raising the Stakes
The Beginning After The End keeps up the intensity. Arthur is often training for war, dealing with powerful enemies, and facing world-ending threats. The story moves fast and rarely slows down.
Mushoku Tensei is more about the journey. A lot of time is spent on daily life, quiet moments, and character reflection. The story has action too, but the pacing is more relaxed. It’s a slower, deeper kind of storytelling.
SIMILAR: Both Tackle Serious Themes
Even though the main characters are kids (at first), neither story is lighthearted. They both deal with trauma, death, grief, and hard choices. These aren’t just power fantasies, they go deeper into the emotional and moral struggles of life in another world.
It’s no secret that TBATE gets compared to Mushoku Tensei a lot, especially early on. Some fans say the similarities are too strong. But the creator of TBATE, TurtleMe, has openly said that MT was a big influence on his writing. He didn’t try to hide that fact.
That honesty matters. But still, some readers feel like TBATE’s beginning is too close to MT in tone and plot. Others argue that many isekai stories start similarly and that TBATE finds its own identity as it goes on.
At the end of the day, The Beginning After The End and Mushoku Tensei are both top-tier isekai series and while they have some overlap, they each bring something unique to the table.
If you’re more into emotional development, deep character arcs, and slow world exploration, Mushoku Tensei is likely your pick. If you prefer action-packed scenes, clear power systems, and high-stakes fantasy, TBATE delivers in a big way.
