After many years, the animation studio “Madhouse” is back in the spotlight with its anime adaptation of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” set to air this Fall Anime Season of 2023.
If you’re not familiar with the studio, they’re the same ones behind One Punch Man S1 and Overlord. Moreover, according to various voting websites, this series is the most anticipated new anime of Fall 2023.
If that’s not enough to get you excited, Crunchyroll plans to release the first four episodes all at once. This approach was also used for Oshi no Ko, which had a 90-minute premiere episode and became a hit.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Plot
The story of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” focuses on a group of four adventurers, among them “Frieren,” an elf who serves as the mage of the team.
After a decade-long effort, they defeat the demon lord and return to their village, each going their separate ways.
Frieren, having a longer lifespan than humans, watches as her friends pass away one by one.
When the last member of her party is on his deathbed, he entrusts his apprentice, “Fern,” to Frieren. She then takes Fern on a journey to revisit the places she had been with her original party.
Each step brings back memories of good times, regrets, and some things that are hard to put into words.
Why is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s So Anticipated?
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” is the anime adaptation of the adventure-drama manga series of the same name. It is written by Kanehiro Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe.
The series isn’t just popular; it’s critically acclaimed. It clinched the New Work Prize at the Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize Awards, a ceremony held in 2021 that stands as one of the manga and anime industry’s most prestigious events.
This manga series is the most successful work for both the author and the illustrator of this series, as it received universal acclaim after publication. Currently, eleven volumes have been released, with eight of those available in English translation.
The manga’s influence isn’t limited to its main volumes; it has also inspired five one-shots from various authors.
This level of engagement from the manga community further underscores the anticipation and excitement surrounding its anime adaptation.
Big Names In Staff Members
The animation studio “Madhouse” is responsible for this anime adaptation and has been returning with a big project of this level of animation quality after quite some time.
The production team includes:
They are one of the most respected studios in Tokyo, Japan, with a portfolio that includes “Death Note,” “No Game No Life,” “Oshi no Ko,” and One Punch Man season 1.
- Producer: Yuichiro Fukushi (worked as a producer for “Takt Op. Destiny,” “One Punch Man Season 1,” and “Sonny Boy.”)
- Director: Keiichirou Saitou (worked as a director for “Bocchi the Rock!”)
- Music: Evan Call (most famous for his music in “Violet Evergarden.”)
- Opening Song: YOASOBI (opening & ending song for “BEASTARS,” and opening song for “Oshi no Ko”)
- Ending Song: milet (opening songs for “Demon Slayer” and “Vinland Saga.”)
Voice Actors
The cast features talented voice actors such as:
- Frieren: Atsumi Tanezaki (“Anya” from Spy x Family)
- Fern: Kana Ichinose (“Yuzuriha” from Dr. Stone, “Maa” from Made in Abyss)
- Heiter: Hiroki Touchi (“Maine” from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners)
- Stark: Chiaki Kobayashi (“Gabimaru” from Hells Paradise)
Episode Count and Release Date
The total number of episodes for “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” has not been disclosed yet. However, it will air for two consecutive cours, from September 2023 to March 2024.
In the anime industry, one cour typically spans three months and usually consists of around 12 episodes.
Given that “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” will be airing for two cours, the series is expected to have between 23 to 25 episodes.
“Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” anime release date will be on September 29, 2023, worldwide.
Where To Watch
Crunchyroll will be the streaming platform for this series in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and India.
The first four episodes will be available on September 29, and new episodes will be released every Sunday at 8:00 AM Pacific Time.
The anime community is keen to see how Frieren will handle her past regrets and memories, now that her original companions are no longer with her. The drama aspect is expected to be a major draw for this series.
