In a currently chaotic anime landscape, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has emerged as a standout title, becoming one of the best fantasy anime works, if not the pinnacle of 2024. Its compelling narrative, unique characters, and poignant moments have created a distinct allure for this anime.
Alongside the brilliance of the original manga, the adaptation of Frieren by Madhouse studio has successfully translated its essence onto the screen. With extensive experience from other acclaimed fantasy anime such as Overlord, Hunter x Hunter, and Claymore, Madhouse has proven itself adept at narrating fantasy stories. Following the remarkable success of Frieren, let’s take a look at 7 other fantasy manga that Madhouse should consider adapting into anime.
7. Multi-Mind Mayhem
In a conventional isekai story, an ordinary person is reincarnated into a new fantasy world. However, in Multi-Mind Mayhem, two souls reincarnate into one body. The first soul belongs to an elderly samurai named Okasanai Sadatoshi, and the second is that of a high school otaku named Masaharu Oka. Together, they inhabit the body of Bard Cornelius, the son of a nobleman in the Mauricia Kingdom. Bard possesses the souls of both characters, which grants him unique abilities.
Bard, as the host, retains control over his body, but he can leverage the skills, knowledge, and experiences of both Sadatoshi and Masaharu. With the combat techniques of Sadatoshi and the business acumen of Masaharu, Bard quickly rises to become a successful merchant and formidable warrior.
6. Old Knight In The Frontier: Bard Roehn
After years of peace following the Tertia Kingdom’s defeat of the Demon Lord, 58-year-old Bard Roehn decides to retire. However, he soon finds himself drawn back into the fray, embarking on a new adventure. Bard’s journey is both mundane and extraordinary, as he experiences breathtaking landscapes, explores various towns, and encounters all sorts of people. Occasionally, he must face off against formidable foes, including monstrous creatures and other humans. In many ways, Bard’s adventure mirrors that of Frieren.
5. Touge Oni: Primal Gods In Ancient Times
Long before the modern era, when Japan was known as Wa, the ancient gods ruled over the realm. Touge Oni tells the story of a girl named Miyo, destined to become the guardian of her village.
Fortunately for her, a renowned sorcerer named En visits her village. During a fateful encounter, Miyo finds herself entwined in the affairs of the gods and becomes the target of their divine trials. This marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for the girl, who occasionally finds herself in combat against the divine beings of Wa.
4. High Elf With A Long Life
Aesir has lived for 120 years. While this may seem like a long time, it is merely a fraction of what a high elf can experience. Bored with the tranquil life in his secluded forest, Aesir decides to explore the world, driven by an insatiable curiosity.
Like Frieren, Aesir experiences time differently than other beings, especially those with shorter lifespans. This unique perspective allows him to delve into magical studies and learn under the guidance of a renowned sorcerer during a pivotal era. He witnesses the world evolve while remaining unchanged, which evokes a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
3. Tower Dungeon Yuva
Yuva is an ordinary boy raised in a poor village. When a dark sorcerer kidnaps the princess and takes her to the mythical Dragon Tower, the kingdom is quick to demand volunteers from the villages to rescue her, and Yuva steps forward. As he embarks on this quest, he faces numerous challenges and underestimates the dangers that lurk within the tower.
The tower is fraught with peril, filled with traps and formidable creatures that threaten anyone who dares to enter. Yuva’s emergence as a hero marks the beginning of humanity’s struggle against the dark forces that govern the Dragon Tower.
2. Ran And The Gray World
Magic is one of the most fascinating elements in fantasy storytelling. However, magic is not merely a tool for conflict. As seen in Frieren, everyday magic, such as cleaning clothes or conjuring flowers, can also be enchanting.
This is the essence of Ran and the Gray World. The story follows a young girl with magical abilities named Ran and her brother Jin, who also utilizes magic. While Jin is a typical high school student in Japan, Ran embraces her magical talents at every opportunity. Her ability to wield magic often leads her into unexpected adventures.
1. Magus Of The Library
As the title suggests, Magus of the Library revolves around books, libraries, and those who love them. The story follows a boy named Theo, who encounters a group known as Kafna. Kafna is a unique guild dedicated to the restoration of rare books in a library filled with precious tomes. Their interactions can be life-changing, inspiring Theo to aspire to become a member of Kafna in the future.
Magus of the Library evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, much like Frieren. It presents a narrative rich in emotion and depth, exploring the significance of books and the characters’ connections to them. While Frieren focuses heavily on battles, Magus of the Library delves into the realm of literature.
Source: Gamerant
