Despite the lingering anticipation for a final conclusion, The Beginning After The End (TBATE) is emerging as one of the biggest surprises of the year. This manhwa, created by TurtleMe, is being carefully crafted and organized for an anime adaptation by a smaller studio, yet the animation results are nothing short of impressive.
Originally a highly-rated webtoon, The Beginning After The End launched at the same time as Solo Leveling, quickly becoming a direct competitor and even surpassing the popularity of Jinwoo’s adventures over time. The story follows King Grey, a once-powerful monarch who is reincarnated into a new world, yearning for a more meaningful life while uncovering the mysteries of his previous existence. He chooses to master magic, explores a new realm, and experiences the true essence of having loved ones and a caring family.
TBATE is expected to be a “goldmine” for any studio aiming to create a captivating adaptation, featuring an engaging plot, well-developed characters, and a dedicated fanbase that is eagerly following the series.
Exciting Developments for The Beginning After The End’s Animation
At a glance, the visuals of The Beginning After The End are indeed quite stunning, especially in promotional images. They are bright, vibrant, and full of life, despite the simpler animation style that still manages to convey the essence of the manhwa. Overall, this isekai series feels notably “book-like” compared to other isekai adaptations, allowing for deeper immersion into the story while also engaging the audience’s senses.
The voice acting is also well executed, with the gravitas of King Grey effectively conveying his sense of loss regarding “the strings that bind him in life” as he grapples with his new identity as a reincarnated child. The balance between the emotional depth and the light-heartedness of the series is complemented by a fitting soundtrack that enhances the viewing experience.
Given the serious and often horrifying themes that the protagonist carries throughout his past life, the current iteration only depicts him as a child, and the development is clearly reflected in the voice acting. While there are notable elements in TBATE’s anime, its standout feature remains its animation.
For an anime debuting in 2025, the most significant draw of The Beginning After The End is the dynamic interactions between characters and the crucial scenes that are enhanced with beautiful visuals. Indeed, the animation looks as breathtaking as the manhwa itself, though the adaptation does not sacrifice the essence of the story for the sake of expanding into broader themes.
Fans have compared its opening arc to that of Mushoku Tensei, as both are isekai series that begin similarly, yet they diverge significantly in their analyses of character dynamics, pacing, and how magic is portrayed, rather than relying solely on CGI and special effects.
In comparison, Mushoku Tensei is considered to have more captivating visuals and a stronger sensory engagement than its counterpart. Although The Beginning After The End appears promising, it may fall short in value once viewers begin to experience the adaptation of the webtoon that they have previously read.
High Hopes for Isekai in 2025 Following the Success of Rival
From the first promotional images shared at IGN’s Fan Fest, followers of The Beginning After The End have been gearing up for a poorly adapted anime. There has been noticeable concern regarding the lack of character development during the conflict between King Grey and an antagonist, which has led to disappointment about the portrayal of creatures within the narrative being rendered in CGI, such as crumbling buildings and flying ships. While many remain skeptical, the latest trailer has only added to the growing apprehension among fans.
As fans eagerly await the anime’s release, TurtleMe, the creator of TBATE, has already stepped in to resolve any ongoing disputes. He has expressed a strong preference for a smaller studio, such as A-Cat, right from the start, believing that this approach will allow him more control over his intellectual property without leading the story too far from its original writing.
The anime’s production is not expected to halt; instead, TurtleMe will demand a high standard from his anime team as he did after revealing that the adaptation process would be a significant challenge. While concerns about losing creative control to a larger studio are valid, there are many examples that demonstrate how well things can turn out when collaborating with the right company. For instance, Solo Leveling has drawn in a large audience by creating a dynamic adaptation that resonates with fans of the manhwa.
Not only that, but as the most anticipated webtoons of 2025 are also highlighted for future adaptations, Chugong is working with A-1 Pictures to faithfully recreate his manhwa, including the artistic style that fans have come to know and love while also enhancing the narrative flow for this second adaptation.
Similarly, the adaptation of One Piece into live-action has reinterpreted Oda’s work, with significant changes made to avoid the lengthy narrative of the original while maintaining the critical details that made the manga successful.
Will The Beginning After The End succeed?
Fans are eagerly anticipating the first season’s premiere. The Beginning After The End has been confirmed for 24 episodes, with 12 episodes released in the first half while the remainder will follow later in a staggered format. With A-Cat expected to pay attention to the script’s nuances and return with a more robust backdrop, they aim to address the concerns of fans.
Nevertheless, the anime adaptation of The Beginning After The End still holds much promise, as its storytelling is set to be more engaging over time, despite any initial shortcomings. The potential of the anime remains vast, with talented voice actors bringing characters like Arthur, Tessia, Alice, Reynolds, and King Grey to life, aligning with the later themes of the manhwa. All the essential elements for success are present, so this product merely requires time and perseverance to realize its potential.
Source: Screenrant
