The highly anticipated anime adaptation of The Beginning After The End (TBATE) is set to premiere on Crunchyroll on April 2, 2025, leading the charge for the Spring 2025 anime season. Based on the popular web novel by TurtleMe and illustrated by Fuyuki23, TBATE follows the journey of King Grey, who is reincarnated as a peasant named Arthur Leywin after his mysterious death. This new life presents a fresh start, allowing him to navigate a magic-rich world while retaining memories from his past life.
The first episode opens dramatically with the death of King Grey, quickly transitioning to Arthur's life as a baby. The narrative cleverly juxtaposes Arthur's infantile struggles with the wisdom and memories of a seasoned warrior-king, setting a tone that balances humor with heartfelt moments. As Arthur fumbles through crawling and basic magic, viewers are treated to a mix of adorable antics and the poignant realization of his past life.
The new world of Dicathen is depicted as a sprawling continent filled with magic, mythical creatures, and a rigid social hierarchy defined by magical prowess. Despite the initial focus on Arthur's family life, the episode hints at the larger conflicts and adventures awaiting him just beyond the horizon. This gradual unveiling of the world mirrors the pacing of the original novel, making each discovery feel personal and earned.
Arthur's parents, Reynolds and Alice, voiced by Yamato Kinjo and Rena Maeda respectively, are introduced as strong and loving figures, grounding Arthur's character development. Their nurturing presence emphasizes one of the core themes of TBATE: the significance of starting over, not just with power but with purpose and familial love.
The animation quality, produced by Studio A-Cat, has drawn mixed reactions from fans. While some worry about the studio's experience level, the initial episode showcases clean and confident visuals. Director Keitaro Motonaga has crafted a world that feels both emotionally sincere and whimsically enchanting. The animation captures the contrast between Arthur's memories of his past life and his new existence, using color and design to enhance the storytelling.
Voice acting plays a crucial role in bringing the characters to life. Makoto Furukawa voices Grey's internal thoughts, striking a balance between gruffness and bewilderment, which adds depth to Arthur's baby antics. The performances throughout the episode are strong, allowing character moments to breathe and resonate with viewers.
As the series progresses, it will have the opportunity to explore the extensive source material, which has already reached fourteen volumes. The first season of TBATE is slated for 24 episodes, divided into two cours, providing ample room for character development and plot expansion. However, concerns linger regarding the pacing and quality of future episodes, especially in light of recent anime adaptations that have struggled to maintain consistency.
Fans have expressed both excitement and skepticism about the adaptation. The first preview clip elicited mixed reactions, with some viewers questioning the fluidity of the animation and the overall execution of fight choreography. The pressure to meet high expectations is palpable, given the franchise's popularity, which boasts over 61.8 million reads across various formats.
The opening and ending sequences of TBATE have also been released, showcasing the young Arthur alongside his past self, King Grey. The opening is set to "Kingsblood" by Canadian artist Kala, while the ending features "Mahiru no Tsuki" by Vocaloid producer seiza. These sequences hint at the emotional depth and thematic richness that the series aims to deliver.
In a landscape where isekai anime are increasingly common, TBATE stands out with its unique premise and character-driven storytelling. While the isekai genre often follows formulaic patterns, the exploration of Arthur's journey from a power-hungry tyrant to a more self-aware individual offers a refreshing twist. The internal conflict between his past and present selves adds layers to the narrative, making it more than just a typical reincarnation tale.
As the anime prepares for its debut, fans are eager to see how it will navigate the challenges of adapting beloved source material. The potential for TBATE to fill the gap left by the conclusion of Solo Leveling is significant, especially with the latter's second season having just aired its final episode on March 29, 2025. If TBATE can maintain the quality established in its premiere, it may well become a staple in the anime community.
Ultimately, The Beginning After The End Episode 1 has laid a strong foundation for what promises to be an engaging series. By balancing character development, world-building, and emotional depth, it has the potential to resonate with both longtime fans of the web novel and newcomers alike. With the first episode rated at 9/10, anticipation is high for the next installment.
As the Spring 2025 anime season kicks off, The Beginning After The End stands poised to capture the hearts of viewers, inviting them to explore a world where magic and redemption intertwine. Whether through the anime, the webtoon, or the original novel, there’s no wrong way to experience this captivating story.
