In a surprising turn of events, the anime adaptation of TurtleMe's popular webnovel The Beginning After the End has faced significant backlash from fans, prompting the author to speak out directly. The anime, which premiered in the spring of 2025, quickly garnered negative reviews, leading to petitions calling for its cancellation.
In a heartfelt post on Reddit, TurtleMe acknowledged the dissatisfaction expressed by fans and emphasized the importance of respectful discourse. "I’m not asking you to like something you don’t like, but please be respectful and set an example in this vast ocean that is the internet," he stated. His comments came shortly before his participation in Sakura-Con, where he intended to engage with fans further.
Initially, The Beginning After the End was highly anticipated by its fanbase, who were eager to see the story of Arthur Leywin, the reincarnated King Grey, brought to life. However, after the first few episodes aired, many viewers found themselves disappointed, particularly with the animation quality. The series has been criticized for its lack of movement and polish, with some fans likening the action sequences to a "PowerPoint presentation." This sentiment was echoed in a petition that has now amassed over 40,000 signatures, demanding a new adaptation due to the perceived subpar animation.
According to TurtleMe, the journey from webnovel to anime was not without its challenges. He explained that the production involved collaboration with various teams, including Tapas, Studio A-CAT, and Crunchyroll, and that it is rare for authors to have a significant voice in the anime industry. "Working with so many people has been a total learning experience. Each has their vision of what TBATE could be. In the end, there will always be creative differences, but I truly believe everyone is doing their best," he noted.
Despite the criticisms, TurtleMe remains hopeful for the future of the series. He pointed out that he has written nearly two million words over ten years and is committed to seeing The Beginning After the End reach its potential in animated form. "When we face challenges, we don’t want to wipe everything away and start over. Supporting something helps it grow, even while facing tribulations," he remarked.
The backlash intensified particularly after the release of the second episode, titled "The King, Under Attack." Many fans expressed frustration over the animation during action scenes, which they felt did not do justice to the source material's rich storytelling. A fan, known as Nachoo TM, took to Change.org to initiate the petition, stating, "As a fervent fan of the light novel and the TBATE comic series, I am completely disappointed and disheartened by the low quality of the recent anime adaptation." This petition reflects a broader sentiment among fans who feel that the adaptation does not honor the original work.
In his Reddit post, TurtleMe also addressed the emotional aspect of creating such a beloved story. He likened the struggles of adapting a work to caring for a pet or a child, stating, "When you love something and it faces challenges, you don’t throw it away and start over. You support it and help it grow." He emphasized that he respects the support he has received from fans and understands their frustrations.
The anime adaptation is a joint effort between Studio A-CAT, Tapas, and Crunchyroll, and it is currently being streamed exclusively on Crunchyroll. Despite the rocky reception, the production team continues to work on delivering new episodes weekly. TurtleMe remains optimistic about the series' growth, stating, "Any decision I make regarding TBATE is intended to respect myself, who supports me, and you, the fans."
Fans have expressed a desire for the animation quality to improve, with some calling for a complete cancellation of the current adaptation. However, others have urged a more measured approach, advocating for better animation in future seasons rather than a total reboot. The petition creator clarified that hate should not be directed at TurtleMe, stating, "He’s trying his best. Be grateful he even made TBATE in the first place. Stop hating. Also, we just want better animation. That’s it. We don’t want the anime to be canceled, we just want a redo or more realistically, better animation for the next seasons."
The controversy surrounding The Beginning After the End highlights the challenges of adapting beloved source material into a different medium. Fans are torn between their passion for the story and disappointment in the execution. As the anime continues to air, it remains to be seen how the creators will respond to the feedback and whether they can turn the tide of public opinion.
In the meantime, TurtleMe's heartfelt plea for patience and respect resonates with many fans, who hope for a brighter future for the series. As the story of Arthur Leywin unfolds, viewers are left wondering if the adaptation can ultimately live up to the high expectations set by the original webnovel and manhwa.
The Beginning After the End can be streamed on Crunchyroll, with the anime confirmed to have two cours and a total of 24 episodes. Fans are encouraged to remain engaged and hopeful as the series progresses, navigating the complexities of adaptation while cherishing the narrative they have come to love.
