The acclaimed manga and anime series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, has captivated audiences worldwide with its poignant exploration of time, loss, and the human condition. However, the series’ origins are far different from the emotionally resonant story that has garnered critical praise and numerous awards. Originally, creator Kanehito Yamada envisioned Frieren as a lighthearted gag manga, a stark contrast to the introspective fantasy epic it has become.
From Gag Manga to Contemplative Fantasy
A Lighthearted Beginning
In 2019, when Yamada first pitched his idea to the editorial team at Weekly Shonen Sunday, the concept was a comedic series centered around a hero and a demon king. This initial idea leaned heavily into classic fantasy tropes, emphasizing the absurdities of hero-versus-villain dynamics, with the potential for hilarious interactions between the characters. The original plan was for Frieren, the immortal elf mage, to be a comical figure obsessed with killing demons. This version of the story would have been a far cry from the somber, reflective narrative that defines the series today.
The Pivotal Shift
The shift from a lighthearted comedy to a more contemplative story happened as the creative process developed. The editorial team, particularly editor Kazunori Oshima, played a crucial role in guiding the series towards its current form. Instead of focusing on a hero’s grand adventures, the story began to center on grief and the passage of time. This change was driven by the desire to explore the impact of mortality, especially on a character like Frieren, who has a vastly different sense of time compared to humans.
Thematic Transformation
The revised version of Frieren introduced a story set after the hero’s death, forcing Frieren to grapple with the fleeting nature of human life. This new direction allowed the series to delve into deeper themes, such as the meaning of bonds and the importance of understanding human emotions. The focus shifted from action-packed adventures to a more emotional journey of self-discovery, making the series a unique entry in the fantasy genre.
The Evolution of Frieren
Character Design and Development
The initial concept of Frieren as a comical fighter was scrapped as Yamada developed the idea of her as an elf learning and growing through her memories of Himmel. The character’s design, brought to life by artist Tsukasa Abe, was also pivotal in this transformation. The first illustration of Frieren impressed Yamada, as he believed that she had an aura of humanity, which significantly influenced the direction of the story. Abe‘s art style helped to create the emotional depth and unique atmosphere that define the series.
Frieren’s Journey of Self-Discovery
The series follows Frieren, an immortal elf mage, as she embarks on a journey to learn more about human emotions and the meaning of bonds after the death of Himmel, the hero. This journey is characterized by quiet contemplation, emotional growth, and the exploration of what it means to live in a world where time passes at different rates for different beings. Her interactions with her apprentice, Fern, and other characters along the way, further enrich the themes of the manga and anime.
Key Influences and Creative Process
Collaboration and Inspiration
The creative partnership between Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe has been essential to the success of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Abe‘s artwork has been praised for its ability to convey the emotional depth of the story. The collaborative process also included input from editors, such as Katsuma Ogura, who recommended Abe to work with Yamada. This collaboration helped to refine the original concept into the powerful narrative that fans know today.
Awards and Recognition
The series has received numerous accolades, including the 14th Manga Taisho Award and the 25th annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize’s New Creator Prize in 2021. In 2024, it also won the 69th Shogakukan Manga Award and the 48th Kodansha Manga Award, highlighting its impact and critical acclaim within the manga industry. The anime adaptation, produced by Madhouse, has further boosted the series’ popularity, making it one of the highest-rated series on MyAnimeList.
Impact on the Fantasy Genre
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has been lauded as a refreshing take on the fantasy genre, particularly in a landscape dominated by isekai stories with recycled plotlines. Its focus on the emotional and psychological aspects of its characters, rather than traditional action-oriented narratives, has set it apart. The series offers serenity, philosophical insights, and character development without succumbing to despair, providing a unique viewing and reading experience.
The Series’ Current Status
Manga and Anime
The manga series began serialization in Weekly Shonen Sunday in April 2020 and has been compiled into 13 tankōbon volumes as of April 2024. The anime adaptation premiered in September 2023 and has garnered a significant audience. A second season of the anime has already been announced.
Hiatus and Production
The Frieren manga has faced a few hiatuses. In late November 2024, the manga took a two-week break, and then in December 2024 it was announced that the series would enter an indefinite hiatus. This highlights the challenging nature of manga production and the importance of creator well-being. However, despite these pauses, the series remains incredibly popular, with over 22 million copies in circulation by June 2024.
Novel Adaptation and Prequel
In February 2024, it was announced that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End would receive a prequel novel. The novel, titled “Soso no Frieren ~Zenso~”, is a collection of five short stories not included in the main manga and focuses on characters such as Frieren, Stark, Lawine, Kanne, and Aura. It delves into Frieren’s life before she started her journey to understand humans, offering further insight into her character and background.
Conclusion
The evolution of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End from a lighthearted gag manga to a deeply emotional and contemplative fantasy series is a testament to the creative process and the collaborative spirit of its creators. The initial concept, while vastly different, served as a foundation for the poignant story that has resonated with so many. The series’ success highlights the power of character-driven narratives and the beauty of exploring themes such as loss, time, and human connections. The series continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of fantasy, emotion, and philosophical contemplation.
