Sousou no Frieren
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Edit

What would you like to edit?

SynopsisBackgroundAlternative TitlesPictureChapters/VolumesPublishing DatesRelationsTypeExternal Links  

Well this is an early review but from what i can see, it is truly worth to read.

A common thing every hero vs demon lord manga has is the presence of an elf in the party.

This manga can be dubbed as "After happily ever after" by showing us the life of the elf years and years after defeating the demon lord.

This will truly be a change of pace for all the isekai type anime/manga fans.

People should be ready to be hit in the feels with every chapter so i suggest everyone to keep some tissues with them while reading this one.

What the hell!? This is not the normal fantasy that I have been reading!? No ecchiness. No heroes seeking revenge or victory. None of those flashiness and cliche plots.

Only about life, death, and memory. Bittersweet.

In this manga, we are going to see how Frieren, an elf, deals with the "unfortunate" immortality inherited from her race and the memories she made through a seemingly never-ending life journey.

It has been a long time since I kinda teared up while reading a manga. Goosebumps.

P.S. The first chapter of this manga hits me like a truck as if the time I finished "Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana ... wo Kazarou". Even till now, 31 chapters in, this manga never ceases to amaze me with its subtle yet profound story planning and the amount of onions it offers.

chapter 9 -> *edit chapter 31

This is my first review btw so enjoy

ALSO THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS

I want to keep it brief...... This manga feels like it keeps on repeating the same thing that happened with the characters over and over...... It looks touching and beautiful with pretty visual or art from the outside but it's just a facade an excuse for all those sluggish and lazy writing...... I can assure you that in these manga hardly anything happens it's just those type of series where literally nothing happens but still will be highly praised for pretty visuals and somewhat decent characters like we have literally seen this kind of ... stuff so many times it's literally tiresome now

Yes guys you can already sense it the cry bait energy...... The main character really lacks any depth or complexity it's literally yet another manga that's going to make you cry but lack any substance

u can literally predict how many casual fans have cried so far, I honestly didn't feel a thing yes it was sad but still did not feel a thing about any of the events as it was not backed up by good writing which can somewhat excuse all those long dragged out boring "Nothing Happened" stuff

This manga hardly has any plot or like that good of a cast to excuse the whole "Story ain't going no where type" of plot and literally the character interaction which was pretty good untill some time also gets pretty old and boring and overall this manga really has nothing going for it even the fights felt cheesy only the art style was pretty good about it and which ages pretty well but overall it's just a recycled To your Eternity but not as much impactful, emotional or even slightly as well written compared to the latter


SPOILERS AHEAD

So basically the story starts with introduction to this group of guys who are considered as "Heroes" which consists of a guy named Himmel basically your "noble hero", Next is our main heroine Elf Frieren who is basically the most op character in this manga (from what I have read so far) but tries to act all weak and all with her aura restraining mastery or some shit but she is really overpowered guys (as if we haven't seen the same thing in To your Eternity), another one is a useless dwarf named Eisen who was of literally no importance except for always getting mentioned every single time by his so called disciple which is going to be introduced later in this manga, and last but not least somewhat of a drunkard priest named Heiter who is also called Corrupt priest by our super op heroine and you know why they are called the justice league of the anime world cause they saved the f'ing metropolis of our yet another magical world from demon king or something and now they are back after 10 years of journey and are going to split apart so they are going to enjoy whatever view they can see from some Village which our super op immortal heroine has recommended..... Yes guys you can already sense it the cry bait energy and of course after their parting they reunited yet again where our super op witch still looks like that old smug faced loli which she was before and obviously everyone can see the reunion of the justice league after 50 years where Himmel turned into an old fart, meanwhile Heiter still looks the same literally u can predict that they are going to die by old age (except for the dwarf Eisen) u can literally predict how many casual fans have cried so far, I would say it was not as emotional like how people say I honestly didn't feel a thing yes it was sad but still did not feel a thing and our Heiter entrusted yet another cute face for journey and the dwarf guy did the same as I mentioned before....... In total this manga isn't anything really worth your time some might like it as they love to consume "nothing happens" type of SOL......It does have it pros like a pretty neat cast of characters, Frieren's interaction with his surrounding characters and her relationship with Fenn is pretty good like one is your average immortal girl who is devoid of normal processing and pretty stupid especially when u take a good look at her dialogues she is pretty much dumb like that one time where she clashed with that demon girl named Aura where she was literally holding back against the army of dead she was not blowing them up just cause Himmel got angry at him "Lmao" Dude is dead already what a dumb girl and I know She wants to give proper burial or some thing but her reasoning is pretty awful and another is just an ordinary girl who has her fair share of sufferings and her cause for travelling with Frieren was pretty well though our too I will give it that also the student and master relationship was pretty good here and overall the relationship of Frieren with the main cast are pretty good especially with the new ones, the old ones (party members were not that good they were just tearjerkers honestly) were not that good characters they just feel like they are their for references, plot progression and adding some depth to them by talking about their journey piece by piece they are just their to be mentioned about their legacies every now and then like u can hardly find any chapter where that Himmel is not being mentioned and the story is just moving at a speed of turtle like literally it's going from one place to another in search of heaven and a grimoire of her master I don't remember......

Overall this Manga is a 3/10 so far I have read...... Nothing really unique, special or good about it...... Just pretty art style or u can say visuals if u have watched the anime

I really don't know how to talk about this series to be completely honest. It might have one of the strongest first 30-ish chapters in any manga I've read, but it starts to lose what makes it so special the longer it goes on.

If you've ever played DnD (or watched any sort of fantasy media) I'm sure you've run into a 500-year-old elf character, but have you ever stopped and asked yourself "damn how would living that long actually affect you?" I had one of my friends once ask this in the middle of playing DnD once. He said "If I can achieve so ... much in 20 years, and can change the world in 80 what are elves doing for 500 years? Does every elf just have a learning disability or something?" And honestly, that question has stuck with me for a while. If you lived for 1000 years, ten times longer than a human lifespan, what would still keep you on the level of regular people?

It's this question that has been stuck in my mind for about two years now that has primed me so hard to enjoy this series because I've never actually seen the question tackled in media before. And it turns out, a story that tackles that question is super interesting. What would you do if the greatest accomplishment a human could achieve was done and gone in less than one-one-hundredth of your lifespan? What would you do if the people you achieved it with were all born and all died in less than a 10th of your lifespan? Could even form truly human connections anymore? Would you be numb to it? Or would you carry the memory of those relationships for another 500 years? What would a decade even mean to you? Much less a year, or a day.

Interesting questions right? And they're all tackled in the story... for the first 30 chapters.

I hope you can see where some disappointment would come from when they just stop talking about those things because they have to do a cliche anime test arc. I don't know about you, but I don't particularly care about seeing the Naruto chunin exams in a character drama about the emotional impacts of immortality.

At the time of writing this, I'm not completely caught up, but I am roughly another twenty chapters past the end of that arc and the story really hasn't seemed to regain its footing since this bizarre break of pace. And honestly, it's extremely disappointing. I still have faith that by the end of this series we might still see a good payoff and discussion of the things established in the first quarter of the story, but when the middle is this bland and unfocused, I'm not sure if that ending will land nearly as hard as it will deserve to.

TL;DR, this story tackles some interesting and unique themes and ideas but loses steam when it decides to shift focus to being more action-oriented and doesn't regain its footing afterward to create a fairly bland story that deserves more clarity and focus.

7/10 because the early chapters are incredible and I could easily see the story reaching those heights again

Wow, this is kinda a new way to tell a fantasy story. The plot is something new, and the story so sad. When the apex of a story about heroes vs king demon is the beginning, the final fight and the victory, this part of the story is so sad, it's like a shadow of a great past.

Each chapter has this sad feeling of something you lost, something precious that you lost and don't know that you lost it.

If you looking for a manga like naruto, dragonball, well this is not for you, but if you looking for something else, here you go

If I were to summarize Sousou no Frieren in a single word, I'd borrow a word right from its own chapters, which perfectly encapsulates what it is all about.
That word is "Ephermal."

The hero's party's epic adventure, in the grand scheme of thing, was ephermal. It might have took years to defeat the demon king, but from Frieren's eyes, an elf that can and have lived for centuries, it felt like a few days.

Learning magic, was ephermal.
Travelling around the world, was ephermal.
Staying in a certain place for weeks, even years, was ephermal.

When you have lived for centuries, everything blends together.
Defeating the demon king is just as ... memorable as the passing words of a friend.

Frieren's value of time is shown clearly whenever she casually proposes staying in a place for months or years to await bad weather or a certain event.
After all, what is one or two years when your lifespan is in the thousands?

It's only natural to consider most ephermal things insignificant.
And this is Frieren's story of realization that not all that is ephermal is necessarily insignificant.
It's only 80 years after the passing of her former party members -which also marks the beginning of the story- that she begins to realize that those days were worth more than she had initially valued.

This is a story of regret and melancholy, laced with coming to terms with the past and moving on.
It's the story of "what could have beens", but thanks to her new companions, it is also a new beginning filled with "what will bes."

Relating to an Elf's sense of time might seem impossible, if it wasn't for the extremely atmospheric dialogue, perfectly placed flashbacks, and gentle eye-pleasing, yet horrifyingly expressive art. Just a single look at Frieren's smile in a panel following a flashback is enough to convey her regret.

You will feel the same sense of regret Frieren feels, if not more.
You will come to learn to enjoy the little things, just as Frieren has.
You will realize that your time maybe limited, but your legacy could be eternal, just like how Himmel is still admired and respected, as observed by Frieren everywhere she goes.

And most importantly, you will learn to act before it is too late, unlike Frieren.

This is a modern classic in the making.
This isn't memorable because of flashy fights, or pretentious dialogues that you will end up forgetting in 5 years tops, only to be replaced by the new hot thing.

This is memorable because of how impactful and relatable it is, and is something that will stick with you to the very end.

The English title is named as 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End'. The Japanese title translates more acutely to 'Frieren of Funeral' or 'Funerals Frieren'. Some could even take it to be 'Frieren at the Funeral' as given synonymously by MAL.

There are no funeral processions held in the manga, and yet, why is it that the Japanese title fits so perfectly?

The reader knows, and Frieren knows, that Frieren will end up alone. It is a lonely journey, despite the party being fully intact for the duration of the chapters that have been published. Life is fleeting and bonds are fleeting; the passage of time ... is inevitable, and death is inevitable. We are shaped by our experiences and memories of others. Sometimes we even pick up their habits.

On this journey, it's as if the reader can feel the ebb and flow of century after century. It is a very unique experience. The mangaka also expertly places cherished memory flashbacks of past party characters. From the readers' perspective, we realize the title of the manga in it's native script is called so because Frieren will always be the one standing at the funeral.

If I had to describe this story with a single word, it'd be "emotional". This is a story that is largely about emotion, as we follow the titular elf Frieren in her attempt learn about and understand humans, and it is fittingly jam-packed with emotion. It's rare for a series to make me feel so consistently emotional with every chapter.

This series has one of my favourite depictions of the way different fantasy races must interact and view each other, due to their lifespans, as well as a great depiction of magic as a technology that progresses over time in the same way technologies do ... in the real world. In general, I think it handles the flow of time and the disconnect between how it affects society and individuals in a really interesting and unique manner.

I highly recommend this manga to anyone who is interested in a less conventional fantasy story. There are only a few chapters out at the moment, but I've got high hopes for the series going forward.

Starting from the part that caught my most attention, the fact that the protagonist is a woman, yes I know it might be a little crazy but I'm always looking for an adventure and fantasy anime where the protagonist is a girl, and besides how well the protagonist did worked on personality evolution, I know that her way hasn't changed much but as time passes and the flashbacks appear you can notice the slight differences.

Not only the protagonist, but the other characters have their stories that are well elaborated, I really liked how it reminded me a little of One Piece but the story is ... completely different

Well, something that I really liked was the creation of the world, which actually isn't clear, but as the adventure goes on you can see how well this part is worked on.


And for people who like the type of protagonist who is a typical loner and doesn't need help from others, then I don't recommend it.

Everything I wrote was translated by the translator, any grammatical error I would like others to understand, thanks

As someone who has cherished this manga since its inception, I could not think of a better manga to write my first review and thoughts for than Frieren. The anime is currently in the middle of airing its first season, so I also hope that this review encourages anyone who has come from the anime to pick up this manga and give it a try. Frieren is an experience I promise you will not regret. If you have seen neither the anime or manga, then you are in for even more of a treat. The feeling this ... manga gave me the first time is one I wish I could go back and re-experience constantly. It is very ironic because Frierens’ theme deals with experiencing certain moments and events in life and understanding that they must be cherished. Even if you live for thousands of years, no one is able to go back in time. Every moment is valuable and cannot be re-lived. It is our job to make the most of the present so we can look back on the past in content and not regret. Frieren creates those thoughts in your head as you read without you even realizing it, and that is what makes it so beautiful. All of what has just been said may seem very cliché, however it is inescapable and undeniable as you get sucked into its story. While not the most flashy manga with action packed panels on each page. Frieren slowly transports you into its world with breathtaking world building and an encapsulating atmosphere.

From the beginning of the first chapter, there is a feeling created that this story is not simply about our one main character Frieren, but the entire vast world around her. The reader gets to experience the world through Frieren, however it is not simply just about her. Through her memories and present adventures, we get exposed to the countless people and places she has encountered in life. These people and places all have stories and details about them that at first glance, seem meaningless and a waste of time. Frieren in fact is of the same mindset. The story deals with her going on an adventure but she has already gone on the exact same adventure years before. Frieren is one of the four great heroes that defeated the demon king. The story revolves around her retracing her steps and going on this same adventure again. The first time she did not care about anything that happened. Going back to all of the same places again however, slowly makes her realize just how important all of these people and places are. The manga has fascinating characters and settings that you grow attached to as you learn about their details and history. Through the past and present, Frieren and the readers come to understand how fascinating the world around them can be if they pay attention, do not throw away time, and live in the moment.

This manga is not just events attempting to convey some pretentious message. In fact even if you do not look for meaning behind anything in this manga, Frieren is simply a gorgeous and detailed world. The world building and lore is just as encapsulating as the characters, places, and messages this manga has to offer. The knowledge provided to the reader is executed perfectly by being added in small bits to enhance the story that is then followed. The history of everything in this world provides immersion that makes you not just think about the story, but makes you imagine being a random character in the world. Countless times I have found myself picturing about living in the world and not even including Frieren, Fern, Stark, or many of the other major characters in the story. The world and its lore is easily on par with its characters and story and we are talking about a character like Frieren, who after the airing of the first season, definitely cements herself as an iconic character within the anime and manga community.

Frieren: Beyond Journeys End builds a world that you can get lost thinking about forever. Its characters, locations, and story help create one of the widest spectrums of emotions I have ever experienced from a work of literature. A certain part could start off with a battle, creating emotions such as the excitement and anticipation similar to a shonen. This can then transition to the happiness and joy of a slice of life when characters are living a simple peaceful life. Out of nowhere a flashback will be added into a chapter that makes the reader feel a deep melancholy feeling in the pit of their stomach. Frieren creates this warm fuzzy feeling. It is hard to describe, however when all of the pieces I have just described are added together, you get this feeling. I hope this review helps people to understand why this manga is so special and that they get to experience what I have been able to with this incredible work of art.

Sousou no Frieren departs from several fantasy work clichés by focusing on a post-disaster theme. This is a result of the story in this work no longer placing as much emphasis on finishing tasks or vanquishing foes. Even though it's stressed here, I think traveling and discovering new places is essential to Frieren's (the main character's) personal growth.

With a serene environment, Sousou no Frieren stops concentrating on vanquishing formidable foes. Instead, it describes how Frieren was able to comprehend others, particularly his fallen comrades. making someone more sensitive to emotions after they were previously indifferent.

This unconventional formula undoubtedly carries a great deal of risk because ... it could result in a story that is repetitive and boring. But as you keep reading, the unexpected turns of events in their adventures frequently pique your curiosity about the story in this manga. Considering how formulaic the plots of today's fantasy novels are, this is undoubtedly advantageous.

Aside from that, this manga avoids providing overly detailed or complex exposition to avoid confusing readers about the plot. Panels devoid of text are used to show the current mood, which is also appropriately communicated. makes the narrative seem to flow even though its plot is back and forth.

Sousou no Frieren is not without its flaws, though. Despite the fact that each of Frieren's three coworkers received their fair share, it didn't seem to be sufficient to have the same significant impact (feeling) on Frieren. I really regret this choice because I believe a more heartfelt and impartial resolution to this tale in the future would result from giving each of Frieren's coworkers the same amount of influence.

This is translated and paraphrased from my original article in indo
https://nipponclub.net/2023/09/27/review-sousou-no-frieren-karya-fantasi-yang-tidak-biasa/

"Sousou no Frieren" is a masterfully crafted manga that transcends the boundaries of time and emotion, delivering a poignant narrative that resonates on a profound level. From its stunning artistry to its deeply resonant storytelling, this manga stands as a testament to the brilliance of its creator.

The artwork in "Sousou no Frieren" is nothing short of breathtaking. Every panel is a visual feast, capturing the essence of the fantastical world and the emotions of its characters with exquisite detail. The character designs are both unique and memorable, each expression conveying a myriad of emotions that draw readers deeper into the story.

What truly sets "Sousou no ... Frieren" apart, however, is its narrative depth. The storytelling unfolds with a perfect balance of world-building, character development, and a touch of mystery. The plot, centered around the concept of immortality and the passage of time, explores profound themes that leave a lasting impact on the reader. The pacing is impeccable, ensuring that each chapter unfolds with just the right amount of suspense and revelation.

One of the manga's greatest strengths is its character development. Frieren, the immortal protagonist, undergoes a transformative journey that explores the complexities of eternal life and the relationships formed along the way. The supporting cast is equally compelling, with each character contributing to the richness of the narrative.

"Sousou no Frieren" seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy, philosophy, and emotion, creating a narrative that is not only intellectually stimulating but also deeply moving. It challenges readers to contemplate the nature of life, mortality, and the significance of fleeting moments.

In conclusion, "Sousou no Frieren" is a masterpiece that deserves every accolade it receives. It's a rare gem that captivates the heart and mind, leaving a lasting impression that extends far beyond the final chapter. This manga is not just a story; it's an experience, and one that will undoubtedly be remembered and cherished by fans for years to come. A solid 10/10, a true masterpiece in every sense of the word.

Picked this up after really enjoying the anime, The main difference between the anime and manga is the pacing and simplistic style. Let me elaborate:

The manga feels more like a slow burn and slice of life adventure, even more so than the anime. The art is simple and easy to grasp without going overboard. It does have it's moments but for the most part it's plain and simple.
The real highlight of this manga is the story and characters, Frieren herself is such a well written and extremely likeable character that you can't help but enjoy her whenever she's onscreen. The motivation of Frieren to ... set out on a journey is also very self explanatory. All she wants is to experience human emotions and stuff that she took for granted always. In my opinion, thats a brilliant premise which is complimented by the well developed cast.

Frieren first and foremost is essentially a slice of life manga with bits of action sprinkled here and there. I won't say that the action is the main focus here but it certainly does flow very well with the story.
This is a manga which one should read at their own pace and really absorb so you can get invested in the world. Exceptional world building.

The story in every chapter feels like a random SOL one, new stuff gets introduced or a new village and then Frieren and her party solve the problem or accept a request and then move on with their journey. Its basically a light-hearted and easy to digest type of storytelling where the plot moves forward at its own pace.

Truly a worth reading manga. It just has that Fantasy feel and it sucks you in.

Thanks for reading!

There's a sense of melancholy that I feel whenever I'm reading this series. While it doesn't drift too far away from a fantasy adventure genre, Sousou no Frieren always spices its story with nostalgia and life lessons that make each chapter touch your heart. Coupled that with great writing and art, turned this series into what I consider a masterpiece.

Every character is written with a complex history and motivations that make every one of them memorable. But one group of characters that I found this series to write exceptionally well compared to others in the genre, is the demon race. In that, instead of ... making them complex and misunderstood as a way to deconstruct the archetype, they double down on the simplicity of how evil they are; almost parasitical to the rest of the races. A perfect antithesis to the main character in a series that focuses more on the substance of the characters rather than the action set pieces.

All and all, this is a series that will pleasure you in eyes, mind, and heart all at once.

“For without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods” – Aristotle

Do not embark on this story if you expect a railroad of thrilling events. It has a lot of detours, as a journey should have. It takes its time, devoting the first few hundred pages to presenting the characters and what it will be about. Each chapter is a unique ride. But if you do decide to join the crew, you will watch first hand Frieren’s quest for knowing humanity and herself. Savour it slowly. The details are everywhere, be them expressions, scenery, or dialogue, this manga explores ... the art of imagery to the fullest, something a book could never achieve. As I wondered about the amount of effort put into this, I am amazed. The nuances of magic and how it changes over time, the individuality given to each character, the foreshadowing.

As the story goes, we learn more about Frieren’s past and her now deceased party members, and how they changed her. How these ten years, or “a mere one-hundredth”, as she said, of her life were meaningful to her. After all, in knowing others, you get to know yourself.

Should one who will outlive everyone else bother forming relationships? Considering the difference in age, is it even possible for her to truly connect to others? Sousou no Frieren tries to answer these questions, and does so in a way I’ve never seen in other media – maybe Maquia, but I digress – as with many other aspects of a fantasy world. Everything seems to be thought out.

The ability this story has to provoke catharsis is spectacular. Few works have been able to make me tear up, but Sousou no Frieren made it a handful of times. Even the side characters are interesting, but the very best are the eventual reminiscences she has of her old friends and how she treasures them.

It was also a fun ride. The comedy is on point. I laughed a lot throughout the pages, mainly with Fern, her apprentice, who is also the cutest thing in the world.

This review will not consist only of praises, though. The pacing can get draggy at times and is a little episodic. There is no real threat or imminent danger. This is not your average story, with cliffhangers and so, but a search for meaning, and that is what makes it so beautiful. It was done to be appreciated each sip at a time, like a bottle of fine wine. With that in mind, definitely give this a try, for it will be a remarkable experience.

Occasionally, a work of fiction comes along that delves deep into its own genre, offering fresh insights that make unsuspecting readers question whether what they're consuming is merely what it seems. While the overt synopsis hints at the underlying premise, it may not be an entirely unexpected revelation. However, as one immerses themselves in the reading experience, Sousou no Frieren proves to be far more than a typical swashbuckling drama. It has the ability to surprise and captivate even those who are well-acquainted with the art of deconstructing clichés proposed by the narrative.

Frieren is the protagonist of the story, hailing from a race with a ... lifespan that extends beyond millennia. It's difficult to comprehend what such an existence entails, particularly in terms of perceiving the passage of time, not just for herself but also witnessing the fleeting nature of everything around her. People age, grow distant, and eventually pass away, and even the endurance of elements that outlast a human's lifetime, such as geopolitical and social organizations, becomes evident in the narrative through parallels drawn between Frieren's present and past selves in different incarnations. Despite her portrayal as a reserved and reticent character, Frieren exhibits subtle yet significant nuances, showcasing a gradual and ongoing process of learning about values greater than life itself.

Despite the vast experiential distance from the reader's temporary reality, the story takes great care to delve into the protagonist's character through well-placed flashbacks and significant actions that reveal her true nature, bridging the gap between our perspective and hers. This endows the elf with charisma and likability, as she undergoes a gradual transformation throughout the pages, acquiring lessons that are shared between the character and the reader, transcending the boundaries of fiction. While to those around her, Frieren is a living legend, a key figure in a historic team of heroes who defeated the Demon King decades ago, to her past and present teammates, she remains an enigmatic personality when it comes to magic and its diverse applications. She is reserved but always ready to lend a helping hand to those around her, often finding herself sleeping more than she probably should.

As the story unfolds, Frieren finds herself joining a new team comprising nothing more than children in her eyes. Together, they embark on a journey that retraces the path taken by her previous team 80 years ago, leading to encounters with unfinished stories, continuations, and complete changes in the established setting.

Throughout the various chapters, the ensemble accompanying Frieren plays a vital role in portraying parallels and driving the story's progression, serving as a supportive force for the narrative. From the perspective of the nearly immortal protagonist, who considers a decade a short period to wait before moving on, it is the human companions who accelerate and inspire progress. Their short lives leave no room for complacency. The theme of life's impermanence and its consequences is intertwined into the characters' daily lives, as they grow and evolve both literally and metaphorically. They often encounter echoes of Frieren's journey from nearly a century ago, forging a deep connection with their own experiences

Sousou no Frieren is a bittersweet tale where the passing of time remains a constant theme throughout each chapter, never letting its significance fade from our minds. In contrast, the everyday moments are portrayed with exceptional visual storytelling, each frame telling its own story without the need for excessive text. This skillful approach vividly captures the essence of the characters' long journeys and the gradual flow of time, making the narrative both engaging and easily relatable, excepcionally on the slice-of-life moments.

Despite its many merits, the manga occasionally loses its unique identity amidst some genre clichés. In an attempt to emulate traditional adventure stories, the quality suffers as the focus becomes too action-oriented, overshadowing what truly makes the story shine. The art sometimes struggles to convey the fluidity of magic battles or combat, making these moments less captivating. Thankfully, these instances are rare, and the overall storytelling competence ensures that the overall experience remains enjoyable.

One noticeable drawback is the limited variety of facial expressions routinely presented by the entire cast of characters, often leaning towards neutrality. This can lessen the impact of humorous scenes, impactful revelations, or emotionally charged moments.

However, despite these flaws, Sousou no Frieren is a captivating and unique fantasy manga that appeals to a wide range of readers. It strikes a perfect balance between drama, reflection, and adventure, creating an immersive and enjoyable experience. While it may occasionally fall into clichés, the manga's strengths lie in its well-developed characters, compelling storytelling, and emotional depth. These qualities make it a valuable and memorable read for anyone seeking a meaningful and engaging plot, regardless of their usual preferences. Overall, Sousou no Frieren is a manga that leaves a lasting impression.

What happens after a journey? That is a rarely asked question and a rarely explored topic, I mean of course you would want to focus on the the grand journey itself, the journey in which the hero and his party of strong adventurer adventuring to the demon lord's castle to defeat him.

But this manga does the opposite, it shows what happens after that journey, it tells the story of the things that occur because of that grand journey years in the future. The things that the hero's journey has done in the past and how it effects the times to come, the differences of ... people and places years ago and today is all explored in this slow paced fantasy adventure manga.

Story: 10
This manga doesn't have an incredibly well thought of complex story with insane plot twists and mindblowing series of events, this manga is the very definition of detouring. This is a manga about our main character Frieren an elf with a very long life span years and years after her grand journey with the hero's party, she with her new friends taking a detour back to the outmost northern place of the continent to visit "heaven" in which she will meet her old friend Himmel the hero and talk to him about how she wanted to know humans more. It is a beautifully written story about her very chill, slow and sometimes exciting journey with her friends.

Character: 9
The main casts of this manga are a very fun team to watch, the main characters shenangans with their very own unique personality and quirks are very enjoyable to watch. Side characters sometimes are only used on that certain arc but some of them will apear again later on in the series, but even if some side characters only appear once you feel like they have done their job of making the arc they're in a very enjoyable read.

Art: 9
The art of this manga is very good, it has it's own style but I can't say that the art is a 10/10. It's very good and has its own personality, there's really nothing much to say

In conclusion, I give this manga a 9/10, each chapter goes by very quick because of how much fun I'm having while reading it. It's just a breath of fresh air, it's been so long since I've consumed a very slow and refreshing manga such as Sousou no Frieren

SouSou no Frieren is a story about an elf and her life after slaying the demon lord in the hero’s party. More importantly, it's a story about age and immortality.

Something usually glossed over in typical fantasy when mentioned that an elf is over a 1000 y/o old besides a justification of something gross.

In casual passing it’s mentioned how the character and her human apprentice will stay 6 months or even 3 years doing something trivial or just waiting around.
In any other scenario this would be a shock considering how long a time that is, but for an elf it's hardly a minute. This comes off ... a well written meta narration to give perspective to how the main character sees time and the world around her.

How a character who has gone emotionally numb knowing that nothing around her matters if it's gone before she can blink and watching people she's slowly learned to care about slow age and wither before her is a big focus in the story and a very touching one at that.

Emphasis on “slowly learning to care about” as she only realizes that she cares about them by the time they’ve already passed away or are at the last inches of their life.
Why else would an elf that lived for 2000 years care so deeply about 13 years spent adventuring with a group of strangers.

It’s a little funny how heartbreaking it is to think about for any other character around her.
But really makes you root for her to try and find meaning and open up.
A thought captured in hardly any of today’s literature let alone manga.

When you die you want the people around you to remember you and remember all the accomplishments you’ve made.
That's something easy for humans or dwarfs to do, but for elves it's impossible as after the several millennia they've been alive, everything they've built up, every feat they’ve done to shape the world, the great evils they’ve defeated, is lost to history as no one is alive to remember them through it all.

Watching an elf learn what it means to care about others in the face of this void that casts absolute pessimism and in turn realize how much the people she's befriended meant to her is an emotional rollercoaster and executed in an excellent and perfect manner both in story and meta narration.

This thoughtful story telling carries on to the world the main character inhabits and how things like demons, monsters, mana, power, and magic, operate, function, and interact with each other.
While not going off on tangents that take away from the main focus and message.

Kind like what I’m about to do now:
I also like how it uses the german language for it's fictional names and characters rather than japanese ones.
I’ll be it simple words or phrases.
It's a nice return to traditional fantasy.

Makes me feel like the writer is a big fan of these more traditional works or just likes DnD a lot.

Anyway:
SouSou no Frieren is an easy 10/10 and a highly recommended read for anyone who has a feeling of wanting a break from the typical shonen, romance, or comedy genres to explore a well thought out and meaningful story.

Btw are you tired of me saying thoughtful yet?

The story of a world where the demon king has already been vanquished. A world where the heroes who saved the world have grown old and some have passed, all but one that is. The elf mage who helped the hero save the world looks as though she hasn’t aged a day since they parted ways after that journey. For one who lives so long understanding the lives and personality of the people around her who are so short lived is something she has trouble doing and she’s not even sure if she wants to. Despite this she still makes an effort to learn more ... of those people she spent so little time with yet seem to have effected her so much. A story of melancholy and beauty, of a mage on an endless carefree, yet also devoted journey through a world that moves so fast around her.

While I am in no way qualified to make a review, I find this manga just incredible. It has made me fell so many emotions from happiness to just dread and sorrow. As such I will keep this simple.

Sousou no Frieren is the type of manga that gets you thinking about stuff such as: passing of time, the death of friends and sadness it brings, to the understanding of the enemy and really empathizing to the "bad" characters. I feel attached to all characters. They have all left an impression on me. But of the lates chapter it has just changed me and ... my impression of the story.

This manga is indeed great, it has everything …. sadness, hopelessness, triumphant victories to even understanding phases.
It’s a real manga, the characters act and are real people whom have both good and bad things about themselves, (frieren is op yes but she is the mc so o can get over it).

Its short for a review, but as a daily reader I do recommend this manga, is great and I hope it continues for a long time.