Dec 24, 2023
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
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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.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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