Following its 2018 release on the digital comics and novel platform Tapas, the bestselling novel "The Beginning After the End" quickly became the number one Tapas Original in North America. Since then, it has been translated into six languages, topped online publishing charts worldwide, and received high praise in Korea and China. After its 2020 release in Japan on the digital manga and novel platform Piccoma, it surpassed 20 million likes in just one year and won the "Piccoma AWARD 2021," an award given to works of guaranteed entertainment. With over 1.5 billion cumulative views worldwide, this popular series was headed for an anime adaptation.
After a mysterious death, King Grey is reborn as Arthur Leywin on the magical continent of Dicathen. Although he enters his second life as a baby, he retains his former wisdom. As the years pass, he begins to master magic and forge his own path, seeking to correct the mistakes of his past life. As a fan of reincarnated characters in manha and manga, I knew I'd be jumping on the bandwagon for the long-awaited series based on the beloved webcomic created by TurtleMe.
Creator: TurtleMe
Stars: Alex Borton, Natsumi Fujiwara, Makoto Furukawa
King Grey, a king who committed many nefarious deeds during his lifetime, awakens… in a body that doesn't belong to him, with a name that doesn't belong to him, and in an unknown world. He has simply been reborn, now in his second life, beginning as a baby named Arthur. However, he begins this life with the knowledge of his past life. We are treated to a thrilling montage that demonstrates the King's power and acclaim. He is powerful, ruthless, and has made enemies at every turn. He is a terrifying man to behold, and now it seems his reign is over?
In the first few episodes, we get a sense of the setting and world-building of "The Beginning After the End," giving the audience a simple yet comprehensive insight into where Grey, now Arthur, resides. Of course, this episode features very enriching moments for the now young character, with the love of his parents and his hilarious attempts to gain independence as a baby. As the young character, with an old soul, looks on, it's interesting for him and for us to watch and see what exists in this new life compared to his old one. Seeing how a family interacts, a booming market, and how the people of this land defend themselves and advance in combat are all threads of this new life for the former king.
As for the animation, there hasn't been much in the way of spectacular visual effects yet, but that won't deter me from watching more. Some of the most visually striking scenes in this episode tend to be action-packed, where young Arthur gets a glimpse of the world he soon wants to grow up in and become a part of. He's eager to learn about the layout of the land, how warriors fight, what knowledge books may hold—all in keeping with his plan to become stronger.
Young Arthur has a prime spot to watch gifted individuals who not only seem intriguing, but also seem incredible on the battlefield. Some of my favorite scenes in this episode lean toward humor, with young Arthur deploying his charm to get what he wants or plotting something out of the ordinary. These scenes bring much-needed laughter and light to the story we're watching, about a man previously known for bringing doom and gloom.
The Beginning After the End seems to lay the groundwork for the series with a slower-paced, emotional story about starting over and being blessed with a newer, more complete beginning. This first episode sheds light on King Grey, young Arthur's previous life, and hints at what was missing in his upbringing, while marveling at this young man's current and new life. I love the juxtaposition of the silliness and sense of normalcy of little Arthur's young life with his older self reflecting internally, delivered through the vocal narration throughout the episode. Though his voice is somber and aged, I loved the continual reminders of his infuriating vocal assertion that his childish body was a prison in his quest to gain more (bodily) autonomy every day.
“The allure of a fresh start for a character we're not entirely sure deserves redemption is presented to us in this first episode of The Beginning After the End. While it doesn't yet have much action or spectacular animation, it promises future action, character development, and bold decisions, starting with a strong emotional foundation.”
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