Review of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Mid. A breath of fresh air for shonen/isekai watchers, but uninspired and dull to those who watch a variety of genres. First, the themes of religion, death, regret, and the meaning of life are pretty promising and ambitious, but the show never delves into them very deep. Its filler this, filler that. Simple fight here, simple fight there. Introduction, and then a forced flashback. And there’s some romcom comedy incorporated in these scenes to lighten the mood. Some really great and well-written moments are sprinkled across this show, but it’s almost like it’s too scared to commit to these aspects. And because it tries tomake the most of the few great moments it has, they often feel forced. To sum it up; “It insists upon itself.”

-I like many of the characters, but they just haven’t been fleshed out enough.

-And,of course, the art and animation are the best parts. Madhouse doing what the do best.

Overall, it’s a fine, albeit VERY overrated show. All I hope is that Freiren becomes the gateway for shonen and isekai fans to appreciate other, more complicated stories— like Gungrave.