The Beginning After the End

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I’ve been eagerly anticipating the animation of “The Beginning After the End” for quite some time now, just like countless other fans. This captivating webtoon has sparked a yearning in us to witness Arthur Leywin’s adventure unfold on the big screen, with every epic battle, heartfelt moment, and thrilling action from the comic series brought vividly to life. The original story is a masterpiece, brimming with unforgettable characters, an intricate universe, and stunning, jaw-dropping action sequences.

Initially, there was immense anticipation as the first two episodes were released. However, this excitement swiftly transformed into dismay. The animation quality, which was disappointing to say the least, soon became a popular topic on social media platforms. In fact, it sparked comparisons with some of the most notorious adaptation flops, such as the final season of Game of Thrones. But now that several episodes have been aired, the question arises: has the quality of animation improved at all?

The PowerPoint Presentation Problem

In my opinion, the animation for “The Beginning After the End” fell significantly short. The limited frames and abrupt transitions made dialogue feel stilted and mechanical, giving off an odd impression reminiscent of a PowerPoint presentation rather than a genuine anime production. Moreover, I found the action sequences to be quite disappointing – they were meant to be the show’s crowning glory, but ended up feeling rushed and lacking any real impact.

The storyline moved too swiftly, appearing as if the studio was rushing through the plot to fit significant events into compact segments without giving them emotional depth. This hasty approach disregarded the delicate balance necessary, seemingly to comply with the 3 Episode Rule. Consequently, crucial character moments whizzed by so rapidly that even avid webtoon readers found it challenging to follow along. One can only imagine the bafflement of those unfamiliar with the source material. The rapid pace left minimal space for world-building, resulting in an adaptation that seemed more like a hastily edited series of Instagram clips rather than a well-crafted story.

Voice Acting and Monologues

Additionally, the voice acting, particularly in the English version, seemed to exacerbate the frustration. Many performances felt rigid and devoid of emotion, falling short in scenes where they should have evoked strong feelings. The voiceovers failed to infuse characters that fans had deeply connected with from the original content, making even Arthur’s most crucial moments feel empty.

The fans were particularly frustrated because the anime relied too heavily on Arthur’s inner thoughts. Instead of allowing us to witness Arthur’s development through his actions and relationships, the anime frequently had Arthur verbalizing his thoughts and feelings directly to the audience. This method works well in written form, but on screen, it reveals its limitations. By taking a shortcut in storytelling, viewers were deprived of the opportunity to organically relate to Arthur’s journey, resulting in a narrative that felt more like an information dump rather than a natural progression.

A Glimmer of Hope in a Bleak First Season

Although there were several issues initially, later instalments notably demonstrated signs of progress, especially during Arthur’s interaction with Sylvia. The animation might not have been impressive at Episode 3, and it’s true that some crucial webcomic scenes were left out, but the narrative began to exhibit why TBATE was adored by fans in its early days. The cave scene where Arthur meets Sylvia effectively conveys some of the emotional intensity that was previously lacking. It might still feel a bit hurried, but for the first time, there’s genuine emotion and warmth in these scenes.

Initially, clad in armor, Sylvia exudes an imposing and formidable demeanor. However, beneath her tough exterior lies a soft heart, filled with wisdom and nurturing qualities. After saving Arthur from a fall, she treats him as if he were her own child. One particularly well-executed scene showcases her teaching him to collect mana, leaving me to wonder if the production team might be starting to hit their stride.

The Season 2 Announcement Heralds Second Chances and New Beginnings

I, an observer, felt a mix of reassurance and apprehension upon hearing Crunchyroll’s announcement that The Beginning After the End Season 2 will air in Spring 2026. The involvement of the original production team, led by director Keitaro Motonaga and Studio A-CAT, has certainly piqued curiosity. However, this news also underscores the ongoing commitment to the series.

Taking a break between seasons offers the production team a chance to tackle significant problems encountered during the first season, as fans have been vocal about the issues, particularly those concerning animation quality and pace. Given their feedback, it’s crucial that improvements are made, and considering TurtleMe himself had to intervene to address these concerns, it underscores the importance placed on addressing them.

The Verdict?

Although the first season of “The Beginning After the End” was quite underwhelming, there’s still hope. As the series progresses and delves deeper into character development, it manages to retain the charm that made the webtoon stand out. The Sylvia arc serves as a testament to the power of compelling storytelling; while it can’t entirely compensate for weak animation, it demonstrates that it can partially overcome technical shortcomings.

In the past, some anime series that began with disappointing starts have managed to rebound successfully, and it’s conceivable that TBATE could do the same given its strong foundation in source material. Notable examples of shows that made a comeback include Kingdom, which significantly enhanced its visual style in Season 3 to great effect. Additionally, while not initially criticized, series like Clannad received an exceptional second season in the form of After Story.

This statement doesn’t imply that TBATE is destined for a magnificent sophomore season, but its supporters could surely benefit from a victory, or at least something more consistent. If Season 2 can grasp the hint, rectify the mistakes, and deliver the adaptation fans have eagerly anticipated remains uncertain. However, there’s just enough optimism to keep fans guardedly hopeful about Arthur’s animated journey for now.

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2025-07-14 21:11