The phenomenal success of the anime adaptation of Solo Leveling has paved the way for a new benchmark in the medium, propelling the manhwa genre into the spotlight. With its second season breaking records through enthralling action sequences and the captivating transformation of its protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, from an underdog to a powerhouse, it has captivated audiences worldwide. Riding on this wave of popularity, another esteemed webcomic, The Beginning After the End, is poised to make waves with its own anime adaptation, set to stream on Crunchyroll. Fans eagerly anticipate this release, hoping it mirrors the fervor generated by Solo Leveling.
With an impressive tally of over 1.5 billion cumulative views globally, the webcomic’s popularity is undeniable, leading to high expectations for its adaptation. Yet, concerns have surfaced regarding the quality of animation following the anime’s premiere, causing a stir among fans.
A Compelling Narrative: The Beginning After the End Rivals Solo Leveling
TurtleMe’s Narrative: A Standout in Manhwa
One of the key attractions of Solo Leveling lies in watching the protagonist, Sung Jinwoo, face increasingly formidable foes while unraveling the enigmas of the gates and his transformation into a player. This aspect resonates with fans of The Beginning After the End, where a former king, King Grey, finds himself betrayed, reincarnated as a newborn, and embarks on an arduous journey to reclaim his former glory.
The popularity of The Beginning After the End places it among the best web novels, standing shoulder to shoulder with Solo Leveling and Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. The story embodies a dynamic blend of elements from titles like Solo Leveling and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, offering a rich fantasy narrative set against a medieval backdrop filled with intricate worldbuilding and social structures. Both stories feature exceptional magic systems, magical creatures, and protagonists deeply rooted in family values and justice, diverging from the traditional hero archetype.
The Anime Adaptation: Expectations vs. Reality
Animation Quality Shouldn’t Diminish Story Enjoyment
Nonetheless, the animation faced criticism following the highly anticipated debut of The Beginning After the End. Viewers expecting a visual style on par with Solo Leveling found the initial episode lacking; the animation quality did not meet their expectations. While it’s reasonable to consider that Studio A-CAT may not have allocated ample resources for the premiere, as it focused on Arthur’s gradual adaptation to his new life as a baby, the overall fluidity of animation left much to be desired, often relying on still frames with visual effects rather than dynamic action.
Despite these shortcomings, the central narrative remains a point of excitement. The adaptation promises to preserve the essence of the story’s themes and world-building, with author TurtleMe closely involved in the production process. Though the stunning visuals of Solo Leveling may be absent, The Beginning After the End has the potential to engage viewers through its compelling storyline.