Although The Beginning After The End (TBATE) has sparked debate among Western fans regarding its quality as an adaptation, the anime is enjoying impressive popularity in Japan across various platforms. Originating as a manhwa, TBATE narrates the journey of King Grey, who is reincarnated into a child within a radically different world. This new life prompts him to explore magic, hone his combat skills, and discover the true meaning of family.
Since its debut, TBATE encountered a rocky reception, particularly following the initial clip showcased during IGN’s Fan Fest earlier this year. Many viewers expressed concerns over the adaptation’s quality, stemming from a brief introduction that revealed an unfinished fight scene paired with static imagery. As each episode premiered, reactions were mixed; some fans criticized the animation, while others retained hope for the show’s narrative strength.
The Beginning After The End is Making Waves in Japan
Affirming the Resilience of the Isekai Genre in Mainstream Media
Despite receiving a modest IMDb rating of 5.5/10, TBATE has achieved significant viewership rankings, placing 6th among TV series on Netflix in Japan, and reaching 3rd place when exclusively considering anime, trailing only behind notable titles like One Piece and Fire Force. On platforms such as D-Anime and U-Next, it ranks just below The Apothecary Diaries, while Prime Video Japan lists TBATE as 9th among the most-watched TV shows for the week of April 13-19.
The isekai genre continues to captivate Japanese audiences, and although some viewers have noted shortcomings in animation quality, it is evident that the storyline resonates far better than many other series within the same category. A-Cat Studios was selected to produce the anime adaptation by TurtleMe, the original author, who believed a smaller studio would better preserve the essence of his narrative.
Despite Criticism, The Beginning After The End Enjoys Positive Reception
Evidence Found in Its Crunchyroll Ratings
Metrics from Japanese networks underscore TBATE’s positive reception, with current Crunchyroll ratings standing at 4.1 out of 5.0. Despite the simultaneous release of other popular series like Solo Leveling, TBATE’s unique art style, engaging storyline, and passionate fanbase ensure that it retains a solid viewership. As the series progresses, viewers remain eager to see how TBATE unfolds, regardless of the show’s initial challenges.