Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru? [Season 1 Episode 1]

“The Beginning After the End” – A Promising Start or a Disappointing Slide?

Episode 1 Review: “The Strongest King’s Second Life”

When The Beginning After the End (Japanese title: Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru?) was announced, fans of the original web novel and manhwa were buzzing with excitement. The premise—a once-powerful king reincarnated into a magical world as a child—sounded like a fresh twist on the isekai genre. But now that Episode 1 has dropped, the reactions are… mixed, to say the least.

The Premise: A King’s Second Chance

The story follows Grey, the strongest king in history, who, despite his power, wealth, and fame, dies alone and unloved. Reborn as Arthur, a baby in a world of magic, he gets a second shot at life—this time surrounded by a loving family. The first episode introduces us to Arthur’s new life, his doting parents, and the stark contrast between his cold past and his warm present.

Fans of the source material were eager to see how the anime would handle Arthur’s emotional journey. Some praised the storytelling, like one MyAnimeList user who said:

“I like that we get to see more of Arthur’s past life instead of jumping straight into the funny isekai fantasy world.”

But others felt the execution fell flat.

The Good: Heartwarming Moments & Potential

The strongest aspect of Episode 1 is its emotional core. Arthur’s interactions with his new family are genuinely touching. His mother’s warmth and his father’s pride create a cozy atmosphere that contrasts sharply with his lonely past. One fan noted:

“It’s always nice to see some appreciation for the roles of a parent though, that was unexpectedly warm.”

The opening theme also got love for being a “banger,” with one viewer raving:

“That OP WAS SO FIREEEEE. We are eating so good y’all.”

The Bad: Animation Woes & Generic Vibes

Unfortunately, the episode’s biggest letdown is its animation quality. Many fans compared it unfavorably to Mushoku Tensei, another isekai about reincarnation and personal growth. While Mushoku Tensei set a high bar for visuals and world-building, The Beginning After the End stumbled with stiff animation and excessive panning shots. One frustrated fan wrote:

“I counted at least the first 8/10 scenes being the screen sliding up then down then left then right.”

Others called it a “slideshow” or “2007-level animation,” with one particularly salty comment declaring:

“This shit is so ass lmao.”

The voice acting also divided opinions. Some found it lackluster, while others thought it fit the tone.

The Verdict: Should You Stick Around?

Episode 1 of The Beginning After the End is a mixed bag. It nails the emotional beats but falters in execution. Fans of the source material might tolerate the flaws for the story, while newcomers might be put off by the generic presentation.

As one optimistic viewer put it:

“I’ll give this a chance for another 2 episodes.”

And honestly? That’s fair. The potential is there—let’s just hope the studio steps up its game.

Final Rating: 6/10 (Decent, but could be so much better.)

What did you think of Episode 1? Let’s discuss in the comments!

Note: This review is based on fan discussions and personal impressions. The anime is produced by Studio A-CAT and premiered on April 2, 2025.