Tag: Action

Episode 2 Review: The Beginning After the End – A Mixed Bag of Potential and Disappointment

The Beginning After the End (or Saikyou no Ousama, Nidome no Jinsei wa Nani wo Suru?) has been one of the most anticipated isekai adaptations of 2025, and its second episode has sparked a whirlwind of reactions. While the story continues to intrigue with its unique premise—a once-powerful king reincarnated as a child in a magical world—the execution, particularly in animation quality, has left fans divided. Let’s break it down.

The Story So Far

The episode picks up with Arthur, the reincarnated King Grey, growing stronger both physically and magically. Surrounded by a loving family, he’s experiencing emotions he never had in his past life. However, danger lurks as bandits attack, leading to a tense confrontation and a cliffhanger involving a terrifying monster. The narrative is compelling, blending slice-of-life moments with darker undertones, but pacing issues and awkward transitions (like the sudden disappearance of a rope during a fight) have left some viewers scratching their heads.

Fan Reactions: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

1. The Positives: Story and Music Shine
   Many fans praised the episode’s storytelling and emotional depth. One user noted, “The story is getting better. Art style and character design is not bad, I just wish animation had 50% more frames.” The soundtrack also received love, with comments like “The music is simply majestic.”

Arthur’s character development stood out too. Unlike typical isekai protagonists, he’s serious and driven, which fans appreciate. “I like how MC is not a pervert lolicon trash like Rudeus,” one viewer remarked, comparing him to Mushoku Tensei’s controversial protagonist.

1. The Negatives: Animation Woes
   The biggest gripe? The animation—or lack thereof. Critics called it a “slideshow compilation,” with fight scenes relying on still frames and speed lines. One frustrated fan wrote, “The animation is pure dog shit, as always. I don’t expect the series to have good animation at any point.”

The CGI monsters also drew ire. “The slideshow fight scenes and low-effort CGI monsters are just too much for me,” lamented another. Some even joked, “I love my weekly slideshow.”

1. Mixed Feelings: Voice Acting and Pacing
   Arthur’s inner monologue, voiced by a deep, adult tone, felt jarring to some. “Really awkward to hear a 30+ year old man’s dark voice coming from a kid,” one comment read. Others defended it, arguing it fits his past-life persona.

Pacing was another issue. “So many things didn’t need happening in one episode,” a viewer pointed out, questioning the logic of letting a 4-year-old and a pregnant woman flee alone.

Comparisons and Controversies

The episode sparked debates comparing TBATE to other isekai like Mushoku Tensei. While some argued TBATE’s world-building and characters are distinct, others felt the animation paled in comparison. “Berserk 2016 looks like a masterpiece compared to this,” one user quipped.

There was also backlash against the source material’s darker themes, like Arthur’s past as a ruthless king. “Indiscriminate slaughter of civilians… execution of a mother and child… He’s a bad individual,” one critic noted, questioning the moral ambiguity.

Final Verdict: Should You Keep Watching?

Despite its flaws, The Beginning After the End has potential. The story is engaging, and Arthur’s journey—both as a child and a former king—offers a fresh take on isekai tropes. However, the animation quality is a significant drawback, especially for fans of the manhwa who expected better.

As one fan put it, “I’m still in the trial period with this show, but I don’t think it’s going to get any better.” If you can overlook the slideshow battles and focus on the narrative, it’s worth sticking around. But if fluid animation is a dealbreaker, this might not be the show for you.

Rating: 6.5/10 – A flawed but intriguing isekai with room to grow.

What did you think of Episode 2? Let’s discuss in the comments!

P.S. For those wondering, yes, Arthur’s little sister theory is already gaining traction. Place your bets now!

The Beginning After the End – Season 1, Episode 2: A Promising Start or a Missed Opportunity?

The Beginning After the End (TBATE) has been one of the most anticipated anime adaptations of 2025, and with the release of its second episode, fans are already buzzing with opinions. Based on TurtleMe’s popular web novel and manhwa, the series follows King Grey, a powerful ruler who reincarnates into a new world as Arthur Leywin, retaining his memories and skills. The premise is intriguing, but does Episode 2 live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what fans are saying and whether this episode hits the mark.

The Premise and Expectations

TBATE’s story revolves around Arthur Leywin, a child prodigy who was once the strongest king in his previous life. The first episode set the stage for his rebirth and hinted at the challenges he’d face in this new world. Episode 2 continues this journey, focusing on Arthur’s early years and his interactions with his new family and surroundings.

Fans of the source material had high expectations, especially regarding the adaptation’s faithfulness to the original story. Some were excited to see how Studio A-Cat (known for Battle After 5 Seconds) would handle the animation, while others were skeptical due to the studio’s mixed track record. As one Reddit user put it: “We’d be lucky if it looked half as good as Battle After 5 Seconds.”

What Worked in Episode 2?

1. Character Development
   Arthur’s dynamic with his new family, particularly his parents, was a highlight. Fans appreciated the emotional depth in these scenes, as they set the foundation for his growth. One MyAnimeList user noted: “His time as a child lays some groundwork for his character, and it’s handled well.”

2. World-Building
   The episode introduced the European-inspired fantasy world, complete with magic systems and political undertones. While some called it clichéd (“Another European fantasy? Really?”), others defended the setting, arguing that it serves the story’s themes of power and reincarnation.

3. Voice Acting
   The casting of Natsumi Fujiwara (Arthur) and Makoto Furukawa (King Grey) received praise. Fans felt their performances added depth to the characters, especially in flashback scenes.

What Fell Short?

1. Animation Quality
   The biggest criticism was the animation. While the character designs were faithful to the manhwa, the movement and action sequences felt stiff. One fan lamented: “If the trailer’s animation is anything to go by, we’re in for a rough ride.”

2. Pacing Issues
   Some viewers felt the episode rushed through key moments, particularly Arthur’s early training. A comment on MyAnimeList read: “They skipped over so much detail. It’s like they’re speedrunning the story.”

3. Mixed Reactions to the Setting
   The European fantasy backdrop divided fans. While some enjoyed the aesthetic, others found it overdone. One user joked: “Why does every isekai have to be set in pseudo-medieval Europe?”

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It?

The discussions around Episode 2 were polarizing. Here’s a snapshot of what fans are saying:

• Positive:
  “Arthur’s relationship with his family is heartwarming. It’s nice to see a protagonist who isn’t just OP from the start.”
  “The voice acting is top-notch. Fujiwara nails Arthur’s mix of maturity and childishness.”

• Negative:
  “The animation is mid at best. Studio A-Cat dropped the ball.”
  “They’re cutting too much from the source material. It feels rushed.”

• Neutral:
  “It’s too early to judge. Let’s see where this goes.”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re a fan of the manhwa or enjoy reincarnation stories, The Beginning After the End is worth checking out. Episode 2 has its flaws—particularly in animation and pacing—but it also delivers strong character moments and an intriguing setup. As one fan wisely put it: “Give it a few more episodes. The story gets way better.”

For now, TBATE shows promise, but whether it becomes a must-watch anime will depend on how it handles the upcoming arcs. Stay tuned!

What do you think of Episode 2? Let us know in the comments!