1 - Beyond the Battle: Frieren's Story.
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Book 1
Frieren took me by surprise and easily became one of my favourite manga series of the year. The story follows an elf, Frieren, who is part of an eclectic party of warriors: Himmel, Heiter, and Eisen, tasked with slaying the demon king. What sets this story apart from traditional adventure manga is that it starts at the end. We meet the heroes for the first time as they are being thanked for their service, ushering in a new age of peace.
The art style in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is nothing short of exceptional. It's clean, engaging, and some of the best I've seen. The characters are expressive and the world-building is visually stunning. The art perfectly complements the story, adding depth and emotion to every scene.
The blend of adventure and slice-of-life truly sets this series apart, offering the reader ample space to relax with the characters while keeping you intrigued through the various unique elements of the story. I was particularly charmed by Frieren’s absolute lack of awareness when it comes to time. Due to her lifespan as an elf, it makes sense that she wouldn’t value time in years. It is only once she returns to visit her friend Himmel the Human, that Frieren reflects on the passage of time and how it does matter in the lives of people she has grown to love.
While the topic of time and its passage might seem serious, the series balances these ideas very well with light-hearted elements. Frieren, as an elf and a mage, wields immense power and strength, but she has made it clear her preference lies in the mundane or everyday joys of magic. A spell to grow a flower or perhaps remove a stain from a shirt—these are the spells Frieren seeks on her journeys.
The rest of the party offer insight, humour, and lessons throughout the opening book of this series. The series is primarily written in the third person but mostly focuses on the world of the titular character. The progression and pace of this story are beautifully crafted, allowing us to explore Frieren, her personality, and those of the characters around her. We learn how she connects with the world and its people, offering us a chance to reflect on our own journeys.
In summary, the first volume of this series introduces us to the hero’s party but more importantly gives us a wonderful introduction to the protagonist of the manga, Frieren. As she embarks on a journey not only of finding new spells and magic but also of learning about her true self, I was hooked from the first page and can’t wait to delve into the rest of the manga.
