Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has become not only one of the most popular anime of 2023, but also one of the most beloved manga series. The Fall 2023 anime adaptation of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End surprised everyone by surpassing Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood to claim the top spot on MyAnimeList.
The anime has not only increased Frieren's popularity, but also its impact on Otaku culture worldwide, including its source material manga. When it launched in April 2020, the manga was already successful, but its success has now reached new heights thanks to the anime. Let's explore how the anime has influenced the manga.
Frieren anime’s popularity increases its manga sales
On December 1, 2023, the news broke that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End manga has hit a new milestone. It has 17 million copies now in circulation.
The official Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Twitter account just shared some amazing news - the manga series has surpassed 17 million copies in circulation! And that's not all - a whopping seven million of those copies were released in the months following the anime’s September 29 debut. Exciting times for Frieren fans!
What’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End about?
Based on Kanehito Yamada’s fantasy manga of the same name, the anime follows Frieren, a mage who, along with the hero Himmel, defeated the Demon King after a 10-year quest. If you haven’t watched it yet, be sure to check it out on Crunchyroll - it's a must-see.
After restoring peace to the kingdom, Frieren sets off on her own journey. However, as an elf, she has an incredibly long lifespan that humans cannot attain. When she returns to the kingdom 50 years later, she is shocked to see that Himmel and his party have aged while she remains unchanged.
After Himmel's passing, Frieren embarks on a new adventure to heal her heart and connect with as many individuals as possible. Fans of the anime are now turning to the manga to delve deeper into the story, drawn to its handling of life, death, and aging within a fantasy backdrop.
How to watch Crunchyroll from outside your location in 2023
The release date for the 12th volume of the manga in Japan is scheduled for December 18, 2023. Although the English release date has not been confirmed yet, it is expected that sales will continue to rise, further establishing Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End as one of the most successful manga series of all time.
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Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to witness the meteoric rise of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End. The anime adaptation has undoubtedly propelled the manga to new heights of popularity, and it couldn't be more deserving. The story's poignant exploration of life, death, and aging, set against a captivating fantasy backdrop, has resonated deeply with audiences worldwide. Frieren's journey of self-discovery and connection is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, and I find myself eagerly anticipating each new chapter.
The anime's success has undoubtedly contributed to the surge in manga sales, and it's no surprise that fans are flocking to the source material to delve even deeper into this extraordinary world. The manga offers a more detailed and nuanced portrayal of the characters and their relationships, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story. The artwork is simply stunning, with intricate details and expressive character designs that bring the world of Frieren to life. Overall, I believe Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a remarkable achievement in both anime and manga, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a poignant and unforgettable story.