The Beginning After the End: How the Darker Isekai Tone Makes It Stand Out From the Pack

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Summary

  • The Beginning After the End anime expands more on darker themes and the backstory of King Grey compared to other adaptations.
  • This adaptation emphasizes the contrast between King Grey and Arthur’s life, setting up to pay off its major themes.
  • The TBATE show takes an interesting approach to exploring the protagonist’s discomfort and struggles in his new world.

Even though just a single episode of “The Beginning After the End” has been aired so far, it’s evident that it is beginning to carve out its unique identity within the isekai genre. The anime adaptation has effectively employed a more somber atmosphere, reinforced by the art style and delving deeper into King Grey’s past.

Stepping out of the ordinary, I’ve found myself drawn to these recent narrative choices that have sparked quite a buzz among fans. Deviating from traditional storylines, they offer a breath of fresh air, especially for those who’ve lost count of “high schoolers transported to another world” tales. This write-up delves into the intriguing isekai landscape this first episode has ventured into and prepares us for the exciting, unique concepts it promises to unravel in the episodes to come.

Playing to Its Strengths

How the Anime Hones In on Unique Aspects of Its Story

The anime version of “Beginning After the End” appears to intentionally accentuate the aspects and relationships that set it apart among isekai titles. What sets the story apart as an engaging read is its propensity to delve deeper into familiar tropes, even when such exploration can be unsettling at times.

“I keep wanting to wake up, yet this bizarre dream persists.” -Arthur Lewyin.

In the initial episode, the anime delves deeper into King Grey’s past life before his reincarnation. It paints him as a much darker character, with images of corpses leading towards his throne, and even shows him ordering the ruthless bombing of a city. Although it’s not unusual to have an isekai protagonist who isn’t entirely virtuous, this anime aims to make audiences uneasy by portraying a mass murderer occupying the body of an innocent child in another realm – a theme that is usually glossed over in other shows.

In the animated version, it seems like Grey/Arthur is a foreigner in this fresh environment. His profoundly somber tone clashes with his challenges in adjusting to his baby form. This perspective encourages viewers to ponder over the peculiarity of an adult being nurtured as an infant by two adults.

I can’t control my bodily functions… Things aren’t going as I would like them to. This body feels like a jail.” -Arthur Leywin.

In the captivating tale of “Mushoku Tensei“, a similar disconnect is delved into, yet it’s used as a source of amusement in a more playful manner. On the other hand, the humor in “Beginning After the End” is subtler and darker. It derives humor from the clash between the stern thoughts of Arthur, who views his toddler body as a prison, reminiscent of a comically trapped villain, like a Stewie-esque character from “Family Guy“. As a toddler, Arthur’s primary focus is on acquiring weapons, building strength, and developing the capacity for violence to ensure his survival in this new world. I, as an observer, find this unique blend of innocence and ruthlessness quite intriguing.

Setting Up a Contrast

The Anime Looks Ahead to Tie Themes Together

In the initial episode itself, it’s evident that choosing a somber mood enhances certain narrative elements. King Grey’s elaborate past provides a striking juxtaposition against the harsh upbringing Arthur abandoned to enter this fresh world. He is perplexed by the compassion displayed by his new guardians, which allows him to reevaluate and grasp the notion of family that was previously elusive in his existence.

“These days know no end of frustrations, but moments like these aren’t so bad.” -Arthur Leywin.

By adopting a more somber tone, the anime provides a solid basis for Arthur’s character to appreciate his new parents deeply, as they offered him something he couldn’t find in his previous life. As King Grey, Arthur was compelled to battle and subdue to gain approval and acceptance, yet even then, assassins pursued him relentlessly, preventing him from enjoying a peaceful slumber. The ordinary aspects of his new upbringing as a toddler gave him a fresh viewpoint, one that the former King Grey lacked when he issued city bombings and executed those who opposed him.

In summary, despite some viewers feeling that the animation could use improvement, it appears that the series is laying solid groundwork for addressing its key themes and emotional moments. Only time will reveal how this adaptation of The Beginning After the End, a well-regarded webcomic and light novel isekai story, will measure up to its acclaimed reputation.

The Beginning After the End can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-04-09 22:55