"Freiren’s character development remained true to its vision."

Fans of anime and manga often argue about which series is the best. Currently, "Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End" holds the top spot on many ranking sites, including MyAnimeList. Created by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, this series has won much praise. Its anime adaptation by Madhouse began airing in 2023, solidifying its reputation as a great series. The story follows Frieren, an elf who has lived for nearly a thousand years. After defeating the Demon King with her adventuring party, she continues her life, watching her friends grow old. The series explores themes of time and appreciation of life. However, the character of Frieren was almost very different. In a recent interview, editor Kazunori Oshima shared that he initially questioned her character arc. Oshima expressed doubts about Frieren's personality, suggesting she should be more charming. This critique could have heavily impacted her character's development. Fortunately, the change was not made, and now Oshima admits his comments were misguided. The appeal of Frieren's character lies in her initial aloofness, reflecting her struggles with the passage of time. As the story progresses, Frieren learns to cherish the moments spent with her companions. Season 1 ended in March 2024, and fans eagerly await news about the second season. After a long wait, Madhouse announced that Season 2 will premiere in January 2026, bringing back Frieren and her friends for more adventures.