Let me be honest — I've watched my fair share of fantasy anime, and it’s rare for a series to grip me by the collar from the very first episode. But The Beginning After The End (2025), based on the hit web novel by TurtleMe and adapted by Studio SILVER LINK, didn’t just hook me — it transported me. I found myself bingeing through the screeners like a woman possessed, curious to see if this tale of reincarnated royalty would rise to the top or collapse under the weight of its own ambition.
Plot Overview: Power, Privilege and a Second Chance
The story revolves around King Grey, a monarch from a dystopian, magicless world, who dies only to be reborn as Arthur Leywin in a mystical realm brimming with mana, dragons, elves and plenty of political scheming. But this isn’t your usual ‘isekai’ trope-fest. What makes it standout is Arthur’s inner struggle — he’s a child in body, but an old soul with the burden of a past life and brutal leadership mistakes. The narrative cleverly balances youthful wonder with heavy philosophical undertones about identity, responsibility, and redemption.
Director’s Vision: Fantasy with Emotional Intelligence
Directed by Kazuya Miura (Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out!), this adaptation doesn't just rely on spectacle. It explores themes of parental love, loss, societal structure and trauma through a surprisingly grounded lens. The pacing is deliberately patient, letting characters breathe and evolve. While many anime rush through exposition, here we're treated to a slow-burn that genuinely respects world-building and emotional arcs.
Performances: Vocal Nuance and Strong Casting
The voice cast is perfectly matched to the material. Arthur, voiced by Marina Inoue in the original Japanese, delivers a layered performance that captures his dual nature — curious child and weary sovereign. In the English dub, Aleks Le (notably Zenitsu in Demon Slayer) brings a charming, grounded warmth that’s particularly appealing for Western audiences. Supporting characters like Virion, voiced by Hiroshi Naka, and Tessia, brought to life by Rie Takahashi, add real gravitas to the emotional beats.
Cinematography and Sound: Ethereal and Sharp
Visually, this series is lush. The animation quality is high, with atmospheric lighting, sweeping battle choreography and emotionally intimate scenes rendered with loving detail. The magical auras and mana visualisations are particularly stunning. The score by Evan Call (Violet Evergarden) is haunting, melodic, and elevates each scene with unexpected elegance. Honestly, the music alone could carry an episode.
Themes & Symbolism: Power, Rebirth, and Humanity
At its heart, The Beginning After The End is about the cost of power and the weight of second chances. Arthur’s journey isn’t about getting stronger — it’s about becoming better. The series asks tough questions: Can you undo your past sins? Is strength a gift or a burden? There’s a spiritual undercurrent that lingers long after the credits roll, making it more than just fantasy eye-candy.
Factual Details: Budget, Ratings, and Accolades
Fact-checked and verified: the anime is produced by SILVER LINK with a reported budget of around $3 million for its debut season. It currently holds an IMDb rating of 8.2/10. As it just premiered in 2025, it hasn’t yet entered the award circuit, but it’s already generating buzz for next year’s Crunchyroll Anime Awards.
Audience Reactions: USA vs. UK
Now this was fascinating. In the UK, the reception has been notably warm — British fans have praised the show’s emotional depth and world-building, often comparing it to The Witcher meets Attack on Titan. There's been strong traction on Reddit UK threads and Twitter/X, with many applauding its philosophical elements. In contrast, US audiences are more split — some anime purists appreciate the nuance, while others expected faster pacing and more action up front. Still, both sides seem united on one thing: Arthur Leywin is one of the most intriguing protagonists in recent fantasy anime.
Final Verdict: Worth Your Watch? Absolutely.
If you're tired of formulaic anime and want something that actually makes you think while still delivering on action, magic, and drama — this is for you. It’s thoughtful, bold, and emotionally charged without losing its sense of wonder. I’m genuinely excited to see where this goes next. Whether you’re into fantasy or just great storytelling, The Beginning After The End is a must-watch.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
