Since the anime adaptation premiered, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has become one of the anime of the season. It's no wonder the anime has garnered so much attention, as it introduces a thrilling story that doesn't adhere to shounen clichés.
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8 reasons why Frieren surpasses other shounen anime
Those who follow shonen anime should remember that this genre carries several clichés such as endless training, the power of friendship, among many others. As this trend grows in anime, many works become convoluted by overusing it. However, Frieren is one of the anime that shows a certain difference, surpassing these shonen clichés. Therefore, check out this list of 8 reasons why Frieren has this luxury in its story.
1 – A protagonist who doesn't yell or make a scene
In shonen anime, boisterous characters are common, such as Asta, Bakugo, and many others. However, Frieren doesn't follow this stereotype. Being an ancient elf with a unique perspective on life, she acts introspectively and distantly towards humans. Therefore, she is an extremely calm person who is not shaken by the challenges of her journey.
2 – A semi-immortal protagonist
While many shonen protagonists seek power and growth, Frieren is an elven mage who has lived for millennia and has already reached the peak of her magical powers. Her story isn't about a quest for power, but rather a pursuit of silly magic as a hobby. This makes the story fun and interesting without the need for an exaggerated conflict/quest.
3 – A mentor instead of a student
In traditional shonen anime, protagonists often begin as students seeking knowledge and power, under the guidance of experienced mentors. However, Frieren takes on the opposite role; she becomes the mentor of Fern , a young apprentice. Furthermore, her time with her apprentice also teaches the protagonist several important things, such as the significance of lifespan for humans.
4 – Your journey begins after the end
Shonen heroes typically embark on adventures without experience, but Frieren begins her story after the end of the journey, when the heroes have already defeated the Demon King and are returning home. In other words, her adventure focuses on basic things and the protagonist's perspective on human life. Instead of seeking to overcome a powerful enemy, she lives the everyday routine of a new and simple life.
5 – Frieren doesn't need rivals
One of the greatest traditions of shonen manga is the inclusion of rivals for character development. But Frieren offers a journey without antagonists or external competition. She doesn't need a rival to spur her on because the mage has no grand ambitions and is content with a casual adventure. What drives her is her internal quest for understanding, without the constraints of time or adversaries.
6 – Time is the protagonist's enemy without her realizing it
After the Demon King died, there is no longer any threat that comes close to being the "great villain" in Frieren. However, she faces a great dilemma regarding the short and limited lifespan of humans. While she lives for thousands of years, Frieren discovers that lifespan is very important to humans since they live less. Her journey teaches her how precious the time spent with companions is due to their limited lifespans.
7 – Follow a more relaxed pace
While many shounen anime run at a frenetic pace of battles, Frieren prefers contemplation and exploration of the characters' emotions. Although it has battles along the way, the anime stands out for its quiet moments, such as a conversation or a simple mission. In this way, the characters provide a unique and reflective experience about their lives.
8 - The anime stands out for its small moments
The anime features a protagonist who is thousands of years old and experienced, but despite this, the work values small experiences. For example, watching the sunrise with her apprentice and observing a meteor shower with friends are simple things compared to what we see in other anime. However, these intimate moments carry an emotional depth without the need for grand battles.
Synopsis:
Immediately following the defeat of the demon king, the group of victorious heroes returns home, ready to part ways. Frieren, the mage, Himmel, the hero, Heiter, the priest, and Eisen, the warrior, reminisce about their decade-long journey as the time comes to say goodbye.
Finally, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a manga written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe. It has been serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday since April 2020.
Do you also think Frieren stands out from the shounen genre? Leave your comment below!
