Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has quickly become one of the most beloved fantasy anime in recent years. With its thoughtful story and deeply emotional themes, the series has resonated with audiences worldwide. However, its success was anything but expected. According to Weekly Shonen Sunday editor-in-chief Kazunori Oshima, there were serious doubts about the series’ potential during its early development. The main concern was that the protagonist, Frieren, was not conventionally likable.

According to @MangaMoguraRE on X, the initial skepticism from the editorial team stemmed from Frieren’s personality. Unlike many fantasy protagonists, she is not cheerful or particularly expressive. Instead, she is a reserved and melancholic elf, shaped by centuries of experience. Oshima initially suggested that Frieren should be made more pleasant to improve the story’s appeal. However, audiences have come to love her exactly as she was originally written. Her stoic nature and introspective journey are what set Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End apart from the typical adventure series.

The Appeal of Frieren’s Stoic Personality

How Fans Actually Ended Up Loving Frieren

One of the biggest reasons for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End's success is how different its protagonist is from typical shōnen leads. Many adventure stories feature energetic and outgoing heroes, but Frieren stands out because of her quiet demeanor. She is not cold or emotionless, but rather, she experiences emotions in a subdued way due to her long lifespan. This unique approach to characterization gives the series a distinct tone, emphasizing nostalgia and loss in ways that more conventional protagonists might not be able to convey.

Frieren’s personality also allows for a more reflective stpry. Instead of focusing on action and immediate conflicts, the series explores how time affects relationships and personal growth. Her subdued reactions and introspection make emotional moments hit harder, as the audience sees her slowly come to with the value of the relationships she once took for granted. This depth is a major reason why fans connected with her, proving that a protagonist does not need to be traditionally “likable” to be interesting.

Why Early Doubts Were Proven Wrong

Why Frieren Ended Up Being Such a Beloved Character

The concerns about Frieren's character were because most successful stories have protagonists who are easy to root for from the start. Editors likely feared that her reserved nature would make it difficult for readers to invest in her journey. However, this underestimates the power of nuanced storytelling. Rather than immediately winning audiences over with charm, Frieren’s appeal grows gradually, rewarding those who stick with her journey.

In the end, what seemed like a weakness became the series’ greatest strength. Frieren’s reserved nature makes her emotional growth feel more meaningful. Instead of flashy battles and loud proclamations of friendship, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End offers a fantasy story that is a quiet, meditative exploration of life, loss, and moving forward. The editorial team’s early doubts prove how unconventional storytelling choices can sometimes lead to the most memorable and beloved anime.

Source: @MangaMoguraRE/X