The Beginning After The End balances action and emotion better than most isekai

Cover Image of The Beginning After The End anime
Cover Image of The Beginning After The End anime (Image credit: Studio A-Cat)

The Beginning After The End is a new isekai anime that has been stirring debates in the anime community. It has been years since I got into anime and have watched countless Isekai. From classics like Sword Art Online and Re: Zero to lesser-known titles. I have enjoyed watching fantasy worlds where reincarnated or transported protagonists wield overwhelming power.

There is an undeniable appeal to such stories, as they are packed with action, and they offer straightforward enjoyment without requiring much thought about complex power systems. Although they often fall short when it comes to emotional resonance.

Despite its flaws, I genuinely believe it strikes one of the most compelling balances between action and emotion in the genre. I came to start this anime randomly without having any prior knowledge of it being adapted from a webtoon. All I had to go on was the trailer, and like most viewers, I assumed it would follow the standard formula: Reincarnated protagonist becomes absurdly powerful, builds a party, gathers romantic interests, and takes on world-threatening enemies.

The protagonist before he was reincarnated in The Beginning After The End (Image credit: Studio A-Cat)
The protagonist before he was reincarnated in The Beginning After The End (Image credit: Studio A-Cat)

But after finishing the first episode, it was noticeable that this series has a different tone to it. While it certainly had its fair share of cool fights and magical training arcs, the anime focused heavily on Arthur Leywin’s emotional growth and interpersonal relationships. And this shift in vibe made all the difference. I even looked past the quality of animation as the story was engaging.

It is surprising how The Beginning After The End portrayed Arthur. He is exactly the kind of character usually shown in isekai: He is reincarnated, powerful, intelligent, and almost unbeatable. But the show makes it a point to explore the psychological consequences with incredible strength.

What further sets this series apart is how much attention it gives to Arthur’s relationships. Especially notable is how Arthur opens up to his parents and builds a meaningful relationship with them. You can tell the showrunners wanted to highlight that sense of belonging and unconditional love.

I won't forget to include the fact that the pacing is off. Some episodes move slowly, especially early on when the story is still building up Arthur’s world. But I didn’t mind it. The slower pace gave the series room to breathe. Character development seems more natural because nothing is rushing.

That said, I am aware that the animation quality is not top-tier. Honestly, the way they have portrayed the emotional beats, the allegations of being a skippable series.

Even a simple conversation in The Beginning After The End can feel heavy and impactful because of the careful writing and voice acting. It’s a fresh take on a genre that often leans too heavily on spectacle, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful journeys are the ones that take place within.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.


Review of The Beginning After The End anime

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Viewers have given mixed reviews when it comes to this anime. Some viewers love the emotional depth and character development, while others criticize it for being slow-paced or lacking animation quality. Both of these are valid points. If you are expecting this anime to have intense visuals like Ufotable's or MAPPA's, you might be disappointed with this series.

This anime is enjoyable to those who crave emotional nuance in their fantasy stories. Because The Beginning After The End has a lot to offer. I have seen viewers who skip this series as just another webtoon adaptation, and they are missing out. While I wholeheartedly agree that the series isn’t perfect, it is trying to do something different in a genre that often plays it safe.


In conclusion, the story of The Beginning After The End is about growing up. The true meaning might be disguised under magic, monsters, and epic battles, but at its core, it is about a boy who has a second chance in life and wants to become a better person. If you are tired of power fantasies that lack soul, give this anime a chance. True, that is not a big-budget anime, but it is the emotions that other isekai anime lack.

Edited by Amey Mirashi