Do not embark on this story if you expect a railroad of thrilling events. It has a lot of detours, as a journey should have. It takes its time, devoting the first few hundred pages to presenting the characters and what it will be about. Each chapter is a unique ride. But if you do decide to join the crew, you will watch first hand Frieren’s quest for knowing humanity and herself. Savour it slowly. The details are everywhere, be them expressions, scenery, or dialogue, this manga explores the art of imagery to the fullest, something a book could never achieve. As I wondered about the amount of effort put into this, I am amazed. The nuances of magic and how it changes over time, the individuality given to each character, the foreshadowing.
As the story goes, we learn more about Frieren’s past and her now deceased party members, and how they changed her. How these ten years, or “a mere one-hundredth”, as she said, of her life were meaningful to her. After all, in knowing others, you get to know yourself.
Should one who will outlive everyone else bother forming relationships? Considering the difference in age, is it even possible for her to truly connect to others? Sousou no Frieren tries to answer these questions, and does so in a way I’ve never seen in other media – maybe Maquia, but I digress – as with many other aspects of a fantasy world. Everything seems to be thought out.
The ability this story has to provoke catharsis is spectacular. Few works have been able to make me tear up, but Sousou no Frieren made it a handful of times. Even the side characters are interesting, but the very best are the eventual reminiscences she has of her old friends and how she treasures them.
It was also a fun ride. The comedy is on point. I laughed a lot throughout the pages, mainly with Fern, her apprentice, who is also the cutest thing in the world.
This review will not consist only of praises, though. The pacing can get draggy at times and is a little episodic. There is no real threat or imminent danger. This is not your average story, with cliffhangers and so, but a search for meaning, and that is what makes it so beautiful. It was done to be appreciated each sip at a time, like a bottle of fine wine. With that in mind, definitely give this a try, for it will be a remarkable experience.
