Reviews

To be frank, I struggle to understand how this show became so popular. Every season there is always that one anime that the masses over-hype and put on a pedestal, insisting that it be given a top 5 spot on MAL. Now typically, shows like Chainsaw Man, Spy x Family, and Oshi no Ko make sense, since they just "feel" like something normies would soak up (not judging per say, just an observation). Frieren doesn't feel like those other titles at all: the writing actually feels vivid and well thought-out, as opposed to a cheap cash grab that many seasonals have become. Frieren better fits the "underrated sleeper of the season" cliche that only a few weebs know of, but instead it holds the spotlight.


A seinen disguised as a shonen, Frieren can be described as a "post game" to your favorite isekai or fantasy world, where our heroes have already "won" by beating the final boss. Consequently, much of the story is given to us retroactively via Frieren's memories or in conversations with her former teammates as they pass on. This format doesn't always work in anime/manga, however in this case it is a very reflective and intimate form of character development for Frieren as she tries to understand her feelings and why humans value time so much. Overall there is a very mature air that slowly cultivates, which makes me further question the "shonen" labeling since younger audiences often do not have the patience for such narratives.

That tangent aside, not only is the story and plot refreshing, the characters are extremely likeable in their own ways. It's rare for me to like every single member of a main cast, however the dynamic between Frieren, Fern and Stark has grown on me with each episode. Maybe it is because I have never seen two earnest teenagers "looking after" a troublesome grandma figure and her selfish hobbies before. Honestly, it's just an endearing quirk in their adventure together. As for the side characters, every one has their clear purpose (no wasted screen time!), and better yet they do not overstay their welcome. The world building as a whole feels profound as these interesting characters come and go, giving the impression that there was, in fact, a past full of intriguing events. As the curtain continues to unfold, it will only add to the significance of these earlier episodes.

In summary, I can't say for sure if you'll like this show, but it is definitely worth trying out at least, since nothing like it exists out there. As others have stated, it doesn't try to be more than it actually is, and more accurately it doesn't try to stand out. I think the humble nature of this story/show is partially what has drawn so many fans to it.

I've never taken part in the incel wars that have plagued the "top anime" section of MAL these past years, but I've always felt that no new-gen anime would ever top FMAB. Frieren, however, might become the one exception that I am okay with taking the mantle, assuming the rest of the story plays out as nicely as it has started.

Thank you for reading, and apologies if this review comes across as too contrarian :)