With “Solo Leveling” there was a major hit at the beginning of 2024. The anime adaptation of the popular webtoon was celebrated worldwide for its elaborate staging. Many fans hoped that “The Beginning After the End” could repeat this success. But fan criticism did not take long to surface, and now the author has personally commented on it.
Which anime is it about? The anime “The Beginning After the End” (short: TBATE) is based on the eponymous web novel by author TurtleMe, who later published it as a webcomic on Tapas. The series has enjoyed great popularity for years – with a loyal fanbase and monthly revenue averaging around 500,000 US dollars.
The anime adaptation was produced by studio A-CAT, with support from Crunchyroll and Fuji TV. Expectations were high, not least because TBATE has thematic and stylistic similarities to “Solo Leveling”: a strong protagonist, a magical world, and epic battles.
However, now that the first episodes of the anime adaptation have been released, ongoing criticism has emerged from the community, prompting the author to make a statement.
Why are fans dissatisfied? Even before the release of the first episode, the trailer already caused a stir. The fierce criticism from the community led to some fans calling for the production of the series to be halted altogether. While “Solo Leveling” impressed with elaborate animation, style, and pace, TBATE seems to many to be very “heartless” in comparison.
The series finally premiered on April 2, 2025, and already 3 episodes have been released on Crunchyroll. But fans’ frustration only grew. It was criticized that many scenes feel stiff or almost like a “slideshow.”
Author asks to give the anime a chance
What does the author say about it? In light of the growing criticism, author TurtleMe personally spoke out. Over Reddit, he thanks fans for their long-standing support, shows understanding for the reactions, but emphasizes the limited influence he has as an author in the anime production process.
The desire of many fans for a reboot or a change in production is commented on emotionally: “When you love something – be it a pet, a story, or a child – you do not wish during difficult times for it to simply disappear, so you can start anew.”
TurtleMe appeals to the community’s patience. Just like the webcomic was initially criticized, he says, it developed over time. His plea to fans is therefore to give the anime time and a chance.
The reactions in the community are mixed
What happens next? Despite the loud criticism, there are also positive voices regarding the anime adaptation of TBATE. Some viewers defend the series, considering the animations to be “completely okay” and are already looking forward to upcoming episodes. The reactions within the community are therefore mixed.
Nevertheless, the series is under particular pressure: “The Beginning After the End” must fill big shoes, not least due to the massive success of “Solo Leveling.” The differing opinions particularly illustrate how high expectations for modern anime productions have become.
Fans demand not only visual quality but also emotional depth and a gripping adaptation of the source material. While many viewers of TBATE grapple with disappointed expectations regarding the anime adaptation, a dramatic moment in another major anime franchise is also causing a stir: One of the most popular characters in Jujutsu Kaisen was defeated because he was too arrogant.
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