While The Beginning After The End has faced vocal criticism in Western fan circles, the anime’s reception in Japan tells a different story. Originally adapted from the beloved manhwa by TurtleMe, TBATE follows King Grey as he reincarnates into a magical world, learning to harness mana and discover a new life centered on family, growth, and power.
Ever since its teaser dropped during IGN Fan Fest, the anime has walked a rocky path. Fans were quick to point out rough animation and sparse combat scenes in the preview clip, setting expectations low. However, the actual release has created a divide—some viewers continue to critique the visuals, while others are drawn in by the narrative’s emotional weight and world-building.
TBATE Climbs Streaming Charts in Japan
Despite its 5.5/10 rating on IMDb, The Beginning After The End is performing impressively in Japan. According to Netflix Japan, it currently ranks 6th among all TV series and 3rd in anime, just behind One Piece and Fire Force. Over on D-Anime and U-Next Japan, it’s sitting in the #2 spot, narrowly edged out by The Apothecary Diaries. Even on Prime Video Japan, TBATE ranked 9th overall in the April 13–19 window.
This stark contrast in reception highlights Japan’s enduring love for isekai, where a well-paced story often carries more weight than pristine animation. Despite its flaws, TBATE’s characters, magic system, and thematic depth are clearly resonating with Japanese viewers, marking it as more than just a seasonal experiment.
Fan Criticism Remains, But Loyalty Endures
Even with its top-tier rankings abroad, The Beginning After The End hasn’t completely avoided scrutiny. Western fans continue to voice frustration, with some even creating fan-made animations to reimagine key scenes. These efforts underscore both the disappointment in A-Cat Studio’s execution and the deep-rooted love for TurtleMe’s story.
That said, Crunchyroll still lists TBATE with a 4.1/5.0 rating, suggesting that even Western viewers are divided rather than unified in dislike. With shows like Solo Leveling setting a new animation bar this year, TBATE stands as a contrasting example—one where story and lore manage to sustain interest despite technical shortcomings.
Also Read: 12 Manhwa With Great World-Building Like Solo Leveling
