Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is the new fantasy series is set to begin streaming on Crunchyroll in late September 2023. Aside from the gorgeous animation showcased in the trailer, the series is unique in how it's seemingly tailor-made for fans of Dungeons & Dragons. As the Summer 2023 anime season comes to a close, fans are anxiously beginning discussions about which shows they'll be watching as the Fall 2023 anime season begins. For many, this means picking up the continuations of shows like Spy x Family or Tokyo Revengers, but Frieren is the brand-new series worth adding to fans' watch lists.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End's presentation is incredibly unique, as the story begins just as the classic adventuring party has completed their quest, successfully defeating the Demon King. The series primarily focuses on the perspective of Frieren, an Elven woman with adept magic abilities. After parting ways with her party members, Frieren travels in solitude for years. Eventually, Frieren chooses to pay her companions a visit, only to be met with the grim reality that the passage of time is far different for Elves.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Feels Like a D&D Campaign's Epilogue

Similar to the lifespan of an Elf in Dungeons & Dragons, Frieren is capable of living for hundreds of years past her companions. As she reunites with her past friends, she's filled with regrets that she didn't take the time to connect and make more memories with them when she had the chance. This bittersweet introduction to Frieren's story feels like a classic D&D epilogue, complete with showcasing how each of Frieren's party members spent their time after retiring from adventuring.

Before the Elf has the opportunity to depart on her own once more, one of her old companions, a priest named Heiter, introduces Frieren to his young apprentice, Fern, and urges the elf to take her under her wing and teach her magic. Reluctantly, Frieren allows the girl to accompany her, and the two embark on what initially seems like an aimless quest – revisiting important locations from Frieren's past with her old adventuring party. However, through building new memories with Fern and reminiscing on her past, Frieren begins to confront her complex feelings of grief and loneliness.

Frieren's Reluctant Adventure Offers a Twist on Traditional Fantasy

Frieren answers a question that fantasy RPG players seldom ask: what happens to our characters after the end of a campaign? The answer is surprisingly sad, considering the different lifespans of common fantasy races, but it creates the premise for a surprisingly fresh take on a genre ridden with stereotypes. This somber approach to high fantasy, as well as the series' constant nods to Dungeons & Dragons gives the impression that Frieren: Beyond Journey's End will be the perfect series for anime fans with a deep love for the connections made through D&D.

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End will begin streaming on Crunchyroll on September 29 with a two-hour premiere special.