👑 The Beginning After the End – A King’s Second Chance in a New World

 

👑 The Beginning After the End – A King’s Second Chance in a New World

by Silenced Artworks

When it comes to isekai, you might think you've seen it all — overpowered protagonists, magical realms, and an endless supply of conveniently placed power-ups. But The Beginning After the End puts a slightly different spin on the genre by starting with a king who wasn’t exactly a hero.

A Different Kind of Reincarnation

Before he was Arthur Leywin, he was King Grey — a ruler who led with brute force and power rather than compassion. Unlike your average underdog protagonist, Arthur is reborn into his new life as a baby, carrying all the memories and knowledge of his previous life. It’s a concept that sets the stage for a unique exploration of a king humbled by a second life.

From day one, Arthur is obsessed with knowledge. While other kids his age are learning to walk, he’s sneaking to the bookshelf and devouring books to learn everything about this new, magic-rich world.

The Power of Family and Growth

One of the most compelling aspects of the series so far is the way it handles Arthur’s family dynamic. In his previous life, he never experienced unconditional love. So when his new parents shower him with affection and support, he doesn’t quite know how to respond. Watching him grow into that love and start to appreciate the simple, everyday moments is a surprisingly heartfelt touch in a genre more often focused on flashy battles and harem antics.

That said, Arthur’s real journey begins when he’s separated from his parents, forcing him to stand on his own while still stuck in a child’s body. It’s a fascinating setup — a powerful former king now helpless and vulnerable, but with a mind sharp enough to strategize his way out of almost anything.

Animation and Production Quality

Studio A-Cat may not be a household name, but their work on The Beginning After the End is solid, if not groundbreaking. The animation is smooth and consistent, though it doesn’t break any new ground visually. What it does well is capture the emotional beats — the soft glow of a family dinner, the ominous shadows of a magical forest, the tense energy of a spell casting. It’s nothing revolutionary, but it’s effective.

However, the fight scenes could use a bit more punch. Given the fantasy setting and Arthur’s intense backstory, there’s room for the action choreography to evolve and hit harder in future episodes.

Personal Thoughts and First Impressions

I can’t help but see shades of classic shōnen in Arthur’s interactions with his companions and his gradual climb toward power. But unlike your typical shōnen protagonist, Arthur already has a lifetime of tactical knowledge — he just has to learn how to apply it in a world where brute strength isn’t everything, which was in his previous world.

I’m glad this isekai isn’t leaning heavily on fan service. So far, the focus is on world-building, character growth, and Arthur’s internal conflict. It’s refreshing to see a reincarnation story that’s more about personal redemption and family bonds than endless harem tropes.

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Final Verdict

The Beginning After the End isn’t a visual masterpiece, but it’s a compelling character study wrapped in a familiar isekai package. Watching a once-powerful king grapple with love, family, and second chances makes for an intriguing, emotionally driven story.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5) – A solid start with potential to grow as Arthur’s world expands. Looking forward to the next cour and hoping for more intense battle sequences and deeper character moments.

🎬 Production Team & Studio Overview

🏢 Studio A-CAT

Established in 1996 and based in Tachikawa, Tokyo, Studio A-CAT is known for its expertise in integrating 3D CGI with traditional 2D animation. Their portfolio includes titles like Frame Arms Girl and LBX Girls. For The Beginning After the End, A-CAT aims to blend dynamic visuals with the emotional depth of the source material.

🎥 Director: Keitarō Motonaga

Keitarō Motonaga brings a wealth of experience to the project, having directed series such as Date A Live and Katanagatari. His direction is expected to balance action-packed sequences with character-driven storytelling.

✍️ Series Composition: Takamitsu Kōno

Takamitsu Kōno, known for his work on Utawarerumono and Revue Starlight, is handling the series composition. His role involves structuring the narrative to ensure a cohesive adaptation of the original web novel.

🎨 Character Design: Masami Sueoka

Masami Sueoka, who has contributed to Fate/Grand Order: Camelot and Black Clover, is responsible for character designs. Her designs aim to faithfully translate the webtoon's art style into animation. 

🎼 Music Composer: Keiji Inai

Keiji Inai, recognized for his compositions in Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? and The Rising of the Shield Hero, is composing the music for the series. His compositions are expected to enhance the series' emotional and action scenes. 

🧠 Story Supervisor & Executive Producer: TurtleMe

The original author, TurtleMe, is actively involved as a story supervisor and executive producer, ensuring the anime stays true to the source material.

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📺 Additional Production Details

• Production Company: Slow Curve is overseeing the production aspects of the anime.

• Broadcast & Streaming: The series premiered on April 2, 2025, airing on Fuji TV's +Ultra block and AT-X in Japan. Internationally, it's available on Crunchyroll, with both subbed and dubbed versions.

• Episode Count: The first season consists of 24 episodes, split into two cours.