Frieren has been highly recommended, so when I initially bought the first volume, I struggled with being an anime-only fan. I decided to read first and see if it’s up my alley, and since you’re seeing this, it is!

Immediately meeting the party after defeating the Demon King, I assumed this would be a typical journey of the party going on similar adventures. When I saw people talk about the characters, I thought they stayed together, but instead, I was slapped in the face with a time skip. I realized, like all series, I needed to ignore what I saw online and just enjoy the ride.

Life goes on.

Frieren has lived a long life, so time is much different for her, but it’s the death of Himmel the Hero that changes her journey. She still searches for magic, but there’s much more under it all. Outside of the stunning visuals – I love a good castle and cozy village – and the light-hearted joking, this feels like a journey of grief, remembrance, and changes. You really get to see Frieren’s process of taking in her journey with the others, and the appreciation of the short life humans have.

She learns to value the life she has with those she has now in each moment. I really appreciate the moments of parallel between current and past, and seeing her reflect on opportunities missed because she was so uninterested at the time.

I am excited to catch up with the rest of the world and see Frieren’s journey, both past and present.