In the evolving landscape of shonen anime, ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ emerges as a transformative force, redefining the genre with its innovative narrative and unique style. While adhering to core shonen conventions such as heroic teams, battle arcs, and villain confrontations, this anime distinguishes itself through its unconventional approach. Here are ten key lessons modern shonen anime can glean from ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ to invigorate their storytelling.
1. Rethink the Tsundere Archetype
In traditional shonen anime, tsundere characters often exhibit intense temperaments and confrontational behaviors. However, ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ offers a refreshing alternative with Fern, whose anger is subdued and expressed through rational dialogue rather than explosive outbursts. This nuanced portrayal exemplifies a more balanced approach to the tsundere archetype, avoiding the extremes seen in characters like Kyo Sohma and Sakura Haruno.
2. Explore Existential Themes Early
Unlike many series that introduce existential questions only after significant character setbacks, ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ tackles the meaning of life from the outset. By establishing this theme early on, the anime allows its characters to engage in meaningful self-reflection and growth from the beginning, offering a unique twist on the typical shonen narrative structure.
3. Imply, Don’t State, the Power of Friendship
While the power of friendship is a staple in shonen anime, it often risks becoming clichéd when overtly emphasized. ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ effectively integrates this theme through subtle interactions and shared experiences rather than overt declarations. This approach allows the narrative to naturally convey the strength of friendship without seeming contrived.
4. Focus on Perspective Over Power
Shonen anime frequently depict ancient characters as merely formidable warriors. ‘Frieren’ diverges from this norm by highlighting the profound perspective that comes with age. As an elf with centuries of experience, Frieren’s narrative explores her reflective view on life and relationships, emphasizing the depth of her character beyond her abilities.
5. Present Balanced Characterization
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ stands out by portraying its characters with a sense of calm rather than the high-strung intensity common in shonen heroes. While passionate characters can be engaging, the anime’s more composed heroes, such as Stark, provide a refreshing contrast to the exaggerated personalities seen in series like ‘Demon Slayer’ and ‘My Hero Academia.’
6. Normalize Intelligent Protagonists
The genre often features protagonists with physical prowess rather than intellectual depth. ‘Frieren’ challenges this by presenting its lead character as book-smart and knowledgeable. This shift towards valuing intellectual attributes over brute strength contributes to a richer, more varied portrayal of shonen heroes.
7. Handle Character Deaths Differently
Rather than building up characters only to kill them off dramatically, ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ introduces key characters like Himmel early on and then explores their significance through flashbacks. This method creates a poignant sense of loss while maintaining intrigue about the characters’ backstories.
8. Challenge the Exam Arc Tradition
Exams and training arcs are a common trope in shonen anime, often serving as pivotal plot points. ‘Frieren’ subverts this by allowing its protagonist to fail a major exam without derailing the story. This approach highlights that failure can be a source of growth and insight, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative.
9. Minimize Gratuitous Fan Service
The anime industry is notorious for fan service, which can sometimes detract from the story. ‘Frieren’ avoids this by presenting its female characters with dignity and respect, focusing on their compelling personalities rather than objectifying them. This restraint demonstrates that strong storytelling doesn’t require fan service.
10. Forego the Endgame Boss Villain
While many shonen series build towards a climactic battle with a powerful antagonist, ‘Frieren’ takes a different route by eliminating the typical endgame boss early on. This choice allows the series to explore the adventures and growth that follow the defeat of the final villain, offering a fresh perspective on the genre’s conventions.
‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ offers a compelling blueprint for modern shonen anime, illustrating that innovation and deviation from formulaic elements can lead to a more engaging and thoughtful viewing experience.