The Evolution of "The Beginning After The End" (TBATE): Insights from Creator TurtleMe on the Anime Adaptation
Brandon Lee, known in the creative world as TurtleMe, has recently shared his thoughts on the anime adaptation of his popular series, "The Beginning After The End" (TBATE). In an interview with The Seattle Times, he addressed the mixed reactions the anime has received since its release, particularly focusing on the criticisms regarding its animation quality.
TurtleMe acknowledges the varied feedback from fans, particularly those who have expressed disappointment over the limited animation featured in the series. He candidly states that while he understands the concerns, he also recognizes that there is always room for improvement. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on the core of his work—the web novel and webcomic. "I have to trust my partners in the anime industry to do their best in translating the story to the screen," he remarked. This trust is essential, especially when an author transitions from having complete creative control over their original work to collaborating with a team of anime professionals.
As the anime aired, the criticism intensified, leading to a notable moment where TurtleMe took to the tbatenovel subreddit to address fans directly. He described the growing noise surrounding the adaptation, acknowledging that the feedback was constructive, albeit loud and fervent. This interaction highlights the passionate community that has formed around TBATE, which has significantly invested in the story and its characters.
In the same conversation, TurtleMe expressed his understanding of the challenges that come with sharing creative control. He compared his relationship with the adaptation process to that of a parent supporting a child through tough times. "You don’t wish for a do-over; instead, you support it through its challenges," he explained, emphasizing the emotional connection he feels towards both his work and its reception.
The backlash against the anime has led to a petition calling for a redo of the series, which has garnered nearly 58,000 signatures. This kind of response underscores the intensity of the fanbase’s feelings toward the adaptation, as many fans remain hopeful for a version that aligns more closely with their expectations and the original vision.
TurtleMe also discussed the collaborative production process behind TBATE, revealing that the anime was developed by a consortium of anime companies, including Fuji Television, Crunchyroll, bilibili, AT-X, and others. Fuji Television played a leading role in the project. Prior to the anime’s debut, TurtleMe shared insights about the creative dynamics between his team and the animation studio, A-CAT. He noted that Crunchyroll served as a vital link, facilitating communication and ensuring that his feedback was integrated into the adaptation process. "For the most part, they’ve been very attentive to my concerns and notes," he noted, which indicates a level of collaboration that is crucial in such adaptations.
Despite the vocal criticisms online, the anime has achieved a degree of popularity on Crunchyroll. The metrics of engagement reveal that the final episode of Season 1 received over 32,600 likes, showcasing a strong viewership engagement. To put this into perspective, this number is nearly four times more than the season finale of "My Hero Academia: Vigilantes" and 2.5 times greater than "The Shiunji Family Children." However, it is noteworthy that the finale of TBATE also has a significantly higher number of dislikes compared to these other series, with around 3,100 dislikes, highlighting the polarized reception.
Additionally, the anime’s performance extended beyond Crunchyroll, with early episodes achieving respectable rankings on various Japanese streaming platforms, including Hulu Japan, Netflix, and U-NEXT. This broad reach indicates that the series has managed to attract a diverse audience, despite the criticism it has faced.
On the literary front, TurtleMe shared updates on the ongoing progress of the TBATE novel series. He mentioned that he is nearing the completion of the final book, which he anticipates will be released within the next few months. "Over the course of more than ten years, I’ve penned over two million words. It’s time to let this story find its conclusion," he expressed, reflecting on the extensive journey that he has undertaken with this series.
As fans look forward to the future of TBATE, they can expect the anime to return for its second season in spring 2026. Directed by Keitaro Motonaga at studio A-CAT, the anime continues to explore the story of King Grey, who is reborn as Arthur Leywin in a fantastical world filled with magic and adventure. The narrative delves into themes of redemption and personal growth as Arthur strives to correct the errors of his past life while navigating the challenges of his new existence.
In summary, TurtleMe’s insights into the adaptation of "The Beginning After The End" provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of bringing a beloved web novel to the screen. His reflections on the feedback, the collaborative process, and the journey of storytelling offer a nuanced perspective that resonates with both fans and creators alike. As the series continues to evolve, both the anime and the novels promise to keep audiences engaged, eager for what lies ahead in Arthur Leywin’s journey.
Through this exploration of adaptation and creative expression, "The Beginning After The End" remains a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the connections it fosters among its audience.
