The Beginning After the End – Full Guide to Novel Manhwa and Anime

The Beginning After the End, often shortened to TBATE, has grown from a self-published web novel into a multi-platform media franchise spanning a popular manhwa and a hotly debated 2025 anime adaptation. Created by the author TurtleMe, the series follows King Grey, who is reborn as Arthur Leywin in a magical world. This guide provides a complete overview, covering where to read the story, the status of the anime and manhwa, and the critical reception surrounding the adaptation.

What is The Beginning After the End? A Complete Overview

Key Insights

• TBATE began as a self-published web novel on Amazon and Royal Road, gaining a loyal fanbase before being adapted into a manhwa on Tapas.
• The anime adaptation is set to debut in 2025, with streaming rights acquired by Crunchyroll.
• The manhwa entered a hiatus in late 2023 due to TurtleMe’s health issues; no official return date has been set as of early 2025.
• TBATE is often compared to other isekai titles, but its unique premise involves a mature king reborn as a baby, with a strong focus on family and kingdom-building.
• The series is notable as a rare adaptation of a Western web novel by major webcomic platforms, representing a hybrid property.
• The author describes TBATE as foundational to his storytelling journey, teaching him world-building, character connection, and narrative confidence.
• The anime adaptation has become one of 2025’s most controversial releases, with a petition demanding it be cancelled and remade garnering over 58,000 signatures.

TBATE at a Glance

Where to Read The Beginning After the End (Webtoon, Novel & Manhwa)

For those looking to start The Beginning After the End, the official platforms are Tapas for the manhwa and Amazon for the web novel. The manhwa adaptation launched on Tapas in 2018 and is published by the platform, which is owned by Kakao. The web novel, written by TurtleMe, originally appeared on Royal Road and Amazon before finding a home on Tapas, where the final novel chapter was released, marking its completion.

New readers can choose between the web novel, which is the original source material and complete, or the manhwa, a visual adaptation that closely follows the plot but may condense or omit some scenes. Those who want the complete story should start with the novel, as the manhwa remains on hiatus. The series is also available in print from Yen Press, and the author’s page on Amazon features the complete novel series for purchase.

Is the Web Novel Free?

The web novel is available for free on some platforms, but for a full, uninterrupted reading experience, many readers purchase the volumes on Amazon Kindle or in print. The manhwa, also known as the webtoon, has a free-to-read model on Tapas with a fast-pass option to access chapters early.

The Beginning After the End Anime: Release Date, Studio & Episodes

The anime adaptation of The Beginning After the End is scheduled to premiere in 2025. The series will stream exclusively on Crunchyroll globally. As of early 2025, the exact release date has not been confirmed. The studio producing the anime has also not been publicly named, though rumors have pointed to a specific Japanese production company.

Critical Reception & Controversy

The TBATE anime has become one of the most controversial releases of 2025, primarily due to its animation quality. Critics described it as “a masterclass in how animation quality can make or break an adaptation.” The animation limitations were particularly noticeable during action sequences, with shortcuts that failed to bring the source material to life. The petition campaign demanding the anime be cancelled and remade gathered over 58,000 signatures, reflecting deep disappointment among visual experience seekers.

Positive Aspects of the Anime

Despite the criticism, the anime retained several strengths. The story itself was noted for its compelling character development, specifically Arthur’s journey from a cold king to someone learning to love. Voice actors performed adequately in conveying emotions, and the world-building remained solid. The pacing attempted to let moments breathe, and the opening theme song received decent reception. For those primarily interested in narrative, the anime provided a moderately satisfying experience.

The Beginning After the End Manhwa Return Date – When Does Season 2 Start?

The manhwa adaptation of The Beginning After the End entered a hiatus in late 2022, originally without a formal reason. In 2023, author TurtleMe confirmed the hiatus was due to health issues. As of early 2025, no official return date has been announced, and the manhwa remains on hiatus with approximately 180 chapters published across two seasons. The author has been transparent about the break, which is generally well-received by the community.

Fans looking for updates should monitor TurtleMe’s official X (Twitter) account and the official Tapas page for the series. The uncertainty around the return date has caused frustration, but the author’s openness helps maintain community support.

Is The Beginning After the End Worth Reading? Reviews & Community Opinions

The Beginning After the End has a mixed but passionate reception. TBATE is often placed in the reincarnation/isekai genre but distinguishes itself with a slower pace and a focus on rebuilding a life. Critics, including a popular Reddit post on r/CharacterRant, argue that the series “is so average that it does seem unique compared to its manhwa contemporaries, but overall it’s filled with cliches.” The same post notes that world-building and character arcs can feel predictable.

On the other hand, fans praise the emotional depth and Arthur’s growth. The series is frequently compared to other isekai, but its reliance on internal conflict and family dynamics differentiates it. Those who prioritize narrative over spectacle generally find the series worthwhile, while readers seeking groundbreaking originality may find it average.

Timeline of Major TBATE Events

1. 2016: Web novel The Beginning After the End begins serialization on Royal Road and Amazon.
2. 2018: Manhwa adaptation launches on Tapas (and later on Naver).
3. 2022: Manhwa goes on hiatus; no formal reason given at first.
4. 2023: Author TurtleMe confirms hiatus due to health problems.
5. 2024: Anime adaptation announced; streaming rights acquired by Crunchyroll.
6. 2025: Expected release of anime season 1; manhwa remains on hiatus.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About TBATE?

What Is the Background and Meaning of The Beginning After the End?

The Beginning After the End was TurtleMe’s first story, and it transformed his life by enabling him to leave a finance career to pursue writing full-time. The author is an Asian-American who transitioned to full-time writing after the success of the series. TurtleMe has described the work as foundational, teaching him world-building, character connection, and narrative confidence. The series’ expansion into a manhwa represents a rare adaptation of a Western web novel by Korean webcomic platforms. Following TBATE, TurtleMe recently launched a new story titled Soul Forged on Tapas and Patreon.

Sources and Key Quotes on The Beginning After the End

“The Beginning After the End is a web novel series written by TurtleMe. A webtoon adaptation launched in 2018, and an anime television series adaptation produced by Studio A-? will premiere in 2025.”

— Wikipedia

“After a mysterious death, King Grey is reborn as Arthur Leywin on the magical continent of Dicathen. Although he enters his second life as a baby, his previous memories and power create a unique path.”

— Crunchyroll description

“The entirety of TBATE is so average that it does seem unique compared to its manhwa contemporaries, but overall it’s filled with cliches.”

— Reddit user comment, r/CharacterRant

Summary: What Is the Best Way to Experience The Beginning After the End?

For new readers, the recommended starting point is the web novel for its complete story, or the manhwa for a visual experience that currently has over 180 chapters. The anime, while divisive due to animation quality, may still appeal to those focused on narrative. The future of the anime adaptation remains uncertain following the negative reception, with no confirmed renewal for subsequent seasons. Monitoring official sources such as the Wikipedia entry and TurtleMe’s social media is the best way to stay informed about updates.

Frequently Asked Questions