Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, vol. 1-4
by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe
VIZ Media
Publication Date: May 17, 2022
ISBN-13: 9781974727254
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, vol. 1-4 is the story of what happens at the end of an epic adventure. Elves in this world live much longer than humans and even dwarves. As the years pass after her world-saving adventure with Himmel the Hero, the corrupt priest Heiter, and dwarven fighter Eisen, Frieren watches her compatriots age and die, sending her on a literal and emotional new journey. Along the way, Frieren must grapple with the concept of mortality while letting new humans get close to her.
Every panel of this series is a work of art. Tsukasa Abe supplies art that truly lives up to the epicness of the story, while easily evoking every emotion the characters feel with diverse and intricate facial expressions. While they may start as stereotypes of their classes, each character develops into a lovable and multifaceted being. Teen readers will be hooked by the art, adventure, and emotional journey of this new series.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is perfect for any fan of fantasy RPGs, whether they are typical manga readers or not. Fans of Dungeons and Dragons and Pathfinder will especially enjoy the nods to the mechanics of those games, such as the characters’ classes and the systems of magic. Readers or watchers of high fantasy classics like Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, or anything by Tamora Pierce will also find plenty to love.
—Dakota Hall
Other Nominated Titles:
- My Love Mix-Up! vol. 3 by Wataru Hinekure and Aruko (April 5, 2022)
- Mamo by Sas Milledge (April 19, 2022)
- Can’t Stop Cursing You, vol. 3 by Kensuke Koba (May 3, 2022)
- Galaxy: The Prettiest Star by Jadzia Axelrod and Jess Taylor (May 17, 2022)
- Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti (February 8, 2022)
- Blue Lock, vol. 1 by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and Yusuke Nomura (June 21, 2022)
The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.
Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.
