Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Manga to Include Special Novella with 14th Volume

The popular manga series, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, is set to release a special edition of its 14th volume, which will include a short, 24-page novella. This exciting news has been announced by Shogakukan, the manga’s publisher, and is sure to delight fans of the fantasy series. The novella, titled “Sora ni Hana wo Sakaseru Mahō” (Magic to Make Flowers Bloom in the Sky), is written by novelist Mei Hachimoku. Hachimoku is also the author of the prequel novel, Shōsetsu Sōsō no Frieren ~Zensō~ (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End the Novel ~Prelude~), which was released in April 2024.

A Unique Addition to the Manga Series

The inclusion of a novella is a unique offering for the Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End series. This 24-page story is not part of the main manga storyline but will provide additional insight into the series’ world and characters. Manga creator Kanehito Yamada supervised the story, ensuring that it maintains the tone and spirit of the original work. This collaboration between Yamada and Hachimoku is highly anticipated by fans and is expected to offer a fresh perspective on the beloved characters.

Special Edition Details

The special edition of the 14th volume is not just about the novella. It also boasts a hardcover that is designed to “feel like a grimoire,” adding a touch of magic and sophistication to the reading experience. Furthermore, the special edition will feature three new illustrations by manga illustrator Tsukasa Abe, making this edition a must-have for collectors. The combination of the novella, the unique hardcover, and new illustrations makes this a highly desirable release for fans of the series.

Release Date

Mark your calendars! The special edition of the 14th volume of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, complete with the short novella, is scheduled to ship on March 18th. This date is highly anticipated by fans of the manga and anime alike, and pre-orders are expected to be high due to the unique content.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End – A Phenomenon

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has garnered critical acclaim and a significant fan base since its debut. Written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe, the manga has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazine since April 2020. As of April 2024, the series has been collected into 13 tankōbon volumes, and it has over 22 million copies in circulation.

The Story

The story follows Frieren, an elven mage, on a journey to understand the meaning of life and mortality. Frieren was part of the hero party that defeated the Demon King. However, unlike her former companions, she is nearly immortal, and this different sense of time provides a unique and reflective perspective. After the death of her fellow hero Himmel, Frieren embarks on a journey to the resting place of souls, hoping to reconnect with her friend, understand her feelings, and learn about the human experience.

Themes

The manga explores complex themes of time, mortality, grief, and the search for meaning. It delves into how an immortal being grapples with the ephemeral nature of human life. The narrative is known for its contemplative tone, emotional depth, and beautiful artwork, setting it apart from typical fantasy stories.

The Anime Adaptation

The manga has been adapted into a highly successful anime series produced by Madhouse. The first season, consisting of 28 episodes, aired from September 2023 to March 2024. The anime adaptation has been praised for its high-quality animation and faithful adaptation of the source material. A second season has already been announced, much to the delight of fans.

Critical Acclaim

The anime adaptation has been lauded as one of the best anime adaptations of a manga of all time, with many viewers stating that the animation elevates the already excellent source material. The anime captures the beautiful backgrounds and emotional depth of the manga, making it a must-watch for both manga and anime fans.

Where to Watch

The anime is available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Netflix. This availability has made it accessible to a global audience, further expanding the series’ popularity.

The Prequel Novel and Other Media

In addition to the main manga and anime, the Frieren universe has expanded to include a prequel novel, Shōsetsu Sōsō no Frieren ~Zensō~. This novel, written by Mei Hachimoku, consists of five stories that are not depicted in the main manga. These stories offer a deeper understanding of the world and characters, providing more context and depth to the series. Additionally, there are art books and official guides that are available to explore for fans who are looking to delve deeper into the world of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.

Viz Media

Viz Media holds the English license for the manga and releases both physical and digital versions of the series in North America. As of February 11th, 2025, Viz Media is scheduled to release the 12th volume of the manga in English. Fans can also read the manga digitally on the Viz Manga app, providing a variety of ways to experience the series.

Conclusion

The upcoming special edition of the 14th volume of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, featuring the short novella “Sora ni Hana wo Sakaseru Mahō,” is an exciting development for fans of the series. The collaboration between Kanehito Yamada and Mei Hachimoku, along with the additional artwork by Tsukasa Abe, makes this a highly anticipated release. The series’ continued success, with its emotionally rich narrative, stunning artwork, and successful anime adaptation, ensures that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End will remain a beloved and critically acclaimed series for years to come.