The pipeline to an anime adaptation is constantly changing, but in recent years, new paths have been carved out of increased access directly to fans and more internationalizing audiences. It’s not only conventional pathways; the next-generation success stories are being found through image-sharing services like Pixiv, Twitter serializations, self-publishing novel websites like Shousetsuka ni Narou, and web novel + comic platforms like Tapas. Anime production companies are likewise looking to these new creators as a means of capturing a diverse and unexplored set of fans.
Few embody these changing times better than Brandon Lee, perhaps better known as The Beginning After The End (TBATE) author TurtleMe; the platforms he developed on formed the path he took to arrive at the upcoming 2025 TBATE anime — the first path of its kind. Anime Corner caught up with him following the announcement to explore his trailblazing history, the story’s development, his excitement for the TBATE anime, and the support of Crunchyroll, which was involved in the anime’s production.
Q: TBATE has a unique adaptation path, which may be a first. Could you share some of the trials and triumphs in getting to this point?
TurtleMe: The Beginning After the End (TBATE) has definitely followed a unique path—from its origins as a webnovel on Royal Road to being adapted as a web novel on Tapas, and now an anime. It’s been an unconventional journey full of learning and growing alongside my readers. Each step came with its own challenges: building an audience on Royal Road, establishing a strong partnership with Tapas, and then adapting a beloved novel into a webcomic that fans could experience visually. We’ve been fortunate to have dedicated readers and creative partners who believe in TBATE, which has helped us overcome hurdles, especially in keeping the story true to itself across each new format.
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Q: For those who may be unsure or doubtful of this path, what should they strive to remember?
A: I would say taking chances and being persistent in the choices you make are key. Success doesn’t always mean following a predefined map; sometimes, you need to create your own. When TBATE moved its home to Tapas, I was still just an up-and-coming author while Tapas itself (Tapastic back then) was also a brand new platform. We both took a chance on each other and even when things were rough, we persisted and stuck true to our decision. Don’t be afraid to take a nontraditional path if it serves your vision and your audience. And for aspiring writers, as I always say, the best thing you could do to get started is to just start writing.
Q: Art’s humor comes from being a former king trying to avoid his past mistakes. How do the worst parts of King Grey make for the best parts of Art?
A: Art’s past life as King Grey is pivotal to who he is. The power, isolation, and regrets of that life shape his new journey in a way that gives him both wisdom and humility. As Art, he’s trying to live with a balance and sense of empathy he didn’t have before. This struggle against repeating past mistakes is what makes him more relatable and human. It’s through these vulnerabilities that Art grows and connects with others in a way King Grey never could.
Q: TBATE often subverts typical fantasy and isekai tropes. Could you share how you deconstruct these and your inspirations?
A: I love fantasy and isekai for the freedom they allow in exploring different worlds and complex characters. With TBATE, I wanted to play with reader expectations by building depth into the genre’s tropes. The “overpowered protagonist” trope, for instance, is something I’ve reinterpreted through Art’s evolving moral compass and personal dilemmas. I drew inspiration from stories that challenge characters at a deeper level, like Fullmetal Alchemist and Hunter x Hunter, along with Western fantasy epics like Eragon and The Name of the Wind focusing on growth and choices over mere power (although growing in power is always something that is there). Also, the trope of an adult being reborn as an infant has been explored but the infanthood and time spent with family is largely glazed over in many isekai stories. I wanted to really dive into how the family dynamics would be affected and how even a fully matured character could still grow with this new experience.
Q: If you had to name some qualities at TBATE’s core, what would they be?
A: At its core, TBATE is about resilience, growth, and relationships. Art’s journey is fueled by his drive to do better and connect with others meaningfully. The world-building and battles are essential, but it’s the characters’ struggles and development that I think resonate most with readers.
Q: You adapted the webcomic and will be involved in supervising the anime. How do you ensure the anime stays true to those core qualities?
A: Staying true to the heart of TBATE is my top priority. In the adaptation process, I work closely with the creative team to preserve those essential themes—especially Art’s growth and emotional journey–while being cognizant of the fact that this is a different medium for a different type of audience. Studio A-Cat has been very mindful of my feedback throughout the adaptation process and while there are many moving pieces involved, we are always mindful of the tone and depth of the original story, so it doesn’t lose the aspects that readers have come to love.
Q: How did you feel when you first learned that TBATE was getting an anime adaptation?
A: It was surreal! There was a period of time where it just didn’t feel real, but once things got moving I went through a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, disbelief, and gratitude towards all of my fans who have been enjoying The Beginning After the End and allowed it to grow this big to have this opportunity. Seeing the story I poured so much of myself into come to life in a new way was overwhelming. I may not have cried, but I was close!
Q: The initial staff announcement has been released. What were your impressions?
A: The space of the anime industry is something I’m still learning to navigate so when the initial staff was announced, I had to do a lot of research. I believe that each member of the production team brings their own strengths and insights, which is incredibly exciting for me as a creator. I’m reassured by how the director was a fan of TBATE and was an advocate for pushing the boundaries. While I have a tendency to always temper my expectations, I am nervously excited to see the anime come to life and I hope it is something that both new fans and old readers can enjoy!
Q: Was there a particular moment in production that gave you confidence this adaptation was exactly what you wanted?
A: While I have yet to see more animation aside from the trailer, the production team over at Crunchyroll (big thank you to Rui and Heather) has made the communication between my team and the studio as painless as possible. I am working with so many people who all want to make sure that this anime is a success and I could see that during our back and forths–it was a good sign and it gave me confidence that we’re all on this ship together and trying to make it the best it can be.
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Q: Have there been any discussions about the unique challenges of adapting a webcomic to anime vs. a manga?
A: Absolutely. Webcomics and manga have distinct visual and storytelling styles, so a lot of conversations focused on translating the pacing and character beats in a way that suits animation. This involved striking a balance between honoring the original art style and making necessary adjustments for the anime format. It is also my first time adapting anything into an anime so this was a real learning opportunity for me. While it’s easy to say that the anime should just copy how the webcomic does it, I’ve learned that there are a lot of different factors involved in the story development process even for an adaptation so I did my best to push for parts where I felt were important while also allowing the director to make decisions that he felt best served the anime audience.
Q: Would you recommend this adaptation journey to other creators?
A: I would, with the caveat that it’s not easy, and it requires a strong vision. If you’re willing to be flexible and work collaboratively, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. TBATE’s journey has opened up a world of possibilities that I’d encourage any creator to pursue.
Q: Crunchyroll’s spoken about producing anime that aims to appeal to its global audience. What’s their role been in TBATE’s adaptation?
A: Crunchyroll has been instrumental in bridging the creative vision with global reach. They provide invaluable insights into audience expectations and how to present TBATE in a way that resonates with fans worldwide. They’ve supported us creatively and logistically, which has made this entire process smoother and more exciting. Again, thank you Rui and Heather for all of your help in this.
Q: How did different stakeholders help shape the story in new directions, and what might surprise long-time fans?
A: Everyone has brought unique perspectives that pushed us to explore new angles in the storytelling. Long-time readers will see some subtle additions in the anime that add new dimensions to the characters, maybe even revealing things that weren’t explored as heavily in the webcomic or novel.
Q: Reflecting on 2024, what are some accomplishments you’re proud of, and what are your goals for 2025?
A: I’m proud of TBATE’s growth across multiple platforms, especially seeing the fanbase expand and strengthen. The webcomic has returned stronger than ever thanks to our new studio, MGK-Story, and has nearly half a million subscribers on Tapas. Book 11 of the novel has also been released after over a year of writing it, and book 6 of the comic in print has been released as well! For 2025, I’m looking forward to the anime’s release and continuing to develop the TBATE universe. I want to keep refining the story and hopefully create more stories that resonate with fans as strongly as TBATE has.
Q: Besides the anime, are there other projects you’re currently working on?
A: Yes, I’m working on something new that I am really excited about and I can’t wait to share more when the time comes.
Q: What’s your final message to fans ahead of the TBATE anime?
A: To all the fans who’ve supported TBATE, thank you. This journey has been possible because of your encouragement and passion. I can’t wait for you to experience the anime, and I hope it brings you as much joy as creating it has brought me. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited to see where we go from here.
I’d like to thank TurtleMe for the answers — You can check out his The Beginning After The End (TBATE) web novel and webcomic on Tapas, which kindly set up this opportunity. You can also keep up to date on the series’ latest developments through TurtleMe’s blog, X (formerly Twitter), Patreon, and Instagram. Crunchyroll will stream the TBATE anime in 2025.
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