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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 4h

In a weird-but-poignant example of life imitating art, the inspiration for Frieren’s moral philosophy seems to have inspired a real life hero to intervene in a crisis. The full story can be read here:

straitstimes.com

‘It’s what the hero Himmel would’ve done’: Taiwanese otaku who stopped knife attack on train

Not all heroes wear capes. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 11h

The world of Archie comics archive is an impressive collection of rarely collected comics. But why is Archie worth collecting? The World of Archie Comics Archive [3 of 4] #archiecomics #comicsstudies

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Anna F Peppard PhD @annapeppard.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Our latest for @sequentialscholars.bsky.social discusses Himmel's funeral in Frieren. #ComicsStudies #Manga

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

To build the World of Archie Comics archive, resource managers at Alexander Street sourced comics from physical holdings at research libraries and ebay. The World of Archie Comics Archive [2 of 4] #comicsstudies #archiecomics

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

This moment is important – it is arguably the first crack in the dam of the flood that becomes Frieren’s entire overhaul of her life’s philosophy, spurring the journey that defines the entire series. That much is evident, but just how out of character it is only becomes apparent thereafter. 9/9

Frieren looks in the middle distance, determined.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

In Abe’s illustration, the normally stoic and detached Frieren is rendered, for lack of a better term, a wreck, her usual veneer of stoic disaffection completely shattered. Her words express remorse, perhaps even self-admonition “why did I never think about getting to know him more?” 8/9

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

In hindsight, her breakdown is wildly out-of-character and thus reflects the depth of the epiphany that she is struck by in consequence of this life-altering event. Nothing breaks Frieren like this throughout the rest of the series. Only Himmel. 7/9

Frieren looks down upon Himmel’s casket.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

This process places the reader directly in the shoes of Frieren, thus making our elf protagonist’s original ignorance not just forgivable, but perhaps even a bit relatable. After all, we fell for the exact same trick. We didn’t know any better and, when it comes to Himmel, neither did she. 6/9

A close-up panel of Frieren from the mouth to mid-chest, her mouth slightly open.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

In so-doing, the manga creates a rather devious metatextual effect. Like Frieren, the reader is forced to look back on events that seemed unimportant or insignificant in the opening chapter and to recontextualize those events in the context of the present moment of reading. 5/9

Frieren and Eisen stand beside each other, looking solemn.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

In any given chapter thereafter, Frieren having an emotional breakdown would be shocking. In the 1st chapter, we simply don’t have the character context yet to mark the departure from the norm. As the series goes on, and Frieren stays stoic, this breakdown just keeps accumulating noteworthiness. 4/9

Frieren stares ahead, tears welling in her eyes and streaming down her face.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

What the reader fails to realize at this time is that Frieren doesn’t show that kind of emotion. As the series goes on, she consistently demonstrates a completely unflappable calm, even within the greatest potential moments of emotional turmoil. 3/9

Frieren holds her staff and stands calmly on a pile of corpses, looking down indifferently at the demon before her.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Frieren has an intense (and beautifully-illustrated) reaction at Himmel’s funeral. At the time of first reading, this makes perfect sense – it’s a funeral after-all and Himmel was Frieren’s companion on an epic quest for many years. 2/9

a four panel spread of Frieren depicting the various adventures the party went on.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

One of the more interesting structural elements in Frieren is the way that the text plays on hindsight to add progressive significance to a key moment from the opening chapter: Frieren’s emotional breakdown at Himmel’s funeral. #frieren 1/9

Frieren crying over the memory of Himmel.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Yeah, if you combine this with Star Wars, it really does seem like a bizarre pocket of international popular media is premised on the presumption that nobody speaks German.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Good call. There's an absolutism to it. Hopefully they address that a bit more as the series progresses.

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Anna F Peppard PhD @annapeppard.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Our latest for @sequentialscholars.bsky.social spotlights Frieren as transcultural text. #ComicsStudies #Manga

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The World of Archie Comics archive includes thousands of digitized & indexed comic books published by Archie Comics, spanning 1943-2020. The World of Archie Comics Archive [1 of 4] #archiecomics #comicsstudies

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

The only logical conclusion, then, is that Frieren is a transnational manga – a story built (to their great credit) by Japanese creators that draws on a myriad of cultures, but also one that gives back to those cultures in various intersectional ways with a story that belongs to the world. 10/10

A title spread of Frieren depicting various characters.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

As intimated previously, however, the world is bigger than East vs West and Frieren is sold throughout it. This does, however create a sort of three-body problem to which we could add German linguistic pieces, Austrian architecture, and Polish folklore. 9/10

a massive castle built of different styles of architecture.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

While North American readers get a crash course on Japanese storytelling and relationship dynamics. Even in its simplest form, Frieren is a manga that is attracting brand new Western readers to manga – a door that is, put simply, very hard to close once opened. 8/10

characters in Frieren looking out over the town from a raised, railed cobblestone area.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

In this, the series can have a two-way ambassadorial function when perceived along an East-West binary (a model that is, of course, grotesquely simplified). Japanese readers get to see an invocation of centuries worth of Western high fantasy cultivation and what it can do at the symbolic level… 7/10

a drawing depicting a lone adventurer with a dragon looming over them with its wings spread.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

At the same time, many of the manners and cultural mores displayed by the characters in Frieren are reflective of Japanese culture, an understanding of which can add nuance and depth to the ways that key relationships develop throughout the series. 6/10

interior art of Frieren, various characters sitting on couches and chairs talking.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

These facets are something that Frieren wears all over its tunic sleeves with obvious connective tissue to European folklore, Dungeons & Dragons, and Tolkien-esque High Fantasy. These pillars of the Western fantasy tradition are ably mobilized throughout the series to pointed effect. 5/10

high fantasy art of Dungeons & Dragons, depicting various adventurers fighting a green dragon.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

2) the modern manga industry is an international phenomenon, created with an international audience in mind and consciously and politically buoyed by the support of the Japanese government who, since the 1990s, have viewed manga as an important cultural export worth supporting. 4/10

formally dressed people gather in the interior of a Japanese government building.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

There are two important things to keep in mind here; 1) that as Shige Suzuki and Ronald Stewart articulate in their 2023 volume, “Manga: A Critical Guide,” the study of Manga in translation for a North American audience is already a robust discipline (6) and… 3/10

The title page for Suzuki and Stewart’s “Manga: A Critical Guide”

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

In the transcultural matrix through which manga is both created and consumed, it can be a little challenging to speak to the deeper meanings and symbols that are perpetuated when a noteworthy work of Japanese graphic narrative strikes a complex emotional chord with a Western audience. 2/10

a blonde person with a white sweater and a brunette in a gray blazer stare intently at colourful framed art on a white wall.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Through its combination of European settings, Western high fantasy, and Eastern manga storytelling techniques, Frieren offers a stalwart example of a modern transnational manga – one that bridges cultures and nationalities in a way that reflects the international scope of manga. #frieren 1/10

A cover of Frieren, depicting various characters standing or sitting on stairs with a stone archway in the centre.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

So what happens when Frieren finally does reach her Valinor? Yamada and Abe have yet to put that to ink, which makes this thread both hasty and, frankly, a little sloppy. But what better way to demonstrate Frieren’s message than by seizing a moment instead of waiting? 12/12

Frieren goes to take a bite of bread while adventurers watch in the background.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

And in keeping with Tolkien’s dynamic of wizards and hobbits, it is important in Frieren that the immortal is the one who must learn from the mortals, perhaps even to the point of learning to appreciate the mortals themselves in order to ascend to a higher state of being. 11/12

a page of Frieren and adventurers in a town holding a suitcase and groceries, respectively.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

When we lose sight of our mortality, we become capable of taking the moments of our lives for granted and the moments can, and do, pass us by. As Frieren demonstrates, it’s once we understand the ephemeral nature of life that we become capable of living it in the moment. 10/12

Frieren and Heiter sit at a round table, talking.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

And though Frieren stares at humanity bewildered, her immortal elf being is very much an allegory for the human condition – not of a person who holds immortality, but one who perceives the world through the eyes of the immortal in consequence of their lack of mortal consciousness. 9/12

an older Himmel walks through a forest with an adventurer behind him.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

“…Few lessons are taught more clearly in them than the burden of that kind of immortality, or rather endless serial living, to which the ‘fugitive’ would fly.” For Tolkien, high fantasy uses elves to portray death as merciful, and immortality as the crueler fate. Frieren explores this. 8/12

Elves in cloaks walk through a forest, some holding lanterns and one holds a staff.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Tolkien himself articulates the nature of his death symbols in an essay title “On Faerie Stories.” He writes: “And lastly there is the oldest and deepest desire, the Great Escape: the Escape from Death. …The Human-stories of the elves are doubtless full of the Escape from Deathlessness…” 7/12

the title spread for Tolkien’s “On Fairy Stories”

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

There is, here a Lord of the Rings connection worth noting as Tolkien portrays in his epic trilogy a number of similar themes, and likewise features the Valinor or “Undying Lands” similar to Frieren’s “Land Where Souls Rest.” 6/12

a painting of a boat docked in a Tolkienian, high fantasy landscape.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

There is an error of gloom and regret to Frieren, expressed through tone and image and especially pace, a morose and still atmosphere that is deeply reminiscent of a funeral procession with an emotionally closed-off elf leading said procession on a seemingly futile journey. 5/12

Frieren holds a suitcase and speaks to Eisen on a mountainous landscape.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Predictably, then, there’s a melancholy core that hovers over the narrative in the form of a simple paradox: in grieving Himmel, Frieren seeks to cultivate the necessary perspective to love and appreciate Himmel. But of course, he’s dead and gone. What then is she trying to prove? 4/12

Frieren and the party reminisce about their ten year adventure together.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

As the title “Frieren at the Funeral,” along with the death of the main romantic lead of the series in the first chapter, along with the series-arching journey to the land of the undead all make clear, death is a major theme in Frieren. 3/12

Frieren and Heiter pay respects at Himmel’s funeral.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Alenka Figa of Women Write About Comics identifies the question posed by the manga as: “what does it mean to treasure and understand those close to you, when their lives will pass within what feels like a blink?” 2/12

Alt text: A three panel layout from Frieren, depicting Himmel, Heiter and Frieren walking through a town.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Operating within a robust high-fantasy tradition, death is a major theme in Frieren, a story that uses the relationship between the past and present to articulate a philosophy on how to truly live under the spectre of “passing through nature to eternity,” as Shakespeare puts it. #frieren 1/12

Frieren stands on a cobblestone path high above a village in the background, holding a suitcase and staring into the middle distance

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

In the weeks ahead, Sequential Scholars will seek to unpack Frieren as best we can in the aim of accounting for, somewhat, why manga readers are so excited about the series and what to watch as a modern manga masterpiece unfolds in the future. 7/7

Frieren with her hands on her hips, irritated.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Though the story has yet to finish, it has already garnered tremendous attention from manga scholars in both the East and the West for its originality, for its poignancy, and for being a transnational manga property that draws on all manner of international storytelling traditions. 6/7

Alt text: an elegantly framed image of Frieren and Himmel

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Through this wholly unique narrative structure, the manga eschews the spectacular explorations of myths and monsters that are usually so favoured by high fantasy in favour of a somber and deeply existential exploration of the dialogues we create between the past and the present. 5/7

Alt text: Frieren is lost in thought while sitting in a tavern with other adventurers

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Articulated through two narratives set over 50 years apart, the titular Frieren (a thousand-year-old elf) re-traces the steps of her past journey to revisit and come to terms with all the emotional nuances of her relationship with her original party (both platonically and perhaps romantically). 4/7

Alt text: Frieren and the party watch a meteor shower.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

In 2023, an anime version that was highly faithful to the original manga both narratively and stylistically debuted with an English dub of the series appearing on Crunchyroll that same year. The popularity and acclaim behind both further spurred the success of the original manga. 3/7

Alt text: Frieren and other adventurers walk down a dirt path through a field, Frieren holds a suitcase and looks behind her toward the reader.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

International recognition quickly followed when, in 2022, Frieren was listed among the top Graphic Novels for Adults by the American Library Association and the series began to earn an international cult following. 2/7

Alt text: the paperback collection of Frieren’s volumes stacked neatly in a row.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was first published as Sōsō no Furīren, or “Frieren at the Funeral” in the Weekly Shonen Sunday in April of 2020. By 2021, the creative team of Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe won the prestigious “Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize” in the “New Creator” category. #frieren 1/7

Alt text: title spread of Frieren, with the four main characters sitting down in a place of ruins.

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

These new options create powerful new teaching opportunities that reconfigure the way comics are studied and, subsequently, the way comics are understood in the broader culture. Digital Archives and Comics Pedagogy [3 of 4] #archives #comicsstudies

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Anna F Peppard PhD @annapeppard.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Our next unit for @sequentialscholars.bsky.social will be tackling the ongoing manga Frieren. #ComicsStudies #Manga

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Sequential Scholars @sequentialscholars.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Digital archives like Marvel Unlimited, DC Universe Infinite, and Shonen Jump, all provide access to vast catalogues of comics issues. Digital Archives and Comics Pedagogy [3 of 4] #archives #comicsstudies

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