Introduction

MyAnimeList (MAL) has long been one of the most influential anime ranking sites, with its user ratings carrying significant weight in determining the popularity and perception of shows. For over a decade, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has dominated the #1 spot as the highest rated anime on MAL. FMAB's compelling story, multifaceted characters, and epic scale have earned it a passionate fandom and widespread critical acclaim.

However, in a historic turn of events, the new fantasy anime Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has surpassed FMAB to claim the coveted #1 ranking. This has sparked lively discussion in the anime community, as FMAB's reign at the top spot has been so enduring. In this article, we'll explore how the slower-paced yet emotionally resonant Frieren managed to dethrone one of the most beloved anime of all time on MAL.

What is Frieren: Beyond Journey's End?

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is a fantasy anime that aired in 2021 based on the manga series by Kanehito Yamada. It follows the adventures of an elven mage named Frieren and her companions as they travel across the land after defeating the demon king. Despite being over 900 years old, Frieren has a young appearance and is unconcerned with the passage of time.

The anime has been praised for its thoughtful exploration of themes like mortality, grief, and the impermanence of life. Frieren watches her human companions age and die as she remains eternally youthful, grappling with loss and memory. Her reserved personality hides deeper emotions underneath. Reviewers have complimented the series for combining high fantasy adventure with poignant drama (Draggle, 2024).

Frieren serves as an intriguing protagonist - she is immortal yet deals with very human struggles. Her wise but stoic demeanor makes for interesting interactions with more hot-blooded characters. The anime has managed to craft an emotional story from a relatively simple premise, leading to its growing popularity.

Frieren's Rise in Popularity

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End started off relatively quietly when it first began airing in Fall 2021, but gradually built up popularity and acclaim over the course of its 25 episode run. According to discussion posts on Reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Frieren/comments/1akj4r6/frierens_rating_isnt_dropping_but_still_rising_on/), the show's rating on MyAnimeList started at around 8.7 based on early reviews, but continued to steadily rise over time as more viewers completed the series and left glowing reviews. This slow build reflects the contemplative nature of the anime itself, which often focuses on emotional, introspective storytelling rather than flashy spectacle.

By the end of its run in Spring 2022, Frieren had reached an exceptionally high overall rating of 9.28 on MyAnimeList, putting it in rare company among the highest rated anime of all time on the platform. This steadily building popularity allowed it to overtake the long-standing #1 show, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. According to discussion posts on the MyAnimeList forums (https://myanimelist.net/forum/?topicid=2142029), Frieren's ability to maintain such a stellar rating as more users reviewed it proved it was no mere flash-in-the-pan. The show's poignant themes about mortality, grief and friendship clearly resonated strongly with viewers.

How Frieren Surpassed the Long-Standing #1 FMAB

Frieren steadily gained popularity and high ratings from viewers throughout its initial run in 2021. As more anime fans discovered the show and rated it on MyAnimeList, Frieren's overall score kept increasing. By the end of its first season, Frieren had an exceptionally high 9.26 average rating on MAL.

This put it above Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's long-standing 9.24 average rating for the first time in MAL history. FMAB had held the #1 spot for over a decade, so Frieren surpassing it demonstrated just how highly rated the new anime was by viewers.

Frieren's second season in 2022 only accelerated this trend, as it maintained the high level of quality and emotional resonance from season one. More glowing reviews praising the anime's thoughtful themes led to an even higher 9.28 rating average for Frieren by the end of its run.

This narrow but clear margin above FMAB's average allowed Frieren to claim the new #1 anime spot on MyAnimeList, an exceptionally rare feat. It represents how Frieren managed to surpass FMAB primarily through exceptionally high scores from passionate viewers.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/Frieren/comments/18zua5v/do_you_think_frieren_deserves_to_be_the_highest/

Comparing Frieren and Fullmetal Alchemist

Both Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood are fantasy anime that have received widespread acclaim for their emotional depth and engaging stories. Though they exist in different worlds with different characters, they share some key thematic similarities.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, based on the manga by Hiromu Arakawa, follows the Elric brothers on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone and restore their bodies after a failed attempt at human transmutation. It takes place in a steampunk world where alchemy is real. Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, adapted from the manga by Kanehito Yamada, follows the immortal elf Frieren and her companions as she continues her adventures after they have passed away. It is set in a more traditional Tolkien-esque fantasy world filled with magic and monsters.

Both shows feature well-developed fantasy worlds with intricate magic systems and lore. They balance action and adventure with poignant explorations of themes like morality, loss, and the meaning of life. Fullmetal Alchemist leans more heavily on plot-driven action and thrills, while Frieren takes a more slowly paced, atmospheric approach to its emotional weight. But critics praise both for their ability to deliver impactful drama alongside the fantastical trappings.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has built up years of acclaim as a modern anime classic since its 2009 debut, while Frieren is still a relative newcomer having only aired in 2021. But so far, critics put Frieren on par with Fullmetal for its resonance and quality, making its rise to #1 understandable. Fans of one show are likely to appreciate the other. But Frieren's fresh take on the fantasy genre with a more melancholy elf protagonist gives it an original edge.

MAL Ratings Context

The MyAnimeList rankings hold a lot of weight and influence within the anime community. For many fans, MAL ratings are one of the top factors they look at when deciding which shows to watch. Having the #1 spot on MAL signifies that an anime is considered the best of the best by fans.

However, MAL ratings are an imperfect metric. They can be vulnerable to recency bias, with new and currently airing shows getting inflated scores. MAL rankings have also been subject to review bombing controversies when organized campaigns intentionally try to tank a show's scores over controversies.

So while becoming the top ranked anime on MAL is a significant achievement, the ratings should be considered in their full context. Other metrics like sales, longevity, and cultural impact matter as well in evaluating an anime's success.

Other Metrics for Success

While MyAnimeList ratings provide a snapshot of an anime's popularity among fans, there are other metrics that can indicate an anime's success and impact.

Sales figures for DVD/Blu-ray releases and merchandise are an important measure of financial success. According to an article on The Hollywood Reporter, the global anime industry was worth over $24 billion in 2021, demonstrating the immense commercial potential of popular franchises (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/japanese-anime-worlds-most-bankable-genre-1235146810/). Anime with high sales show there is a sustainable audience beyond ratings.

Longevity and continuing cultural impact are also signs of a classic, influential anime. Series like Dragon Ball Z or Sailor Moon may not have the highest ratings but have resonated across generations. While recency bias can boost new shows, standing the test of time indicates true significance.

Some anime have also had an indelible impact on the industry and artform itself. Neon Genesis Evangelion revolutionized mecha and psychological anime for example. Influential shows inspire countless new creators and series.

So while ratings provide a useful snapshot, sales, longevity, and impact reveal other facets of an anime's success. A balanced view examines both ratings and these wider metrics.

Will Frieren Maintain the #1 Spot?

While Frieren's meteoric rise to the top spot on MyAnimeList is certainly impressive, many believe it's unlikely the show will maintain the #1 position in the long run. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has held the top spot for over a decade, and many consider it to be an undisputed anime classic.

Recency bias often plays a role in anime ratings, with the latest popular shows getting an initial boost that fades over time. There are already signs that Frieren's score is stabilizing, while FMAB continues its steady reign.

Though Frieren's current #1 spot is historic, FMAB has the advantage of being a completed series with a proven reputation. If Frieren sticks the landing with a strong ending, it could potentially maintain #1. But the safer bet is that FMAB will eventually overtake it again as the recency bias wears off.

Regardless of which show ends up on top, both Frieren and FMAB have cemented themselves as two of the most beloved and critically acclaimed anime of recent times. But FMAB's sheer longevity and consistency suggests it will be difficult for any show, even one as brilliant as Frieren, to permanently dethrone it as #1 on MyAnimeList.

Frieren's Achievement

Regardless of whether Frieren maintains the #1 spot on MyAnimeList or if Fullmetal Alchemist regains its long-held position, Frieren has achieved something remarkable. For any anime to surpass FMAB, which has dominated the #1 position for over a decade, is an incredible feat. As mentioned previously, FMAB has a reputation among the anime community as being untouchable at the top spot. The fact that Frieren managed to garner such an outpouring of support and acclaim to overtake it, even if only briefly, is a significant accomplishment.

This demonstrates that Frieren has resonated deeply with viewers and garnered widespread praise for its emotional storytelling, well-developed characters, and fantasy adventure premise. While recency bias may have played a role, the ratings still reflect the quality and impression the show has left on fans. Whether or not it remains at #1, Frieren will likely be remembered as one of the standout anime of recent years. Its ability to even temporarily dethrone a long-revered classic like FMAB is a testament to its excellence.

Conclusion

In the end, both Frieren: Beyond Journey's End and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood can be considered modern classics that are worthy of watching for any anime fan. While Frieren has achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing FMAB as the #1 rated anime on MyAnimeList, even if it falls back to #2, it takes nothing away from the quality and emotional impact of this fantastic dark fantasy series. Frieren offers a slower, more introspective look at an adventuring party after their journey is over, while FMAB delivers an action-packed adventure. They both showcase intricate world-building, complex characters, and emotional depth in different ways.

The MyAnimeList rankings provide a snapshot of current popularity and reviews, but they are vulnerable to recency bias and other flaws. No ranking can definitively crown one anime as the "best". Both Frieren and FMAB will likely stand the test of time as beloved, critically-acclaimed shows. The exciting rise of Frieren has added a new contender to the pantheon of potential "greatest anime of all time". Anime fans owe it to themselves to experience the magical journey of both series.

Introduction

Story and Characters Summary

Viral Hit manga poster

Viral Hit centers around Hobin Yoo, an unassuming high school student who unexpectedly becomes an internet martial arts sensation. Despite his small stature, Hobin possesses incredible fighting skills honed through years of secret training from his grandfather. After a bullying incident goes viral on the video platform NewTube, Hobin begins uploading clips of himself easily defeating groups of thugs and bullies. Thanks to his flashy techniques and odd nickname "Hobin Hood", he quickly gains a massive online following.

As Hobin's popularity soars, he attracts the attention of established martial artists looking to challenge him. This includes skilled fighters like Taehoon Jin, a top student at the prestigious J High School. Despite facing increasingly tougher opponents, the underdog Hobin continues to prevail with his brilliance for improvised fighting techniques. His humble, unassuming nature makes him an appealing hero figure to root for.

Other key characters include Hobin's best friend Eunhyeok Lee, a cowardly boy who provides comic relief. There's also police officer Gwangnam Gong, who investigates Hobin's viral fights. The fierce bullies of Cheonliang High also serve as early antagonists, with their leader Sang-Jin Gong becoming a recurring nemesis.

Hobin's Tragic Backstory

Tragic Story of Hobin

Scrawny high school student Hobin Yoo is probably the last guy you'd expect to star in a NewTube channel that revolves around fighting. However, Hobin has a tragic backstory that motivates him to become stronger. As a child, Hobin was severely bullied, leading to trauma and insecurity about his scrawny physique. The worst bully was a student named Euntae, who would relentlessly beat up and humiliate Hobin. One time, Euntae even shoved Hobin's face in a toilet bowl in a horrific act of bullying. These experiences shaped Hobin into an underdog seeking the strength to stand up to bullies and cruelty.

The bullying trauma resurfaces when Hobin encounters the popular NewTube streamer Snapper in high school. Snapper begins viciously beating Hobin while streaming it to his followers, yelling that Hobin is a "cancer" just like his mother. This causes Hobin to finally snap and unleash his pent up rage from years of bullying. Hobin shockingly overpowers and defeats Snapper in the fight, despite Snapper's larger size. From here on, Hobin dedicates himself to getting stronger in both mind and body, fueled by his past traumas. His underdog story of seeking redemption and justice against bullies resonates with many fans.

Supporting Characters

Female supporting character viral hit

Two of the most important supporting characters in Viral Hit are Taehoon Jin and Eunhyeok Lee.

Taehoon Jin is Hobin's best friend who often assists him in fights. According to the Viral Hit Wiki, Taehoon is described as an "energetic and outgoing high school student." Despite not having formal martial arts training, Taehoon helps motivate and cheer on Hobin during his battles.

Another key supporting character is Eunhyeok Lee, who serves as the comic relief of the series. The MyAnimeList Viral Hit character page describes Eunhyeok as "a weak and cowardly boy" who provides humor but also emotional support to Hobin.

Together, Taehoon and Eunhyeok represent the few loyal friends Hobin has, and their interactions underscore the themes of friendship and loyalty in Viral Hit.

Appeal of Viral Hit

One of the main appeals of Viral Hit is its unique blend of high school drama and intense martial arts action sequences. The story follows an underdog protagonist, Hobin Yoo, as he navigates challenges both in and out of the ring at his high school (Source: Reddit). This allows for compelling character dynamics as Hobin deals with bullies like Taehoon Jin, while also training intensely to compete in secret NewTube martial arts competitions.

Fans on Reddit have praised how the manhwa balances "badass fight scenes" with "highschool dramas" (Source: Reddit). There's an addictive appeal to following Hobin's underdog journey both inside and outside the ring. The fight scenes also benefit from this grounded high school setting, as the stakes feel higher when the characters have interpersonal relationships at risk.

Fight Scene Choreography

Fight scenes viral hit

One of the biggest appeals of Viral Hit is the intense and masterfully choreographed fight scenes. The martial arts action is a highlight of both the manga and anime, with fans praising how hard-hitting and visceral the fights feel. Each fight showcases unique moves and styles, from Muay Thai kicks to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappling. The anime brings the manga's fights to life with fluid animation and impactful sound design that makes every strike resonate.

Many fans on Reddit have pointed to the thought put into the fight choreography as a standout element of Viral Hit. As one Redditor commented, "The fights are tactical and believable. The moves used make sense and aren't overly flashy or unrealistic like in some other fighting series."

Some of the most memorable fights highlighted for their choreography include Hobin's first viral NewTube video beating a gang of bullies, his intense showdowns with Taehoon Jin, and the climactic fight at the end of season 1. Each fight ramps up the stakes and intensity, with the finales leaving viewers breathless.

With martial arts excellence deeply woven into its DNA, Viral Hit has captured fans with its impressive display of hard-hitting physicality and skill. The care put into each blow and move elevates the stakes and cements the series as a new action classic.

Anime vs Manga Comparison

Anime poster of Viral Hit

The Viral Hit anime adaptation stays relatively faithful to the manga in terms of the overarching story and characters. However, it does take some liberties when it comes to pacing and the presentation of certain story arcs.

One of the biggest differences is that the anime condenses some storylines that are more expanded in the manga. For example, the manga spends more time developing the supporting characters like Taehoon Jin and Eunhyeok Lee before Hobin's big fights. The anime speeds through some of these sections to get to the martial arts action faster. This results in the anime feeling a bit more rushed compared to the meticulous storytelling of the manga.

The anime also adds some additional scenes that are not in the manga, likely for dramatization purposes. In particular, the anime has extra flashback scenes exploring Hobin's tragic backstory. While these new scenes provide helpful context, some fans argue it overly dramatizes Hobin's motivations compared to the manga's subtler approach.

In terms of art and animation, the anime adaptation is very well done. The fight choreography and animation quality for the action scenes is excellent. Fans of the manga are particularly impressed by how all the unique fighting styles are translated to the anime screen. The visual direction captures the intensity and visceral nature of the fights that made the manga so popular.

Overall, while the Viral Hit anime makes some changes, it largely stays faithful to the original manga's spirit. Most fans seem to agree that both versions have their own strengths and are compelling in their own ways.

Viral Popularity

Viral Hit has become massively popular, especially among manga and anime communities on platforms like Reddit. On the r/ViralHit subreddit, fans regularly discuss and debate the series. One popular Reddit thread titled "Is viral hit overrated or underrated?" has over 20 comments analyzing the manhwa's merits and popularity compared to other major titles like Lookism.

Many memorable moments from the series have gone viral and generated significant discussion on Reddit and beyond. For example, the shocking death of character in chapter 105 was heavily debated, with some fans loving the unexpected twist and others feeling it was too drastic. The anime's fight choreography and animation quality have also been praised, leading to clips being widely shared online.

Overall, Viral Hit's blend of high school drama and intense, visceral martial arts action has clearly resonated with manga and anime fans. The series continues to have a strong online fanbase passionately discussing and dissecting each new plot development.

Speculation on Season 2 of the Anime

Season 1 of the Viral Hit anime covers up through chapter 55 of the manga, ending right after the intense confrontation between Hobin and Taehoon Jin. This leaves plenty of source material for a potential second season.

Many fans on Reddit are eagerly awaiting an announcement about season 2. The first season has been very popular, ranking in the top 10 most watched anime on Netflix in 2024 according to reports. Given the viral popularity, there is a good chance Viral Hit will be renewed for season 2.

With over 150 chapters left to adapt, there is more than enough manga content for another 12-13 episode season. Key upcoming story arcs include Hobin's training in prison, the national fighting tournament, and further exploration of the Union organization. Fans are speculating these climactic storylines would make excellent material for season 2.

While nothing is confirmed yet, the chances look good for Viral Hit getting renewed. Many fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement and believe season 2 could surpass the first in popularity if adapted well. The manga provides plenty of shocking twists and intense fights to keep anime viewers hooked.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Viral Hit has clearly resonated with manga and anime fans due to its blend of high school drama and intense martial arts action. Fans connect with underdog characters like Hobin who rise to the challenge, and the shocking plot twists keep them hooked. The fight scenes are exceptionally choreographed, showcasing unique and hard-hitting moves. While the anime brings these iconic moments to life, the manga is where the story originates.

With its viral popularity, especially among online communities like Reddit, Viral Hit is cementing its legacy as a modern martial arts classic. There is eager anticipation for a second season of the anime to continue the story. Whether or not it gets renewed, Viral Hit has already proven itself to be an exhilarating series that delivers compelling characters and combat in spades.

 Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom Anime Film - Fall 2024 Premiere, New Cast, Trailer

 Introduction

Welcome anime enthusiasts! Today, we dive into the exciting realm of Overlord, a beloved anime series that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The latest installment, "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom," promises an enthralling cinematic experience set to premiere in Fall 2024. Join us as we explore the latest updates on the film, including its premiere date, new cast members, and an exhilarating trailer that sets the stage for epic adventures.

 Unveiling the Premiere Date

Mark your calendars for the grand premiere of "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom" in Fall 2024. Fans have eagerly awaited this moment, and the countdown has officially begun. As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, prepare to embark on a journey unlike any other, filled with mystery, intrigue, and the allure of the unknown

 Meet the New Cast

One of the most anticipated aspects of any new installment is the introduction of fresh faces to the cast. "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom" is no exception, as it welcomes a talented ensemble of voice actors to breathe life into both beloved characters and intriguing newcomers. Stay tuned for updates on the cast members who will guide us through this immersive cinematic experience.

 A Sneak Peek: The Trailer

Get ready to be transported into the heart of the Overlord universe with an electrifying trailer that teases the adventures that await. From breathtaking landscapes to pulse-pounding action sequences, the trailer offers a glimpse into the visual spectacle that awaits audiences. Brace yourselves for an epic journey that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

 Exploring the World of Overlord

For those unfamiliar with the Overlord series, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its rich lore and captivating storytelling. Set in a fantasy world where virtual reality meets real-life consequences, Overlord follows the journey of Momonga, a player trapped in the virtual game of Yggdrasil who assumes the identity of the powerful skeletal mage, Ainz Ooal Gown. As Ainz navigates this new reality, he embarks on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the world and assert his dominance as the supreme ruler.

 Conclusion

With its Fall 2024 premiere on the horizon, "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom" promises to be a cinematic event that fans won't want to miss. From its gripping storyline to its stellar cast and visually stunning animation, the film is poised to leave a lasting impression on audiences around the globe. So gather your fellow adventurers and prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of Overlord.

 FAQs

1. When will "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom" premiere?

Ans The film is set to premiere in Fall 2024, so mark your calendars!

2. Are there any new cast members joining the Overlord universe?

Ans Yes, stay tuned for updates on the talented voice actors bringing new characters to life.

3. What can fans expect from the trailer?

 Ans The trailer offers a thrilling glimpse into the epic adventures and stunning visuals awaiting audiences.

4. Is it necessary to watch the previous seasons of Overlord before watching the film?

Ans While familiarity with the series adds depth to the viewing experience, "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom" can be enjoyed by both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

5. Where can viewers watch the premiere of "Overlord: The Sacred Kingdom"?

Ans Keep an eye on official channels for announcements regarding streaming platforms or theatrical releases.

 Introduction: Venturing Beyond the Conventional Isekai

In the realm of anime, the isekai genre has long captured the imaginations of fans worldwide. However, constant exposure to similar themes and tropes can lead to a sense of monotony. Fear not, fellow anime enthusiasts! Animeking is here to guide you through a list of 15 captivating isekai series that offer a refreshing twist, perfect for those seeking something new and exciting.