by The long-awaited second season of the anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (also known as Funeral Frieren) officially began airing on January 16, and its very first episode has already captured fans’ hearts especially thanks to Stark, the party’s warrior, who once again proved why he’s one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Despite being quite literally crushed beneath two girls, Stark never once complained, muttered a “taboo word,” or lost his composure. Instead, he demonstrated quiet strength, kindness, and gentlemanly restraint earning widespread praise across social media.
A Memorable Opening to Season 2
Season 2 opens with Episode 29, titled “Let’s Go Then”, continuing the calm yet emotionally rich storytelling style that made Frieren one of the most acclaimed fantasy anime in recent years.
In one standout scene, Stark (voiced by Chiaki Kobayashi) risks his own safety to protect Frieren (Atsumi Tanezaki) and Fern (Kana Ichinose) from the impact of a dangerous fall. Acting on pure instinct as a warrior, Stark positions himself as a human shield, absorbing the shock with his own body.
The moment instantly resonated with viewers, many of whom took to social media with reactions such as:
- “That’s a true warrior right there.”
- “Stark is unbelievably tough.”
- “This is definitely Stark’s reward.”
Crushed… But Still a Gentleman
What truly stole the spotlight wasn’t just Stark’s physical toughness—but his attitude afterward.
As Frieren and Fern end up sitting on top of him, Stark weakly groans, “Could you get off me…?” Yet notably, he never complains about them being “heavy”, avoids any rude remarks, and doesn’t break his respectful demeanor for even a second.
This small detail didn’t go unnoticed. Fans praised Stark for:
- His emotional maturity
- His respectful treatment of others
- His ability to endure pain without resentment
Fern, seemingly aware of Stark’s discomfort, responds with a surprisingly gentle gesture—a soft pat on the head—adding warmth and humor to the scene.
Why Fans Love Stark So Much
Stark’s popularity continues to grow because he embodies a rare balance in anime characters:
- Physically strong, yet emotionally gentle
- Awkward, but deeply sincere
- Brave, without arrogance
Following the episode’s broadcast, online reactions poured in, calling Stark:
- “An airbag made of muscle”
- “The MVP of Episode 1”
- “Proof that real strength is kindness”
For many viewers, this scene perfectly encapsulated why Frieren excels at subtle character development rather than loud heroics
Official Illustration Fuels the Buzz
Adding to the excitement, the official X (formerly Twitter) account for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End shared a special illustration after the episode aired.
The artwork, drawn by Tsukasa Abe, the original manga’s illustrator, humorously depicts Stark being completely flattened beneath Frieren and Fern. The post quickly gained traction, delighting fans and reinforcing the scene as one of the episode’s most memorable moments.
Official illustrations like this have become a hallmark of the series’ promotional strategy, strengthening the bond between creators and fans
About Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Beginner-Friendly Overview)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is based on the award-winning manga by Kanehito Yamada (story) and Tsukasa Abe (art).
Unlike traditional fantasy anime that focus on epic battles, Frieren explores:
- Life after the hero’s journey
- The passage of time and mortality
- Regret, memory, and emotional growth
The story follows Frieren, an elven mage who outlives her former companions and slowly learns to understand human emotions through new journeys with Fern and Stark.
Season 1 received critical acclaim for its:
- Emotional storytelling
- Beautiful animation
- Mature themes rarely explored in fantasy anime
Season 2 continues this approach while gradually expanding the world and deepening character relationships.
What to Expect from Season 2
With its strong opening, Season 2 promises:
- Deeper exploration of Stark’s growth as a warrior and person
- Continued emotional development between Frieren, Fern, and Stark
- New encounters that challenge not just strength, but values and memories
While the series remains gentle in tone, moments like Stark’s selfless act show that Frieren can still deliver impactful action when it matters most.
Final Thoughts
The first episode of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 2 proves that the anime hasn’t lost its magic. Stark’s quiet heroism protecting his companions, enduring pain, and staying respectful even in an awkward situation perfectly reflects the series’ philosophy: true strength lies in empathy and restraint.
For longtime fans, this episode feels like a warm reunion. For newcomers, it’s a compelling reminder of why Frieren stands out as one of the most thoughtful fantasy anime of its generation.
As the journey continues, one thing is clear Stark may be crushed under pressure, but his reputation as a true gentleman warrior is stronger than ever.
