In a moment many fans were waiting for, The Beginning After the End (TBATE) creator TurtleMe has finally broken his silence regarding the recent backlash following the anime adaptation’s rocky debut. The highly-anticipated series, based on his popular web novel and webtoon, faced immediate criticism for its animation quality, pacing, and lack of emotional impact—prompting fans across Reddit, Twitter (X), and YouTube to voice their disappointment.
But now, the creator has stepped forward with a heartfelt message, shedding light on what happened behind the scenes and what fans can expect going forward.
“Things Have Gotten… Loud.” — TurtleMe Responds
In a post on social media, TurtleMe (real name Brandon Lee) began by acknowledging the immense noise surrounding the anime's release. “Things have gotten... loud,” he wrote. “I’ve been seeing the reactions, and I know how passionate this community is. I want to address some things directly.”
The response was equal parts honest and emotional. TurtleMe did not shy away from admitting that the final product of the anime did not match fan expectations—but he also offered perspective.
Minimal Creator Involvement in the Anime
One of the most surprising revelations from TurtleMe’s message was that he had almost no creative control over the anime adaptation.
“I had full control over the novel. I had full control over the comic. But for the anime... my involvement was extremely limited,” he said. “It’s very rare for the creator to have a say in an anime’s inception.”
This is a reality many fans are unaware of—creators of web novels or manhwa often sell rights to studios or publishers and are left out of the actual animation process. TurtleMe emphasized that while the studio brought its own vision to the table, he wasn’t in a position to guide or adjust it creatively.
Addressing the Backlash
The backlash was fierce. Fans criticized the stiff animation, flat voice acting, and pacing that rushed through emotional beats. Some called for a reboot just days after the first episode premiered.
TurtleMe responded with empathy, saying:
“Each studio brings their own vision. Everyone is doing their best with good intentions. It may not be perfect, but no one is trying to ruin TBATE.”
He asked fans to consider the human effort behind every frame and voice line—even if the result fell short of the standard they hoped for.
No Reboot Plans—“You Don’t Just Wish It Away”
Some fans suggested that the anime should be rebooted by a different studio, with a tone similar to the way Solo Leveling was handled by A-1 Pictures.
But TurtleMe firmly rejected the idea of a reboot—at least for now.
“When you love something—your story, your pet, or your child—you don’t just wish it away and start over. You stick through the struggles,” he wrote.
He compared the anime to the early days of TBATE’s webcomic, which was also criticized initially but improved significantly over time. He believes the anime can follow a similar growth path, if given the time and support.
A Heartfelt Message to the TBATE Fandom
Perhaps the most moving part of TurtleMe’s message was his note of appreciation to the fans:
“Please keep being the rock that helped TBATE grow. I’m only human. I may not get everything right, but I deeply respect your love and dedication to this story.”
He acknowledged that the franchise wouldn’t have reached this point without the community's support—from the days when TBATE was a little-known web novel, to its rise as a bestselling comic and now, its animated debut.
Where Does TBATE Go From Here?
Though the debut wasn’t what fans hoped for, TurtleMe’s message calls for patience, understanding, and loyalty. As the anime progresses, there may be room for improvement in both visuals and storytelling. Fans hope that feedback from this early backlash will influence the production of future episodes.
At the same time, some fans have now shifted their support back to the web novel and webcomic, praising them as the "true experience" of TBATE's rich world and characters.
Final Thoughts: A Test of Loyalty for TBATE Fans
This controversy isn’t just about animation quality—it’s a test of how far the community is willing to go for the story they love. TurtleMe’s words weren’t defensive or dismissive. Instead, they were reflective, humble, and honest—a rare quality in today's content creator world.
As the first season continues, all eyes will be on whether the studio takes fan feedback seriously. But one thing is clear: TurtleMe hasn’t given up on his creation—and he’s asking fans not to give up either.
What Do You Think?
Did the TBATE anime live up to your expectations? What changes would you like to see in future episodes? Should it get a second season or reboot?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
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