Elves have always been popular additions to anime series and have become more common with newer releases. Undoubtedly, fans love elf girl characters and Frieren is a shining example of that. Frieren is from the anime series named after her, Frieren: Beyond Journey's Endand became the face of elf girls in the hit anime that was her anime in late 2023.
Frieren Manga announces an indefinite hiatus
Frieren manga is not coming back anytime soon.
Now, Frieren returns in 2026, but she won't be the only elf to do so. Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 is expected in 2026 and features another amazing elf girl, Marcille. Marcille has quickly become a fan favorite and her character will only get more interesting in the upcoming season Frieren's popularity has stagnated due to slower future anime releases.
Frieren is the most popular elf girl, but Marcille could be coming for her throne
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Marcille from Delicious In Dungeon is an iconic elf that could surpass Frieren
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Delicious in Dungeon could return in 2026
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has become a worldwide sensation since its debut in 2023 with the very first season of the anime. If there's one thing that has captivated fans and kept them coming back for more every week, it's definitely the main character Frieren herself. Frieren has become an icon and whenever someone thinks of the anime elf, Frieren immediately remembers. She proved how interesting elves can be, and in January 2026 she makes a big comeback with the second season of Frieren. Of course, the fans can't wait.
Frieren herself recommends the new manga to fans
Frieren herself comes in and recommends a new manga series to her fans. Dungeon Elf is her recommendation.
While Frierene's return is massive, there's another elf girl making a return as well, and that's Marcille from Delicious in Dungeon. While Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 does not have an exact release date yet, it is expected to be in 2026. With two of the most popular elves returning in the same year, the competition is sure to be fierce.
“I'll tell you the secret to fighting strong enemies. It's easy, just keep getting up and keep attacking them with your moves.” – Eisen
Marcille could become the new number 1 elfespecially since the upcoming season of Delicious in Dungeon will expand her character like never before.
Frieren's popularity will decline as her anime series slows down
Manga series Hiatuses Will Kill The Frieren
The Delicious in Dungeon the manga is already over. The story of this series is short, but it's also quite fun, and fans already know the entire character arcs of their beloved characters like Marcille. As far as the anime goes, fans will soon get to know all there is about her and her character will be able to have a satisfying conclusion that will immortalize her.
“So you give up before you even go chasing after him. It's only been ten years. If you don't leave now, you'll regret it in no time. When that time comes, you might think, 'I could have made it in time, and yet I…'. You must be asking yourself, 'Why now, after all this time?', right? That's the story, because I'm talking now.”
Meanwhile, Frieren's manga is facing huge problems. The creators of Frieren suffer from health problems, which leads to the manga being constantly on hiatus. This negatively affects the manga and in turn will also harm the anime. Anime cannot create its own content, so its release may be delayed. An incomplete story is definitely a recipe for disaster and could greatly affect Frieren's popularity.
“One day you will make a terrible mistake and wish you had gotten to know people better. When that happens, come back here. Then I, the legendary Flamme mage, will help you.” – Flame
This has already started to show, as Frieren Season 2 is only confirmed for 10 episodeswhich is a pretty overwhelming and surprisingly short run. Season 3 probably won't return for several years.
as such Marcille has the perfect opportunity to take the lead and become the most popular anime elf in 2026while Frieren takes the back seat. Of course, Frieren is still very interesting and fans will continue to love her, but the hiatus, which usually lasts months and could stretch to maybe longer, will definitely kill the hype in the long run.
The Frieren manga is back on an indefinite hiatus. Fans can read the Frieren: Beyond Journey's End manga online at Viz Media. Meanwhile, on the anime side, fans can find Season 1 of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End with all its episodes available to watch on Crunchyroll while they wait for Season 2.
