Elves have always been popular additions to anime series, and they have only been getting more common with newer releases. Undoubtedly, fans love elf girl characters, and Frieren is a prime example of that. Frieren is from the anime series named after her, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and she has become the face of elf girls in anime with the hit that was her anime, back in late 2023.
Now, Frieren is returning in 2026, but she won’t be the only elf girl to be doing so. Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 is anticipated for a 2026 release, and it features another amazing elf girl, Marcille. Marcille has quickly become a fan favorite, and her character is only going to get more interesting in the upcoming season, while Frieren’s popularity stagnates due to slower future anime releases.
Frieren Is The Most Popular Elf Girl, But Marcille Could Be Coming For Her Throne
- Marcille From Delicious In Dungeon Is An Iconic Elf Girl Who Could Surpass Frieren
- Delicious in Dungeon Might Be Making a Comeback in 2026
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has become a global sensation since its debut in 2023 with the very first anime season. If there’s one thing that captivated the fans and had them coming for more every week, it’s definitely the main character herself, Frieren. Frieren has become iconic, and whenever anyone thinks of an anime elf girl, Frieren immediately comes to mind. She has proven just how interesting Elves can be, and she’s making a major comeback in January 2026 with the second season of Frieren. Naturally, fans definitely can’t wait.
Frieren Herself Recommends New Manga To The Fans
Frieren herself comes out and recommends to her fans a new manga series. Dungeon Elf is her recommendation.
While Frieren’s return is massive, there’s another elf girl also making a comeback, and it’s Marcille from Delicious in Dungeon. While Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 doesn’t have an exact release date yet, it’s anticipated for 2026. With two of the most popular elf girls returning in the same year, the competition is definitely going to be tough.
“I’ll tell you the secret to fighting strong enemies. It’s easy, keep getting up and attack them with your moves continuously.” –Eisen
Marcille might become the new number 1 elf girl, especially as the upcoming season of Delicious in Dungeon will expand her character arc like never before.
Frieren’s Popularity Will Decrease As Her Anime Series Slows Down
Manga Hiatuses Will Kill The Frieren Series
The Delicious in Dungeon manga has already concluded. The story of this series is short, but it is also quite enjoyable, and fans already know the full character arcs of their beloved characters, such as Marcille. As far as the anime goes, fans will get to learn everything there is about her soon, and her character will be able to have a satisfying conclusion that will immortalize her.
“So you’re giving up before you’ve even gone to pursue him. It’s only been a mere ten years. If you don’t go now, you’ll regret it shortly. When that time comes, you may think, ‘I could’ve made it in time, and yet I…’. You must be wondering, ‘Why now, after all this time?’, correct? That’s because I’m talking about the story that unfolds for you now.”
Meanwhile, Frieren’s manga is facing huge problems. The creators of Frieren suffer from health issues, which leads to the manga going on hiatuses constantly. This is affecting the manga badly, and in turn, it will also hurt the anime. The anime can’t create its own content, so its releases might be slowed down. An incomplete story is definitely a recipe for disaster, and could greatly impact the popularity of Frieren.
“Someday, you’ll make a terrible mistake and wish you’d gotten to know people better. When that happens, return to this place. Then I, Flamme the legendary mage, will help you.” –Flamme
This has already started to show, as Frieren Season 2 is confirmed for only 10 Episodes, which is a rather underwhelming and surprisingly short run. Season 3 probably won't be back for years.
As such, Marcille has the perfect opportunity to take the lead and become the most popular anime elf girl in 2026, whereas Frieren will take the backseat. Of course, Frieren is still very interesting and fans will continue to love her, but the hiatuses, which usually last for months and could extend to possibly even longer, will most 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 on Viz Media. Meanwhile, when it comes to the anime, fans can find season 1 of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End with all its episodes, available to watch on Crunchyroll while awaiting season 2.