The Beginning After The End is heading into another break. Series creator TurtleMe confirmed yesterday that the comic adaptation will go on hiatus after Chapter 259, which releases on October 29, because of the upcoming closure of Tapas.
The announcement came in a short statement shared on X, where the author admitted he has no answers yet about the series' future home.
What TurtleMe Said
In his statement, TurtleMe wrote that with Tapas' announced closure affecting all of the platform's original productions, the comic will pause once Chapter 259 is out. He followed that with a frank admission about where things stand.
"I wish I had more information to share, but the honest truth is, I don't have answers yet about what comes next. I'm still working to get them, and I'll keep pushing until I do," he wrote.
He also acknowledged that fans have been through this before. "TBATE has definitely had more ups and downs than any of us would like, and every time, you've stuck around," TurtleMe said, before adding, "Please know I'll keep doing everything in my power to continue the comic."
He closed by thanking readers who have been spending their remaining Ink on the series in recent weeks and encouraged anyone with Ink left to use it on other creators they want to support.
Why Tapas Is Closing
Kakao Entertainment, which owns Tapas, revealed in September that it would shut down the North American webcomic and web novel platform. Tapas later published an official end of service notice confirming that the service will close on March 31, 2027.
The closure is a major blow for creators who built their audiences on the platform, and for publishers who used it as a home for licensed Korean webtoons and web novels in English. The Beginning After The End has been one of the platform's flagship originals for years, which made it one of the most obvious series to watch once the closure was announced. TurtleMe had already promised in September that he would do everything he could to keep the series going, and yesterday's update shows that a deal for the comic's next home isn't in place yet.
Another Pause For A Series With A History Of Them
Long-time readers know hiatuses are nothing new for TBATE. The comic has taken several extended breaks over its run, including a three-month pause in 2024, and fan reactions to the news have been a mix of frustration and resignation. Some readers have pointed out that the timing is especially rough because the story is in the middle of a major arc.
The series follows King Grey, a powerful ruler who is reborn as Arthur Leywin in a world of magic and monsters. TurtleMe began it as a web novel, and the comic adaptation grew it into one of the best-known Western-published fantasy webcomics, with a Korean edition and a 2025 anime adaptation helping widen its audience.
What Happens After Chapter 259
For now, the only firm date is October 29, when Chapter 259 goes live. TurtleMe hasn't said whether the comic will move to another platform, return under a new publisher, or wait until Kakao sorts out what happens to Tapas' library.
The timing also matters for readers' wallets. Tapas stopped selling Ink on October 1, and its notice says any remaining Ink can be used until the March 31 shutdown. That's why TurtleMe's thank-you to fans who spent their last Ink on TBATE lands the way it does, since every chapter unlocked over the past few weeks has come from a balance that can no longer be topped up.
Readers who have bought chapters on Tapas should also check the platform's end of service FAQ for details on what happens to their library. TurtleMe ended his note by promising to update fans as soon as he has something to share.
Do you think The Beginning After The End will land on a new platform quickly, or are fans in for another long wait?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.