The anime that shattered expectations like ‘Wall Maria’
I finally caved and gave in to the relentless nagging from friends and family to watch Attack on Titan (AoT), it took one person to really convince me to start watching. So I dedicate this review to him.
I’ll admit, I was a bit of a tough sell. I mean, I’m a die-hard Bleach fan, and nothing could quite compare in my book. But man, was I wrong. That first episode of AoT hit me like a freight train, and from then on, I was reeled in hook, line, and sinker.
The hesitation? Totally regret it. Once I dove into the world of Titans and wall-scaling adventures, there was no turning back.
Attack on Titan isn’t just some run-of-the-mill anime; it’s a wild ride of jaw-dropping moments and “wait, what?!” plot twists. It took me about two weeks to finish the whole series.
I might have been sceptical at first, but now I’m waving the AoT flag like there’s no tomorrow. So, if you’re on the fence like I was, do yourself a favour and take the plunge.
Attack on Titan Created by Hajime Isayama, this Japanese anime series isn’t your average giant-monster tale.
It’s a visceral experience that leaves you on the edge of your seat from the first episode until the final, heart-wrenching conclusion. AoT has this immaculate way of throwing you into a world where humanity resides within enormous walled cities to protect themselves from titans – gigantic humanoid creatures with a taste for human flesh.
The story revolves around Eldians, Eren Yeager (or Jaeger, different sources spell his last name differently) and his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, as they witness the breach of Wall Maria by the Titans, shattering their once peaceful existence.
Spoiler alert, Eren’s mother gets eaten by a titan in front of his very eyes. This catastrophic event propels the three friends into the heart of the Survey Corps, the military force tasked with combating the Titans and uncovering the mysteries that shroud their world. What sets AoT apart is its rich and evolving cast of characters. Eren’s journey from a determined, yet impulsive youth to a complex and conflicted leader is a central focus as the series moves forward.
Mikasa’s unwavering loyalty and Armin’s intellectual growth add depth to the trio, and as the story progresses, secondary characters take the spotlight, each with their unique stories and motivations.
I grew to like the dynamics of a set of secondary trio that emerged after the protagonists joined the Survey Corps – Jean Kirstein, Sasha Braus and Connie Springer – the trio that brings some serious flavour into the series.
Jean’s like the guy you love to hate but can’t help but root for – he’s got this snarky attitude, but when push comes to shove, he’s got a heart of gold buried under that tough exterior.
Then there’s Sasha, the food-loving sharpshooter. She’s basically the group’s human vacuum cleaner, and her love for potatoes is legendary.
But don’t be fooled by the snacks; she’s a beast on the battlefield. And let’s not forget about Connie, the dude with the perpetual bedhead. He’s the comic relief, always cracking jokes to lighten the mood.
Together, this trio is like a dysfunctional family that somehow makes it work. They bicker, they banter, but when Titans come knocking, you better believe they’ve got each other’s backs.
It’s a mix of sass, snacks, and solidarity that makes these characters an unforgettable part of the AoT saga.
The anime doesn’t shy away from exploring the psychological toll of living in constant fear of Titans, making the characters relatable and human.
POLITICAL INTRIGUE
Beyond the battles with Titans, AoT delves into a complex political landscape that adds layers of intrigue.
The power struggles within the walls, the mysteries surrounding the origin of the Titans, and the hidden agendas of key figures keep viewers guessing.
The narrative masterfully weaves these elements together, creating a plot that is as much a political thriller as it is an action-packed adventure.
It’s hard not to notice certain parallels with what’s currently unfolding in the real world right now either.
In a poignant moment, Hange Zoe, the 14th Commander of the Survey Corps, let out a despairing cry that echoed the moral core of humanity.
With conviction and anguish, they declared, “Genocide is wrong. There is no right reason to commend such an act!”
This powerful statement not only encapsulates Hange’s unwavering commitment to humanity’s ethical principles but also serves as a stark reminder within the intense and complex world of AoT.
A demonstration to the series’ exploration of profound moral dilemmas and the high cost of the choices made in the face of existential threats.
TWISTS AND TURNS
If you think you’ve got AoT figured out, think again. This anime is a rollercoaster of plot twists and jaw-dropping revelations. The mysteries that surround the Titans and the truth behind the walls are slowly unravelled, challenging the viewer’s perceptions and assumptions.
The series is witness to Isayama’s ability to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next shocking revelation.
The animation quality is nothing short of spectacular. Wit Studio and later MAPPA bring the Titans to life with fluid and intense action sequences.
The omni-directional mobility gear used by the Survey Corps adds a dynamic element to the battles, making each confrontation a visual spectacle. The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, complements the intensity of the series, heightening the emotional impact of key moments.
Attack on Titan isn’t just an anime; it’s an experience.
It challenges the boundaries of the genre, combining intense action, deep character development, and a gripping plot that will keep you guessing until the very end. Strap in for a journey filled with Titans, laughter, tears, tragedy and a tale that will leave a permanent mark on the anime landscape. – Izah Azahari
