During the past several weeks, Attack on Titan has become a monster hit amongst fans of anime. It was predicted beforehand that it might be the biggest series of 2013, and many would agree with those statements. With all of that hype behind the show, does it truly live up, or is it too good to be true?
Attack on Titan (or Shingeki no Kyojin) tells the story about an alternate-universe where humanity is no longer at the top of the food chain. Giant beings known as Titans have mysteriously come to Earth to eat humans, not for sustenance, but simply because they want to. For a hundred years, humanity has hidden behind walls and barriers and have developed special devices to help humanity have a fighting chance against the Titans, even if it is small.
The story centers around three friends, Eren Jeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, who have grown up within the walls and have an admiration for the military. One day, when a Colossal Titan destroys the outermost walls, other Titans break in to devour the human population, which includes Eren and Mikasa’s mother along with Armin’s father. Being the most driven amongst the three, Eren convinces them to join the military and find a way to destroy every single Titan there is.
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The tone of the story really matches the magnitude that the initial premise tries to bring. This is a dark show which is usually taken with as much seriousness as it deserves. The major arcs in the story can run for about 8 episodes (in this 25 episode series), which can be annoying for some viewers. A lot of the beginning episodes have to do with training and things don’t really take off until the end of the fifth episode. The final episode of the show is strong, but ends on a note that doesn’t necessarily feel right.
The show does have some pacing issues, but it can be forgiven considering how a lot of the story is actually good. There is a plot point that is revealed in episode 7, which can feel pretty cheap and giving into the shonen tropes, but it was surprising to see how it was used throughout the rest of the series. The show is really suspenseful throughout as it is very obvious that not a single character (besides the major three) is safe from the clutches of Titans. Attack on Titan has a pretty high death toll, so it is probably wise to not get too attached to any characters.
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Eren is your typical anime protagonist at the very beginning of the story; he’s loud, energetic, and always willing to fight. Slowly, his character becomes more interesting as he understands that those things about his personality need to change in order to makes sure that he, as well as the rest of humanity, survives. He is very headstrong but also very understanding, making him a more complex character than he initially seems.
Mikasa, Eren’s adopted sister, is the most skilled out of the three of them. She seems pretty natural when it comes to slaying Titans, which could have potentially made her another “Mary Sue” type character. Her weakness however is what really gives her depth. She always has a soft spot for her two friends, Eren in particular. She is very much their mentor as well as their mother-hen, meaning that she will go through any lengths to get them back in line, even if it means having to risk her own life.
Armin starts out as the “whiny” character in the bunch; always being passive and unwilling to stand up for himself. Like with any good story, he changes throughout and becomes one of the most valuable strategists in the military. He is able to put his mind to work in the heat of battle, letting go of how he used to be and embracing what he needs to be.
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The list of side and supportive characters is massive, but that helps with the story. Each one has their own trait which they are remembered for, some more than others. Again, considering the death toll on Attack on Titan, there will be many that will not survive, which leads to some of the more human moments of the show. Episode 23 really showcases this, probably being the best episode in any anime series all year thus far.
From an animation standpoint, everything is done beautifully. The director of the series is Tetsurō Araki, who is known for doing very well detailed shows such as Death Note as well as insane and unbelievable action sequences like those in Highschool of the Dead. The landscapes are incredibly detailed, the character designs are unique to each character, and there is a sense of magnitude when it comes to facing off against the Titans.
The action sequences are one of the best parts of the entire show. Attack on Titan can be recommended on these sequences alone. They are creative, well crafted, and truly suspenseful. There is also the fact that there is a major action sequences in nearly every episode, which only adds to what makes the show really fun.
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When it comes to the music in the show, it really does help build the what the show is trying to portray. There are great orchestral numbers in the more intense parts, and even some hard rock songs at certain points that are pretty appropriate. The first opening song for the show, Feuerroter Pfeil und Bogen (meaning Crimson Bow and Arrow) really captures the show both in the song and the animation sequence. It pumps you up, getting ready for what is to come. The second opening, Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai (This Beautiful Cruel World), while a lot less epic than the first one, does capture a lot of the harsher elements that the show tried to capture.
Attack on Titan has a very interesting premise with animation and characters that well support it. There are times where the story can drag and even come up with elements that feel cliche or are just left unexplored. Some will come to the show for the action and suspense and feel completely satisfied while others who are looking for a deep story exploration may feel a slight pinch of disappointment, but only slight. It ends on a note that very much says “see you next season” (which has yet to be officially green-lit as of yet), which could rub many viewers the wrong way. As it is though, Attack on Titan is a very fun show that has something many fans can enjoy.
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