Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) is based on a manga series of the same name by Isayama Hajime which began in 2009. The anime series adaptation, produced by Wit Studio and Production I.G. and directed by Araki Tetsuro, began airing on Mainichi Broadcasting System in 2013. Both the manga(s) and anime series are still in production today along with light novels, video games, a live-action film that will premiere in 2015, and theatrical OVA adaptations to come. The series to date has one season consisting of 25 episodes.
The story is set in a
post-apocalyptic world where, one hundred years prior to where the show begins,
humanity is driven to the brink of extinction by giant humanoid creatures
called Titans. Titans terrorize towns by
eating humans alive without remorse. On
average they are 3-15 meters tall. They
have no reproductive organs and don’t need to eat so they seem to be committing
these cruel acts without reason, possibly just for amusement. Now humans have been driven behind three
large walls they constructed to keep out titans. They live in peace for one hundred years
until one fateful day a colossal titan (60-meters tall) appears out of nowhere,
towering over the wall and smashes a hole in it that lets smaller titans
through. These titans ravage the
townspeople, forcing survivors to retreat into the inner districts.
The series mainly
follows Eren Yeager, the son of a well-known doctor in his district, Mikasa
Ackerman, his adopted sister taken in by his family when they were young kids
after Mikasa’s parents were murdered, and their friend Armin Arlert. After Eren loses his mother to a titan, he
vows to kill all titans and the three of them join the Scout Regiment
(military) to fight titans and protect humanity.
The plot of the earlier
episodes in the season moves very quickly, throwing unexpected punches and
comes to a slower pace as the season goes on and monologues and relationships
between characters become more involved. Much of this excitement happens in the very
first episode. The episode opens with a
fast-forward to the colossal titan’s attack and the narrator reciting a line
that will become prominent in the series: “Humanity was suddenly reminded that
day… of the terror of being at their mercy… of the humiliation of being trapped
inside a cage…” The scene shifts then to
the Scout Regiment riding out to the forest to fight a titan. They use their vertical maneuvering devices
to fly through the trees and lunge to kill the titan.
Cue dramatic, exciting theme song. Eren expresses his interest in joining the
Scout Regiment despite having seen the casualties they incur. Both Mikasa and his mother discourage him
from doing so, but he seems set in his ways. Eren’s father makes no fuss about
it; arguing that he can’t keep Eren from making his own choice. Eren and Mikasa save Armin from bullies and
afterward listen as Armin tells them of his worries that just because they’ve had
peace for one hundred years doesn’t mean the walls will continue to protect
them today.
Moments later, lightning strikes and seems to shake the earth around them. The colossal titan appears out of nowhere behind the wall and begins to destroy it and let smaller titans through who then eat many of the townspeople. While others are running away from the horror, Eren realizes his childhood home, with his mother Carla inside, is near the danger so he and Mikasa run to check. Armin finds himself too scared to follow. Eren finds that his home has been crushed by debris and his mother is trapped underneath.
He and Mikasa desperately try to lift a
pillar off of her, but with titans nearby his mother pleads with him to run and
protect themselves since she couldn’t run anyway as her legs have been crushed. Eren refuses but Scout Regiment Officer
Hannes swoops in to help. Carla begs
Hannes to run with the children but he insists he can kill the titan, now
approaching the house, and save all three of them. He draws his sword but when face to face with
the horrifying monster his fear gets the better of him and, scooping up Mikasa
and Eren, runs in the direction of safety.
Eren flails in attempts to break free as he watches his mother’s figure
grow smaller in the distance. The titan
then picks her up and eats her alive as Eren watches in sheer horror. The credits roll, blood flies across the
screen and the narrator recites that same great quote.
Moments later, lightning strikes and seems to shake the earth around them. The colossal titan appears out of nowhere behind the wall and begins to destroy it and let smaller titans through who then eat many of the townspeople. While others are running away from the horror, Eren realizes his childhood home, with his mother Carla inside, is near the danger so he and Mikasa run to check. Armin finds himself too scared to follow. Eren finds that his home has been crushed by debris and his mother is trapped underneath.
Crazy first episode, right?
But you’re hooked! Or at least, I certainly was. It’s a bit goory but not needlessly so. It’s full of emotion with moments of perfect
syncopation between plot and soundtrack or lack-there-of. The illustrations are beautifully done and
the scenes and progression match the manga almost perfectly.
This series seems
targeted at younger generations, especially obvious in its airing on things
like Toonami in the US. However, I
wouldn’t be surprised if its viewers extend to all ages (probably not too young
though, since it does contain a lot of graphic material). It centers around themes of revolution, the
fight for what is right and the hopelessness felt by the younger generations in
the face of the terrors of the world. The
invading titans are a horrific force of power and need to be fought before they
destroy all of humanity. Characters (and
in turn the audience) are urged not to be complacent but to stand up against
injustice and for what is right for the good of the people. There are also hints at the ruling class (king,
etc.) being a corrupt system that exists to benefit and protect themselves rather
than its people.
Attack on Titan was and
is very popular in many Asian countries and is regarded in a variety of
different ways. Some reception of this
series has been negative such as accusations of portraying a militaristic message
similar to the political stances of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Others claim the invader titans as a metaphor
for Mainland China. While there are
clear messages of militarism and a fight for the good in humanity, the themes
in this series are up for the viewer’s interpretation; one of the reasons why
so many have taken such a liking to it.
I definitely recommend
others to watch this series! I finished
the season in about a week because I enjoyed it so much and had to know what
would happen next. Despite the plot
dragging on slowly for a bit in the middle and sometimes oddly convenient
plot-twists, it’s a visually appealing and exciting anime to watch. In making the manga, Isayama (and in turn the
director to the series) holds nothing back.
It’s a show filled with real emotion and compelling history that gave me
a new appreciation for anime.
The entire first season is on Netflix for those who have it. Or for free on Hulu: click me!
You can also read the entire manga here: click me!Attack on Titan Wiki
