By Liam Gallups Posted October 20, 2014
“Attack on Titan” called “Shingeki no Kyojin” (進撃の巨人) in Japan, is one of the most terrifying offerings the anime world has brought to the United States. There is a reason it is on at night, which is the premise of being eaten by giants. For many characters in the show, it is a living nightmare that gnaws on their very beings every moment of every day.
Nearly 100 years before the time the story takes place, giant humanoid creatures called Titans appeared and nearly wiped out humanity. The humans receded into a series of high walls to avoid the beasts and have since settled into an uneasy peace. That all changes 100 years later when a 60-meter-tall Titan breaches a hole in the wall of the Shiganshina district, allowing the beasts inside the walls. The story follows Eren Yeager, his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman, and their friend Armin Arlert. After the attack of their district, they join the military in an attempt to destroy this menace. Eren is especially upset since one of the beasts ate his mother.
Besides the main conflict with the monsters, Eren is seen to possess the odd ability to materialize a Titan body at will, the people struggle to survive the situation, and there is also the ever-present mystery of Eren’s basement.
This show is created at anime studio Production I.G. and the quality of animation is spectacular. Early episodes suffer from the overuse of stills, while other moments make use of CG effects to convey the intensity of action. The art is quite appealing, although some characters tend to look like they’re staring out into space.
The show’s music and sound capture the situation extremely well, conveying all the dark tones the series is known for. The voice acting is palatable at best, although the voice of Eren can be occasionally grating to listen to. Characters like the capable and stern Mikasa, intelligent yet nervous Armin, the stubborn and resolved Eren and the brave nonchalant Levi flesh out the world. Due to the nature of how often characters die whether at the hands of the Titans, by the government, or even by suicide, it is advised not to get attached to any characters despite how much you may sympathize with their situation.
Enter the world of “Attack on Titan” at your own risk. Nobody is safe from the Titan onslaught. Come for the action and the drama, stay for the characters and the story. Just don’t ask where the beasts are coming from.
