I have decided to start a short feature dedicated to anime. It’s a worldwide phenomenon and it wiggled its way into my life and became a wonderful… addiction. So what I wanted to do was create a space where I could offer anime fans and even new fans recommendations. With this I’ll be able to talk about the shows that I love and hopefully convince you to watch them or, if you have seen them, open up a dialogue where we can discuss our passion.
To begin with, I’m going to start with some of the first shows that I watched and the more popular ones before spanning off to others. That’s how I started. I watched some of the most popular anime shows at the time and then gradually worked my way through different genres that I never expected to enjoy.
Considering Attack on Titan was my first, as I’m sure it was for many others, I thought I would start there.
I was having a few drinks with my friends when they told me to sit and give Attack on Titan a chance. Reluctantly, I accepted. 7 episodes later…
I was hooked.
I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but the first season was pretty simple. The world has been overrun by giant beings called ‘Titans’ who enjoy consuming human flesh. Remnants of the world have been pushed behind walls and the main characters join the war to eradicate the Titans using steam-based tech. Fairly straight forward, right?
One of my favourite things about this series is how this concept expands and becomes so much more. The show deals with politics, betrayal, ancient histories, and revelations that take the show to an entirely new level. But at it’s core, the first season does a phenomenal job at laying the foundations. The later seasons are where things change… rather drastically as well. If you’re up to date with the manga, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
You fall in love with the characters and what’s great about a show like this is that they all get their time to shine. While Eren, Mikasa and Armin are indeed the main characters, it is highly likely that they won’t be your favourite. That title may go to Levi and Sasha. Throughout the series you do really get to know these characters. Since they’re all in the same boat together, whether it’s through their mutual hate for Titans or their experience of loss, you quickly understand the type of character they are and what makes them tick. However, it is safe to say that there are some surprises in store.
My lips are sealed.
Attack on Titan has some absolutely gorgeous animation. Each season brings a new spectacle and some of the scenes are just epic. The animators at WIT Studio put their absolute all into the big episodes and you can really tell. They have crafted some exhilarating action sequences that have been permanently ingrained into my memory. The Armored Titan’s first appearance, Levi swinging through the streets with his Omni-Directional Gear, and the unforgettable scene on top of Wall Rose , just to name a few. Truly mesmerizing.
On a personal level, one aspect that makes Attack on Titan stand out in comparison to other shows is the music. Without a doubt, Attack on Titan has one of the greatest soundtracks ever to bless my ears. The entire soundtrack is absolutely fantastic. Hiroyuki Sawano created a masterpiece. His tracks make the action sequences even more brilliant and the emotional scenes impact you a lot hard with the soundtrack blaring over the top. I think it’s amazing how music can change a scene, there are so many moments that are just boosted by an amazing choir or a pounding beat.
Check out the addictive opening for Season 1! It’s not my favourite Op- that goes to Seasons 2’s Shinzou wo Sasageyo
This show has the action, the fun, the heart and the surprises that turn a good anime, into a brilliant one. I have been reading the Manga, written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama, but while I am not up-to-date, there are some incredible things coming and to see it animated in all of its glory will be a treat for all anime fans. There are currently 3 seasons out with a 4th on the way. The entire show will come to an end after its fourth season. Interestingly, the Manga is also set to end around the same time.
At the moment, I’m loving the direction it is going in. What amazes me even more is how different the first arc is compared to the more recent ones. It all seemed so simple at first and look at it now.
What do you think of Attack on Titan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Share your favourite characters and favourite moments, we would love to hear about them.
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