Attack on Titan Did WHAT?! You Won’t Believe It!

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During its run from 2013 to 2023, “Attack on Titan” gripped us all tightly with its enigmatic plot. Viewers were eager to decipher the riddles of the Titans, understand why humans lived within walls, and justify Eren’s actions. Despite the series having concluded, I still find myself revisiting it in search of more answers and mysteries. It may not appear so, given the esteemed reputation of shows in the “Big Three” and anime’s extensive history, but it is scarce for a series to have such an enduring influence, and “Attack on Titan” achieved this by taking bold risks that other productions seldom dare to take.

Initially, the early episodes of “Attack on Titan” appeared to follow a common pattern for an action series, focusing on a boy’s vow for revenge against the monsters who claimed his mother’s life. However, starting from Episode 5, when Eren was consumed, the narrative took a dramatic turn. It’s simple to overlook the boldness of “Attack on Titan”‘s storyline and the daring risks it undertook.

What Made Attack on Titan a “Brave” Anime?

Showing an anime beginner the first and final episode of “Attack on Titan” back-to-back might leave them puzzled, thinking they watched two distinct shows. Over its four seasons, “Attack on Titan” dared to take massive risks and veer off in directions that viewers never anticipated. These unexpected twists deviated the series from its initial premise. When a narrative strays from its original foundation, it can potentially lose its audience, a common fate for many shows. However, “Attack on Titan” did this repeatedly, and I believe the series benefited from such bold choices.

The show “Attack on Titan” faced a risk of losing viewers due to its refusal to provide definitive answers about right and wrong. During the last season, I noticed a significant moral disagreement among fans regarding Eren’s actions as he moved closer to becoming an outright war criminal. Despite this divide, many fans still found themselves backing his choices. Unlike other shows with clear-cut protagonists and antagonists, “Attack on Titan” did not provide easy answers about good versus evil. Instead, it portrayed its characters as having their own flaws, which allowed viewers to relate their personal experiences to the characters and create a wide range of opinions among fans. Personally, I found myself sympathizing with Armin’s viewpoint and opposing Eren’s actions, but I can see why others might support his decisions.

In Season 4, the series took an unexpected turn by shifting focus from Eren to the Marleyans, venturing overseas. Initially, it seemed like a mistake to many fans, including me, as we thought we were watching a different show. However, “Attack on Titan” didn’t opt for the simple route of portraying the Marleyans as one-dimensional villains intent on capturing and tormenting the Eldians on Paradis Island. Instead, we encountered child soldiers from Marley, delved deeper into the world’s history, and found ourselves questioning the morality of both sides when it was revealed that both had been manipulated through years of propaganda to engage in conflict against each other.

How did Attack on Titan manage to take such risks and achieve massive success? There are numerous elements that contributed to this. Initially, the surprising twist in Episode 5, followed by the enigma surrounding Eren’s titan in Episode 6, provided a captivating hook that allowed the show to redefine its essence. This early reveal of the unexpected set the stage for the series to explore bolder risks in later seasons. Furthermore, Attack on Titan boasts an enthralling narrative with intricate characters, a striking soundtrack, and top-notch animation and action. Without these engaging elements, the story’s mystery and plot twists would lack impact.

Attack on Titan Had The Entire Anime Community Talking

If, just like you, I followed the weekly release of Attack on Titan, then we both experienced the heyday of animated series discussions at water coolers. Although Game of Thrones was a major talking point in mainstream television, the anime community was enthralled with dissecting fan theories and the fresh episodes of Attack on Titan. I recall being part of numerous heated discussions online about the show’s enigmatic questions, unexpected turns, and speculations concerning its lore and world.

In the thrilling world of Sasha, no character was ever secure, a reality that deeply saddened its devoted followers (Rest in Peace, taken prematurely). Each installment brimmed with significant unveilings and doubled the number of puzzles to ponder. There was an abundance of thought-provoking conversations and debates waiting to be had. Since then, no anime has left a cultural imprint as profound and captivating as Attack on Titan. While some series such as Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Dandadan have approached the mark for various reasons, none has quite matched its impact. The show has served as a trailblazer in anime and manga, encouraging more creators to take daring risks. I eagerly anticipate future works with such courage, not just for the promise of exceptional anime but to rekindle that fervor among fans.

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2025-04-14 17:11