This Crunchyroll Anime is the Attack on Titan Space Opera You Didn’t Know You Needed!

by

In 2013, “Attack on Titan” burst onto screens, not only altering the anime world but also transforming it with its devastating battles, shocking plot twists, and heart-wrenching struggle against colossal Titans. The series became a cultural sensation, yet even as “AoT” ruled news headlines and Reddit discussions, two lesser-known masterpieces were subtly carving their own paths on the outskirts of mainstream popularity. Meet “Knights of Sidonia” and “Blame!”, the brooding space operas that intertwined existential angst with a futuristic mecha anime narrative.

During the height of Attack on Titan‘s fame, shows like Knights of Sidonia (2014-2015) and the movie adaptation of Blame! (2017) dared to pose an intriguing question: what if humanity’s battles weren’t earthbound skirmishes with Titans, but survival struggles against monstrous aliens or advanced AI in the frigid expanse of space? Although the timing wasn’t perfect, these series offered a captivating contrast to Attack on Titan‘s traditional military themes. Initially, Knights of Sidonia was exclusive to Netflix before moving to Crunchyroll, while the 2017 film version of Blame! is still available on Netflix, along with limited availability for its shorter ONA series from 2003 and 2007.

Survival at the Edge of the Universe

Experience a fusion of “Battlestar Galactica” and “Pacific Rim,” seasoned with a pinch of existential anxiety—welcome to the realm of “Knights of Sidonia.” A thousand years after Earth’s demise, this anime chronicles humanity as they struggle for survival aboard the colossal vessel, Sidonia. Similar to the fortress Paradis in “Attack on Titan,” Sidonia is enveloped by peril. However, the threat here comes not from titans but the terrifying Gauna—aliens who feast on entire fleets with their horrifying, shape-shifting forms.

The main character, Nagate Tanikaze, who has been preserved in cold storage, operates an enormous robot to ward off terrifying adversaries. Similar to the series ‘Attack on Titan’, it’s possible that the greatest threat might stem from within his broken community itself. Dark secrets, political maneuverings, and disturbing physical abnormalities lurk beneath Sidonia’s metallic shell, making each battle seem like a precarious lifeline amidst the cold, endless void of space.

In a departure from traditional survival horror, there’s “Blame!”, a film adaptation that offers a unique spin. Rather than focusing on a society battling monstrous threats to human existence, this series centers around the solitary explorer, Killy, who journeys to restore humanity within an infinite, dystopian megastructure controlled by a rogue AI. The city is reminiscent of a desolate wasteland, and as Killy traverses its silent corridors, he encounters lethal AI enforcers known as the Safeguard. Similar to “Attack on Titan”, both series explore the pressing question of just how far we’ll go to survive when extinction is imminent – albeit in a more futuristic backdrop.

What Makes Fans Obsess Over These Space Operas?

Enthusiasts of both “Knights of Sidonia” and “Blame!” aren’t just drawn to the visual spectacle; they find themselves deeply engaged by the profound, philosophical underpinnings beneath each conflict. In “Knights of Sidonia,” the Gauna are not merely monstrous creatures; they serve as a symbolic power, reflecting the wild, untamed aspects of nature that even the most advanced societies cannot subdue. Nagate’s battles, whether in his mecha or within the halls of Sidonia, echo the same raw determination that captivated fans of “Attack on Titan.

Blame! conveys a chilling, dystopian atmosphere through sparse dialogue and striking visuals. Each stride Killy takes along the endless corridors resonates with a silent cry reverberating in a metallic tomb. Moreover, these series not only explore themes of survival and the price of defiance, but also exhibit a visual and emotional style that reflects the moral complexity and existential angst of Attack on Titan. Unlike Attack on Titan‘s expansive, character-centric narrative, these titles don’t always provide straightforward answers. Instead, they allow their fractured worlds to express their haunting beauty autonomously.

Two series, both stemming from Tsutomu Nihei’s groundbreaking manga creations – “Knights of Sidonia” (2009-2015) and “Blame!” (1997-2003) – are renowned for their elaborate, vast designs and a haunting, cybernetic style that challenges you to avert your gaze. Though they didn’t capture the global attention garnered by “AoT”, perhaps because of their use of CGI, they have maintained a dedicated following among those in the know. Among fans, the 2003 Original Net Animations (ONA) of “Blame!” by Group TAC and the 2007 prequel mini episodes from Production I.G are often preferred, yet they are harder to find for streaming audiences.

Where to Watch These Hidden Space Operas

In the realm where every dark corner conceals danger and every passageway hides a mystery, survival becomes a blend of skill and battle. “Attack on Titan” posed the question, “How far would you go for humanity?” However, “Knights of Sidonia” and “Blame!” respond with a cosmic roar. In these anime series, set in a universe where every shadow could be a menace, endurance isn’t just about living; it’s about fighting. Although they may not possess the widespread popularity or lasting impact of “Attack on Titan,” for those brave enough to dive into their dark futures, they provide an eerie and indelible voyage.

Ready to unearth some overlooked gems in the anime world? Look no further than these streaming platforms! The captivating duo of seasons from “Knights of Sidonia” and its 2021 cinematic conclusion, titled “Knights of Sidonia: Love Woven in the Stars,” can be found on Crunchyroll. For those who crave more, the film adaptation of “Blame!” can be streamed on Netflix. However, dedicated enthusiasts might insist that the original manga by Tsutomu Nihei is the best way to truly immerse oneself in the author’s unique vision.

Read More

2025-05-07 04:16