Attack on Titan, also known as Shingeki no Kyojin, is a manga series written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama. The story takes place in a world where humanity is forced to live within walls due to the existence of Titans, giant humanoid creatures who devour humans without any apparent reason. The manga was first published in 2009 and has since become a worldwide phenomenon, with its gripping plot, complex characters, and intense action scenes. In this review, we'll take a closer look at what makes Attack on Titan one of the most popular manga series of all time.
Plot Summary
The story of Attack on Titan follows Eren Yeager, a young boy who witnesses the death of his mother at the hands of a Titan. Driven by a desire for revenge, Eren joins the Survey Corps, a military organization tasked with protecting humanity from the Titans. Together with his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, Eren embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of the Titans and discover a way to defeat them once and for all.
Themes
One of the most striking aspects of Attack on Titan is its exploration of themes related to survival and betrayal. Throughout the series, we see characters struggle to survive in a world where death is always just around the corner. We also see how betrayal can have devastating consequences, as characters are forced to choose between their own interests and the greater good.
Characters
The characters in Attack on Titan are some of the most complex and well-developed in any manga series. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin form the core of the story, with each character having their own unique motivations and personalities. Other notable characters include Levi, the stoic captain of the Survey Corps, and Erwin Smith, the charismatic leader of the organization. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, making them feel like real people rather than just archetypes.
Artwork
The artwork in Attack on Titan is stunning, with highly detailed illustrations and dynamic action scenes. The Titans themselves are some of the most terrifying creatures ever depicted in the manga, with their towering size and grotesque features. The use of shading and lighting adds to the overall mood of the series, with dark and ominous tones used to reflect the harsh reality of the world in which the story takes place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Attack on Titan is a must-read for any fan of manga or anime. The series is an epic tale of survival and betrayal, with complex characters, intense action scenes, and a gripping plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The manga has already been adapted into an anime series, several video games, and a live-action movie, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. So if you're looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking manga series, look no further than Attack on Titan.