Addiction, bias (and Attack on Titan) (episode of the perenthesis)

When it comes to anime there is one area in which I have a small bias. Mecha anime. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's anime with machines such as mechs, gundams, and EVA. I am going to throw myself under the bus here and say that I do not particularly like that sort of anime in 9/10 cases. There are exceptions of course, don't get me wrong! Evangelion, Vandread, and yes, Zoids, are prime examples of mech anime done right.





When I was first told about Attack on Titan, to me, it sounded like another mecha anime and so I said I would get to it later. "But Otaaaaaku!" My friend asserted, "It's amaaaaaaazing, and you need to watch it now!!!!" Well, I didn't inquire further, I and I didn't watch it... ...Until at least a year later, when it came up with my brother, and let me just say that I was wrong. It's amaaaaaaazing.







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Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)



Episodes: 25 regular, 6 specials, and 2 episodes of the side story: Ilse no Tenchou ( [The] Notebook of Ilse)



Age rating: Everyone (note: I...kind of disagree with this if you are concerned about blood/violence)



Tags: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Super Power



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Attack on Titan tells the story of the last remaining humans on earth. The humans have been pushed back to the brink of extinction by the titans; (giant human-like creatures that lack any intelligence) that about 100 years ago appeared out of nowhere and started eating people for no discernible reason, because why not.



The remaining humans built a 100 meter wall to keep the titans out of their city, a wall within that wall, and a final wall within THAT wall, where the royal family and nobility live. (Leave it to humans to be elitist even when backed against a corner.) For 100 years this wall prevailed at keeping the titans out, until one day a colossal titan appeared out of nowhere (this thing was freaking HUGE!) and  tears down the wall, allowing a swarm of other titans to swarm in and murder the crap out of a large percentage of the remaining survivors.



The humans are driven back behind the second wall, and must defend what little they have left, while also attempting to take back what is theirs.

 The three walls.

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Eren Jaeger

 Eren Yeager (Jaeger) is our main protagonist in this story, he is a boy dedicated to joining the recon(survey) corps, (a group with the task of going out past the wall, where the titans roam free and then learning everything they can about how to defeat the titans) On the day the titans attack, Eren suffers a great loss, and swears revenge on the titans no matter what the cost.








A few other main characters include:

Armin Arlert

Armin Arlert - Armin is a little complex. Unfortunately, he suffers from a pretty extreme lack of
self confidence, and often doubts his plans even when he deep down
probably knows they are best solution to a situation. He does tend to cry a lot, and is
for the most part a coward, which at times does cause issues.  However, what he lacks in confidence and bravery, he easily makes up for in determination and aptitude. At his core he is a good kid,
and is easily the smartest of the group. He is able to think of a plan for any
situation, even in the heat of battle. I feel for the kid. I couldn't look a titan in the face and
not cry either.

Mikasa Ackerman with her 3D-Manuever gear.

Mikasa Ackerman - Mikasa is my idea of what a badass should be. She is
not perfect. Mikasa is very driven by emotion, and is dedicated to
protecting Eren, even if it costs her her own life. She stands by him,
and is very protective of him, even in non life threatening situations.
She is a genius at using 3D-manuever gear (think spider man, it's how the
military of this world get around) and more than a little efficient
with her swords. She has a very calm demeanor, and is not quick to
anger, however if Eren does end up in danger she can be kind of an
idiot.





Normally I would only mention the main characters of the story, but I feel that this guy deserves an honorable mention

Thats...Levi, Sonic the hedgehoging (TM) a titan.

Levi Ackerman

Levi Ackerman* - Levi is the one person in that is able to put Mikasa to shame in terms of skill. Nobody in the entire anime is able to use 3D maneuver gear as well as him, or fight with his strength, skill, and precision. His ability to analyze and make decisions on the battlefield also almost rivals Armin's and as such, because of his battle prowess, he is significantly more dangerous. Levi is not above doing what he needs to do to get things done and is very closed off emotionally. His expression almost never changes, making it is near impossible to tell what he is thinking. Deep down he is caring however and will do whatever is necessary to protect his friends, his team, and the rest of humanity. On a side note; Levi is a bit of a clean freak (understatement) and often even during battle, will make sure that his equipment and his person is clean at all times.





*(Though he and Mikasa share a last name, at this time their relationship is unknown)







As always, there are plenty more characters, but I will let you discover them yourself.



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There isn't a whole lot to say other than that this is the first anime that I have ever watched that had me shouting at my computer. Also, over 3 days, I did almost nothing but watch it and work. 10/10



If there is only one anime you are going to watch in the next month, let it be this one. (also, the way it recaps is perfect.)  It is an intense journey, but one well worth your time.

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*ALL IMAGES ARE FROM GOOGLE IMAGES AND ARE PROPERTY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS*





The Anime:



http://www.animefreak.tv/watch/shingeki-no-kyojin-online