Whether or not you’re an anime fan, you’ve probably heard of the wildly popular manga and anime Attack on Titan by now. Sadly, it’s been reported that the current fourth season will be AoT’s last. Fans continue to hope for the opposite and believe that it will go further than the 16 episodes originally set to end on the last weekend of March.
If there’s anything we know as of late, it’s that anything can happen. Attack on Titan the anime can be ending real soon… or it can also be that fans are in for a surprise. Whatever the case may be, we spoke to four fans, Carlos (28), Gorby (28), Ian (27), and Jas (26), to ask what they love most about Attack on Titan and what they will miss most should the series really end this month.
Fair warning: spoilers ahead!
Q: Who’s your favorite character and why?
Carlos: Eren Jaeger. Throughout the series, not only do you see his transformation on a physical scale (as a titan), but also his character development from an arrogant vengeful hero whose wrath against the titans you as an audience would resonate with, into this complicated anti-villain. Aside from this, the series highlights his strength in resolve and his eagerness to act at all times, to learn how to fight better, to put himself in the frontline for his friends, and at times, willingness to sacrifice himself.
Gorby: Although everyone's favorite character is usually Levi, I would have to say that my favorite character right now in AoT is Armin. Armin was always seen as a wimp from the start of the AoT series. Truth be told though, to me, Armin was probably the most human among all of them in the fact that he had so much fear and that he didn't want to kill anyone or hurt anyone. Sure he was weak but he was also very human and kind. He did what he had to do.
Ian: My favorite character is Mikasa. Not only is she beautiful and strong (super shredded too), she is so loyal to her loved ones and is willing to do anything for them. In a cruel world like AoT, you couldn't hope for a better friend/lover.
Jas: Erwin Smith. He’s a well-suited leader with a lot of charisma. Erwin’s brain is so massive, he literally knows everything about each and every conspiracy going anywhere inside or outside the wall and always acts accordingly. He is someone who marches forward no matter the situation and is ready to sacrifice something for greater good. Shinzou Sasageyo!
Q: What will you miss most about Attack on Titan (should it really end this month)?
Carlos: Two things: it's unique story-telling and the musical composition of its tracks. Attack on Titan was able to seamlessly integrate aspects of a dystopian fantasy setting where we initially thought the last remnants of humanity lay behind walls, into themes and concepts of power and warfare closer to our reality. The second is the music. Its bombastic orchestration of how it conveys the emotion of each scene, those that depict hope, turmoil, confidence, desperation, resolution. I don't think the series would be the same without the accompaniment of these epic musical scores.
Gorby: What I'm going to miss the most about Attack on Titan would have to be the fact that it was animated so well and that the story was so gripping. There were some parts that weren't really that well explained, but that's alright. The overall story was a roller coaster
Ian: I will miss the epic soundtrack the most. There have been so many songs that give you goosebumps whenever you listen to them.
Jas: I’ve been emotionally invested in this series for more than 5 years so I’ll definitely miss A LOT. First of all, its incredible story, it’s approach to storytelling, and the massive narrative in play. Second, the well-written characters and how, in my opinion, there’s no absolute good and absolute evil character in AoT. Lastly, the MUSIC!!! The work that Hiroyuki Sawano does on AoT is some of the best in the business. The anime features the perfect orchestral accompaniments that pull the most emotion out of the major intense scenes.
Q: Will you recommend the anime to those who have not seen it yet? Why or why not?
Carlos: Absolutely, 100%! I have never seen an anime quite like Attack on Titan. From its unique story with ever changing twists from every season, the development and interaction of the characters with each holding up to their own distinct personality, the amazing soundtrack that compliments its climactic and emotional scenes, and the quality of the animation, Attack on Titan is definitely an experience that anyone, even those who do not watch anime, must give it a shot.
Gorby: I would recommend this anime to anyone. Although I wouldn't recommend it for someone who doesn't have a strong stomach. I would recommend this anime because it’s such a unique concept and a unique story with gripping characters and extreme action.
Ian: I recommend it only for those not faint of heart! It is epic and exciting but, especially in the last season and towards the very end of the series, it gets much darker very dramatically. However, if that's what you're looking for, this will definitely be an unforgettable anime/manga.
Jas: My answer is yes and no. Yes because the show's story itself is very well-written and remarkably planned. It’s not your typical predictable shonen series and has a lot of completely unexpected plot twists. There's almost no scope for you to feel bored or uninterested, and that's because the story's progression will keep you on the edge of your seat. No because AoT is not just a dark fantasy and horror shonen anime. It also has a couple of tragic, depressing moments as the story gets more intense. This can be a grueling experience for fans who have developed a connection with the characters/cast.
Hey, Attack on Titan fans! What will you miss most about the anime? Do you really think it will end this month? We’d love to hear what you have to say in the comments!
