Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Attack On Titan: The Hottest New Anime From Japan Is The Very Definition of Epic and It's Available Now!


It's been a while since I posted an anime on here, partially because I haven't seen one that I fell head over heals for in a long time (I'm picky, remember?). I think this post will more than make up for it.

http://www.amazon.com/Attack-Titan-Part-Blu-ray-Combo/dp/B00FXB8RRO/ref=tmm_mfc_title_0/181-5083310-1490048After a hundred years of peace within the walls, a monstrous giant has felled the gate, allowing titans to enter and feast on humans.

It was Eren's dream to see the world beyond the walls, but when he is witness to a titan devouring his mother, he vows to kill every titan. Penned in a cage of their own making, it's a matter of time before the human race becomes extinct. Only one dormant secret can save them, if Eren can find it.


I stumbled on this while browsing Netflix and was hooked in the first minute (normally it takes me a whole episode, but the concept was so high and I had to know what those belt devices were that allowed soldiers to maneuver around like Spider-Man). Later I learned that Attack on Titan was all the rage in Japan last year. Some say it's A Game of Thrones meets The Walking Dead (which makes sense to me, because no one is safe and people get eaten left and right).

After "devouring" the first season, I can say this is one of those shows that grabs from the very beginning and continues to surprise. Just when you think you've figured out a piece of the giant puzzle, something new enters the scene and changes the paradigm. I haven't seen an anime with such a large host of well-developed supporting characters and plenty of jaw-dropping mindscrew moments since Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, presently my favorite anime series.

But it's not just about giants eating people and people fighting back. There's a wealth of themes here, inviting the viewer to watch the tough questions and their sense of morality in a cutthroat world. And how the power of fear can bring out the worst, and the best, in us.

As content goes, I wouldn't say this show is for the faint of heart. It's TV-14, if that helps. Much of the violence is gritty, yet implied, with a few squeamish moments. The language is tame and there's really no sexual content to speak of (unless giant, naked, genital-less giants fit that bill--world building explains all that). The story propels itself with a breakneck speed, so it doesn't have time for distractions like that (or fan service ... thank you very much!). I can't wait for the second season. Hopefully the show will maintain its epic momentum.

I highly recommend Attack on Titan for your viewing enjoyment.

Cosmic Crullers:

Are you a fan of Japanese animation? What's your favorite? Doesn't the idea of giants trying to eat you sound absolutely terrifying?

I'm David, and "just like that, everything changed ..."

21 comments:

  1. I like gritty. Will check it out on NetFlix.

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  2. This one does sound good. I used to like Inuyasha, but it's been ages since I've watched any anime.

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  3. "After "devouring" the first season" <-- lol. :)

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  4. I remember seeing the trailer for this some time back and thinking it was a bit too weird for me. Perhaps I'll give the first few eps a try.

    mood

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  5. It really is a show that hooks you. I can't think of anything to add; it's strong for exactly the reasons. The dubbed version doesn't seem to be watering it down any, thankfully.

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  6. Uh oh. I'm not into anime, but my daughter is. A cross between Game of Thrones and Walking Dead? She'll never come up for air ...

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  7. It's been a long time since I watched anime outside of an occasional movie. Is the whole show subtitled? That's better than dubbed.

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    1. It's subbed on Netflix. But if you rent the discs it should have the original dialogue and subs in the options. :)

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  8. I see the previews for that on Adult Swim. It looks weird, but then so does a lot of anime.

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  9. We have the same favourite anime :)
    I watched Attack on Titan last year (I watch it in Japanese with the English subtitles) and I loved it! Definitely a good recommendation, I can't wait until the next season comes out.

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  10. Oh, this looks good! I do enjoy anime. :) Thanks for sharing!

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  11. Ooh, this sounds excellent! And I happen to have Netflix.
    My sister and I went through an all-anime phase for a while, but I haven't watched any lately. Definitely time to fix that.

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  12. I don't wait anime but I noticed on my Netflix account that one of my children watched this movie.

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  13. I've wanted to get into more anime but just don't know where to start. You should put together a list. A beginners guide to anime.

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  14. To me, what differentiates a well done high-action flick with an exceptionally well done high-action flick is the integration of ther real, hard questions that human grapple with. Sounds like this one is exceptional.

    PS Thanks for your recent visits. Sorry I've been so slow to reciprocate. Have a great weekend, David.

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  15. Thanks for pointing this out. I may begin watching this tonight. I need something to sink my teeth into now that Game of Thrones has ended and there's a long summer of empty programming ahead. Well I guess I do have Defiance, Dominion, and the Strain to watch...

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  16. I totally watched this on Netflix a few months ago. I liked it. Everyone I know who has watched it has loved it. I didn't love it as much, but I thought it was good. :)

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  17. Wow. *shudders* Hubby was ready to stop watching Walking Dead during the intro. lol He's such a softie.

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  18. I've been meaning to try out more anime. This sounds like a good one!

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  19. Yeah, I'm pretty picky too, but this one looks good. Thansk for sharing!

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