"Attack on Titan," otherwise known as "Shingeki no Kyojin," depicts humanity's struggle to endure the harsh realities of survival within a constrained environment, while also illustrating how each individual copes and adapts. Among those a ected by the first Titan breach into the walls that had protected humanity for years was Eren Yeager, a young man fueled by a deep desire to protect humanity. However, as the story unfolds, a dramatic shift in his personal growth and perspective forces his initial dreams of joining the Survey Corps—known as the military branch that operates outside the safety of the walls to explore and gather information about the world beyond, as well as to directly engage in the confrontation and elimination of Titans—to evolve into a new, morally complex objective, one that challenges him to reshape the entire world's power structures in the pursuit of his vision for humanity's future. What begins as a tale of a village boy seeking revenge against towering humanoid predators for invading his home and killing his mother evolves into a complex narrative of political intrigue and humanity's own self-destructive tendencies. Japanese Mangaka, Hajime Isayama, crafts a dystopian series capturing humanity's attempt to survive a world dominated by titans. Join me as I explain four interesting features this story has!

Hints of future events that will shape the series become strikingly clear upon closer examination. A moment captured in [Season 3, Episode 22] demonstrates the amazing foreshadowing done in the series as the the accessory she presents to Eren as a prize for his bravery in safeguarding the people of Eldia from adversaries, ironically reveals his final anatomical form as a titan shifter when he later emerges as the plot's biggest antagonist, poised to annihilate his own race as it was revealed that the people living within the walls were not the last remaining humans on Earth.

Attack on Titan is also renowned for its abundant symbolism, making it easy to find elements that reflect the characters and situations. One detail that frequently presents itself to viewers is the appearance of birds throughout the series. Enthusiasts within the fandom connect the birds’ mobility with Eren’s desperation and eagerness to achieve ultimate freedom, a longing that has driven him since the series’ inception. Just as birds exhibit determination to soar through the skies, Eren’s relentless drive to advance and fulfill his goals mirrors this avian symbolism.

Considering the surprising twists in the storyline, it’s hard not to applaud this animated series for its impactful narrative surprises. While some might initially view the tale as a familiar trope—featuring a hot-headed protagonist driven by vengeance following his parents' death—Attack on Titan transcends such clichés. The series is replete with compelling climaxes and character development, notably with Eren Jaeger’s evolution from a straightforward hero to the central antagonist. This transformation from simplicity to complexity is enough to leave viewers in awe, showcasing a narrative depth that elevates it beyond the ordinary.

In addition to the impressive foreshadowing, powerful symbolism, and evolving narrative, another noteworthy aspect of Attack on Titan is its incorporation of real-life events into the series. The show vividly captures the raw emotions that humanity experiences during times of upheaval, ensuring a profound depiction of the enduring impact of war on the human psyche. For instance, the use of armbands to denote di erent races within the series echoes historical instances of racial discrimination, such as the practices seen in Germany during World War II. This parallel underscores the series' ability to reflect and resonate with real-world issues, adding more depth to its themes.

As Attack on Titan continues to combine elements that reflect real-life parallels, it delivers a story capable of leaving viewers both captivated and challenged. The complex journeys of moral dilemmas, power shifts, and personal ideals have greatly struck audiences with similar experiences. Overall, the masterful portrayal of humanity's struggles allows this series to stand out and remain an interest to the public.

References

Motamayor, R. (2023, November 5). ‘Attack on Titan’ ends how its creator always envisioned. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/05/arts/television/attack-on-titan.html

Carey, K. (2023, November 7). How ‘Attack on Titan’ became one of the most impactful, polarizing anime ever. The Daily Beast. https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/how-attack-on-titan-became-one-of-the-most-impactful-polarizing-anime-ever

Decoding Attack on Titan: A Comprehensive Summary and review. (2023, March 4). Fuse Tees. https://fusetees.wordpress.com/2023/03/05/decoding-attack-on-titan-a-comprehensive-summary-and-review/