Anime Review: Shingeki no Kyojin / Attack on Titan (2013)

Genre: action, fantasy, horror, dystopia, military, tragedy, post-apocalyptic
Release date: 2013
Episodes: 25

Plot
Several hundred years ago, humans were nearly exterminated by titans. Titans are typically several stories tall, seem to have no intelligence, devour human beings and, worst of all, seem to do it for the pleasure rather than as a food source. A small percentage of humanity survived by walling themselves in a city protected by extremely high walls, even taller than the biggest of titans. Flash forward to the present and the city has not seen a titan in over 100 years. Teenage boy Eren and his foster sister Mikasa witness something horrific as the city walls are destroyed by a colossal titan that appears out of thin air. As the smaller titans flood the city, the two kids watch in horror as their mother is eaten alive. Eren vows that he will murder every single titan and take revenge for all of mankind. (adapted from Anime News Network)

Review
The plot itself is quite simple and can be summed up as: a war for survival. However, the story is interesting and fast paced. It also doesn't shy away from brutal, gory scenes such as crushed limbs, dead bodies decomposing, snapped necks, and lots of blood. Blood everywhere actually! Despite the brutality, this anime does explore important themes such as feelings of weakness, hopelessness, hope, death and destruction, terror and vengeance.

The three main characters (Eren, Mikasa, Armin) are well developed, and their friendship (strong and supportive) is well illustrated and enjoyable to watch. Some of the supporting characters are also focused but minimal. However, most characters are killed by titans as soon as they are being introduced or 1-2 episodes later so it is hard to truly make an impression of them. The art is decent but not spectacular. However, the animation is very well done especially the fighting scenes and the use of the 3D Maneuver gear. In terms of sound, it is good, and the opening theme song is very fitting for this anime.

Overall, it is an intriguing action/ fantasy/ horror anime that is bound to surprise you. (8.5/10)