Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan: A Struggle for Humanity and Freedom

Created by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) has become one of the most popular works in the modern anime and manga world. First published as a manga in 2009 and later adapted into an anime in 2013, the series depicts humanity’s struggle for survival against colossal Titans. However, beneath this surface story lies deep philosophical and political themes.

Plot and Story Progression

Attack on Titan takes place in a world where humanity has retreated behind three massive walls to protect themselves from gigantic, man-eating Titans. Our protagonist, Eren Yeager, lives in the Shiganshina district with his closest friends, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert. One day, the 60-meter-tall "Armored Titan" and "Colossal Titan" breach the walls, allowing the Titans to invade and cause mass devastation. Eren's mother is killed in this attack, and he vows to exterminate all Titans.

Following this tragic event, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin join the Survey Corps, humanity’s last hope. As the story progresses, the origins of the Titans, the secrets behind the walls, and hidden conspiracies about human history are gradually revealed. Eren and his friends find themselves fighting not only against Titans but also against corrupt governments, secret organizations, and their own inner conflicts.

Themes and Meaning

Attack on Titan is not just an action-packed survival story; it is also a deep narrative that questions human nature, the meaning of freedom, and the devastation brought by war. The main themes include:

Freedom and Restrictions: Eren’s greatest desire is freedom, but the series constantly questions what true freedom means and whether it is even attainable.

War and Human Nature: The concept of the enemy is ever-changing. As the truth about the Titans is unveiled, humanity itself becomes the greatest threat.

Power and Responsibility: Characters who gain power pay a heavy price for it. Eren’s journey reflects this theme in the most striking way.

Truth and Manipulation: How is history written? Are people ready to learn the truth? These questions form some of the series' most significant turning points.

Characters and Development

Eren Yeager: Initially an angry and idealistic young man, he gradually transforms into a dark and complex character. His evolution is one of the most captivating aspects of the series.

Mikasa Ackerman: Known for her unwavering devotion to Eren and exceptional combat skills, Mikasa's journey toward discovering her own identity becomes a focal point.

Armin Arlert: Though physically weak, his intelligence and strategic thinking make him one of the most crucial figures in humanity’s fate.

Levi Ackerman: The strongest soldier in the Survey Corps, Levi is a cold yet highly skilled leader.

Reiner Braun: Initially introduced as one of Eren’s greatest enemies, Reiner later develops into a tragic and deeply complex character.

Conclusion

Attack on Titan constantly surprises and challenges its audience with unexpected twists and profound themes. It stands out not only for its action-packed scenes but also for its character development, political intrigue, and philosophical dilemmas. As one of the most remarkable works in modern storytelling, this series has secured a unique place in the anime and manga world.