Attack on Titan

This show is one thing...gruesome. No shadow to cover up of dead bodies, instead we see blood splattering on faces and windows, everywhere. So the whole plot starts with a huge titan that breaks the wall of human civilization. As a result, many people die, including a Eren's mother. This drives Eren to become a soldier.
Titan: over sized humans-like creatures who are capable to consume humans.

Eren Jaeger
A heavily violent boy, with the right reasons? Good thing about him is he refocuses his anger toward other things, like titans and villains. Even though he is hot tempered, he works hard for the sake of freedom. Willing to put his life on the line without any fear or restrictions. This helps him be fifth in his class.

Mikasa Ackerman
A quiet girl who is the only person with oriental background. She lost her parents because of the greed, as a result, she becomes strong. Seen to be very attached to Eren because of some sort of romantic/sibling feeling for him. Even following him in the military. But due to her natural talent she is rank first in the class.

Armin Arlert
He is a boy, when I first saw him I though he was a girl. He is kind and has an inferior complex with Eren and Mikasa. Not the strongest but he is the smartest, creating plans that gives the best outcome. He is also the one who first gets Eren to desire the outside world. Not ranked as the top ten for class rank, but still a main character.

There are characters that appear from their neighborhood, to the different legions, and even the Titans. As a result, all these different characters bring the show a bit more life to the plot. However, most of them die, only given 5 seconds of screen time and they die. So be wary if you get attached to some of the characters.

The show pretty much concentrates on Eren getting revenge on Titans, not one but all. As a result, it shows him becoming stronger and unraveling the secrets about the Titans. And the story is not solely concentrated on Eren, but the struggles of his other classmates. But there is alot of blood and violence for pretty much all the episodes. So not for those who just can't stand gore.

The animation is decent, especially how they fight using their equipment. Nothing high tech, so not too cliche. The character design is it not pretty. The art is pretty bold, the outline of the character is not subtle but a strong outline. Definitely can see it during their angry face scene. While the Titans look like humans but creepier. They have a sort of features which makes them undoubtedly Titans. Big bellies, dark and vivid veins, and no private parts. I do admit that with animes, I get drawn to the art and character design. This show is not one of them. But the background for the show is actually pretty well done. Beautiful and seems serene, until the Titans start going on a eating frenzy.
Problem with the show: the outfits for the show looks a bit unusual for soldiers. It is tight and feminine-looking. Which is why some of the guys look more feminine than before.

The music is pretty much a trumpet flare of awesome. The opening and endings are pretty great. Personally I am a bigger fan about the opening compare to the endings. Why? Because they manage to create a Japanese rock song with European trumpet flare. Nice! Another plus is adding another language besides English...It's German...I think. A language that fits with the anime's characters and setting. The overall music of the show is pretty good, I admire how they added songs as part of the music. Gives that really climatic or emotional scene more depth. Particularly "Call your name". http://anniemayanime.blogspot.com/2013/09/anime-song-call-your-name-attack-on.html

The voice actors are pretty good, I mean they go to the extreme because of Titans about to eat them. As a result, do not put this show on maximum volume or get bombarded with screams. And they match their characters so well, being in sync for the majority of the show. Only problem is that the characters speak so much while they are in trouble. Sometimes you have to talk, but all you have to do is just RUN!

Side Note: The show does a good job in adding these breaks (meant for commericals). They are very informative about the world  of this anime, explaining the culture, soldiers, economy, etc. So we are not completely in the dark about the world they live in.

CAUTION: Be wary of spoilers from manga and google, especially. Just typing one thing, and the whole show can be ruined for you. So if you are one who hates spoilers, avoid search engines and just watch the episodes.

The show is amazing, definitely understand how it was hugely popular during its airing. I am a person who hates to watch gore and scary things. As a result, I stayed away from this show for a while. Until I saw an episode and realize how awesome it is. This show is just an all out cry about freedom. Is there a need to restrict ourselves? Should we get crush by the same walls we built to protect ourselves? No. Instead enjoy the life out there, cause there not be another chance or a life.

The heavy gore and violence of this show is shocking. Especially with how the Titans are eating people. But it shows how similar it is to war, just devouring each other and wanting annihilation for the other side. But in the end, there always going to be heavy damage to both side.

Verdict: What a show that has violence and blood, definitely this is a show to watch. Everyone can watch this show, you soon get accustomed with the blood cause of the cliff hangers at every episode. But definitely not for the younger audience, typically kids. The characters are interesting but not really relatable. Let's hope not. Definitely not known for the animation but the plot makes up for it. A must see for 2012.

Interesting picture I found online about a real life version for the anime. Do you think the show would be a big hit in the US?  Or would you rather see a season 2?