進撃の巨人 – In Asian Spaces

What Attack on Titan Left Behind

Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 Episode 7 (or 19) Review.

Check out last week’s Episode 18 Review here.

(Beware, show-only watchers, minor plot spoilers are below.)

Oh, this episode absolutely broke my heart.

It was a triumphant situation, but how they all got there was so bittersweet.

All of the lives lost in pursuit of reaching Grisha Yeager’s basement.

Commander Erwin Smith’s body lying in a bed of an unmarked home.

Armin freaking out over his new reality.

Sasha laying on the walls, half dead.

The bodies of the new recruits scattered just outside.

And yet, there is some semblance of hope on the horizon.

If there is anything to take from this episode, it is the important of knowledge; and its pursuit. Knowledge is the most important thing in this world. Occult, or clandestine teachings rule this realm. If you don’t know what you are fighting for, you have nothing to do but just dream. Your mind searches for a reason to the madness that surrounds.

In the end, Grisha was the savior of Paradis Island, although labeled a madman and terrorist in Marley. The photograph of Dina, Grisha and Zeke symbolizes hope and innovation, even if the union between those two leads to nothing but sadness.

In the previews however, we learn their story – through the proxy of Eren. I’m sure Grisha’s novel trilogy details intricacies of humanity’s fate, but it will be great to see the memories through his second born son’s eyes.

I already know, but I still wonder just how deeply learning of his Aunt Faye will affect Eren.

Especially in the context of the manga’s latest chapter, where he lingers in the place of their birth…

The series only gets better from here, as we experience the wonders of the outside world through the characters we have been following for years. Arguably, the actual series does start once the crew reach the basement.

The somber credits were a nice touch as Hanji’s words mingle with Grisha’s. The little piano note and flicker in a young Grisha’s eyes as Faye wishes to watch the dirigible was an even nicer touch.

Ah damn it, this story is incredibly sad.

Poor Marco. Attack on Titan S3 Episode 19 credits.

I also noticed in the end credits for the first time that Marco is watching Bertholdt and Reiner as they speak to Eren and Armin. Thinking about how clever he was, and his fate because of his knowledge is sad. Or re-seeing Eren failing to grasp the ODM gear with Shadis screaming the boy down. Only to learn that Shadis pulled a Severus Snape and that since he loved his mother Carla, sabotaged her son out of jealousy.

Or the big one that has yet to be revealed, concerning Dina Fritz and Carla Yeager in Shiganshina. Or the event that really triggered the power of the coordinate.

So many loose ends and half-truths being filled with three old dusty books.

It’s amazing, isn’t it?

I wonder how much truth is being hidden in our own world, as we idle imprisoned behind the invisible walls; looking toward the sky for better days.

If you could bring one cadet of the survey corps back, who would it be? And why?

And…

Faye and Grisha Yeager, Attack on Titan s3 Episode 19.

Do you believe humanity is truly free?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

See you back here same time next week!

次のエピソード:

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A New Colossal Titan Under Midnight Sun

Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 Episode 6 (or 18) Review.

Check out last week’s Episode 17 Review here.

(I mention minor plot spoilers from the manga in this review. Tread carefully, show-only watchers.)

There are theories that one’s life flashes before their eyes when near death. I wonder, if this was the case with Erwin. Before smacking the titan spinal fluid syringe away from his arm, he seemed to be thinking of simpler times.

Before he joined the survey corps. Before his father died. Before it all changed.

I like that they brought up that Erwin tuned into a monster in order to fight monsters. That’s how he survived, and the truth of the basement was the dream he held onto. Eren held onto his hatred, Levi – his devotion to his commander. Eren realizing that he lost sight of himself and forgot about seeing the ocean with Armin was touching, to say the least. It’s become a meme at this point, him recklessly pursing the death of every single titan on their earth.

Or, ours. 2,000 years in the past.

Zeke saying he will save Eren was another great moment, and I can’t wait until those two get more interaction. Last week while searching for Floch’s name, I came across spoilers from the latest manga chapter. It was a YouTube video where an artist colored the panels skillfully. The sheer amount of material the anime adaptation has to work with makes me excited about its future. Of course, Wit Studio is a little slow when it comes to doling out the anime, but I appreciate the care and quality the staff puts into its production.

Armin Arlert emerges a god. Attack on Titan s3 Episode 18. — Armin Arlert emerges a god. Attack on Titan s3, Episode 18.

I keep thinking about Armin’s transformation scene. When his friends remove him from the mindless titan body, he almost looks like a god. The divine lighting, the tears streaming on awe-stuck loved ones faces all juxtaposed with Erwin’s decaying body on a dingy, broken rooftop. Which by the way, did anyone else want to smack Floch? I was so annoyed when he gave his speech on why they should save the devil of the Survey Corps.

What gave him the right to even chime in? Yes, he was the lone survivor of the new cadets. Yes, he rightfully hates Erwin for ordering the troop suicide charge. But I mean, seriously – what gave him the right to tell Mikasa and Eren that their friend was worthless?

That’s what I love about good storytelling.

We, the viewers, know personally what the 104 training corps had to go through. We watched them struggle, get close to the traitors from Marley, and felt the pain of losing trusted comrades. Hell, I’m still upset the original Team Levi died because of Eren’s hesitation a while back. We have witnessed firsthand just how much humanity has lost, the greatest soldiers falling to their deaths through the Survey Corp branch like sand.

But Floch didn’t know any of that. All he knows is that on his (presumed) first mission outside the walls to retake Shiganshina District, everyone died. Soldiers who fully gave their heart for years. People like Moblit, who sacrificed himself to save Hange.

Floch just wants to see Erwin Smith suffer, and that is understandable. Eren and Mikasa want to save their friend who has saved the world countless times, and that is also understandable.

Neither of these people are wrong, and I absolutely love that.

Levi also seemed to feel guilty about saving Erwin initially, continually thinking about the conversation he eavesdropped on between the trio. I’m glad that they will all see the ocean together, even if everything goes to hell soon afterward.

So Paradis Island now has two titans, while Marley still has the bulk. I hope next week they show Historia’s reaction to the letter. I loved Christa and Ymir together, it’s a shame she had to die. I wish there was a way the titans could live forever, but I guess that would be unfair given the power they are able to wield their short time here on earth. Even if all they do is fight. What a shame.

Anyway, let’s wrap up this review here. Since I have the urge to talk about more things that the anime is nowhere near adapting yet.

The death of Erwin Smith, Attack on Titan s3 Episode 18. — The death of Erwin Smith, Attack on Titan s3, Episode 18.

Do you think they will expand on Erwin Smith and Levi Ackerman’s relationship next season? Why do gentle people like Bertholdt Hoover and Armin Arlert keep getting the Colossal Titan? Would you participate in a war against your own kind?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

See you back here same time next week!

次のエピソード: What Attack on Titan Left Behind

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Levi Ackerman is Humanity’s Greatest Strength!

Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 Episode 5 (or 17) Review.

Check out last week’s Episode 16 Review here.

(I’ve written about minor plot spoilers in this review, show-only watchers beware!)

The colossal titan finally falls! Shingeki no Kyojin s3, episode 17.

Whew, this was the chapter adaptation I had been waiting for. Well, this, and the infamous basement chapter.

Now that I think about it, this was my favorite episode of the extended season thus far (factoring in the episode we met m’boy Marlo and Hitch).

Hmmm so where to begin…

I really wish we had gotten more time with the character Marlo. Since he was introduced, I just found it really compelling that he would leave his cushy life with the Military Police in exchange to be on the frontline of humanity. In a way, he was a direct contrast to what could have been for Jean. It was really important Jean was the one to test him out, as they had similar convictions.

Jean wanted an easy life in the innermost walls, away from any possibility of drying. If his friends (and frenemy Eren) hadn’t guilted him into joining, he would have lived the life Marlo did; utterly clueless, unconcerned with the outside world and never once gazing upon a titan.

Gosh, it’s really a shame he had to die, and moptop got to live. I always find it ironic when the less equipped for survival end up outliving their “betters”, so to speak. That would have to feel terrible as well, being the only one to live and waking up alone on an active battlefield.

Anyway, I’m glad Zeke is slowly revealing the plot and mysteries surrounding the walls. I honestly cannot wait until the residents of Paradis Island realize who they are, and what war they are fighting in. Or when Zeke and Eren meet for the first time.

I’m going to end this review here. Next week should be interesting, especially concerning Armin’s storyline.

I’ll only pose one question instead of the usual three today: Do you honestly hate any of these characters?

Despite being on opposing sides, (and reading ahead), I actually like all of them a lot.

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

See you back here same time next week!

次のエピソード: A New Colossal Titan Under Midnight Sun

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The Con Man is Revealed!

Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 Episode 4 (or 16) Review.

Check out last week’s Episode 15 Review here.

Attack on Titan really loves its cliffhangers.

I would like to think that this is a redemption arc for Erwin Smith, who lied and conned the recruits into giving their hearts until the very end. Let’s give a round of applause to this absolute madman, who in the end gave up his dreams and decided it was all for naught.

He would never discover what was inside Grisha Yeager’s basement, he would never avenge his father, and he would lead another group of bright-eyed kids to their deaths.

All jokes inside, I love morally grey characters. Did Commander Erwin do some questionable things in pursuit of an (ultimately) unattainable goal? Yes.

But in the end, did he still lie to himself about it? No.

And I can totally respect that. How many characters hide behind false bravados, taking their secret inner thoughts to the grave? I respect that he was a hypocrite, who relied on his charisma and analytical mind to make a life in the hellhole that is… the walls.

Shingeki no Kyojin is great at showing the human heart in conflict, so to speak. Instead of the youngsters being pumped for a meaningless death, we see their struggle. We see newer recruits like Marlo, who left his cushy Military Police position to come to the front lines – only to die, what? Weeks later?

Commander Erwin Smith, leading his final charge.

It is so unfair, but understandable given the world they live in. Sometimes, things really are just that bleak and rather than lying down and dying – you can fight until your last breath. Even if Erwin was lying through his teeth to hype them up before sacrificing his dream, he was convincing enough to quell their fear even for a moment.

So then you just have a bunch of young people, nervous, afraid, probably pissing themselves – fighting an enemy they know they cannot win against.

But still they continue on, even if in the end it could all fail. I admire the Survey Corps strength, perseverance, and drive.

Next week is when all of the fun begins, so I’ll leave this review here.

Beautiful visuals as always this week. Captain Levi, Attack on Tian s3 — Beautiful visuals as always this week. Captain Levi, Attack on Titan s3

What do you think about Erwin Smith’s suicide charge? Have you ever selfishly fought for your dreams despite the consequences surrounding you? Do you feel like the survey corps could have had a chance against the beast titan if they were at full strength?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

See you back here same time next week!

次のエピソード: Levi Ackerman is Humanity’s Greatest Strength!

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The Last of the Survey Corps

Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 Episode 3 (or 15) Review.

Check out last week’s Episode 14 Review here.

Wow, the plot is moving along swiftly! After next week, we should be almost to Dr. Yeager’s basement!

This episode gave us the revelation of what really happened to Marco, and how Bertholdt, Reiner, and Annie left him for dead after discovering their secret. He was just too clever to live. I wish someone had told Jean that, maybe Bertholdt could have let it slip during the parlay with Armin.

Since Jean was basically in love with Marco, it would have motivated him and the gang to fight even harder.

I do like the setup in this episode concerning Reiner’s mental state. As I mentioned in my last review, he is not all there. Bertholdt and Annie knew this but since Annie decided to turn herself into an eternal popsicle, Bertholdt is the only one left. I don’t believe War Chief Zeke knows, especially since he threatened to take the Armour Titan power away from Reiner if he screwed up again. The little nuggets of truth were certainly spread around this episode – from Zeke’s words, to Reiner referring to team titan as ‘Warriors’, to Bertholdt realizing those behind the walls didn’t deserve to die, but they were at war and he wanted to go home.

I’m sure when Reiner comes to, he will completely dissociate and try to kill his former comrades in attempt to be a good warrior. I say this because although I did read the manga a while ago, I don’t completely remember all of the small details that progress the story from Point A to Point B.

Once the basement’s truth is revealed, I wonder how the show adaptation will reveal the weight of the pair’s beliefs about the residents of….”the walls” let’s call it. Since the two are more connected than they realize, and in reality it makes you wonder what exactly they are fighting for. Or for whom, or why.

The “disclosed information we can reveal so far” title card being unsure of what the liquid the titan trio enjoyed before the fight truly shows just how in the dark the wall residents are. They have no idea what coffee is, and think it is some new futuristic drink. Then again, they have never had exposure with anything outside of the walls, or knowledge of what lies ahead.

I’ll leave this review here, as I am too tempted to talk about things that will be later revealed. The anticipation is killing me to see it all animated and adapted. I may even go back and re-read these chapters of the manga, because greater things are sure to come with this story. The seasonal plot may even go longer than I initially thought if they continue at this pace, judging by the opening credits.

It’s going to be good, and I can’t wait.

Allegory for Titans as super weapons,Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Episode 15 — Allegory for Titans as super weapons, Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Episode 15

What do you think the remaining survey corps will do about the Colossal, Beast and Armoured Titan? Will Armin make an effective leader? Do you think poor Marlo from the Military Police got far more than he bargained for joining the Survey Corps?

Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

See you back here same time next week!

次のエピソード: The con man is revealed!

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The Beast Titan Blocks an Escape Route

Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 2 Episode 2 (or 14) Review.

Check out last week’s Episode 13 Review here.

Okay, this episode was so good that I: watched it twice upon its first airing, went back to rewatch episodes 3, 4 and 9 from earlier in the season, and then got depressed after watching the latest Game of Thrones abomination. I haven’t watched Dororo yet, (those reviews will be on time, someday…) but I did watch The 100 and was reinvigorated by well-developed characters and narrative storytelling.

So here I am, at 12:22 AM on a Wednesday morning sitting in front of my laptop attempting to review a Shingeki no Kyojin episode I have absolutely no problems with. I’ve got to give it up to those of you who blog about anime weekly and cover maybe seven to ten shows. I don’t know how you do it, you are all amazing.

I keep having this internal struggle where I enjoy the episode and don’t want to say anything but remember I said I’d do reviews , or disliking the show that week and wishing I didn’t have to relive the pain by typing the tragedy out and giving my thoughts.

Okay, maybe not a tragedy. I’m being dramatic.

It also doesn’t help that I usually write longer, serious pieces. I’ve been having fun writing these recaps for the most part off the cuff, and I’m not sure if my deadpan sense of humor is proving to sound sarcastic or disdainful.

A very fine balancing act I am not sure that I’m managing well.

Anywho, I should really start talking about the episode, yes?

I love despite the perilous tone of the situations surrounding the story, there is always an unintentional silly moment. Whether it be Erwin’s terrible drawings, just Hanji Zoe’s goofy presence, or the titans and their ironic poses.

Titan serving fierce looks, Shingeki no Kyojin episode 13 — Titan serving fierce looks, Shingeki no Kyojin episode 14

I know the titans are meant to be mindless killing machines, but reflecting on Ymir’s experience of having a degree of sentience, along with the Ilse’s Notebook OVA…they have to retain some of their core personalities.

Reach for the sky, Shingeki no Kyojin Episode 14 — Reach for the Sky, Shingeki no Kyojin Episode 14

After all, they are eating people in subconscious hopes to regain their humanity and end the nightmare. Then again, Ymir had a strong personality and that cult worshipper was sincerely devoted in life so, maybe anyone who has a connection to the progenitor has a stronger will to live?

I really appreciate the internalized monologues coupled with believable character motives backed by subtle actions. The series will explore this more, but Reiner struggles with his identity as the Armoured Titan. The ending credits are a vast montage of memories the teenagers had during their time in the army. When Hanji, who didn’t share the same bond with Reiner, instructed the team to take him out they hesitated.

The portrayal of their realization that he actually needed to die and this is what they came here for was wonderful. The myriad of emotions that later change to anger at the additional realization that they are home and Reiner took this away from them was simply the icing on top of a delicious sponge cake.

I also love that Erwin is a hypocrite. The great leader of the survey corps, humanity’s greatest defense – doesn’t even believe the words he recites. Telling new recruits to “give their heart” while the commander reflects on the pile of bodies it took to allow him to stand atop Wall Maria once more. One step closer to the basement filled with secrets that will progress the plot.

Either way, I think I’ll end this here. This was a wonderful episode, and since I experienced a week busier than normal, it’s now Sunday and the new episode is out. On to the next!

Do you sympathize with Erwin Smith’s goals? What do you think the survey corps will find in the basement? Do titans still have a personality? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

See you back here same time next week!

次のエピソード: The Last of the Survey Corps

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The Battle for Shiganshina District!

Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Episode 13 Review!

Welcome to my Attack on Titan Season 3 part 2 Episode 1 (or 13) Review!

Just to start out, I should mention that after part 1 ended, I read the manga up until a certain point. So for the most part (unless the adaptation deviates) I already know what is going to happen. I was nervous while watching thinking it would diminish my enjoyment, but thankfully it only enhanced it. It’s always fun seeing a manga you enjoy be adapted; watching the characters come to life.

We were even greeted with the usual monologue from Armin detailing the events that lead them to this point. I will try my best not to spoil anything for anime-only watchers. With that being said, let’s get back into it!

So I’m not even going to lie, I meant to rewatch the earlier portion of the season but ended up just skimming its last episode as a refresher.

The survey corps is on a mission to re-Wall Maria with Eren’s new hardening ability. Within Shiganshina District lies Dr. Yeager’s basement, along with the secrets of their world. I am curious how long they will focus on the retrieval mission, and its aftermath since we only have ten episodes.

Anyway, ever sharp – Armin realizes that their arrival was foreseen, and alerts Erwin. Due to his past actions, Armin is given a position of power and leads the search for Reiner, Bertholdt and the ape titan Zeke. Might I add that while typing this, I have My Anime List open for the spelling of everyone’s names but in my laziness to expand the characters section I googled Bertholdt.

Bertholdt x Reiner BL Results... — Bertholdt x Reiner BL Results…

Why are the first results yaoi uke BL ships?

Nothing against it, just unexpectedly hilarious that this is the first thing people search for. I myself would rather Historia/Krista x Ymir, but I digress…

Upon following Armin’s plan, a random officer finds and is killed by Reiner. Levi tries to murder him right on the spot, but Reiner does a super-secret titan move where he moves his life functions from his brain to his nervous system or something to that effect. It’s been a while since I read the manga.

Levi then explains to the audience and cadets that he failed because Reiner did his super-secret titan move and for once, I actually am happy I understand that bit of information before the explanation.

I usually go in blind, it was nice having background context for a change.

Any who, Bertholdt stays hidden in conjunction with the plan while Zeke destroys Eren and friends’ escape route. Reiner Titan’s up and sets the stage for next week’s elaborate battle sequence. I am excited to see the effects of the battle on Reiner’s psyche, who proves to be unstable…I also love that Armin has a new role in the story. Since Mikasa is the brawn and Eren is the (unreliable) muscle, Armin had yet to have a defined role. Sure, he has been the brains of many operations but he finally has the authority and clout he needs to enact those brilliant strategies.

This episode was just set up so I don’t have anything else to say, but that I’m looking forward to next week’s battle continuation!

Do you think Eren will win the battle against Reiner? What is your theory behind the secrets of the walls? Do you think Levi could take out Zeke? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, I’d love to hear from you! Also be sure to follow us for more Shingeki no Kyojin Season 3 Reviews!

See you back here same time next week!

次のエピソード: The Beast Titan Blocks an Escape Route!

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