So I've finally completely caught up with both the anime and manga for Attack on Titan. Just couldn't avoid the hype train forever.

Let me start out by saying that I was initially turned away from the series because of its iconic titan: the Colossal Titan. This skinless behemoth I found absolutely grotesque, and really it is. I just didn't get what was so appealing about something so disgusting.

Little did I know that his appearance is pretty tame compared to the rest of the action in the series.

To say there's a bit of blood in Attack on Titan is an understatement. To sum it up as "people get eaten by giants" is a gross simplification.

This is definitely a very violent series. While I'm not inherently opposed to that - I'll admit I even like that at times - it definitely can come across as overdone here. There's usually a purpose for all of it, but nonetheless its overwhelming presence can't be ignored.

So why am I absolutely in love with it?

I'd say that's because it's so very real. Our protagonists aren't all-powerful and able to overcome whatever obstacles they face. They can and will experience great loss and even die. What they face is an enemy that is thought of as impossible to beat, and it shows.

Mysteries also abound in Attack on Titan. There's so many things unanswered to even the characters that you just want to keep watching/reading in the hope that the answers will come out. It's a very interesting world that has been crafted here and I want to know more of its past.

I still think the titans are really weird. There are quite a lot of them and not all are creepy... Until they open that massive jaw and start stuffing their faces. I suppose, however, that this is definitely the desired effect.

I would hesitantly say give this a shot. There's only 18 episodes aired right now, so there's not a whole lot of catching up to do. The only catch is the violence, which should be obvious. It can be gruesome, so definitely proceed with caution.

~|ET|~