#( lets blame isayama's bad drawings )

[pkyupe]

Thoughts of Petra in snk 139?

First, let’s focus on how Isayama-sensei zooms in the most 3 reasonable ships of Captain Levi in his personal opinion.

We all know that when it comes to describing one character's personality, Sensei usually draws everthing relates to them under their POVs (like Mikasa is prettier in Eren’s eyes). Here in Levi's vision, we can see Erwin with a solid look on his face, Hange with a sadness in her eyes and Petra with a gentle expression.

To Erwin, Levi lives up to his every single oaths. He's forever the man that gains Levi's full respect as a savior, a Commander. In the last hallucination, Levi needs to see that Erwin is proud of him. Because he's still be able to do his best even when Erwin's not here, proves that the Ackerman blood in his veins belongs to a free man, not a slave.

To Hange, Levi knows she will probably feel bad for leaving him to deal with all of this alone. They're best friends and have gone through nearly everything. That's why the last image of her in his eyes isn't a mad scientist nor a panic leader, but a friend gazing at him with a scere sympathy. Levi wants to believe that she has finally reunited with the friends she treasures, surrounded herself with all the prideful scouts. Because being alone doesn't suit her, and Moblit will be always there to make sure of it. (╥_╥)

But Petra, since the first time Levi has a throwback to his past, she's always smiled at him.

She smiles like she just knows. That no matter what happens, he will definitely make the right choice and never give up. She trusts him unconditionally, already believes that he's going to find a way before he can tell if there is a way. Petra will never blame him for being weak or tired. She will be listening to him, supporting him, and forgiving him for all the mistakes.

The way she looks at him as if they've had an unspoken promise. He knows, just knows that Petra is watching over and waiting for him. Even if he comes to meet her as a failure, she will be welcoming him anyway because he deserves his rest. With her, Levi feels safe, accepted and healed. He is good enough in Petra's eyes just by living as any roles in life, ordinary or extraordinary. Proud, sympathy and love, she is the sum total of all the emotions that Levi yearns for in the last of his memory.

That's why her smile never changes a bit. Because he never forgets that about her. The one and only soothing scar in his heart.

[enn-tea]

When I was younger, I used to play otome games, which were and continue to be hilarious for their absurdity e.g. getting transported back to the Warring States period and romancing Oda Nobunaga et al. I’d play these with my friends because of the bad storylines, and frankly questionable love interests and we’d spend all our time literally breaking down how bad these stories were, like jfc please actually do something, protagonist. Also in no way feel obligated to read this because this is just...word vomit for my own personal reference haha. Honestly don’t read this. Maybe one day I’ll turn this into some kind of actual essay about the impact on these games on wider culture or something (after I write about why romance in AOT is fine and everyone’s just reading it wrong and actually Isayama is peak romance writer and should write a massive Mills & Boon franchise around uh...some characters). But anyway. 

However, amongst all of these was probably the game with the most generic concept was Wizardess Heart, which was this magic school which the protagonist attended. Over the course of two weeks, she would have to be partnered up with a “buddy” and they would help each other with their magic (they also fell in love over these two weeks LOL and quite honestly her best romantic choice was her roommate, which was never an option :( She was, for a while also the only other female character in the school who actually had a personality).

Anyway, the point is - the setting was clearly a riff on certain franchises, the whole system was super basic...but. These stories had no right to be as good as they were. Or perhaps they had every right. Because from the ones I played, they were...genuinely really interesting. Each storyline was a season, and there were three romanceable characters, who all had their own individual plotlines but...tied into one coherent plot, as either a protagonist or an antagonist, which I still find - kind of revolutionary for an otome game haha (I’m not counting Mystic Messenger bc I actually enjoyed getting to set up a bakery and cult investigation).

But honestly? These were within the universe, believable but also super crazy stories. I only ever played two “seasons” fully, because of the ticket mechanic, but the second one has literally stayed with me in terms of really interesting perspective, and the characters themselves because if the first season was mildly crazy, season two was insane and focused on these three characters: Klaus Goldstein (...no comment lmao, I do hate how he’s the figurehead of the game), Serge Durandal (the best character tbh) and Azusa Kuze (a piece of shit and not in a good way, what are the messages this game is telling us). Each season had a mystery as a premise, and the second one was about mysterious animal deaths occurring around the school.

I don’t think I’ll ever really be able to explain Wizardess Heart comprehensively, but the personal lives of these characters? Was crazy. I loved they all had cameos in each other’s storylines and were so tightly linked. Like you have Klaus who does actually have the least interesting plotline, but a shared tragic backstory with Serge (more on that later, because this is literally peak melodrama lmao). You have Azusa who comes from fantasy Japan in that universe, which has been overrun by nature spirits who are taking over because they think humans are overstepping their boundaries, and Azusa has signed a deal with one of them to bring back his dead brother, and in fact is being manipulated by visions of said brother (and even with that in context, he’s still actual trash for other reasons, and I can’t believe the happy end for his route is to get married and have kids with him EW). 

My favourite character in this however was Serge Durandal who is also a premium shit-stirrer but never super maliciously haha (apparently I have a favourite character archetype I’m a fan of). Even now he’s literally the best character because he’s such a passive aggressive individual to Klaus (who deserves it).  But their shared backstory cracks me up, is kind of sad and ridiculously absurd because they’re both so fixated on the past. I also personally find his storyline interesting from a character progression viewpoint, because he’s the main character’s idol when she starts at the school, but has mysteriously disappeared.

So basically in Klaus’ storyline, he always references this dead friend he’s hung up over (although the “friend” part is debatable maybe haha) and you help him investigate the dead pigeons. Ofc you then find out that polite, charming Azusa is the antagonist of the season and you have to play through the next routes in order to get a better picture of this. But throughout Klaus’ route, this character called Randy March (unfortunate name lmao)  keeps on popping up. He’s funny, doesn’t treat the main character as inconvenience (best friend goals right there) but what’s more interesting is how he’s never in the same room as Klaus; as soon as he hears that he’s approaching, he just...disappears. And this continues for the whole of the story until the end, when they finally meet each other face to face, and Klaus reacts badly. Not quite in an upset way, more shocked - but it’s clear that they have a History. 

So - cue “Randy’s” route. He is the same as he is in Klaus’ route, and still dodges bumping into Klaus, but then - then, they bump into each other far earlier in his route (one thing I do like about these stories is how the main character does actually have some impact on the plot. It all follows the same storyline, with the same conclusion, but they do diverge because the character happens to interact with different characters and some things can’t happen if she isn’t there for it). Leading up to this, Randy has been very cagey about being the main character’s “buddy” and insists he already has one, and he really, really gets awkward when the main character states that she really idolises Serge Durandal (who in this is like, IDK good at animal magic like the main character). 

And then, my god, the reveal. The fact that Randy March is not, in fact, Randy March, but Serge Durandal (which honestly is such a cool name comparatively lol, I named all my other otome protagonists Serge Durandal). And that Randy March, is in fact, the dead friend of Klaus who Serge has been impersonating for literal years. On top of this? Serge was also a best friend of Randy, who was his “buddy” and leading up to Randy’s death, he and Klaus were involved in a rivalry over his friendship (and I’m not joking I do actually think this was some kind of unvoiced love triangle, because both Serge and Klaus genuinely say that they’re attracted to the main character because she reminds them of Randy, they need to get over this before they can actually engage in a romantic relationship with anyone else kthx. Also at some point, Serge actually says he loved Randy in a way that really can’t be construed as entirely platonic, and the main character says it as well, and considering her personality and the way she interprets things, when she says love - she definitely means romantically). 

Klaus holds Serge responsible for Randy’s death, as the two were working on a project together which led directly to it. His first reaction on ever hearing Serge’s name is “the murderer” which continues all the way up until the end of the story when they resolve their character arcs (also incredibly satisfying). 

Apparently the reason behind Serge impersonating his dead friend is because he felt so guilty and so ashamed and willingly accepted the blame that Klaus placed on him, he felt that if he became Randy, it would basically be like letting his friend experience the life he didn’t get to have, and he’s spent years searching for a cure to revive him. This has taken him to Hinomoto, where he’s become friends with Azusa (drawing him into the storyline) and back to the main setting of Gedonelune. Side note, Azusa, I’m not going to even go into your character because you’re such a piece of shit and I only played through your storyline because I felt compelled to get the full picture. 

Ofc, this all links to the main plot - because at this time of year, there’s a whole thing related to a unicorn appearing in the nearby forest. This is a unicorn who has struck a deal with Serge years prior to the main storyline who is Serge’s last hope of reviving Randy, and Azusa finds out about this and wants to bring his brother back etc. and this all culminates in a massive showdown. 

Intense.

Anyway, at the end of this, peace returns etc. and there’s a sequel I haven’t actually played but you know what’s perfect about the ending? Serge ends up staying on as a prefect - the same role as Klaus and they have to share a room. I cannot describe how funny their interactions are for the rest of the story and the other storylines they have to live together.

I’m not entirely sure what the point of this was, apart from an exercise in pinning down precisely what I liked about this story but - it’s certainly one that’s stuck with me through a LOT of otome haha. 

[eremiie]

why do you like gabi? ive been surrounded by people who absolutely despise her but im curious ab the other opinions (i can kinda see it both ways)

aot season 4 anime spoilers (episode 8)

LETS GET TO TALKING (i love when you guys ask me questions like these, especially regarding the aot verse— when you wanna know my opinions on shit, i love it)

okay so i used to not like gabi, like at all. like that little girl was a menace, and it wasn’t even because she killed sasha, it was because her personality. she was cocky and arrogant and had a big mouth and she was just so annoying. adding onto that— her killing sasha was just even worse... it was like “damn, you are really unlikable???”

so what made me change my mind about her?

first i remember when she first killed sasha, i was like something’s not right about this, it seemed to me like sasha was just killed for the plot. it seemed like sasha was just an obstacle for gabi’s character development, and i still think that to this day— her death was rushed in my opinion, and i couldn’t catch that rush of emotion (maybe bc i was spoiled) reading it or watching it. 

but even as these episodes progressed it’s clearly very obvious that gabi is brainwashed. you see the disposition between falco and gabi, and frankly; isayama couldn’t have made it anymore obvious. 

gabi literally walks around saying shit like 

“these island devils!1!!11!!!” as she sits at a dinner table with the same ‘devils’ that took her in.

like i don’t know how it’s not obvious to some people that she’s brainwashed especially when she’s sitting right next to someone like falco.

at a young age they were all taught that paradis was full of island devils that fucked marley over, and as an eldian she wants to prove herself, thats the satisfaction that she gets and wants and thats the satisfaction that she has this constant need to obtain. 

and on top of this when she watches people like the infamous eren jaeger kill both of her closest friends, almost kill porco, pieck, reiner, and shit on her whole town, this anger in her only flares up— she gets a good reason to hate the people of paradis, because they’re only showing her what she was taught.

so when she did get in that airship and kill sasha, guess what? she didn’t even see sasha’s face, sasha was turned around, she just aimed aimlessly— and gabi never misses, so she just happened to shoot sasha. that could’ve been anybody. she was trying to do something for her people, trying to get her revenge, she wasn’t out to get sasha specifically. +++ i don’t blame her for killing sash. put yourself in her shoes.

manga spoilers below

gabi gets her development as well. the brainwashing gets undone, she gets her redemption arc, she saves kaya, she sides with the alliance, she gets on her knees and begs jean for help, she sees that the island devils aren’t island devils and that they all currently have one common enemy.

and when she does get this development you see how much of an amazing character she is— she reminds me so much of s1-3 eren, the determination, the way she redeems herself and the way she’s so passionate about everything she does and does it with a purpose. she’s just a little girl and i understand her just as much as i understand any other character. 

manga spoilers end

the gabi slander is what makes me like her even more, the way her character bothers people who have half a brain is something else— people saying shit like they want her to get raped, they hope she dies, shit like that is just like what the fuck???? is this drawing bothering you that much that you feel the need to say something like that? that you feel the need to write a song about how much you hate her?

that in itself just shows how well isayama wrote her character. in my eyes she was made to be disliked at first, you were made to watch her develop and grow, but not everyone is able to see that because they look past shit like that.

most people who do understand attack on titan understand that in the show there are no good or bad people, everyone happens to be a person doing bad things. (like if you’re gonna shit on eren for killing all those marleyans, please shit on reiner for killing all those people on paradis + our milf carla, and shit on armin for killing all those marleyans too— cause his body count is right beside eren’s atp) i understand everyone from eren to gabi to even floch, who i slander the fuck out of because i don’t like him but i understand him and he’s a greatly written character. i understand the marleyans, the eldians, the alliance, the people of paradis, i understand eren, i understand zeke, and shit i dont know what that little girl got going on but i understand miss ymir fritz too.

but that being said, that is why i like my son gabi<3.

[tamhrayis]

Let me start off by saying that I love jean as a character, he grew so much from his early days.

If yams confirms later on tho that Jean is the husband of Mikasa, I’ll feel like it would just show Jean as a desperate guy to finally get the girl he likes for so long since the other guy he was “competing” with is now gone. I say this solely on the fact that yams decided to not show any development, but instead to just show Mikasa going to Eren’s grave through the years with her family.

Sure she’s probably happy, but yams should have showed that because now it can be interpreted that she just living at this point. If he showed other panels other than her visiting the grave through the years to show her development, I feel like I wouldn’t feel kinda meh about these extra pages.

Alas, I feel like he did so in order for people to have their own interpretation, but also bc he doesn’t wanna do more work lol (which I don’t blame he, tho if that’s the case he should’ve just left these pages out tbh 🤷‍♀️).

I remember the editor? I think? Said that Jean would probably have a chance of only Eren was gone and honestly lmaooo that’s actually sad 😭 like that’s just a replacement for eren at this point.

Idk the execution is just so bad if it is Jean because the entire time in aot it has always been shown as one-sided, and yams didn’t even give some sort of development to show its mutual on Mikasa’s side in the epilogue so it still seems so cringe and forced. Even on the hs universe Mikasa doesn’t like Jean 😭😭 my poor guy can’t catch a break omg.

Also no shade towards jeankasa idc for the ship, but I even feel bad for the shippers just bc they don’t get to see their ship being developed in some sort of way, tho in saying that, the story isn’t about them, but eremika.

I love Jean as a character a lot and even if he annoyed me in the early days, when his personality was very cocky and kinda selfish, he had a good development which makes me happy about him. But the thing is that...Jean’s development was never about Mikasa nor surpassing Eren as his love rival.

Sure, Isayama could have easily jump into love triangle thing in the early stages, but he apparently didn’t do that nor I think he intended to make Jean’s crush on Mikasa as a big deal that would question the endgame of EM. After all, Jean’s crush on Mikasa was always an issue between Jean and Eren when they were younger, but both of them grew up from that and he understood that nothing can come in between their bond. Mikasa had eyes only on Eren and that was it till her last day.

Tbh, I always kinda checked on this point to see if Isayama is actually going to develop jk over the time or not. But apparently, after everything I can say that people like Marco, Sasha, Armin and even Eren had much more impact on his persona rather than Mikasa, which really shows that Isayama didn’t actually intend to create a meaningful development for them.

I don’t blame him for that because Isayama isn’t that type of writer that dives into every detail and mostly focuses on his priorities. And from what we see in additional pages, Mikasa’s love life wasn’t his priority at all, because it all still cycled around Mikasa’s undying feelings for Eren even after supposedly moving on with her life. He didn’t draw her life outside of visiting the grave, which also makes me a bit salty because I genuinely would like to see that, but I guess he still wanted to stay true to the main romantic relationship of the series.

As for JKs, I think jk overall has a good trope for fanon stuff, but personally I would also want my ship to be canon in more meaningful and exciting way than just showing both of them from back with no context nor dialogues.

[sparda3g]

Attack on Titan Chapter 126 Review

The apocalypse is here; slowly expanding across the globe. All hell breaks loose, and everyone is either celebrating or crying. The past chapters have been depressing albeit stellar and very interesting in content delivery. You would think the trend would continue forward with the end of the world at sight. Surprisingly, this chapter was more light-hearted and entertaining with some laughs. This was a welcoming treat.

It’s not all sunshine and rainbow however. There are some dark tones in this chapter as well. From the start, it enters a flashback prior to the event where Hange confronts Marleyians. In her time spent protecting Levi, she was forced to kill some Survey Corps members. It could have been a simple protection scene, but the added tear running down on her face made it impacting. It’s sad that it has to go down this way. As crazy she can be, she still holds a soft spot for them.

Supposedly, Levi was set to transform into a Titan; however, because he’s an Ackerman, he survived. Same for the injuries. Does that mean the syringe won’t work on him? I always like their comradery. Hange treated his wounds, stitched him up, which needless to say looked pretty rough. His fingers are lost, which is more troubling due to the necessary use for the gear. How he’s going to fight would be interesting to see when that time comes.

Hange has been struggling for quite some time. Now, the future seem to be set for them that reminisce a similar path as Uprising Arc. In other words, they’re criminals or outlaws. The best thing they can do is count on Pixis, who is now deceased, and Armin, who has recently left to search for Falco. You can sense defeat from Hange, and that’s sad.

I like the small consistent detail on the sequence. Everything happened before the Rumbling began. The moment when they were in PATHS is when you learn their decision was made that led to the last chapter’s ending. Levi woke up and the first thing he thought was to find Zeke and kill him. That’s a hell of a dedication. I admit, I laughed at that.

He was able to survive the blast by placing the sword in front of the explosion. That explains the fingers. Although his vengeance on Zeke is his personal goal, he asked if running and hiding was all they will do. Pretty much, he listened everything Hange said. Despite the struggling, she wasn’t going to stay out and Levi knows that all too well. Again, I like their companionship. It’s more needed than ever.

Shifting back to present, in a strange turn of event, Levi and Magath’s interest happen to align. Both share a similar goal to kill Zeke, so in theory, it’s enough reason to form a pact. Magath is doubtful, seeing him in a bad state. Even Levi admits to be in a weak state that he can’t dodge a bullet, but he is willing to give him an ultimatum. That’s when you know desperate time calls for desperate measure.

Hange doesn’t know much of Founding Titan, but it’s easy to say it’s going to be incredibly tough. Therefore, the simple solution is to form a pact. With the world ending, they might as well work under one mission. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Otherwise, everyone is guaranteed to die, aside from Paradis Island.

It’s a bit eerie to see people sleeping during the apocalypse. It’s not to say no one should be sleeping, but how one can sleep when they know the world is ending. Some are seen to be awake. Jean looks so depressed at everything. Mikasa can’t fathom Eren to be the one to end everything. Annie wonders if her father is safe. Reiner is still down and out. It’s kind of depressing. Armin and Gabi are still searching for Connie and Falco, which is the next focus.

While I don’t like Connie’s action to use Falco to save his mother, I still respect him, especially when he now have second thoughts on the matter. His target is set, but the guilt is beginning to haunt him. He’s not a bad guy; just a poor soul that was sent to a hellish environment. I pity him. Asking Sasha makes it worse. Her death really stung him. The loss of a best friend can make a man feel lonely. Once they arrive at Ragako Village, the tension rises.

As they draw closer to the destination, Falco quickly realizes what’s happening. I’m surprised that he caught on quick, though I like the fact he’s not so careless. He’s well aware of the situation; from Gabi killing Sasha to Connie pretending to be a friend. It would have been easier if Falco remained clueless. Instead, it only added more pressure.

Connie’s mother is still in the same place for years. I can’t imagine the feeling of unable to move at all. The sensation plays off like a horror film, where a stranger (Connie) is about to harm the innocent (Falco). Hilariously, Connie puts a horrible poker face on and tells him to brush a Titan’s teeth. It’s so random, it’s hilarious. It’s like a spoof writer wrote this. Still, Connie’s intention is set and he won’t back off.

Armin and Gabi arrive in time to stop Connie. Falco doesn’t know he’s a Jaw Titan or what happened to Porco. Connie is completely desperate to save his only family; won’t listen to what Armin has to say. It saves the time from saying typical lines about what’s right and wrong. Even so, it’s pity for Connie to what essentially forced him to stoop this low. It’s not like he’s a real douche; just lost in the matter.

Armin has no word to say. Remembering the integrity of Erwin, he recovers and goes for a literal suicide approach. Before Connie finish climbing, Armin reaches on the ledge, contemplating the action he’s about to do. The scene rapidly grow unnerving. The fact he’s actually going to suicide to calm the situation is disheartening. I actually like this because it’s two guys who basically hit rock bottom confronting. In a twisted way, it’s like seeing who can hit the lowest first. Fortunately, Connie won’t let it happen; saving Armin from fulfilling his dream.

Gabi and Falco are back together, but it must be hard for him to learn what happened, especially his older brother. That even stings me. Connie has a second thought. It’s best to not make his mother into a weapon. Most importantly, it’s best for him to remain as a soldier his mother wanted him to be, not as a backstabber. Therefore, he wants to return and save people. It’s a good heartfelt moment. I don’t know if Armin’s mind is straight again, but Connie looks to be back to normal. Only time will tell.

The mystery of the missing scarf ends here. It was Louise and sadly, according to her, she’s on her literal death bed. Mikasa had a hunch that it was her. I appreciate the characters not playing dumb or rather, not bright enough to think the likely possibilities. Louise only wore it because she truly admired Mikasa. I have to say, it’s a little sad to see her dying. She does have a history as a kid who witnessed a role model.

The real interesting piece lies from the moment before she took it herself. She spoke to Eren about Mikasa, but his response was to get rid of the scarf. I’m still perplexed on why he’s so hell-bent to break all ties with her. I know there’s a lot more going on that is not on display. The closest we got is during his time in the memory trip. Something is definitely up. Mikasa takes it back and leaves her alone. Kind of sad for her last day to be alone without her idol. This series isn’t kind to anyone.

The army of Colossal Titans is almost gone, so it’s time for the Yeagerists to celebrate the supreme victory. Quite the disgusting nature of people all cool about destroying the world. It gets more disgusting when you learn Floch is the representative. His death must be gloriously satisfying for enduring his crap. Jean is depressing to look at. You can tell he’s lost in this cruel world.

The next scene is pretty hilarious. Armin and others arrive at the feast. While the kids eat, Armin and Connie discuss about Annie’s possible return. It just so happens that next to them, Annie was casually eating a slice of pie. They all look at her like their mind couldn’t register her existence. I can’t blame them when she has a silly face. Never would I expect this is the way they would reunite. Next to the famous betrayal scene, this is Isayama-sensei’s way to get to the point, now done in a humorous way. Four years later and her first move in the reunion is gobbling down a pie. Definitely didn’t see it coming.

I did enjoy Hitch and Annie hanging out in the last chapter, but sadly, it has to end. Annie left with others with a letter for Hitch. It’s basically a thank you message, but coming from her, it’s special. She may be cold outside, but she does have a heart. The message speaks out her gratitude for Hitch’s action; saying goodbye for one last time. It’s sweet that the panel doesn’t show Hitch’s reaction, but you can draw an idea that she was touched by Annie’s message. A shame that it ended here, but the friendship won’t be forgotten.

The sensation returns to crap when the scene shift back to Floch and his regime. It is execution time, and the criminals are Yelena and Onyankopon. Executing them will grant them the reign over the island; at least according to Floch, but the man is a whack job anyway. He calls Yelena out on her crimes; marking her as the worst criminal ever. The spouting nonsense from citizens paint them as racists, vile creatures. Who needs Titans to cause destruction when you have human. Yelena is out of her mind; she is waiting to get shot to get it over with. I’m beginning to feel a little sympathy for her. If that is the case, then Floch is doing something right.

The calling on Onyankopon’s crimes frustrate me a lot. He will be executed because he doesn’t want to work with them. The worst part is, his past actions were only for the sake of everyone. He thought he was helping his homeland as well as theirs, and this is how they would repay him? Pathetic. The series did a good job to keep his hands clean. While I can understand the reason to execute Yelena, his is unwarranted. I felt generally bad when he cries out; expressing his frustrations on everything. He’s a simple man who wanted peace one way or another. It feels rather close to home; that’s life for you.

Jean is his executioner, preparing to shoot him. Earlier, he looked like a shell of his former self. That contribute to this moment to give fans an impression that he has stoop this low to execute an innocent man; at least compare to everyone there. He shoots four times, but miss. He looks so out of it, I would have bought the idea of him completely disarray from life itself. Floch is sadly not a fool to notice something is odd. Well, forget about that, because Cart Titan appears out of nowhere and start attacking. Talk about real-time event.

It goes after Floch; soon, Pieck will become the best character ever. Sadly, Jean will become the worst for saving his life. Even in death, I will be upset. However, it’s all part of the plan. The attack wasn’t intended to kill Floch, though I would have been all in. Coincidentally, it ate Yelena and Onyankopon as well. It’s a ruse to escort them and Jean out of there and group up with others. The four shots was a code to continue the operation. It would have been funny if he was a lousy shooter, but this is neat nonetheless.

Mikasa is with Armin and others. I’ll talk about the pacing later. They’re stealing the supplies from the Yeagerists, or more like taking them back. Before departure, someone looks outside from the window and only Annie notices. I’m not sure where this lead to, but I doubt it is Zeke. It could be possible, but why would he be there though? It could be Shadis, though again, not sure the ploy behind this silhouette mystery.

As previously stated, Cart Titan escorted Jean and the two out of there. I laughed at Hange’s insult on Pieck and the Titan’s hygiene. I suppose the punchline is Titan’s teeth. The twist is, Jean has turned to their side since last night. He could have stay with the Yeagerists, even if it’s with the king of douche. Hell, he could have locked himself inside; ignoring everything. But his heart told him to never forget the fallen. A grim reminder is to remember the ashes. He’s slowly recovering, so hope for the best. Saving Onyankopon is a good start.

Surprisingly, Yelena was spared as well. It was only because of Magath’s request. Plus, they want her alive for some reason. Perhaps it’s to obtain Intel on Zeke’s whereabouts since she has a connection. There could be a personal reason, but we’ll see where this lead to. All in all, the faction is growing; only one is missing.

Reiner is still sleeping; supposedly for another 2 or 3 days. That won’t do, so Annie does the favor by kicking him hard. That’s funny and so in-character of her to do something like that. Imagine waking up to see an old friend that was crystallized for four years. Imagine waking up to see two opposing forces unite. That’s Reiner in the nutshell. I bet he was hoping to wake up when everyone is dead.

Connie, now with a newly determined face, sets the record straight and tell him to get ready. Their mission: to save the world. Only he would phrase it the way it sounded; straight-up heroic. This is written by a guy who used the magazine cover to draw a meme reference with his characters. It wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the case. All it was missing was the theme song playing.

Before closing the review, as much as I enjoyed this chapter, the only issue I have is the pacing. It’s a weird feeling because when I read it the second time, it felt natural. However, it feels fast when compare to other chapters. In a weird sense, it’s too fast for this series while another would feel right. The part with Armin and Connie could use two or more pages to conclude. The rest, I believe it would be explained in the next couple of chapters. Supposedly, this is the last chapter of a volume. The intention was probably to end strong and leave the explanation later. This is how the series roll sometimes, so don’t be surprised if that’s the case. Regardless, it was fast, but no time for minor stuff I suppose.

Overall, I thought this was a pretty entertaining chapter. It’s different in tone in compare, but delivered a good quality content. It doesn’t hurt to lighten up. We have an apocalypse already; we don’t have to go deeper into the abyss. There were plenty of good light-hearted moments. As quick as the pacing was, the moments were felt and certain mysteries continue to pique my interest. Everyone is coming together to prevent the massacre. Recalling the audio from the event, it won’t be simple. For all we know, this could be the last bright spot. Hopefully not, but you never know.

[ghostmartyr]

I love this chapter as long as I can completely ignore the real world implications behind Gabi and Kaya’s talk. The Jewish parallels were one thing, because at least the Marley Eldians were clearly the victims, but Gabi listing off imperial japan’s worst war crimes and the narrative framing her as being wrong for feeling bad about them left a really bad taste in my mouth. In the story context, she’s wrong. If you look at what isayama is saying about the real world through her... yikes.

So, I have never once taken a world history class in my life, and that’s where I’m left approaching this kind of thing. It makes it easier to let fiction be fiction, but obviously that leaves gaps. I’m not very knowledgeable about a lot of stuff I should be.

Starting with the fictional side, I will say that I don’t think Gabi is presented as being wrong for being upset over all the horrors of the Eldian Empire. Her target is wrong, but if there’s one thing the story has always been upfront about, it’s that genocide and war crimes are wrong.

That’s why you have the Restorationists clinging to the idea that their people never did such things. They invent their own history where the Eldians were the good guys and the rest of the world couldn’t handle it.

Again, that’s something that is vividly depicted as misguided, and it’s deeply connected to Grisha’s own ruin. The man who’s claiming Eldia could do no wrong is the man who abuses his son into becoming a fanatic capable of turning his parents in for the cause.

Paradis is not the Eldian Empire. Characters wanting it to be are painted as dangerous, and they are. Paradis, very specifically, is an island built by someone who wanted the Eldian Empire to be overthrown. Karl Fritz sought peace. He locks himself and his people away, and hands over the fate of the remnants to Marley to do with as they will, since they are the primary victims.

As part of this, Karl rewrites the memories of everyone he takes to his island, and murders the rest.

Comparing Paradis to the current Marley, you’ve got easily defined good guys and bad guys.

Paradis in a vacuum is fucking horrifying. It’s built on one ruler making executive decisions for thousands of people. He enforces those decisions by stealing their memories of the world and murdering anyone he might not be able to control. His closest associates are aware of this, and continue the program. For a hundred years, the people with the greatest chance to change things are forced to follow a dead man’s will.

After Wall Maria falls, twenty percent of their population is thrown to the wolves so that everyone else can live. They don’t call it a culling. They call it a mission to retake the wall.

Twelve-year-olds join the military because that’s when they are eligible, and it’s a mark of shame not to. During their training, it is a common occurrence for recruits to end up dead.

Before Uprising, the government is still fine telling its people lies to get rid of what they perceive as threats to their power. They frame an entire military branch to maintain the status quo. They express willingness to let even more of their own people die to keep themselves alive.

The new government is established with the hopes of doing better, but as we see in this very chapter, things are sliding. A regime that starts out with the intent of being honest with the people is putting soldiers in jail for telling those people the truth. They have offered their verbal consent to use their monarch as a breeding tool so that her children will be weapons of war.

Paradis is not all that great. Parts of it actively suck. The reason they’re generally cast as the heroes is because they are working to undo the cycles that created Paradis. The reason the story is so dark at the moment is that it looks like they’ve failed.

Then we take a look at Marley, and… oy.

Marley uses up Eldian bodies like gunpowder. From a very young age, every little Eldian is taught that they’re making up for the sins of their former Empire, and the roots of that Empire still exist on the devils’ island. In order to prove that they are not like them, they’re actively encouraged to become Warriors. Weapons of mass destruction that will expire in thirteen years.

For Eldian children in Marley, one of the greatest things you can wish for ends with being eaten alive. That is the grand dream. Laying down your life for the lie that your people will be recognized as good Eldians, not like the bad Eldians.

Very straightforward, very fucked up.

The initial snag in it is that Marley itself has taken over from the Eldian Empire. They do not have the range the Empire is said to, but they use the same tools. They don’t force people to have children, but Eldians in internment camps know that if their child becomes a Warrior they receive special treatment. They go to war with child soldiers as their primary weapons, and terrorize their enemies. They rob Eldians of their sentience and throw them to a battlefield they have no choice in entering.

For the majority of the story on Paradis, titans are a force of nature. They’re mindless eating machines. Much of the terror they inspire is linked to that. There is nothing there to negotiate with. There is nothing you can do to bargain or beg. When you come against a titan, you will die, and it will not care. It is an inhuman, indifferent monster.

The walls live in fear of them. Not actively until the fall of Wall Maria, but every part of their lives, as far as they’re aware, has been designed to hide them away from the titans.

Titans are a weapon of mass destruction by virtue of their size, but their greatest use is as a weapon of fear.

Marley utilizes that fear against their enemies and their own recruits. They have no qualms setting the monsters loose. They have no problem creating more of the monsters that symbolize the terror of the Eldian Empire. They have no compunctions about drilling the fear of becoming those monsters into every Eldian child so they won’t dare disobey an order or question their lives.

“Eldians spent thousands of years using the power of the titans to rule and oppress the world! They stole away the cultures of other peoples! They forced them to have children they didn’t want! They killed countless human beings!”

Those are the crimes of the Eldian Empire, for which Paradis is blamed.

Every single point is something that Marley is actively, presently, complicit in.

Marley has created a boogeyman in Paradis for their Eldian prisoners, and they’re attempting to translate that to the world at large. All these evil things? All this awfulness? The only cause of it is a dead Empire. Their sins were so great that it is just to continue punishing every bloodline connected to it.

Pay no attention to the present day. All that matters is what they did.

From a real world context, Paradis is… possibly a dodgy bit of wish fulfillment. It isn’t simply that a hundred years with no contact with the rest of the world has gone by; every person on the island is forcibly enslaved by their King’s revisionist history. Except for key figures in a corrupt cabinet, the citizens of Paradis have been supernaturally removed from the actions of the Eldian Empire.

The extensiveness of that removal means that Paradis is as close to a blameless victim as you can make out of a country. Even though the Empire Paradis is initially part of is definitely not.

In the real world, no, people do not have magical brainwashing powers. They still have corrupt officials invested in denying the truth of their nations’ past crimes and teaching that denial to citizens as gospel. There are atrocities that have been committed that countries would rather deny entirely than admit to being an agent of.

As I understand it (which is an understanding that is severely limited), the specific language Gabi uses is a red flag, because those are all the things Japan insists did not happen, and for very obvious reasons, that rightfully pisses off a lot of people.

Putting that justified outrage in the mouth of a child who has been abused and brainwashed into believing that the evil she is fighting for is really the good guys’ squad… I can see why that would be a concern to audience members. Especially the ones who remember the tweet from a few years back. There are some topics that are best received with caution.

The problem I have with drawing a direct line to the real world is that you have to cut the context almost clean off to get there.

No one except for the Restorationist cult thinks the Eldian Empire was a good thing (and the framing cuts them to pieces for it). Everything we’ve heard about it suggests that it’s better off not existing. Karl Fritz, who is perfectly fine committing mass brainwashing and genocide against his allies, designs the Eldian Empire’s downfall because it is just that awful. He is the highest moral standard of that era.

He’s a dick, in case I haven’t made that clear enough.

What the Eldian Empire is said to have done is probably accurate enough, but Paradis is another victim of its crimes, not a perpetrator denying its involvement. Again with the conceivably dodgy wish fulfillment, but as far as the story is concerned, Paradis has had nothing to do with the rest of the world for a hundred years.

Marley is claiming that crimes that took place a hundred years ago–crimes that Marley itself adopted, crimes that no living person (except maybe the Founding Titan) remembers–is reason enough to justify slaughtering all of them.

That’s the rhetoric Gabi has been indoctrinated with her entire life.

My world history is nonexistent, but I do know a thing or two about American history. The crimes Gabi shouts that Eldians are guilty of are crimes that every perpetrator of genocide in the world has been guilty of. It is not a particularly creative endeavor. The United States slaughtered Native Americans, poisoned them, raped them… honestly, it’d be faster to come up with human rights violations they didn’t check off.

The world Isayama has concocted is one where the people who are loudest about the evils of genocide are the ones currently committing it.

I do not know how loaded it is for a Japanese man to be using that language in such a way. The real world context is lost on me. However, the fictional context is on the up and up:

It is wrong that these things happen. Marley has weaponized that morality in its Eldian citizens. They believe in that wrongness so thoroughly that they’ve become blind to their participation in it.

The monsters aren’t titans. The machinations of evil don’t belong to a single bloodline. The monsters are humans.

I don’t think Isayama is always the most subtle of authors. Especially when it comes to darkness. Several people I know stopped watching the anime when its second season opened with Mike’s death. They felt it was gratuitous and unnecessary. Most of my complaints about the series follow that line. When he wants to make something obvious, he hammers it in.

Marleyan Eldians don’t just wear identifying markers in their internment camp, it’s a damn star.

Isayama borrowing from the real world to enhance the reality of his fiction is a tried practice, but when you’re writing a story about the evils of genocide, and your borrowings include some of the language discussions of real world genocide has brought about…

You have to work to keep the fiction as the primary consideration when someone is overly familiar with the reality it comes from. Otherwise that reality imposes itself on the fiction.

When the reality you’re borrowing from is at odds with its use in the fictional story… Congratulations, you have formed a mess, you should have maybe not done that. Most of the people upset about genocide nowadays are not perpetrating it or hysterically brainwashed. That role tends to go to the deniers.

The story is blunt enough about what it thinks of genocide that one of its common criticisms is that the antagonists are cartoonishly evil. Its morals and themes are not remotely subtle.

That doesn’t mean its application of language can’t be really stupid.

I don’t think there’s anything suspect about Kaya and Gabi’s conversation from a fictional perspective, and even from a meta perspective, it’s still being very clear about what it thinks of the harms done to children by evil, and what’s defined as evil unquestionably is.

Gabi isn’t wrong to hate the evil in the world. She’s been lied to about where it is. She has a stronger connection to the Eldian Empire than the people of Paradis, but she doesn’t hate herself or her fellow Marleyan Eldians. Just Paradis.

All present day Eldians are victims of the Eldian Empire and Marley. Paradis comes to be from the last Eldian Empire King ripping away their agency, and Marley makes sure every Eldian under their watch knows to hate themselves, and that the world never forgets to hate their abilities.

The story is very anti-genocide. It’s very supportive of the victims. The conversation might have shades of a reality that doesn’t belong to those messages, but the overwhelming feel is that these are children, and because some people thought genocide was a gr9 strategic aim, they’re all horrifically traumatized.

So they help each other.

Falco offers Kaya closure. Kaya offers them a way to make it back home. They’ve been too hurt to want anything but healing, so when they see someone in need of it, they reach out a hand.

I don’t know much about the real world, but… the victories in this series are achieved when people embrace their idealism, and try to be better than what came before them. That isn’t a story I have a problem with.

[thisyourmother]

Eren’s Morality - Chapter 100

In recent months, as Marley arc progressed in manga, we’ve been given a tremendous shift in personalities of characters. Especially in Eren. That was fully manifested in chapter 100. From the boy who sought freedom in a caged world behind great walls to a troubled young man, turning away from the Good. But is it all there is - this shift to the Dark side, abandonment of Good and ultimately turn to Evil? Many readers identify it as such and perhaps correctly. But it isn’t  - not in my estimation anyway - necessarily the meaning that is conveyed in the chapter, that was so simply (even too simply) interpreted. And if that is the case, that there is a more profound meaning behind this chapter, what is it then and what does it mean exactly?

To address this, let’s revision what happened in chapter 100. So the chapter begins with Willy Tybur and Magath discussing the possible events that might occur during the festival. Willy explains his plan to put himself as bait to lure their enemies during his speech. After Magath expresses his concern for the number of casualties, Willy replies that those will be mostly Eldians and that shouldn’t be of concern, because they’re “descendants of Devils” anyway. Well, as far as I’m concerned, this should be the mark that Willy Tybur is not a good guy. He’s perfectly willing to have any number of people die as long as his ploy could be brought into being.

Then the time shifts to present and we have Willy continuing with his speech, revealing how the Tybur family sided with Karl Fritz. Then he goes on about how Marley is in this great threat posed by the tens of millions of Collossus Titans contained in the three Walls of Paradis Island. He discloses that this power can be used by Eren Yeager.

As Willy continues with his spectacle, Eren, Reiner and Falco listen to the speech from the basement. After learning Kruger's true identity Falco is perplexed and left in shock. Eren apologizes for this and confesses that the letters were in reality sent to his friends. While Willy expounds on the danger of the Colossus Titans, Eren claims that Willy's words are correct and that he is the "bad guy". This isn’t something that one would say so casually.

After this Eren remarks that he once viewed the Warriors as the bad guys too. Eren states that he now understands Reiner's stance after crossing the ocean and living with the enemy just as Reiner had done. He has seen that are good and bad people both within the Walls and across the ocean. Eren does not blame Reiner for what happened on Paradis Island. However, Reiner breaks down and exclaims that Eren is wrong. He pleads with Eren to kill him since he cannot stand living anymore.

Meanwhile, Willy continues explaining that the world is in danger because of the Eldians' existence. He encourages anyone who does not want to die to join him in fight against the “Devils” of Paradis Island. With this we see Eren’s bittersweet smile.

So what does it mean that Eren views himself as “the bad guy who might destroy the world”? In my estimation it means, practically speaking or psychologicaly speaking, to read the history of the world as if you were the perpetrator of the Evils that you read about, instead of the victim or the noble intervenor.

Generally when people examine history and especially something terrible done by humanity, they make the asumption that had they been there, they would’ve acted in a moral way and that those events describe what other people are like. That’s a big mistake. Because, if a lot of human beings had done something terrible, we can be sure that as human beings we’re capable of those acts. That’s why when we read about history, in a way, we’re reading about “us”, even if the “us” is the perpetrator. 

So this is what Eren does by accepting that he is the “bad guy who might just destroy the world.” Eren views himself as the “Devil”, he’s said to be, being fully aware of his capability of commiting Evil acts. It’s also prominent when he says he’s “the same as Reiner”. He does it twice.

That can be understood literally, as living among your enemies, but also figuratively - at least in my opinion. See, Eren perceived the Warriors as the “bad guys” - the perpetrators of the Evil. He says it himself.

By drawing this parallel between Reiner and himself, Eren makes the realization that he is quite the damn monster himself. He is self-conscious about the malevolence within. And that’s a critical thing.

Through the memories of his father, Eren was witness - so to speak - to the Tragedy and Evil of the past. It’s as if he was granted (or cursed by) that knowledge. We know it from an interview with Isayama that “Eren is now influenced by the memories he retained”. It can be read as the factor that has lead Eren to end up in an ustable state. Perhaps that’s correct. But it can also mean that it made Eren integrate this Dark side into his being. 

But Eren’s self-awarness is like a double-edged sword. Because once we become consciously aware what it’s like to be fearful, and angry, and resentful, and bitter, we understand what pain means. And once we truly understand such feelings in ourself, and how they’re produced, we understand how to produce them in others. It is in this manner that the selfconscious beings that we are, become voluntarily and exquisitely capable of tormenting others. 

There is one moment in this chapter that has strucked me as odd when I read it. It’s when Reiner asks Eren for his reason for coming to Marley. He asks Eren whether it is to fulfil his vow “to see the Warriors die the most excruciating death possible”. Eren denies this. 

It isn’t obvious why he would say that. Eren had all the reason to want the worst for Reiner and the rest of the Warriors. Bertolt and Reiner destroyed the hometown Eren grew up in and caused Eren to witness his mother’s brutal death. Because of Annie over 20 Survey Corps soldiers died, including members of Levi’s Squad - which again Eren was witness to. After living as comrades, Reiner and Bertolt betrayed Eren and the Scouts. They wiped out almost all the soldiers of the Survey Corps with only few alive.

Life is indeed “nasty, brutish and short” - its mere factual reality is sometimes sufficient to turn even a courageous person against life. But conscious human malevolence can break the spirit even tragedy could not shake. In this manner it is a primary thing to understand, that to the degree a person becomes conscious that the Evil is as much in himself as in the others, to the same degree is not likely to project it onto some scapegoat. In my estimation it is, essentially, what Eren does. By saying “I’m the bad guy” Eren is willing to confront Evil - or at least the potentiality of it - in the form that is within himself. Perhaps that’s the meaning of this chapter.

“No tree can grow to Heaven, unless its roots reach down to Hell” - C. G. Jung

[canon-rivamika]

EPISODE 28 DRAMA PART 2 - Q&A

Part 1: Did Isayama have any say in this?

I’ve exhausted my salt supply because of the Season 2 cour drama already, (the one thing WIT Studio couldn’t have fucked up but did it anyway...) so I tried to be positive in my replies!

Anonymous said:

I m deceived of how they made the rivamika scene :( 

I feel you, anon! But honestly, after almost being scared to death while watching the raw stream because someone whose stream was ahead said they’d skipped the carriage scene again (@suniuz​ I’M LOOKING AT YOU LOL), I’m just relieved they did not skip that scene entirely.

@noatchka​​​ said:

I watched the 3rd episode of season 2, and Levi didnt say 'dont make a mistake', or something to Mikasa, but Towards Eren. I like that tho xD 

Nevermind, i saw your post xD 

Despite popular opinion, I also don’t really mind, as long as they do justice to Mikasa’s character development during the Uprising Arc, whenever it airs. Apparently they changed Levi’s scolding to be directed at Eren because of the butterfly effect that came with radically changing season 1′s last episode (rage mode Eren). 

Pros: Changing Levi’s dialogue to “I dunno why you’re so attached to him, but protect him at all costs” made him seem just jealous of Mikasa and Eren, and that’s it. In the manga at least he had an excuse for what he said - he was concerned about Mikasa AND her performance. Rivamika feels!

Cons: Mikasa not being scolded takes away from her flaws and makes her character more dependent on Eren, and less on Levi (which is actually what happens in later chapters). Cue “Mikasa is a Mary-sue” and “Mikasa is just shipping fodder” comments. Plus, Levi’s scolding is one of the catalysts for almost her entire character development in the Uprising Arc, and that’s what I like best about Rivamika - Levi is the one that helps her mature in that arc.

It’s also bad for Eren’s character. While they removed his “I’ll know exactly who to point all this anger at...” line, they added his rage mode to episode 25, and now Levi’s scolding on top of it makes Eren seem even angrier and more out of control. We know he’s going to snap later this season because of Reiner and Bertholdt anyway, so what’s the point...? At this rate I don’t understand what they’re trying to get at with Eren’s character anymore.

Anonymous said:

I feel like the rivamika carriage scene got really trivialised.... my only consolation was seeing Levi's face literally soften specifically for Mikasa when he gave her orders 

In the manga, while we can’t see Levi’s face when he talks to Armin, we can suppose he keeps the same expression when he’s speaking to Mikasa.

Notice above how his expression doesn’t change at all when he scolds Mikasa, after asking her why she’s so attached to Eren. In this episode, however, Levi’s expression is stern towards Armin, becomes softer towards Mikasa and turns even harsher towards Eren, because of his scolding!

That’s a big deal and something I’m eternally grateful to the anime for!

Anonymous said:

As time passes by I find myself even more disappointed and salty about how the carriage scene was handled. Mainly because of how Mikasa's character is portrayed in the anime and how all the anime-only viewers I know see her and I quote " she is a generic MC centered character with no actual purpose other than fighting and following the MC around. She lacks all the depth and development of other characters and as it is for a supposed main her presence feels insignificant " and to my dismay I can't defend her since The anime adaption does portray her that way with all the changes in season 1 and I can't reference the manga in our discussions. I'm honestly worried about her character going forward.........( two part ask. I guess having more than a 100 people bash one of your favorites while you watch helplessly does that. I'm mostly venting but I'd love to know your opinion on this if you don't mind. )

Yes, unfortunately. See the pros and cons I wrote about above. We can’t do anything right now except be patient and wait and see if they fix it this season or next (which is more likely because... Ackermans).

Anonymous said:

With these drastic changes in the latest episode (which I was looking forward to so much) it is likely that EreMika and EreRi (NOTE: I have nothing against this 2 ship whatsoever) will gain tons of fans, it just saddens me RivaMika don't even get much screen time and then the studio will just change it like that, and to top it all they had ruined Mikasa's character development. We won't even get the "How's your leg part"... Is that too much to ask?? Do they really need to do that? 

I don’t think it was all that bad for the Rivamika ship relatively speaking. But which ship gets more fans because of that scene should not be the main concern here, it’s Mikasa, Levi and Eren’s character development!

As for the “how’s your leg” moment from chapter 53: Hold on, we don’t know if they’re going to cut that scene from season 3 just because of what they did to episode 28! Some time ago I even talked about how they might tie Mikasa’s missing monologue from episode 25 to that scene when it airs in season 3. Who knows, maybe Levi will scold Mikasa differently, in other circumstances!

It makes sense to postpone that part of Mikasa’s character development to season 3 since the Uprising arc is much more about these two (Levi and Mikasa) than the Clash of the Titans arc. But it doesn’t look good for Mikasa’s character in this arc - it takes away the balance that Isayama gave her from Levi’s scolding.

Anonymous said:

Hi! I know that you talked about the change in the last espisode, but I feel that they took away what Isayama himself put through several chapters: that feeling of curiosity towards Mikasa. They also eliminated the guilt of her, because first the dialogue of "the strongest man of humanity is injured because of me" was removed. And now the one of "protects to Eren but controlate" which just referred to that occasion of the fight with the woman Titán. (1/2) 

I would not be surprised if they removed the part where mikasa asks for his leg if they animate the bow of insurrection. The only thing I rescued from that moment in the anime, was that in fact Levi did not even scold Mikasa, instead to Eren himself and made him rather annoying. Sorry if my English is with google translate xD (2/2)

As I said above, let’s wait and see if they include these moments this season or next. Since they emphasized his leg’s injury with the added dialogue from last episode, I think chances are low that they’ll cut the “how’s your leg” scene from season 3.

@dark-als​ replied to your post “EPISODE 28”

I get that they are adapting things to fit with season 1 ending but I must admit I'm disappointed with how they handled this scene. I always viewed this scene as an important character development moment for Mikasa where she acknowledges her mistakes and takes responsibility for them. Yet they completely downplayed the moment ... I really hope this doesn't become a trend with other important scenes

I also hope this doesn’t become a trend, but let’s just wait. They can’t ignore this aspect of her character for too long because of the Uprising Arc. 

I’m still hopeful that they won’t cut the “is your leg okay” scene from chapter 53. In my opinion, the anime’s biggest fuck up was making Levi, despite his injury, use the 3DMG to stop Eren from eating Annie. But they included this line to last episode’s dialogue to remind everyone that he’s still injured and to explain why he’s not actively fighting in the Clash of the Titans arc. So you see, if they fixed their blunder with Levi’s character, there’s still hope they can fix the one with Mikasa’s.

@suniuz  replied to your post “EPISODE 28”

I was a little bit disappointed but maybe this means Levi doesn't want to blame Mikasa in front of everyone else? (Idk I'm just trying to make myself feel less salty but yeah Mikasa taking responsibility for her own mistake is so important :'(

Maybe it is. But it’s the second time the anime skips over that matter (Mikasa’s blunder versus the Female Titan). While from a Rivamika shipper’s point of view that might be great since Levi seems less harsh on Mikasa (even less than he usually is, considering how lenient he was to her during the Uprising Arc!), I really hope that means they’re just postponing these scenes to season 3 so the context is easier for anime-only watchers to understand.

Lastly, I’m going to quote Isayama, because here’s a friendly reminder that he’s genuinely worried about her character development:

Isayama: Mikasa’s growth probably involves separation from Eren. By separation, I mean she might be able to return to that ordinary girl that she used to be in childhood…… I read some interesting thoughts from readers on the internet. People would say male mangaka have a tendency to reject the notion of “fate.“ On the contrary, female mangaka draw works that approve “fate.” You meet your Mr./Ms. Right, you say “This is fate!”, and you accept that the trajectory of your life is already predestined. People who interfere with that and seem to affect your serene life are portrayed as villains. Of course, I am not speaking of all mangaka, but with my mentality as a male mangaka, I think it is pitiful if Mikasa’s life is only about staying together with Eren. However to Mikasa, it is a wonderful thing to be with Eren forever. Combining what I’ve said, if I were to draw the separation of Eren and Mikasa, I feel like my portrayal likely won’t be satisfactory for readers, because Mikasa would have to endure the strain of being stuck between Eren and Armin...

If he allowed these changes there must be a very good reason, and we’ll only know it when this season ends or maybe when next season airs.

[sparda3g]

Attack on Titan Chapter 104 Review

I thought we have already seen all crazy and intense moments of the arc. I was wrong. This chapter doesn’t hold back on the possibilities to get the job done; even if it is done by the cruelest way possible. It is drawing near to the end of the massacre that Eren and Survey Corps brought to their home. It was another intense chapter that had me exhilarated to the very end.

At last, we finally got to see Armin’s Colossal Titan form, though it’s largely similar to Bertolt’s version. I believe it is larger than his though, judging by the drawn angle shot, but I can’t confirm. It makes sense that it won’t have a massive makeover since it’s basically a human body without any flesh. Even so, the devastating presence still leaves a bone-chilling impression.

The significant part of this scene is how Armin feels really uncomfortable with the destruction he and his friends have caused. It is true that they have killed many humans before; however, this is far different for it involves with normal citizens from another country. It’s not self-defense; it’s collateral damage. It’s always neat how Isayama dissect the effect of war differently for each arcs with different characters. Armin also feels sympathetic towards Bertolt for he had to kill as many as this Titan. It proves that everyone is/was human and their action scarred their mind.

One of the most anticipated outcomes was with Jean and Falco in a very tough situation. I have to admit, I was afraid to read this because the possibility of someone’s death with couple of paths to choose from. The way how it builds up was getting to me really bad, like “Who will die?!” It turns out that Isayama didn’t kill anyone off as Jean misses his shot. It sparks a new question on whether Jean missed because of sympathy or the steam from the dying Cart Titan that navigated the spear. This may lead to inner conflict of killing innocent lives or leaving them to be the next threat; which somewhat ties in with Armin’s early scene well.

The good news is Pieck survives; the bad news is she’s in a horrible state. When Falco pulled her out of the titan, I thought he pulled her head and spine only; her hair and blood splattered spots deluded my eyes. Still, she looks awful, nearly thought she’s already dead. Luckily, Falco and Gabi escape with her, thanks to Magath and other soldiers. It’s crazy how much of a hero vibe they’re having yet they’re technically the villain; it’s called humanity.

While the action takes place next, I want to continue with those two kids scene where they are hiding inside a building for shelter. Following up with Pieck’s condition, it’s no doubt that she is done with this battle. The only question left is will she survive to see another day as her recovery is taking a long time. I believe she will survive, so the fans could take a deep breath. The true purpose of the scene is the whereabouts of Reiner.

It’s hard to judge Falco’s decision in this tight situation because he acknowledged that Reiner can’t fight in his current state yet he believes that they shouldn’t disturb him. On one hand, it’s admirable to respect him as a person like he needs a time alone to ease his mind or whatever that overly stressed him. On the other hand, they can’t afford to let him remain immobile when he’s the Armored Titan and he could greatly benefit to the battle right now. It’s like there’s no time to let him rest when they are out there suffering and losing lives.

The airship made an appearance during the moment with Armin finishing his job to wipe out the fleet. Now, it arrives to the active battlefield, which is what those light signals were for in the early chapters. It coordinately lines up like it was ready for an airplane to make its landing. It’s basically a signal call for Survey Corps to make their retreat, which means this battle is close to ending. It has been intense, so I don’t mind a cool down.

Hange makes her time-skip debut and much like Levi, not much really has changed, though she is sporting the new uniform. I guess the veterans don’t change at all while the former rookies get makeover. The tension is that they only have one shot at this and everyone must make this only attempt to retreat; otherwise, they will be shot down. This gives a sensation that something wrong will occur and it could be one member being taken out before reaching to the airship. It certainly gave me a lot to look forward with this rising tension and stake.

We get an intense Titan battle. Porco lost his temper after witnessing his comrades being taken out; not even knowing if they are alive right now. It engages him to attack Eren head-on and he was matching up well.  The devastation was captivating; capturing the intensity of two Titans in a heated battle very well. Jaw is actually pretty damn frightening to mess with because it can chomp down an armored hand like a soft candy. The claws are no joke as well; it can freaking slash the crystal that Tybur lady is resting in and actually leaves a mark. I thought we saw everything from Jaw but when used correctly, it’s terrifying. Eren was struggling, but this would give him a brilliant yet heartless idea.

After the scene with the airship arriving for extraction, Porco did well for taking on Eren, but sadly, his mind was all over the place for vengeance in which will ultimately pay the heavy price. Because of the sight for his enemy to escape, he didn’t think anything else but kill them without carefully check his area. It’s too late now, as Mikasa takes out his legs; similar to what she did back when dealing with Armored Titan. Then we have this scene.

I know the series has plenty of brutality for a Shounen no less; however, I believe this has to be the most brutal way to defeat your enemy. It’s smart no doubt, but good God almighty, this was purely messed up. Eren takes Jaw Titan and uses its jaw to crush none other than the crystal. In other words, use your enemy to crush your other enemy; force him to be a murderer of his comrade. Wow…This whole scene was bone-chilling and rightfully so.

The sensation of this one moment is not only a slow victory for Eren but the large amount of regrets is coming in for Porco for costing War Hammer Titan against his will. It slowly takes the time as he is slowly pleading to stop, but with Eren, no amount of care is given. The crystal shattering is a clever way to illustrate her as a crushed body into pieces without resorting to graphic imagery. Either way, she is crushed and the War Hammer Titan is now in Eren’s possession. That was so painful; dare I say, physically painful to watch it.

Probably my absolute favorite scene is the rise of Reiner to do one act that blurs the line of good and evil. It got to the point that Eren really look like a total heel or villain with how he is annihilating them in the most brutal manner. I know, this is war and understandably so, but the imagery is rather staggering. I can throw this chapter to a newcomer and they will say, “This Eren guy is such a monstrous villain.” Porco was about to be killed, but what lead to next is the imagery of a rising hero.

It is amazing Isayama managed to swap the position of who will get a heroic act in the midst of massacre. Gabi cries for Reiner to help for he is the only one to save him. Falco joins in later on, basically submitted because they are really in need of help right now. Reiner was still sleeping but conscious to know they’re calling for him. It’s very telling that he doesn’t want to help but the more they cry, he finally begins to rise up and manages to turn into Armored Titan. It wasn’t completed, but it was good enough to pull one act.

Despite his words described as depressing, the fact he did shift to a Titan does speak volumes. Remember, he wanted to kill himself really badly, but he said that the kids are his reason to not give in the temptation. This basically readdresses that since he did shift. Those kids were the ones crying; who knows if the outcome would be the same if it was with others. It does give Reiner a purpose in life as he was cheered like a savior; something that he felt he doesn’t deserve, especially if you based off of his recent flashback. This was really nicely addressed.

The best part is what could have been Eren versus Reiner Round 3, only it is done for one final strike. I was all fired up when he woke up, so when they were about to exchange punches, I was marking out alas going nuts. The tension was running high and it ends with Reiner getting punched out, losing his jaw. Oddly enough, he retrieves the Jaw Titan from Eren. That was just astonishing, because Reiner didn’t bother to fight, rather put his comrade first and retrieve him. This does paint Eren to be the villain of the scenario completely. Newcomers would think Reiner is the protagonist that not only got cheered for like a hero but even pull a heroic act. That’s fantastic.

Eren is finally out of strength and notes that he and Reiner will meet again. It may be early to call, but to me, that basically translate that there will be a round 3 between them. I wonder if I should root for Reiner if Eren continue to act this way. Everyone is retreating, which means we can finally rest from this mayhem. Nope. Gabi is not letting that go by easily, though I don’t blame her.

What this chaos essentially done to her is to be clouded with vengeance. It’s kind of funny because if I recall correctly, she was designed after Eren but as a female instead. In other words, if you associate with Eren, your mind will be nothing but revenge. Joking aside, it does set the tone that the chain of vengeance can pass around by your action and Gabi is the victim. It ends with her going out to take a shot; unlike the last chapter, something big may happen with Gabi. It could end with a fluke like this one, but I think we are in for something going wrong. Oh man…

I got to say, the artwork and paneling has been some of the best Isayama has put out in recent memory. The atmosphere was intense as it should be. The sequence of the action was exhilarating. The moment of breaking the crystal was unnerving and quite shocking to some extent. Something about it gave me serious chills; probably the reaction and slow build to the breakdown got me worked up. The part with Reiner getting up and confront Eren was gratifying; it wasn’t meant to be a battle but damn, I got hyped.

This was yet another intense chapter that Isayama keeps on delivering. It’s going to cool down really soon, but I believe we are in need for one. The action was intense, the tension was running wild, and it was all around riveting from start to finish. The mystery from the last chapter hasn’t been unveiled, including with Zeke. After Gabi takes a shot, whether it leads to more dilemmas or not, we are going to have a lot of time to process this through.