Introduction to Attack on Titan
"Attack on Titan" (Shingeki no Kyojin) has captivated audiences worldwide with its intense storytelling, complex characters, and breathtaking animation. The series is set in a world where humanity faces extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, who devour humans without apparent reason.
Season 1: The Beginning of the End
Air Dates: April 7, 2013 - September 28, 2013
Episodes: 25
The inaugural season introduces us to the world within the walls and our core trio: Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert.
Key Plot Points
- The Fall of Wall Maria: The catastrophic breach by the Colossal and Armored Titans
- Eren's Transformation: The discovery of his Titan powers
- The Battle for Trost: A crucial arc showcasing humanity's first victory
Season 2: Unraveling Mysteries
Air Dates: April 1, 2017 - June 17, 2017
Episodes: 12
Though shorter, Season 2 delivered shocking revelations about the nature of Titans and the truth behind the walls.
Major Revelations:
- Beast Titan's first appearance
- Reiner and Bertholdt's true identities
- Ymir's backstory and connection to the Titans
- The truth about Titans within the walls
Season 3: The Fight for Freedom
Air Dates:
- Part 1: July 23, 2018 - October 15, 2018
- Part 2: April 29, 2019 - July 1, 2019
Episodes: 22
Many consider this the peak of the series, with Part 1 focusing on political intrigue and Part 2 culminating in the return to Shiganshina.
Highlights:
- Kenny Ackerman's introduction
- Historia's rise to power
- The basement revelation
- The truth about the outside world
"If we kill all our enemies over there, will we finally be free?" - Eren Yeager
Season 4: The Final Act
Air Dates:
- Part 1: December 7, 2020 - March 29, 2021
- Part 2: January 10, 2022 - April 4, 2022
- Part 3: 2023
The final season shifts to a global scale, exploring the conflict between Marley and the Eldians. Notable changes include:
- New animation studio (MAPPA)
- Darker tone and themes
- Expanded world-building
- The devastating Rumbling event
Final Themes Explored:
- Freedom versus security
- Cycle of hatred
- Cost of revenge
- Nature of humanity
Animation and Musical Legacy
The series' animation has remained exceptional throughout its run, particularly in ODM gear sequences and Titan battles. The soundtrack, composed by Hiroyuki Sawano and later joined by Kohta Yamamoto, features iconic tracks like:
- "YouSeeBIGGIRL/T:T"
- "Attack on Titan"
- "The Reluctant Heroes"
Where to Watch
The complete series is available on various streaming platforms:
For more detailed information and discussions, visit MyAnimeList or Reddit's Attack on Titan community.