UlasanAnime.com – The first episode of Shingeki no Kyojin, also known as Attack on Titan, presents a deeply unsettling experience that is difficult to articulate precisely why.
Visually, the anime is stunningly animated. The distinctive thick linework is a stylistic choice, and the exaggerated character animations offer a less gimmicky feel compared to shows like Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. However, it’s during the intense action sequences that the show truly shines, elevating itself far beyond the typical late-night anime offering. The opening sequence is particularly remarkable.
The prevalent gore and violence are inherently unsettling. While I didn’t dwell on it too much due to its cartoony presentation, it seems this very aspect contributes to the show’s peculiar atmosphere. The entire series possesses a theatrical quality that, when juxtaposed with its deadly serious narrative, creates a strange dissonance. The Titans themselves are designed in a ridiculous manner, not just because they are giant naked beings, but also due to their exaggerated facial expressions and movements. Although the action choreography is undeniably cool, it feels somewhat detached from reality, leaning more towards a standard “anime” style.
It’s akin to finding sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl of pho; it’s an oddity that doesn’t quite clash but doesn’t quite fit either. It’s not as jarring as, say, pairing cheese with curry for the first time, but it evokes a similar sense of unexpectedness.
The humanoid Titans, in their savage, barbarian-like appearance, evoke comparisons to D&D giants. It makes one wonder if this was the source of inspiration. Visual depictions of giants outside of video games, particularly in a wild, barbarian context, are rare, making this aspect quite engaging. Unfortunately, this particular novelty is likely to fade after the initial episodes.
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