If you haven't seen shrinking violets that could boast such badassery, you have not watched much anime. I don't really agree that the storyline or the show's contents are at all unique, either.
Otherwise, I mostly agree with your review and your comparison, as odd as it may be. Though, Haruhi Suzumiya got so popular because it panders heavily to the audience; Ao T is relatively mild in terms of pandering. I also agree about the whole "kill Titans etc." thing - it's really this show's biggest fault.
I'm surprised you haven't seen any bad reviews, too. The hatedom for this show is almost as bad as Haruhi's was years back.
"I'm surprised you haven't seen any bad reviews, too. The hatedom for this show is almost as bad as Haruhi's was years back."
Based on some of the eye-rolling reviews I've seen, I wonder how much of that is caused by Hype Backlash...
Probably should get working on that essay now...Leave a Comment:
This Seems Familiar...
I finally watched Attack on Titan. I figured, "The hype is starting to die down... I think it's safe to watch without fear of being mauled. After reading a few reviews, I determined the two types of people that watch this show. The OMYGODTHISISTHEBESTANIMEEVUR fans, and the people who acknowledged the fact that it was good, but WAY overhyped.
But I never read a bad review...
So I watched it, and I was impressed. The characters seem bland at times, and don't experience too much development, but the sheer uniqueness caught me by surprise. (The fact that a Shrinking Violet like Armin could host such a Badass fighter was amazing. The Titans are similar. Bland, but very unique (Also scary as hell). Not to mention the intense action scenes that are portrayed beautifully.
But halfway through, I noticed a distinct similarity do a different series from a while ago. An immense fanbase, overhype surrounding what can best be described as pretty good, a ridiculously memetic Opening song...
Does anyone see the similarities to Haruhi Suzumiya?
I did. And from then on, Attack on Titan became much more enjoyable to watch for me. Guren no Yumiya did remind me of Hare Hare Yukai if only in terms of sheer popularity and parodies. An interesting, but unusual (And sometimes confusing) storyline, and other similarities made this series stand out even more.
But in the end, Attack on Titan ended up falling short of the hype. The "unusual storyline" I mentioned is basically as follows: "Kill Titans. Learn more about Titans. Don't get killed by Titans." Now, to say this is the whole storyline is a ridiculous exaggeration, but the story is not this anime's strong suit. (Note that I haven't read the manga yet.)
Was it good? Definitely. Was it a "Breathtaking miracle that should be everyone's favorite anime?" No. Will I watch it when Funimation dubs it? You bet I will.