Review of Attack on Titan
A lot of people give the first season of Attack on Titan less credit than it deserves because of its fast-paced, action-based storyline that differs from the more emotionally complex, character-driven, political plots of future seasons. However, I think as an opening season, the first season of Attack on Titan does a remarkable job starting off its story and drawing the viewer in. The first episode alone is a masterful way to begin a story. The suspense and tension, as well as the overall threat of the titans, is made known immediately, and from that point forward, most of the first season is heavily action-driven, whilestill leaving some quieter moments for some characters to shine through. Yes, a lot happens in a short period of time before slowing down in the Female Titan arc (the second half of the season), but I believe if the series had started off slower, that initial hook would not have been there, and I wouldn't have been as invested in the series as I presently am.
I remember watching this back in summer of 2014, telling myself I would only watch one more episode before the episode ended on a cliffhanger, and I had no choice but to watch another. The first season successfully lays the groundwork for the mystery behind the show, and while obviously we are only given bits and pieces of the world this season, as someone who watched the first season without reading the manga beforehand, I was constantly surprised and curious as to where the series would lead.
The Female Titan arc is where the pacing begins to slow, and while it's not my favorite arc compared to the first half of the season, it is still a necessary arc in continuing to lay down the mystery element of the show.
The artwork in this season is fairly good, though I am thankful they ditched the bulky lines in future seasons. For an anime that premiered in 2013, I think it is decently animated, especially in the fight scenes, and the soundtrack? Sawano is a god. Attack on Titan's soundtrack is iconic.
The first season is different from the following seasons of Attack on Titan. It is initially more fast-paced with horror element vibes and only a few episodes focused on backstory and character development. But, I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing, and if anything, this season is outstanding in drawing the viewer in and making them become invested in the franchise. So while this season is a bit more subpar in terms of character and plot compared to later seasons, it is a groundbreaking opening season and something I still enjoy rewatching before future seasons premiere.