OP: “Guren no Yumiya” by Linked Horizon – With all the ha’s and the trumpets, the thrill they make you feel in the opening is terrific. I like it.
I appreciate the prologue so much; I’m starting to love the anime as much as the manga. In fact, it’s getting better.
The entirety of episode two was crossing their message of their world and the situation of the left mankind on earth. It told the attitude and the personality one is up for in the battle against these humongous creatures; that is one hell of a good start, a story told from rock bottom.
There were expanded scenes (obviously) but unlike other anime, it was to fill up the absorption of either the information or the transition of the next scene. Either way, or whatever way, it worked because the pacing was consistent until the end. Also, as I have read the manga very further ahead, the scene of the protagonist’s dad riding a horse and crying was a good addition, together with the injections of his kid. Thumbs up!
Episode three focused more in the training, and honestly, they did it closely well as the manga or, in fact, it may even have been better. It was mostly a sort of expanded form of the training, but every minute of it was good. Sure, it may seem unnecessary thinking that his harsh and first few days were caused by some mechanical problem, but trust me on this: it was the character development the creators are after, and not just the protagonist’s, it was everyone’s. Hint: It’s basically one of those beginnings where you’d feel “it’s a small world.”
The entire series is living up to the manga’s set expectations. Although I have to say, it makes the laziness in me so I’m more or less hoping for action to set some entertainment to those who know the story already very well (but since they’re not going to do that, I’ll still stick through).
Rating: Great! Living up to its expectations. Or beyond that.
ED: “Utsukushiki Zankoku na Sekai” by Youko Hikasa – A very ED-like theme song. What’s there to pair a “you’re-in-for-excitement” opening? A melancholic, quiet, and peaceful ending theme song. Fine.
Adrift Culture 