Is Attack on Titan Among the Most Overrated Anime/Manga of All Time?

As an SEO expert, I analyze and evaluate the popularity, reception, and critical reception of various anime and manga series. After careful consideration Attack on Titan (AoT), I present both sides of the argument - why it might be one of the most overrated anime or manga considerations.

No and Yes

I have seen a lot of animes, but I have to admit: I really don't like AoT. Here are the reasons why.

People Saying it is All-Time Greatest (GOAT):

First of all, people saying it's the GOAT: an anime has to be in almost everyone's top pick before it can be considered the GOAT. After watching Attack on Titan, it still falls short of that high praise. The fact that not everyone can agree on its greatness is a red flag for its universal appeal.

The Plot is Excellent, but the Story Lacks:

While the plot of AoT is universally praised as one of the best in the genre, the story is another matter entirely. After the first season, it becomes incredibly boring and redundant. This is quite disappointing, as it leads to many viewers quitting the series, which should not happen for a critically acclaimed anime. Additionally, the seasons alternate between good and bad, which is inconsistent and detrimental to the overall experience. Arguably, the inconsistent quality and frequent changes in studios (MAPPA) have further affected its quality, including its animation and storytelling.

Personal Opinions and Criticisms

Attack on Titan has become immensely popular, both in and outside of Japan. Given its massive following and consistent growth in fanbase, it has solidified its place in the shonen demographic since its 2013 premiere. However, this popularity does not necessarily equate to quality, and here are some reasons why it might be overrated.

Reason 1: Bad Writing

One of the most crucial points is the writing. Attack on Titan has almost next to terrible writing, and traded good story for bad writing that is incomplete, illogical, and full of random plot developments. For example, the story transitions from simply fighting titans, to becoming titans themselves, to fighting each other, and then to a war. Each transition seems random and lacks coherence, which is unsustainable over multiple seasons and risks losing the audience's interest.

Reason 2: Excessive Violence and Shallow Storytelling

The series thrives on tension and excitement through constant and unyielding bloodshed and brutality, both from the titans and corrupt humans. The character reactions are often extreme, with the cast relying heavily on shock value to drive the story forward. This reliance on violence creates a cycle where the audience is expected to constantly crave for more action, even though much of it happens for no specific reason. The gratuitous use of violence without substantial narrative payoff detracts from the depth of the story and character development.

Reason 3: Lack of Character Development and Poor Storytelling

While Attack on Titan boasts a powerful supporting cast, such as Levi, Mikasa, and others, their backstories and development have been handled poorly. The series often neglects doing justice to the breadth of these characters' backgrounds, except for Erwin Smith. Mikasa's backstory, in particular, is one of the most extensively covered, yet it still falls short in terms of providing a well-rounded understanding of her journey and motivations. This oversight in character development further contributes to the series feeling shallow and incomplete.

Conclusion

Overall, while Attack on Titan has its merits, such as a compelling plot and impactful storytelling in parts, it is marred by its inconsistent quality, excessive violence, and lack of depth in character development. The game relies heavily on violence for tension and ignores the nuances of character arcs, leaving a lot to be desired in terms of a complete and satisfying viewing experience.

Is Attack on Titan Overrated?

Ultimately, whether it is overrated depends on the viewer. For some, it might be a deeply engaging and immersive experience. For others, it might feel like a disjointed, violence-heavy journey with a characters. The verdict is in the hands of the audience, but based on the broader critical reception and the experience of many viewers, it can be argued that Attack on Titan may indeed fall short of its perceived greatness.