Attack On Titan Before The Fall Chapters

Okay, so you’re obsessed with Attack on Titan, right? I mean, who isn't? But have you ever dipped your toes into the *slightly* less-mainstream world of Attack on Titan: Before the Fall? Think of it as a pre-quel, a delicious appetizer before the main course of Eren screaming and titans chomping.

Honestly, I slept on it for way too long. And let me tell you, I was seriously missing out!

What Even Is 'Before the Fall'?

Basically, it's a series of light novels (and a manga adaptation!) that tells the story of what life was like *before* Eren and the gang showed up to kick some titan butt. We're talking roughly 70 years before the fall of Wall Maria. So, a whole different era, a whole different set of problems. Prepare yourself for *titan history*!

See, the world wasn't always equipped to deal with these naked giants running around. Imagine a world without 3D Maneuver Gear. Shudders, right?

The Story's Two Main Threads: Kuklo and Sharle

The story follows two main characters whose lives are intertwined in pretty interesting ways. First, we have Kuklo. Now, Kuklo is *special*. Remember all those titan babies you've seen and instantly blocked from your memory? Well, Kuklo is the *only* titan baby to have ever survived the birth, discovered inside the stomach of a titan. *Cue the dramatic music!* Seriously, who has that kind of luck?

Because of his, uh, unusual origins, he's basically treated like a lab rat. Experimented on, shunned, feared. It's pretty rough stuff, but it adds a layer of *complexity* to the whole titan narrative that you don't necessarily get in the main series. You know, that whole nature vs. nurture debate, except with giant, cannibalistic monsters. Fun!

And then there's Sharle. She’s a brilliant inventor working on developing…you guessed it…the very first 3D Maneuver Gear! Talk about a game-changer. Sharle is driven, intelligent, and determined to make a difference. But (and this is a big but), she faces sexism and disbelief at every turn. I mean, imagine trying to convince a bunch of old dudes that your crazy grappling hook idea is actually gonna save humanity. Good luck with that!

Plus, the world's economy is not in great shape, so it is difficult to fund for this *expensive* piece of equipment.

Why Should You Bother Reading It?

Okay, so besides the fact that it's more Attack on Titan goodness, there are actually a bunch of compelling reasons to dive into Before the Fall.

World-Building: It *seriously* expands the Attack on Titan universe. We get to see how humanity initially reacted to the titans, the *struggles* they faced, and the evolution of their technology. It gives so much context to the main series, you'll be like, "Ohhhh, NOW I get it!"
The Origin of 3DMG: We get to see the *creation* of the 3D Maneuver Gear! Like, from the very first prototype to the refined version Eren and Mikasa use. Seeing the trials, the errors, and the sheer ingenuity that went into developing it is fascinating. It makes you appreciate those spiffy grappling hooks even more!
New Perspectives: Kuklo's unique background provides a totally fresh perspective on the titans. Is he a monster? A human? Something in between? It forces you to confront some pretty uncomfortable questions about humanity and what it means to be "normal."
Titan Lore!: You want more titan lore? You got it! Before the Fall delves into the *early days* of titan research, the attempts to understand their weaknesses, and the desperate measures taken to survive. It’s like a titan history lesson, but way more exciting.

Things to Keep in Mind

Now, Before the Fall isn't perfect. There are a few things to keep in mind before you jump in.

First off, the story can be a little...*slow*. It's a prequel, so there's a lot of world-building and character development. Don't expect the non-stop action of the main series right away. Think of it more as a slow burn, a delicious simmering stew before the titan-sized feast. This is why many found the Manga adaptation better than the light novels.

Second, the characters, while interesting, aren't quite as iconic as Eren, Mikasa, and Armin. Sorry, Kuklo, you're cool, but you're no Eren Jaeger. However, they are relatable to the common folk during that time.

And third, the light novels can be a bit dense at times. It's a lot of information to take in. If you're not a big reader, the manga adaptation might be a better option. It's more visually engaging and condenses the story nicely. It gives it a good *bite-sized* taste.

Where to Start?

So, where do you even begin this Before the Fall journey? Well, you have a few options:

Light Novels: This is the original source material. If you're a purist and want the full story, this is the way to go. But be prepared for some serious reading!
Manga Adaptation: This is a more accessible option. The artwork is fantastic, and the story is condensed, making it easier to follow. This is a great starting point if you're unsure about committing to the light novels.

Personally, I started with the manga and then dove into the light novels for more details. It worked pretty well for me.

Is It Worth Your Time?

So, the million-dollar question: is Attack on Titan: Before the Fall worth your time? And the answer, my friend, is a resounding YES!

If you're a hardcore Attack on Titan fan, it's a no-brainer. It adds so much depth and context to the main series. But even if you're just a casual fan, it's still a fascinating story with compelling characters and a unique perspective on the Attack on Titan universe.

Plus, it's just plain fun! Who doesn't love more titan action, more world-building, and more stories of humanity struggling to survive against overwhelming odds? I mean, come on!

Final Thoughts

Look, Attack on Titan: Before the Fall isn't perfect, but it's a worthwhile addition to the Attack on Titan franchise. It's a chance to explore a different era, meet new characters, and delve deeper into the lore of this incredible world. Plus, it makes you appreciate Eren's screaming even more, knowing what people had to go through before he came along! Seriously, consider Kuklo's situation! Talk about a *rough* start to life.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or whatever your beverage of choice is), settle in, and prepare to be transported back in time to a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction. You won't regret it! And hey, if you do end up hating it, you can always blame me. But I have a feeling you'll be thanking me later!

Just don't blame me if you start dreaming about titans. That's a risk you take with any Attack on Titan related material. Sweet dreams (or nightmares)!

Plus you will understand more about humanity's initial failures, which is important for a series based on fighting for the survival of humanity.

Attack on Titan: Before the Fall is a world full of characters who are just trying to get by during the era where titans are not quite understood, the same for technologies to fight them. So give it a shot!