Okay, let's talk about something a little…spicy. Something that might get me yelled at online. Something regarding Attack on Titan.
The English Dub: Season 4 Part 2 - An Unpopular Opinion?
Specifically, the English dub of Season 4 Part 2. Buckle up, because I might be about to commit anime blasphemy.
I... I actually really enjoyed it. There. I said it.
Wait, Before You Grab Your Pitchforks…
Look, I get it. Some people are ride-or-die sub fans. They swear the original Japanese is the *only* way to experience the show. I respect that. Mostly.
But hear me out! The dub? It's good! Like, surprisingly good.
Maybe it's because I'm a simpleton. Maybe I just like not having to read while watching giant naked people smash things. Whatever the reason, I found myself genuinely engrossed.
And you know what? I think the voice actors did a fantastic job. They brought the intensity. They nailed the emotional nuances (yes, even when Eren was being a total angst-lord).
I was bawling my eyes out right along with them! (Okay, maybe I was already emotional from the plot. But still!).
“But the nuances! The original intent! The cultural context!”I hear you cry.
Alright, alright. I’m sure there's stuff that gets lost in translation. There always is. But for a casual viewer like myself? The dub delivered. Big time.
Specific Shout-Outs (Because I’m Feeling Generous)
Bryce Papenbrook as Eren? Come on. He killed it! The rage! The desperation! The *I'm-going-to-destroy-the-world-because-reasons* vibes? Perfect.
Josh Grelle as Armin? Nailed the gentle soul, even when Armin was making questionable decisions. Bless his heart.
And can we talk about Mike McFarland as Jean? He brought a much-needed dose of sarcasm and dry wit to the apocalypse. A true hero.
Seriously, the whole cast was phenomenal. From Mikasa's stoicism to Levi's…well, Levi-ness, everyone was on point. They made the characters feel real, even amidst the titan-sized chaos.
The Real Reason I Like the Dub (Confession Time)
Okay, here's the dirty secret: I'm lazy. Reading subtitles is work! After a long day, I just want to veg out and watch anime. I don't want to have to concentrate on tiny words at the bottom of the screen.
The dub lets me do that. It lets me fully immerse myself in the story without having to strain my eyes or pause every five seconds to catch up. It's pure, unadulterated entertainment.
Plus, I can finally multi-task! Fold laundry, scroll through Twitter (ironically, probably reading arguments about the dub), eat questionable snacks…the possibilities are endless!
So, Am I a Heretic?
Maybe. Probably. But I stand by my opinion. The Attack on Titan Season 4 Part 2 English dub is a solid piece of voice acting. It’s enjoyable. It’s engaging. And sometimes, that’s all that matters.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go hide from the angry sub purists. Wish me luck!
And maybe, just maybe, give the dub a try. You might be surprised.
