Ever heard of Attack on Titan? Giant naked dudes trying to eat everyone? Yeah, that one. But what if I told you there was a whole other story BEFORE all that madness began? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving into Attack on Titan: Before the Fall!
Think of it like this: Attack on Titan is the main course, a juicy, suspenseful steak. Before the Fall is the appetizer, a crispy, flavorful spring roll that gets you hyped for the main event. It’s still got that AoT spice, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
The Walls Were Built, But Not the Gear
Imagine life inside the walls. Total bliss, right? Well, mostly. But back in the day, life wasn't all sunshine and roses inside the walls. People weren't as prepared for the titan threat.
See, before Eren and the Survey Corps were zipping around like Spider-Man with swords, humanity was basically Titan chow. No one had invented the 3D Maneuver Gear! Can you imagine trying to fight a giant with, like, a broom?
That's where Before the Fall comes in. It's all about the struggle before the swagger. This manga tells the story of how humanity went from being utterly defenseless to having a fighting chance.
Enter Kuklo, the Titan's... "Son"?
One of the main characters is Kuklo. Now, get this: he's literally found inside a Titan's stomach. Like, a baby. He’s basically the Titan’s unwanted surprise. Can you imagine the therapy bills?
Because he was discovered inside a Titan, some people are a little...skeptical of him. But he has a really big role in finding a solution and he has big dreams. Kuklo dreams of flying!
He's a bit of an oddball, raised almost as a science experiment, but with a heart of gold. He also possess strange powers. His story is full of twists and turns, making him a super compelling character to follow.
The Birth of the Gear
Then there’s Angel Aaltonen. He's not running around slicing Titans left and right. Instead, he is tinkering and inventing! He is the genius inventor that comes up with the 3D Maneuver Gear.
This is the guy who basically saved humanity. Think Tony Stark, but with fewer robots and more existential dread about giant, naked cannibals. He fails so many times, you can't help but root for him.
The manga meticulously shows the whole process, from the initial idea to the countless failures and finally, the groundbreaking success. It's like watching the Wright brothers invent the airplane, but with a lot more blood and screaming.
Why You Should Read It
Before the Fall is more than just a prequel. It’s an origin story, a tale of perseverance, and a whole lot of "how did we get here?" It enriches the whole Attack on Titan universe.
If you love the world-building and the high stakes drama of the original manga, you'll find plenty to enjoy here. It dives deep into the history and mythology. It adds so much depth to the Attack on Titan universe.
And honestly, who doesn't love a good underdog story? Before the Fall is full of them. You'll find yourself cheering for these unlikely heroes as they struggle to make a difference in a world that seems determined to eat them alive.
So, skip the boring origin story, grab a copy of Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, and get ready for a wild ride! You won't regret it. Trust me; you'll be hooked!