Okay, let's talk Attack on Titan. And specifically, that Season 3 Part 1 Manga Box Set. You know, the one that stares at you from the bookstore shelf, silently judging your bank account.
I’m just gonna say it. I have... opinions. Controversial opinions, maybe. Prepare yourselves.
The Hype Train Was Real
We all rode the Attack on Titan hype train, right? Remember when everyone was freaking out about Titans eating people? Good times. Terrifying times. But mostly good.
Season 3 Part 1? It’s where things got…political. And a little less…bitey? Less titans, more talking.
Is it just me, or…?
Don’t get me wrong. I love a good conspiracy. But did we really need *that* much royal intrigue? All the political maneuvering felt like a really intense game of chess. Where the pawns are very, very traumatized teenagers.
Okay, unpopular opinion time. I kinda missed the mindless Titan chaos. Sue me.
I know, I know, the story *had* to evolve. Characters have arcs! Mysteries must be solved! But part of me just wanted more Eren screaming and punching things. Is that so wrong?
The Kenny Ackerman Problem
Speaking of evolved storytelling, let's talk about Kenny Ackerman. Now *there's* a character. Intimidating. Ruthless. Basically, Levi’s cool older (and way more stabby) brother.
But did his backstory fully land? I’m not totally convinced. He was cool to watch, don't get me wrong. But a bit much, perhaps?
Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I'm too simple. I just wanted Kenny to keep being an edgy bad guy without all the feels. Though his fight scenes were epic.
The Box Set Experience
Let’s face it, buying the box set is a commitment. It’s like saying, “Yes, I am dedicating a significant portion of my shelf space (and disposable income) to this series.”
And the box itself? Pretty cool, I admit. It looks nice on the shelf. Adds a touch of dark, angsty sophistication to my apartment.
But is it *necessary*? Could you get the same experience just buying the individual volumes? Probably. But where's the fun in that?
The Art, Though…
Okay, gotta give credit where credit is due. Hajime Isayama's art? Chef's kiss. Even when it's depicting horrifying giant people eating other people. The details! The expressions!
Seeing it all collected in those volumes? Worth it, almost. Almost. That’s some powerful storytelling through art right there.
So, Should You Buy It?
Here's the thing: Attack on Titan Season 3 Part 1 is important. It sets the stage for everything that comes later. The revelations! The betrayals! The existential dread!
And if you're a completionist (like yours truly), you *need* that box set. It's like a Pokémon. Gotta catch 'em all.
But, if you're on the fence? Maybe borrow it from a friend first. Or, you know, read it online (I'm not advocating piracy, of course. *cough*). Then, decide if you want to commit to the box.
Just be prepared for a lot of talking. And a lot of questions. And maybe a slight longing for the simpler days of just watching Titans eat people.
Because let’s be real: the true horror of Attack on Titan isn't the Titans themselves. It's the realization that government conspiracies are just as scary.
But hey, at least the manga box set looks nice on your shelf. So there's that.
