Attack on Titan: The Colossal Review

[@TotallyNotMark]

Please like and subscribe... I'm so tired.

[@perfyyy7262]

You did well... you can rest now.

[@TheMaskman2005]

Nice job

[@mohzesalways4641]

Say lessssss.

[@eewtd]

Your work is appreciated

[@CasualFox12495]

I now owe you a pint or twelve. Absolute masterclass, TNM.

[@kavyapatani5905]

"Eren is a sword forced to defend and Reiner is a shield forced to attack" That sentence just blew my mind, and holy cow what a juggernaut of a video this is.

[@uigaming5229]

when i heard that i was like WAIT WTF THATS GENIUS

[@TheUnderscore_]

Well, it's a great analogy, but shields are weapons too.

[@paradichlorobenzene4132]

@@TheUnderscore_ you're not wrong, but i still hate you for reminding me shields are weapons

[@Jjlinnyy]

@@paradichlorobenzene4132 ha you must love rising of the shield hero then

[@paradichlorobenzene4132]

@@Jjlinnyy no. I like it but it's nowhere near my favorite.

[@micyoz5283]

“Eren a sword, forced to defend, and Reiner a shield, forced to attack.” 2:20:40 THIS IS SO ACCURATE! The attack titan defending the walls, as the armoured titan busts through them. This line struck a chord with me.

[@TotallyNotMark]

This is such a nice comment to see. Proves you actually watched the video too haha.

[@Swordbringer]

@@TotallyNotMark especially when you expressed that eren’s Marley transformation and battle was eren, the sword, finally attacking, and Reiner, the shield, being in a position to defend. It blew my mind 🙌🏽 phenomenal job

[@Giovfunny]

@@TotallyNotMark mark, why did you call pieck "peck"

[@tydavis737]

@@TotallyNotMark what’s the soundtrack for 2:27:30? During the Sasha section? It’s fire!

[@CenturyBlade]

The parallels are even more compounding when you consider that the "sword being forced to defend" really only started consistently being able to defeat the "shield being forced to attack" once the sword learned hardening, something typically used for defense, as a tool to nullify Reiner's armor. Yes Eren essentially defeated Reiner when he learned wrestling, but (much like professional wrestling IRL), Reiner got DQed once Bertholdt got involved.

[@Haedox]

I had plans for tonight but apparently not now

[@KingK1421]

I miss you 😭

[@Koolyaroo]

u watch attack on titan???? lets goooooooooo

[@nrock0643]

Literally

[@HelloPersonReadingThis.]

My man

[@730g9]

Not dead yet I see

[@Dante...]

After 2 and a half years I can finally watch the last 20 minutes of this video.

[@Unknownsk8er3368]

Dude fr

[@Chip88898]

Real😂

[@aqqatone]

Felt

[@sorryjordi]

bruh i got the mikasa saving the world part spoiled because of this video before season 4 even started and i instantly clicked off

[@Dante...]

@@sorryjordi Wait really? Did he spoil that before the spoiler warning? Do you have a time stamp for that?

[@PokeMixr92]

It was an honor helping with some of the music and I feel very happy to be part of this even if just a little! 🙏 3 hours... you deserve some good rest bro!!

[@waynicliz]

good job bro

[@BruceVial]

Good stuff mate. Wish KZbin had a flag/button to let know freelance editors

[@zabi_aka]

Its awesome!

[@marklefireflowerpeevus4796]

Good shit

[@nicholasslade8776]

What was the song that played when Eren first punched Annie in stohess

[@ecoblitz3655]

By the way this is isayama’s first ever manga... let that sink in for a minute. Mans came out the gate swinging the hardest.

[@SolitaryLark]

Oh I’m excited to see if he ever makes something else.

[@MrKing-771]

@@SolitaryLark theres a teaser or something out there for his next manga.

[@SolitaryLark]

@@MrKing-771 oh? Do you know what it’s called?

[@MrKing-771]

@@SolitaryLark nope.

[@immentallyhandicapped2903]

@@SolitaryLark he won't make any other fiction sadly. He's planning on owning a sauna. I'm not joking. (or a spa I don't remember)

[@ChrisCrossV]

I personally think that Mark doesn't fully understand Erwin's full motivations when he was alive. It's definitely true that he wanted to go to Grisha's Basement and learn to truth about life beyond the walls. But it wasn't because of a noble cause, he did what he did due to selfishness. He wanted to prove his father's theory right, that there is life beyond the walls and that Paradise Island's hierarchy was suppressing that truth. I really think that's an important detail that needs to be known.

[@nightblader1]

But he discarded his main goal for the sake of humanity.

[@simonaspalovis1204]

Agreed. Basically, everyone viewed Erwin as a noble and selfless leader, who's sole desire was to uncover the truth of the world for humanity's sake. However, he was actually a selfish person disguised as a selfless one. And in that sense, his actions lead to A LOT of Survey Corps deaths, many of which thought they died for humanity's sake, when in truth it was to further Erwin's personal ambitions of uncovering the truth and proving his father's theories. The only saving grace here is that Erwin's ambitions, while selfish - ultimately were beneficial to the people of Paradis.Ultimately, even with his flaws, Erwin was an incredible character, who achieved things that no other Survey Corps Commander ever could.

[@omarbiro4398]

@@simonaspalovis1204 I agree with everything you said but it's important to note that in his very last moment he paid the ultimative price for his selfish actions and did what was necessary by indeed sacrificing himself in order to beat Zeke and thus help for Eldias victory. So yeah, I'd say he was, like you already mentioned, a selfish person disguised as a selfless one but "redeemed" himself by doing a selfless act in the end.

[@Kaplykos]

@@nightblader1 no he didn't. Everything he did was for himself, then it happens that all of that helped humanity but that wasn't his ultimate goal. And this doesn't mean he's a bad person or anything, he's just... human. He got corrupted by his dream and his actions became more selfish as time passed, until he recognized his flaw and decided to accept his fate and pay for his actions in one last suicide attack.

[@mysticlunala8020]

My respect for him doesn't go down a bit. Erwin is still one of the best leaders in anime as a whole.

[@danielcohen4355]

The Kenny take : There´s a reason why Kenny´s chapter where he dies was re-released alongside the last chapter. He freed himself from his goals and mentioned that several people in this world are prisioners to their goals and objectives therefore they just destroy their lives and others around them by always going after a goal or objective. So by giving the seringe to Levi meant he was the only character who freed himself from his goals and can rest in peace, he accepted that not having to search for an ambition was the true definition of freedom. Hence reflecting the fact that Eren... having his own goals to be free... made him anything but free... so yeah... Kenny is important.

[@danielcohen4355]

*Everyone is a slave to something*

[@bepe4279]

he said that kenny was unimportant, but he is ironically one of the most important characters in the series 😅

[@Sserpentine.]

Kenny

[@TheMostHuman]

@@bepe4279the first time we see Kenny doesn’t he save Levi’s life or something of the sort? I can’t quite remember 100% forgive me if Im wrong

[@bepe4279]

@TheMostHuman the first time we see kenny he tries to kill levi 😂

[@ShadowDuskSky]

I love how Erwin’s death influences almost every character in the series. Levi, hange, floch, eren, and armin are all deeply impacted by him, and it makes him really seem like a powerful and influential leader even after his death.

[@immentallyhandicapped2903]

Erwin should've been the colossal titan. Fck armin. The man did nothing in the later season. If erwin was alive then eldia would've win way earlier.

[@blueMJS]

@@immentallyhandicapped2903 that's not the reason why Levi chose Armin though, Erwin didn't have any dreams beyond finding out the truth... Armin did..

[@immentallyhandicapped2903]

@@blueMJS nope. Erwin died because levi felt pity for Erwin. In the end levi followed his emotions instead of following logic. Don't get me wrong I liked erwin's death. I think it served a great purpose. What I don't like is armin. He does nothing after this arc it's so annoying how I have to see my favorite character die and see this naruto wannabe lives.

[@blueMJS]

@@immentallyhandicapped2903 think you need to go watch the episodes again yeah he gives the whole speach saying "I chose this to be Erwins death place he we can't bring him back into this world, let him rest" stuff but you see in the flashbacks why he chose Armin.. Armin had dreams passed everything.. There's a whole lot more to it than just "Levi felt pity for Erwin"

[@immentallyhandicapped2903]

@@blueMJS Lmao thanks. You just supported my claim. Congrats.

[@amrsaad5258]

Eren couldn't hurt Armin mentally so he hurt him physically , And couldn't hurt Mikasa physically so he hurt her mentally

[@TexasGreed]

Armin knew what was coming. He wanted to send a message and was ready to pay for the stamp.

[@hihu3749]

s m o r t

[@LuffyxNamiisathing]

@@TexasGreed umm at that moment Armin didn't know shit. He was trying to punch a brick wall and the wall punched back. It was pure rage from Armin's side and it backfired

[@m1cra848]

well no, even armin, humanity's literal best strategist couldnt understand eren's real intentions

[@cumblemore9649]

he knew armin was smarter and mikasa was stronger so he argued with mikasa and beat the shit out of armin

[@atlasprime6193]

The Basement is also extremely iconic because of how it flip the genre. AOT was a Cthulhu-horror-mystery, but the Basement revealed turned it into a global-political-Gundam-style story onward.

[@whale2710]

True

[@B3lph3g0r]

yeah it ruined the vibe 😭😭

[@MightyBear_]

@@B3lph3g0r nah that shit enhanced the setting tenfold while also completely re-contextualize everything we’ve seen up to that point it was amazing

[@lightningspark910]

And the fact that we were also primed for the political-genre flip with the first half of season 3 as well!

[@minatoarisatofrompersona3440]

I completely agree with this expect what exactly is Cthulhu about AoT?

[@blztwt]

Years later and I finally get to finish this video. Thank you Mark

[@wind9360]

Finishing years later because the anime finished Finishing years later because of discovering mark now We are not the same 😅

[@wowhowbizarre8176]

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from this series is that we gotta keep those kids outta the forest.

[@juliangalindo3440]

underrated comment

[@hochigaming14yearsago90]

The theme of "Violence breeds violence and we have to stop it" is overrated and keeps getting brought up. The overlooked theme from aot was that the main principle that applies to both their and our world is that the strong eat the weak and it may seem cruel, but that's just how the ecosystem and world works. We naturally fight eachother. It's in our nature, and there's nothing we can do to stop that. No way to escape the forest.

[@Toothpaste0000]

@@hochigaming14yearsago90 exactly , I really like the realistic aspects of AOT and people just don’t get it the ending literally told us this exact thing conflict never ends until one side eventually falls

[@hochigaming14yearsago90]

@@Toothpaste0000 glad to see someone agrees

[@JD-jl4yy]

Based.

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Now that Attack On Titan is over as a series, I can say that this was one hell of a journey none of us will forget.

[@thefoochie2118]

I wish to know the legend’s thoughts on chapter 139.

[@ripbozo239]

Why should I listen to u your just some guy without a mustache

[@whathell6t]

@@ripbozo239 Because he's been chased by Kamen Rider Decade.

[@nanaAnn96]

You said it ! I wont forget this anime ever

[@liz8986]

It was a long journey and i don't regret it. (For people who's unsatisfied with the ending, it's been a long series of course there won't be a perfect conclusion, isayama is just one writer let's just all appreciate that he's been writing the manga every month for us for years.)

[@jonmcknlegg]

I find it funny I struggle starting two-hour movies but I have no problems watching this three-hour KZbin video essay of Attack on Titan.

[@3000bullets]

seriously! i could not watch endgame but i’m really excited to watch this

[@xardas149]

Well not surprising, ALOT of modern movies are just so basic narrative shit made for people only paying half attention while being on their phone, it is naturall to lose intereset. Someone being legit hyped about something for the entire runtime and covering a rich narrative should grab your attention if you relate at all to the founding material. I mean it would be worrysome if your attention was held by modern garbage like Transformer (to name one of the worst offenders) and could not follow Mark, who is way more talented at his work then he might give himself credit for.

[@alegotronnortogela7695]

@@xardas149 I can't remember the last time I was hyped to see a movie. It's been a long time. I'd rather play a game that actually requires my focus, or invest time into a book/manga/TV show that actually puts time into world building and character arcs. The older movies were better, compare the Wickerman to any modern suspense/horror movie, the difference is the ending of the wickerman is a complete shock, and you can literally guess when people are going to trip or get fake jumpscared in modern movies. With AoT, my expectations were always completely subverted. I really thought Eren was going to be some dry, overused OP MC with "demonic powers" kind of trope, and geez, when they went into the basement, I was not expecting the whole island of paradis to be on an episode of Punk'd. None of us ever expected Eren to destroy the world, granted they all grew up thinking it was destroyed anyways.

[@DHGTYRGODOFWAR]

I feel this post too much.

[@Grizzexploder]

bruh what

[@masonblobfish1724]

I think that levi is so compelling because of how he might be a normal shonen character that is veru op, he still has alot of emotional struggle since everyone around him keeps dying.

[@eugeniamarch]

"Eren is an active character forced to be reactionary, while Reiner is a reactionary character forced to be active" HOLY SH*T THAT'S SO GOOD! couldn't describe it better! this is brilliant!

[@2miligrams]

Sword that’s forced to be defensive and a shield forced to be offensive. “attack titan” and the “armoured titan”

[@nilanavesa]

@@2miligrams THAT'S SO GOOD!!! couldn't describe it better!!! this is brilliant!!!

[@francinocasieri5073]

i was a little lost on what that meant could you explain it to me?

[@BryMakesArt]

@@francinocasieri5073 Eren is an active character (a character who takes action in hopes of accomplishing or changing something in the story). Reiner is a passive/reactionary character (someone who’s actions are influenced by the world around them and doesn’t take initiative unless told to do so). Eren was living his life thinking he’s an active character (someone who can change the way the world or story works) but ended up being a reactionary character up until S4, which is when he truly became an active character in a world that forced him to only be reactionary. Reiner was forced to become a warrior and forced to infiltrate the walls to save his family and the world, which means that the world treats Reiner like a reactionary character. Reiner was forced to be active and not reactionary Eren was forced to be reactionary and not active Does that make sense? 💀

[@francinocasieri5073]

@@BryMakesArt Yes it does thank you!

[@kieranroche597]

Sasha's death hit me like a truck. What makes it even more tragic is her last word. The Japanese word for meat is 'niku' and her, as you put it, boy toy is named Niccolo. So in her dying breath she may have been calling out for him, which makes every scene with him after her death way more depressing.

[@AHeroWith1000Names]

@Adam Kahfi It *is* 'niku'. A 10 second web search is going to show you that's how 肉 is pronounced. :P

[@F0rr0r]

@Adam Kahfi 肉＝にく＝NI KU

[@F0rr0r]

I... never considered that. Damn.

[@kieranroche597]

@@F0rr0r Makes the scene where he hands Gabi over to Sasha's parents and they forgive her even more tragic. AoT is a brilliant tragedy imo. I know the last chapter angered a lot of people, but it really hit for me

[@LuffyxNamiisathing]

She didn't add much to the story so mehh

[@PaperPatriot]

Such respect to see you put out a 3 hour video on this masterpiece! Thanks Mark.

[@Bruh-hx7hr]

It’s amazing but not a masterpiece cuz that ending was trash

[@godsteeth1574]

@@Bruh-hx7hr splish splash your opinion is trash

[@freedom8163]

@@Bruh-hx7hr a masterpiece has flaws too bruh. I mean, I’m not gonna force you to call it a masterpiece. Just clarifying.

[@Bruh-hx7hr]

@@freedom8163 your right but one chapter butcher erens character bruh this whole time this man was just a incel for mikasa like bruhhh

[@Bruh-hx7hr]

@@godsteeth1574 dude howwww, I love AoT I’m not hating but this ending was just sooo underwhelming. This series deserves better

[@raghunathb402]

For all you after season 4 part 2 but before part 3 you can watch it no spoilers until 2:42:32 Hope this helps

[@CheeseNations]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@cobaingrohlnovo]

It didn’t it’s actually 2:42:30

[@JohnNovakovich]

"Eren is a sword forced to defend, and Reinar a shield forced to attack" That's some good writing mm

[@whale2710]

mm

[@hughjassFrom7YearsAgo]

mm

[@junn1214]

mm

[@raosthegray7090]

mm

[@longwoolcoat2266]

mm

[@RisingFist]

Wow, colossal review indeed. Amazing job sir.

[@everywhereman9003]

yessir

[@54my4k9]

Helo rising fist

[@crispzyz9636]

Wow, colossal review is indeed. colossal job sir.

[@gumbo909]

Cancelled all my plans tonight

[@jacobkarls7689]

Eren is a sword that is forced to defend Reiner is a shield that is forced to attack I LOVE this

[@JustSoji]

I audibly gasped when I realized it was the ATTACK Titan defending and the ARMORED Titan attacking

[@fortunetaco4585]

@@JustSoji Yeah I love that comparison he made, I never realized that!

[@Ramsey276one]

That was WONDERFUL

[@L3ON360Z]

Holy fuck

[@Oddie99000]

Imagine if reiner was the attack Titan and eren the armored

[@Jhikonico]

so the one thing that i personally think is GENIUS from isayama is the fashion. notice how before the initial reveal of zeke NO ONE wore green military pants tucked into brown boots with laces. which heavily implies that zeke came from a more advanced military outside the walls and that outsides the walls they are possibly in the ww1 or ww2 time period. its those small detail reveals much like the coffee grinder.

[@jax1384]

“Eren, a sword forced to defend, and Reiner a shield forced to attack...” 𝙃𝙊𝙇𝙔 𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙏

[@yzomariano7130]

that quote made my mind sink so deep i fell in a hole and gained the power of titans hahaha

[@rhinoceros2469]

O_O

[@october3229]

@@yzomariano7130 ymir reference?

[@muffinmonk]

It's not even that deep... He was literally designated as an attack titan. To keep moving forward.

[@DarkMasterJo]

@@muffinmonk people just can’t comprehend something so simple

[@tuvillo]

Bertholdt being thrown in a barrel like a nuke was an actual jawdropping moment when I read it in the manga. I'm not a megafan of Attack on Titan but that one moment is still on a pedestal for me, I don't think another story has given me that since then.

[@Ramsey276one]

So they weaponized the Transformation?! AWESOME!

[@justsomeguy2825]

I love how eventually, Iseyama runs out of characters he can use as cannon fodder, and around season 4, he has to kill off characters you've known and loved for years. For each of those deaths, he takes time to remind you why you loved those characters in the first place, and then lingers on how their deaths are nothing short of a tradgedy.

[@CGethins]

@Roth Asta*Manga Spoiler Warning* Isamaya still didn't have to kill of Hange though, that hurt 😭😢

[@beatrizrangel9145]

@@CGethins you wrote manga spoiler and i still clicked like an idiot.. my eyes went WIDE

[@asuraspath2262]

Except Isayama barely killed anyone lovable. After S3, the amount of development that the characters in Paradis get is 0 to none. The only one that mattered was Eren by then.

[@Rimistaken-idontlikedream]

@@beatrizrangel9145 mood

[@hihu3749]

@@beatrizrangel9145 rip

[@NeutralGuyDoubleZero]

The situation behind season 4 makes me appreciate the people working so hard at MAPPA more. Even with such tight deadlines and other factors against them, they still delivered on a fantastically directed and constructed adaptation of the Manga.

[@SigmaTheWhiteFlame]

Did you know the Titan Sasha faces off with in season two is Connie's father. The world is a cruel place.

[@Ramsey276one]

WELCOME... HOME...

[@rhinoceros2469]

O_O

[@PavlosZaf]

Really? Any official proof?

[@SigmaTheWhiteFlame]

@@PavlosZaf I could say, "Yes go find it yourself." But I'm feeling generous go to this link: media.comicbook.com/2017/08/attack-on-titan-season-2-connys-father-titan-artwork-1015627.jpg If you can read Japanese like I sort of can you can see on the side that it says "Connie's Father" in parenthesis

[@MariaMoz]

@@SigmaTheWhiteFlame I wonder... how would a human fit inside the neck of such a small titan.

[@indicardi]

No matter how people feel about 139, the emotional reactions AOT gave us, and the journey from start to finish will be a lifetime experience. I’m grateful.

[@Ramsey276one]

Fully agree

[@miquelescribanoivars5049]

Me too Ymir, me too.

[@skyrhymee]

*turns up Shock to max volume*

[@josh-qj2zu]

FACTS

[@cannedcan9788]

YES. I absolutely loved 1-121 and 130-131 and didn't enjoy the rest of the chapters too much and even though I really don't like the ending at all I still love so much about this franchise and no ending can ever ruin the journey for me, so I still have to thank Isayama.

[@GamingDojang]

"Eren, a sword forced to defend and Reiner, a shield forced to attack" That is some powerful stuff right there. I got chills...

[@Hamzaibrahimwastaken]

pleeeeease , not the twitter snowflakes riuning the show , like please just stfu and enjoy the amazing character development and the majestic mind boggling plot twists and the god damn intense fights censes that got me sitting on the edge of my stepbrother's lap im not talking about you , its just a thought i had to share

[@GamingDojang]

@@Hamzaibrahimwastaken it aint that deep man :D. whats the damage?

[@Hamzaibrahimwastaken]

@@GamingDojang bro I was just trying to enjoy the show peacefully while looking at the amazing artistic aspects and these Twitter bastards start trying 5k cancel it

[@medallionstaywinnin]

That is soooo goddamn true.

[@chrissycurtis4152]

After the hour long special that came out recently, I chose to rewatch the show from the beginning for what must be the 3rd or 4th time. It took me to this most recent watch to realise the supplies in the castle were because of Zeke, and the reason he focuses on destroying the castle and the scouts there was just a desperate attempt to cover his tracks. This show is phenomenal on how much more you learn on each rewatch

[@Viperspider1]

Shit, really? Awesome.

[@Dante...]

Zeke: Aw crap, I forgot my lunch in that castle. Welp, guess they all gotta die now.

[@KaNoMikoProductions]

Why can't Reiner read the text on the canned food?

[@Dante...]

@@KaNoMikoProductions He lied about not being able to read it to protect his true identity.

[@RenniganEagle]

​@KaNoMikoProductions if you rewatch the scene, you can see him realize he has to play dumb. He looks at the can just fine and then a second later you can see his face change, acting like he can't read it and then turning to stare at Ymir because he now knows she's Marlian and not a real resident of Paradis

[@FlinnyWinny]

Now fucking imagine if eren was actually devoured by that titan in season one and we had some random old dude running around with the founder. Whoops?

[@gianalarcon2365]

this is Isayama using his writing genius to tell us the lesson of rememberig that we shoud always chew our food

[@burcopresents]

Like the other person said, that guy is a member of the Eldian restorationists, meaning he’d know the secret of the world already. But butterfly effect so who knows

[@purelokiii7716]

@@burcopresents not all who were turned into titans were rebels some simply did a few wrong things

[@zenldh]

@@purelokiii7716 but the dude that ate eren is the titan of an eldian restorationist. he appeared on grisha's flashback. so did the one that bent down and ate mina carolina.

[@purelokiii7716]

@@zenldh yeah not all though like ymir

[@OpticalJesu5]

Kenny was the delivery vehicle for the story's thesis, that everyone is a slave to something.

[@CABRALFAN27]

As well as another theme of the story through his relationship with Uri; Even if violence and words are both required, a "miracle" of two sides who should hate each other making amends is possible.

[@TheRealSlimAnus]

It's crazy when you think about it. Kenny is the only person in the wall who isn't a royal family, that knew the truth before everyone.

[@skcpeezy9282]

@@TheRealSlimAnus wait he did ?

[@mathiaszanotto7287]

@@skcpeezy9282 He knew the nobles lied to people, stole them of their memories and hunted the asians and Ackerman because his grandfather told him, but he didn't know about Marley and etc.

[@skcpeezy9282]

@@mathiaszanotto7287 OHHH ok thank you!! Also what do you think about the Manga ending ?I would love to hear ur input

[@RogersBase]

Three hours long?! So excited to watch this when I get a chance! Just finished reading the final chapter myself and truly, AoT is unlike anything else I've ever experienced. I am so grateful that I got into the series when I did and was able experience this masterpiece monthly. I already know this is gonna be good so take my like!

[@togodragon]

Aye just finished your livestream. AoT has been a great journey.

[@zombor8249]

Roger, you here? lmao. Great stream earlier!✌😁

[@felipewadhwani8084]

One Piece and AOT are my top 2 manga. Both are fantastic and exceptional works of art.

[@yiangaruga4928]

AoT has undoubtedly become one of the best series ever put on paper. Joining series like Fullmetal Alchemist in that regard

[@DanNaturals]

loved your chapter read!

[@ChiTownOriginator]

Side note: the English dub of this show is one of the best I've ever heard. I watched the first season back when it came out in 2013, I was so stoned that I forgot to put subtitles on (it was the English sub version) but the visual storytelling was so good that I felt like I knew what everyone was saying and thinking.

[@DBZimran]

Thank you for the opportunity to help with the script for this video! It was an honour, and I am so glad that this video is finally finished! Well done Mark and everyone else involved!

[@MohammedAli-vx4wq]

Wow fancy seeing you here!

[@FitTokk]

O.o

[@marquisedreams8812]

Sup bro how you doing!

[@Patrick-te3cr]

why u guys acting like u know him personally

[@RiverdudeCovers]

A THREE HOUR LONG REVIEW OF ATTACK ON TITAN!?!?! Who needs sleep anyway? I'm here all night for this

[@startlingames3766]

In before this comment blows up

[@felipewadhwani8084]

The Avengers: Endgame of Totally Not Mark

[@revine9243]

LS Mark did a 6 hour review of every single simpsons episode

[@waltuh979]

I started watching this at 2am and it's now nearly 6 but I don't regret it lmao

[@john-olivierlukama1548]

Yeah sleeps overrated anyway.

[@mysticmajestic2360]

I think what makes the War for Paradis arc so terrifying is that Eren actually DOESN'T treat the people outside the walls like inhuman monsters, though. He sees all of them as the people they are, laments over the fact that he's going to kill them even though he doesn't want to, is terrified of what his mother would think of what he's going to do, helps a foreign child out of danger and carries him home before he and his friends drink with the child's family - and then does the Rumbling ANYWAY. He comes so close to sharing Hange's ideals, but he's also an Erwin mirror and can force his and others' humanity aside for what he sees as the greater good. We saw Erwin suffer during the Return to Shiganshina arc for all the lives he sacrificed, and we witnessed Eren do the same before they're released from their hell by their respective Ackermans.

[@nwblader6231]

He even breaks down crying in front of the child apologizing to him

[@angelic_stargaze]

“Their respective Ackermans” Shet, that hits hard for some reason. ~MANGA SPOILERS~ And I agree. I know that they will eventually see it this way too, the anime onlys I mean, but it’s still a pity to read many of them believing that Eren has gone villain, rather than the antagonist he really is. Because he’s a danger to the world, yes. But he’s not a villain. He absolutely HATES what he HAS to do.

[@Salarr]

@@angelic_stargaze The only reason he has to do it is because he fundamentally wants to, so in that sense he is a villain

[@makiroll218]

Imagine if Eren’s mom was alive somehow and how heartbroken she would be of what Eren had become. I think she would be heartbroken. No matter what Eren thinks or says. If she did survive do you think Eren would still do what he did? I wanna know people’s opinions!!

[@makiroll218]

@@angelic_stargaze yeah. It’s not like he just up and decided one day , “ hey I’m gunna destroy the world and be happy.” He hates it. He even yells and grabs Hange , “ Tell me!! Is there ANY OTHER way?! TELL ME IF THERE IS!!” He hates what the outcome is and dreads it.

[@X2yt]

I feel like Female Titan was probably the greatest twist in the story of AoT. Everything that follows is directly influenced by that, even with the knowledge that Colossal and Armored titans were actually titan shifters, until the introduction of Female Titan those threats felt distant and somewhat irrelevant, considering we've only seen them like once, and that happened ages ago in terms of story. Female Titan appeared and immediately kicked the story into higher gear, and expanded the range of threats immensely. The fact it was immediately confirmed to be intelligent, extremely adept at fighting and focused on some singular goal made her immensely greater threat than Colossal and Armored ever were up to that point. At the start, with how little knowledge there was about shifters, Colossal and Armored could even be seen as mutated abnormals, they still acted more like wild animals than intelligent beings, causing general destruction and chaos, rather that following some super specific goal. One of the best aspects of Female Titan was it's understated yet horror-like introduction. While Colossal and Armored got these bigger than life dramatic introductions with focus of the scene entirely on them, Female Titan got introduced in the background of some almost random shot, like it was disassociated from the greater story entirely. The introduction felt really similar to movie The Host, where main monster gets introduced almost in the background, in total silence just running at people, with nobody realising what is happening and where to go. It just increases the horror of the scene.

[@Gilbert_Dice_Gottfried]

The only reason I don’t consider it the greatest twist is because it was kinda obvious Annie was the female Titan if you think about it. Mostly because when we first see eren’s Titan form we aren’t told that it’s eren but we can tell just by looking. Taking that into account, Annie looks just like the female Titan. From that you can also surmise that Reiner is the armored Titan because Reiner looks like the armored titan. What makes that such a good plot twist is that knowing who Reiner is up until that point, there is no possible way we can imagine this heroic, big-brother figure to eren secretly being a titan. The more we learn about it, the greater of a twist it becomes and the more amazing it is that isayama pulled it off. Unlike Reiner, Annie was antisocial and it makes sense that she could possibly be a bad guy. The twists that I see as the most mind-blowing are later in the series. Even though it was foreshadowed, it’s still mind blowing when we go into the basement for the first time and learn that humans live outside the walls. It’s one of the greatest twists I’ve ever seen in a story because of how many possibilities it opens up and the more questions we start to have. The other great twist is that eren had manipulated grisha from the start and that he even was responsible for having his own mother eaten by the smiling Titan. It’s an absolutely insane twist because unlike most other AOT plot twists, it answers questions instead of filling us with more questions. It also shows just how evil eren truly is and how far gone he has become. It’s such an insane twist that I’ve never seen a series twist the narrative as much as that plot twist did. It was such a risky move on isayama’s part to attempt a plot twist like that but yet, it feels so epic once it’s revealed. It also shows that grisha isn’t a heartless killer and instead, he died a flawed, tragic, and broken man. I think those two plot twists have the greatest impact on the series because the reveal of the Titan shifters really just focus on a few characters we already know and they only imply that there is more to the story, rather than outright shift the entire narrative of the series.

[@HabitualThinker]

Absolutely not the greatest twist because anyone with eyes can tell Annie and the female titan looked so very similar that I was not surprised

[@manasa2510]

FINALLY someone gives credit to Hange and all that she had done for saving humanity. Thank you.

[@bambieyes_]

Ikr!!! I hate the fact that most people right her off as the wacky mad scientist, she so much more that . And another point people generally miss is that she is a morally ambiguous person (When she and Levi torture the military police and she threatens pastor nick ) and that she is a great fighter as seen in Levi squad and Hange squad vs kenny squad and the fact that is one of the last veterans along with Erwin and Levi.

[@manasa2510]

@@bambieyes_ (manga spoiler alert) Yess, and the fact that she stood strong to her principles till the very end. The fact that she prioritized humanity in general over just Paradis. The fact that she chose to save her comrades instead of living in the peace she fought so hard for. Hange is an absolute legend and very much an unsung hero.

[@lucariojet]

Definitely- It's just so unfortunate that when they take over Paradis, she becomes the new face of hiding information from the public, which then feels hypocritical to the initial cause. It sucks cause it wasn't just her doing it, but her scene was the one highlighted. But forget all that, she is absolutely an underrated character who had an incredibly lasting impact from her first appearance all the way to the end.

[@mohamedelhediissa289]

I think she brought alot of good but fumbled at the end Her decisions at the end there nearly led to the death of her people because she didn't want to act up If the jeagerists didn't take control as fast as they did the marleyan sneak attack in chapter 116/episode 76 would've led to their demise And because she saved the alliance in chapter 132 eren was stopped and her people still had to go in wars

[@manasa2510]

@@mohamedelhediissa289 I think many people consider the actions of the military in general to be solely on Hange's shoulders. She was a part of the military, not the whole of it. Before the Jaegarists, Zackley had control and obviously, she had to work under him, with the Mps and Garrison having more power and influence than the scouts. I see people demanding what Hange had been doing since the past four years, completely forgetting that she was building diplomatic connections with the marleyans, upgrading their technology, building railways, establishing bases in Marley while simultaneously coping up with tremendous personal loss and rebuilding the entire scouts with literally one other veteran by her side. She's a person who values life, be it her side or the enemy's, which is a completely valid way to look at things, and people give her way too much shit for that.

[@adriannaranjo4397]

The last time I was this early people thought Eren had actually gotten eaten by the beard Titan

[@groofay]

For someone who didn't get past the first handful of episodes of Attack on Titan, this is one of the most engaging 3-hour video essays I've seen. And I did watch the whole thing in one sitting. Amazing work.

[@The_Nuttman]

Oh my God to learn just how much work went into Levi's 3rd season action sequences! I remember rewatching it 5-6 times when I first saw him take down the beast titan. 4 months for 45 seconds? And they were some of the most beautiful seconds of animation/action/artistry I've laid my eyes on to date.

[@zantetsu75]

Eren "I Want to Kill All the Titans" Jaeger. Hearing this blew my damn mind, when I realized that Eren's character motivation came full circle in his now villainous adulthood. Eradicate those titans from the face of the world you beautiful madman....

[@tgatt5759]

Eren: "I'm free" No. You never were... 😭

[@mariomaster4568]

@@tgatt5759 Rule 34: No, no you are not.

[@f.b.lagent1113]

then the extra pages came. what a clown of a man

[@MacenW]

@@f.b.lagent1113 show me them pages I want to see clown Yeager

[@mariomaster4568]

@@f.b.lagent1113 extra pages??? Consisting of what?

[@ButterOnJelly]

My man pulled through for us with a 3 hour video

[@Jonzelle185]

Fr imma have to download and watch this over the course of 3 days like it’s some long podcast 😂

[@fullmetaltheorist]

@@Jonzelle185 in doing that too.

[@Revvie99]

Eren rescuing and then apologizing to the kid he knows he will later kill was the most heartwrenching scene to me

[@bobbyaltman8643]

💯

[@nidhishshivashankar4885]

@Stacie Gitau yup

[@Evanz111]

I couldn’t resist knowing how the final battle goes, so I finally finished this video. Can’t wait for 2023 to see it all animated. I also love how the show opens with Eren seeing events that haven’t happened yet, which he dismissed as a bad dream, but it’s actually the paths showing him and navigating him to where he needs to be.

[@royalfun1031]

U spoiled urself?Pathetic

[@vishawnjarvismaximoff3355]

Yeah as soon as I realized that it won't end until 2023 I read the Manga cause I just couldn't wait any longer

[@begreatttt1]

@@enorma29 future eren who already had the Titan sent those memories to his younger self, yimir’s power transcends space/time

[@texi1236]

​@@enorma29 when will the finale air?... right now im craving for more after the 29th episode os s4 haha

[@dylanmiller1140]

Hell yah, fascism in moving frames

[@bobinolabobine2778]

Hot take : The shaking stills of season 2 are actually great. It gives your brain time to breathe between action while still retaining the sensation of force and intensity

[@ilay_ux]

i agree, but i'd say it's mostly because they were used REALLY well. that doesn't undermine the fact that it's still there for *obvious* reasons. regardless of that i 100% agree with you. the stills were done wonderfully and sent so many chills down my spine. Attack on Titan can often feel very overwhelming to take in. Season 2 is no different. The final battle was amazing already and I bet I wouldn't have caught a single thing if every damn clash was animated with finesse aha. too much of something can also be a bad thing.

[@sprawlz6466]

Season 2 was my favorite of the first 3 seasons. I think the decision to randomly include Ymir's backstory in episode 10 is one of the most brilliant adaptation choices of all time.

[@DamageMaximo]

Yeah, usually I'm quite picky when looking at the animation (I wish I wasn't like that) but the shaking still were never a problem to me, they are better than the still stills from season 4 'tho

[@254zero]

They never bothered me. I thought it added to the tension of the whole situation

[@legendssquadz2297]

Ikr

[@svahn1]

I have never seen any of your videos before. I have never before sat through a three hour video from someone I've never heard of. Colossal is to small a word to describe this. Well done sir.

[@TotallyNotMark]

Thank you so very much friend :)

[@RickleVR]

Phenomenal video and analysis!

[@kfbeatforeternity5271]

My lawd he appears

[@inkytanku8935]

Pog

[@AlyD247]

Return to Shiganshina still gives me chills. One of the best, intense, and impactful battles!

[@ShiNijuuAKL]

2:44:27 Eren doesn't dehumanize everyone. His conversation with Reiner makes clear he knows the rest of the world is filled with normal good people too, but he has to make a decision. He even cries when he understands he needs to fight and kill other humans if he wants to save his friends.

[@wordmonster448]

Nah aot has a decent story until 120-130

[@DarthJex]

@@wordmonster448 131*

[@DarthJex]

@@wordmonster448 And it is not just decent. It is indeed a masterpiece.

[@wordmonster448]

@@DarthJex yeah the story ruin In 133-139

[@mirosh1787]

@@wordmonster448 134*

[@BerserkerGuts_]

When I first started watching the series I thought Eren was going to become what Levi actually was. Before I even knew Levi I was thinking Eren would become some godlike badass scout slaughtering titans but boy was I wrong.

[@phoebusapollo8365]

I mean....you weren’t wrong, he was a scout, and he did slaughter countless titans, he just did it in his Titan form and became the bad guy by the end.

[@MacenW]

@@phoebusapollo8365 the worst thing that ever happened to this series was making Eren a bad guy, and Gabi a mary sue

[@phoebusapollo8365]

@@MacenW still not past season 4 so idk anything about Gabi being a Mary Sue, but anyway, I don’t like it either, but at the same time, it’s a logical progression. Eren was always headstrong and had goals he obsessed over to the point of insanity, this coupled with the events he’s had to deal with since he was 10, led to him becoming the current man he is. I don’t really like it, but it’s not like he was a Superman like person with incorruptible beliefs and a full on 100% good guy. Eren’s had a civilian body count before season 4, his situation has forced his hand into morally questionable actions beforehand, so it’s not like he was a typical shonen protagonist who became a bad guy randomly. It makes sense, I don’t like it, but it makes sense.

[@BerserkerGuts_]

@@phoebusapollo8365 I wouldn’t necessarily call Eren a bad guy. Humanity as a whole is bad in general and I believe that Eren was just reacting to a war that was forced upon him and his friends. Lay down and die or die fighting is the choice he had and he chose to fight and unfortunately in war, civilians in the middle of it all die.

[@alemooche5159]

@@phoebusapollo8365 I agree but also dont agree that eren is a bad guy, I think in this show there was a hard hitting message basically saying there isn't good guys or bad guys in this show there's just different perspectives on wat they are fighting for

[@terryqokov6999]

S1 is still the most trilling & terrifying era of the series imo. The Battle of Trost just hits different & is peak 'horror', while every battle really feels like it was won just by the skin of their teeth. Especially the Exhibition arc with Annie.

[@ASpaceOstrich]

I love what the show became, but I've also always lamented what we lost in that the show wasn't entirely mundane people struggling to survive against the Titans. An alternate version of this world where Eren stayed dead and Mikasa, Jean, and Armin were the new protagonists would be really cool. Keep that horror and despair from the early arcs going.

[@terryqokov6999]

@@ASpaceOstrich It really did lose that 'anybody can die at any moment feel'. I always wanted an alternative version where Eren actually does die in episode 5 & it turns out Armin &/or Mikasa are the real protagonists. Would be cool because that's what I assumed when I first watched the episode.

[@Dragon-te2ji]

@@terryqokov6999 that would be so bad for the story it creates plot hole for erens dad the basement and why marly attacked and where coordinate is...the series is best where it is changing erens death would be stupid and making devoid of story telling

[@terryqokov6999]

@@Dragon-te2ji That's where they "change the plot".

[@D3__]

Another really important thing about Season 3 was the "Jumpscare" that interrupted one of the endings. A sudden error in the music, throwing us into the future briefly and having us scared of what will happen.

[@leander9323]

I was so happy as i watched it on crunchy, that someone in the comments mentioned it. I loved it sooo much. But thought the scene as good as it was, did disappoint me afterwards.

[@lightscorer1320]

What episode?

[@tylersomerville313]

You pointing out Bertholt about to bite himself when Ymir jumped, I literally threw my phone. How did I never notice

[@yuniordls]

I came to the comments looking for someone to point that out haha

[@GutsandBlood231]

There are many more hints you never noticed. I will bet all my money haha

[@tylersomerville313]

@@GutsandBlood231 oh I’m sure. The details of the show are insane

[@mistermister4525]

I saw that in the manga and I was like "ayo wot?"

[@Fujiisamaa]

because we where all focused on Historia's face

[@ProjectPhoenix21]

The moment Levi finally kills Zeke... That moment will never leave me. You put it exactly how i felt the moment it happened. He managed to finish the final task given to him by Erwin, but the Zeke that Erwin had Levi kill was long gone. It was fulfilling and empty at the same time. However, Levi being able to contribute to the final battle and being able to salute his fallen comrades ome final time was very emotional to me. Their sacrifices weren't in vein. Easily the best single panel in the entire manga for me. Just a wounded Levi with his fist over his heart. Too bad Hange didn't make it...what a lovable character if there ever was one man.

[@akira3908]

Mappa is crazy they did all that with such little time it's fucking scary, imagine what they could've done with more time. Hope this one year is enough for them

[@kekbin1697]

Easy, by using wageslave like madhouse always do

[@LJ-hk4tv]

@@kekbin1697 Honestly, are their any studios that DON'T torture their workers? I've heard that Kyoto and Ufotable have good working conditions, but how true is that really?

[@gyrozeppeli00]

@@LJ-hk4tv it's not good, just "better". Most animators in Japan get dirt cheap wages and terrible working conditions, it's a common problem.

[@ondrejmachovsky2654]

what actually was so mindblowing about their adaptation?

[@LORDdrPepper]

@@ondrejmachovsky2654 amazing directing and storyboards, very detailed and well implemented CGI models, great 2D/3D hybrid animations, iconic and amazing new soundtracks, need I go on?

[@AakashSharma-oc9tq]

A video made by a fan who seriously love the series. What a colossal video. Kudos man !!!!!!

[@et7758]

Mind you Zeke is estimated to be around 25 years old by the finale. Geez all that stress made him age like milk.

[@bigt100]

It's his last year to be. Titan shifter isn't it

[@F4BL35]

@@bigt100 he got the beast Titan at 17. So no? About 5 years left.

[@alyssao517]

zeke is like 29 by the end of the story

[@r.k845]

@@alyssao517 He still ages terribly.

[@demifiendrussia]

@@r.k845 he’s still handsome

[@1337w0n]

"Sasha represents Joy in this series." Me, remembering the final season's first half: "... Yeah... That's accurate."

[@samziegelman1835]

The Sephiroth build-up on the image at 17:55

[@scotcheggable]

@@samziegelman1835 bang bang

[@timothymcqueen3408]

WHAT?! Kenny's words to Levi were absolutely instrumental to his character development and eventual choosing of Armin over Erwin. He is at the center of understanding Erwin's psyche and why he was laid to rest. How can you see him as no more than a plot device?

[@divisiontv429]

ok but you have to realize that this is a video that spans almost 3 hours, some mistakes may be made.

[@quincie-]

Because that's what a plot device is. Kenny was instrumental in the telling of this story, but he was just that. The person saying that could have been anyone of significance and it would have handled the same effect. Kenny is a vehicle for those words, but he doesn't drive them.

[@timothymcqueen3408]

@Roth Asta I can't tell if this is the result of a recent AoT high or if this is sarcastic. Either way, good for you!

[@Otierela]

a plot device is a plot device nothing more, maybe less.🙄😌🤣

[@zub41r75]

@@quincie- Doesn't drive them? He had a huge impact on the story. From the king to Levi, Armin and even Eren. He could have let Eren die and simply walked away. He wanted things to change. Kenny was MVP for his episodes. Literally one of the few well written characters alongside Erwin, Levi, Reiner and Eren. Until Reiner started sniffing letters that is. Honestly Isayama watched GoT and Breaking Bad but decided to go with a GoT ending instead and confuse everything. Disappointing. Hope the anime fixes it and Isayama gives the "freedom" to fix it. It just needs to be consistent it is honestly not that hard.

[@tessacarstairs5998]

I can’t believe I watched this in its entirety at 2am!! This video essay is so incredibly well-written; it’s just what a legendary series like AOT deserves. Thank you for such marvellous content! Subbed!

[@antoniocastellanos9570]

Me here a 2 am lol

[@tessacarstairs5998]

@@antoniocastellanos95702am gang lmao

[@iandean6316]

IMHO Jean had the best character development in the series. He went front I need to hide inside the walls to Founding titan head go boom

[@milkwater1204]

he is my favourite character easily

[@NeostormXLMAX]

@@milkwater1204 yeah everyone circle jerking over armin, but jean is the realest hommie here

[@Mesozoical]

I simp so hard for Jean

[@aidans4588]

When did my mind switch from “oh a 15 minute video? That’s kinda long” to “3 hours? Thank god!”

[@syra1541]

same, I don't know why I'm so inclined to watch 45+ minute videos as opposed to normal ones, perhaps because they tend to be more well-made and thoughtful, but yeah idk

[@aidans4588]

@@syra1541 I think it’s because the more we use youtube, the more annoying it is to try to find a video you think will entertain you and when it’s hours long you are gonna be entertained and not have to look for a new one for hours, idk tho

[@nomorepartiezz]

for me I treat them like podcasts. Especially during and ever since quarantine. I just listen to them while gaming or cooking or doing class work. I've gone through so many multiple hour long reviews and discussions.

[@alewis17]

@@nomorepartiezz Yeah Same...I have them On while Playing Genshin😅

[@sesereddead465]

It’s TNM, his videos feel shorter then they actually are....

[@careann3635]

I had 8 hours of drive time today and found your video through my rabbit hole of AoT content consumption, and golly I'm so happy I did. I cannot even comprehend the amount of work and analysis that went into this and I could shoot the shit back and forth for hours on your points but I just gotta say; bravo, absolutely frickin bravo and THANK YOU.

[@27lasers]

15:58 i never noticed erens head steaming there thats such a cool detail

[@ayanamiiii]

i've had this yt acc for approximately 2-3 years; not once have i commented on a video but you srsly deserve more recognition. you somehow made a three hour video incredibly encapsulating, not once did i pause. your analysis and insight into isayama's plot is incredible. fucking fantastic job mark !!

[@spidavenom4]

Surprised Mark didn't go over Levi's conversations with Eren before his crew's death, highlighting that of what makes Levi a great captain, and keeps him alive. He knows what’s right and human, but always leaves himself open to what's necessary for survival. When his squad begged Eren to trust their skills, Levi was the only that told Eren to transform if he feels so because he doesn’t know the enemy well enough. His squad and Eren naively trusted in their skills to go ahead and fight her, which led to their deaths, and Eren getting kidnapped. We also see it happen again later with Levi saving Eren from Mikasa's lost of composure as well, and the soldiers who risked the entire squad being killed on the way back tryna recover bodies, after Levi & Erwin dropped their feelings to do what's necessary.

[@idanturgeman2549]

one of aot’s greatest themes for me is not knowing what is right and wrong and only doing what you you will regret the least

[@RianJudge]

@@idanturgeman2549 Well worded, i completely agree

[@ootenba5910]

I remember watching the first episode of AOT in a hotel room, on my first trip to Japan back in 2013. I found the animation/thick line style something else (but not in a good way). Boy am I glad that I gave it a chance. 10 years of absolute animation bliss 💛💛

[@eugeniamarch]

1:49:35 i also love the fact that because Paradis people have never seen a monkey, they named Zeke the Beast Titan, because, well, it looks like some weird beast and not a human, BUT the _Marley_ side ALSO calls Zeke's titan the Beast Titan because even though they know what a monkey is, the BT _does not_ look like a monkey every incarnation, it looks like a different animal every time, thus making it the Beast Titan

[@REGIMENT157]

That’s one thing that’s weird. Paradis just happens to get the Titan names right.

[@RafikiTheBaboon]

@@REGIMENT157 yea it would've been more interesting if in season 1-2 Paradis had different names for the armored and colossal titans, seems strange they just happened to get it right

[@REGIMENT157]

@@RafikiTheBaboon once you think about it the names are really obvious. Like what else are you gonna call a Titan that looks like it has hardened skin? Hard Titan? Colossus Titan would be giant Titan? The titans are named that way because it’s the most obvious name.

[@LUVRG1RL]

@@REGIMENT157 female titan being the most obvious one😭

[@kingace6186]

Thus, making Zeke the one and only Monkey Titan.

[@AnimeAjay]

Was a blast getting to write about animation again in a format like this. Proud of everyone involved!

[@gen_jose3380]

Absolute legend man!

[@softroll]

Yo nice job dude

[@jamesragsdale]

God damn Mark......you may rest now. As someone who stayed Anime only for years, this video got me to read the manga finally. Your ability to understand, break down, and put into words some of the thoughts, feelings, and ideas I had during this series and the many others you have covered will never cease to have a deep impression on me. Thank you for all you and the incredibly transformative art you create. Also Kaiju you're a FUCKING CHAMPION.

[@duel2803]

one of the most dense intricately tight written pieces of fiction i’ve ever seen. it’s so good

[@uchytjes10]

'Huh. This is a hell of a topic to take in a single video.' 'HOLY SHIT ITS 3 HOURS LONG'

[@Omphalite]

Coming back to rewatch this nearly a year later. I disagree about Kenny completely. Kenny was PIVOTAL to some of the themes in the story. Specifically he's pivotal in understanding Eren himself in season 4. "Everyone is a slave to something." is such a good line to describe the themes of this series. Could it have been delivered by a different character? Yes. But would it have been as effective? No. Kenny was drunk on violence. He was a man who didn't know any way of achieving anything other than knivees, guns, and fists. After his assassination of Uri was thwarted, but he was spared, he became obsessed with strength, because he thought that Uri's kindness stemmed from the leeway his overwhelming strength gave him. But in his final moments he's able to abandon that obsession, giving the syringe to Levi, thus achieving actual kindness. in only his final moments, Kenny manages to become "free", and stop being a slave to something. And stop reading here if you're anime only, at least foor the neext month and a half or so of this comment being posted probably, but this is later paralleled perfectly with Eren himself, who abandons his goal of destroying humanity in favor of helping his friends at the very end. The ending song of season 4 part 2 puts it extremely well as "If we have no place to return to we might not be able to go anywhere at all.", so seeing that even his friends have completely turned against him, Eren stops his senseless pursuit of freedom at the very last moment, and decides to use this to prop up his friends, as well as end the titan power, thus, in a way, actually achieving freedom, just not the one he was looking for.

[@rencunin]

*spoilers for the end of AOT ahead* I really like this take, but isn't it established that his plan was always to have his friends stop him? I don't know if 80% was his goal, but it confuses the hell out of me, which is why the ending doesn't really sit right with me. He tells armin "only the founder ymir knows", implying he's not even fully sure why he did any of this, and that he was never 'free'. The whole storyline of Mikasa needing to be the one to kill Eren to set her free, so that ymir could be free of her own love for Fritz (Another part I don't really get), implies this whole thing was destined or planned from the start, and that nobody was free at all. It felt like the ending was saying Eren was a puppet for Ymir, setting up this plan of having Mikasa kill him to free Ymir, but were these rules set by Ymir? I guess a lot of it just really confused me and I really didn't expect that ending, it felt like a lot of loose ends were there and "only the founder Ymir knows" kinda summed it all up.

[@hippie_4762]

Kenny is incredibly important. The realizations of freedom and dreams that he comes to is the reason that his chapter 69. Was republished alongside the final chapter. He came to a realization that Eren never could about the "freedom" he so struggled for.

[@hippie_4762]

@@rencunin It only became apparant to him that his friends would stop him after initiating the rumbling and becoming a part of the Paths. I think his perspective of that has to do with time not existing as we can understand it within the Paths. It's not a place where you have infinite time to reflect on your choices and plans any more then you have no time to think. Characters that enter is seem to bring their current ideology and "plan" into it, I think this is why Armin and Eren could influence Zeke and the Founder as they entered with the intent to do so. But the Founder and Eren couldn't change their trajectory once they were "stuck" in it. I have to imagine that Ymir the Founder would have come the the realizations that Eren helped her to much earlier if she actually have an infinite of time to reflect on her life. There is plenty of philosophical ways to approach the free will paradox in a set timeline. But I think the idea that Isayama goes with is that off an absolute free will, where Eren doesn't think he would even have made any different choices in the end, even if he could. It is very confusing tho, a lot of the story is about choices and free will and then though a plot mechanic implying it didn't exist in the first place is odd. But that's the best I can make of it.

[@danielcohen4355]

There is a reason that his death chapter was re-released alongside the last chapter.

[@stryx_flame3973]

@@rencunin For Eren, being stopped isn't synonymous with saving humanity. Eren's goal was to die by Mikasa's blade in order to free Ymir and eldians from the titans, and if the crew accomplished this before all humans died then great, but Eren was fully committed to killing the humans. As for Eren's agency over the story. While Eren was clearly in a state of confusion and uncertainty during his time in the paths, and no doubt due to Ymir's influence over his creation, everything took place as Eren said of his own free will. The best example of this is from the 7th ending Child Of Evil "If we had wings like birds. We could go anywhere. But if we don't have a place to return to. Then we might not have anywhere to go" or in other words if we were free then we could do anything we want, but if one has no purpose than are you truly free? This is where most people are stuck at when trying to understand Eren's character, if Eren is only acting as an agent of Ymir's will then Eren is not free. This is where the next part of the song answers that very question posed, "I don't want to simply live. This world is cruel but I love you. Even if I sacrifice everything, I will protect you. Even if this is a mistake, I won't doubt it. What's right is believing in myself strongly". And this in a nutshell is Eren's character and why he is free. Mikasa. His desire and willingness to sacrifice everything to protect Mikasa is what gives him purpose and metaphorically becomes the place he returns to in the song with his wings of a bird, and literally in the story because with his wings like a bird he returned to Mikasa sitting under that tree on top of the hill to wrap her scarf one last time before flying into the horizon with the freedom he sought his whole life.

[@hazu7882hz]

Eren and Reiner are such amazing foils and they will forever remain my favorite dynamic in the series. They are intrinsically similar while still being opposites in a lot of ways. Eren sought freedom. Reiner sought security. As a kid, Eren admired and wanted to become like Reiner, but believed he could never posses the strength that he does. As an adult, Eren grew to despise Reiner, and then he realized they were the same. Them reaching a mutual understanding of their role serves the themes of humanity being inherently similar, and that no one’s life is worth more than another’s, no matter what side of the walls they are on. Reiner wanted a loving family, and his desperate clinging to that dream even when it collapsed is what ended up taking the loving family that Eren had. Even if at the end of the manga it was Eren’s actions that lead to his mother’s death, it was Reiner’s decision to keep going with the mission and march into a greater hell in hopes of finding something on the other side that lead to the events aligning that way. That is why in ch100 Eren asks him that question about why Carla had to die. It is the “Why?” motif (why is marco getting eaten? kaya and gabi’s conversation m, etc) They both end up sharing that burden. They both seek each other’s judgement, it was never one-sided. Their dynamic accentuates my favorite aspect of both characters: their willingness to become perpetrators and facing the consequences of the path they chose to take. I also like the struggle of having agency and lacking it. Reiner, while making a proactive choice, is still ultimately a slave to an oppressive regime that strips him of his right to a family’s love and a childhood and inherent worth (he is treated as innately lesser). He is a player in a very unfair game. If he refused to go forward, he might have been executed and another eldian child soldier would have taken his place. The game would remain the same, just the players would change. Eren as well. He had his own selfish desires to go through with an atrocity such as the rumbling, like his overwhelming disappointment in the world and its cruelty, the fact that the world outside of the walls ended up being another wall, and his decisions in the future and the past are what created the ending, yet he is also a slave to that very abstraction (he is a slave to his concept of freedom + fate). Despite me having some issues with the execution of the last arc, these two characters will always remain masterful in my eyes no matter what

[@sether04_]

Wow

[@HeelBubz]

Did you really just say Eren killing his own mom is the same as Reiner joining the army to have a happy family? That's one of the silliest things I've ever heard

[@hazu7882hz]

@@HeelBubz nah I mentioned that they r different as their goals are near opposites. Reiner wanted security while Eren wanted freedom. It’s for you to decide which of those values is more understandable . But what is similar about them is that both of them are also selfish. Reiner did not just want to “have a happy family”, just like Eren did not just want to make sure that his friends have long lives and are “free”. They both have selfish goals and are selfish horrible people who took countless lives for said goals. Reiner wanted superficial respect and glory as a hero, not just a happy family, and Eren himself craved to achieve his abstract idea of freedom by erasing the world that did not fit his ideal. I personally think Reiner comes off way better morally bc he did not commit global genocide (also he was a small child lol) but narratively they are set up this way bc Isayama wrote this work with relativist morals which you can agree or disagree with for all I care. I just said that Reiner, as well as Marley, can still also be held accountable for Carla’s death

[@magg2636]

@@hazu7882hz I 100% agree

[@trishale97]

wow no one could’ve said this better i totally agree w u

[@ShadowTheHedgehog003]

Surprised I haven't commented yet, I've watched this video 100+ actual times. This is both my favorite video on all of KZbin, and also my favorite review of anything ever. I've never seen a review so perfect, every single thing I love about aot is talked about in here. This is my favorite video of all time.

[@YetiCoolBrother]

In the "The Female Titan" section I'm shocked Mark completely skipped over what IMO is one of the defining character moments for Eren, especially considering the ending. Spoilers ahead: The moment in the forest where Eren was with the whole Levi squad. They asked him to not trust his instinct to become a Titan immediately and instead trust them to protect him; Annie brutally murders them minutes later. That was a turning point for Eren where he rationalized that when it came down to it he'd take everything unto himself for the sake of everyone else, which he proceeds to demonstrate for the rest of the story especially starting with the Marley arc through to the end. Eren killed 80% of humanity and became the one Devil for everyone to hate collectively, as opposed to all Eldians being considered devils and hated as a race.

[@jaleelbarnes7142]

Hit that one on the nose

[@hogdiesel]

you dont miss

[@HeelBubz]

This comment makes no sense because Eren said very early on that having people join together to fight a common enemy was rosy and dull. That was never his intention. And if it was, when did he change his mind? Why did he change his mind? Why did we get 0 hints about that being his plan? It makes no sense

[@YetiCoolBrother]

@@HeelBubz My whole point was they (along with Mikasa and others) were trying to convince him to do otherwise, and that event cemented in his head to not listen to them. That's starkly different from how it would go with most shonen protagonists which is why it's significant.

[@HeelBubz]

@@YetiCoolBrother Ok I get you. I just interpreted the comment wrong

[@Hiruma_]

Isayama is one of those authors where you can clearly sense that they have aquired a profound view on the nature of the human condition and it's visible throughout his work.

[@charlesballiet7074]

aka he does not pollute his mind with woke ideology

[@astralaurora4165]

@@charlesballiet7074 lmao wat

[@Mr.Murphy2802]

@@astralaurora4165 always some random mf bringing wokeness into it 💀

[@dodoheadofCentury]

***SPOILERS*** I think he understands certain aspects of humanity, but he misses in other areas. His work is very compelling, but the ending (which I have only had explained to me so perhaps my views will change when I personally witness it) seems to get quite messy very fast from a story telling perspective. To the point where the characters are literally sitting down and explaining everything to the audience, which if you like that sort of thing is fine, but I prefer a more show don’t tell approach. Isayama seems to embrace a philosophy of destiny. That is, everything that is, was always meant to be. As far as an explanation goes for why something has happened, it feels very much like a just shut up and accept what I’m telling you explanation. Which of course, just maddeningly leads me to more questions. It also removes Eren’s humanity in the story because he has always been a character believing in his ability to choose as being of the utmost importance. That being said it is an interesting view on the dangers of absolute freedom. Absolute freedom being your ability to alter or end others lives with no one being able to critique or control your choices. Obviously, that is evil because to think that any one of us is the best master for another’s life requires a conceited selfish god complex that only the worst of dictators have embraced. I don’t know of many but there are some good examples of dictators, but I assume they consider the legitimate needs and desires of the people they rule, instead of trampling on those needs for their own ego. Much as Eren is shown to be doing by the end of the series.

[@nataliecameron]

@@charlesballiet7074 oh my god what are you talking about

[@jttk5995]

Lmao imagine if Bertholt kicked the wrong side of the wall and woke up a colossal titan

[@kerusprogamer]

I mean, he knew about them so that's why he didn't do it xD

[@xardas149]

He couldnt....that was the point, the gates were the actuall weakness. He could not just instagib any other part of the walls that had titans inside them

[@melvinflores8957]

Hilarious 😂

[@melvinflores8957]

Or Eren actually making a larger hole on the wall with the intention of plugging it. Pixis be like: 🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@NintendoMasterNo1]

That's why he kicked down a gate where he knew there's no titan...

[@Jayjay_07]

The excitement for finally enjoying your review made me survive the depressive period I had after finishing the manga a few days ago. And it was truly fantastic. Thank you for including all the behind the scenes stuff which was very interesting. It's insane what these animators created under so much stress and so little time. I love this series so much. I have never seen a story with so many characters having fully developed arcs that all make sense. And the amount of foreshadowing. I love how this makes the series almost necessary to watch or read through for a second time which I absolutely need to do.

[@carlosquintanilla62]

i love the line " isayama created an active character living within a world that forces him to become reactive"

[@MaxIronsThird]

So, just like every bratty shonen protagonist?! Edit: A lot of people seem to not understand this concept for some reason.

[@ValGOPLock]

@@MaxIronsThird depends on the world they live in

[@kennynyc1197]

@@MaxIronsThird STFU

[@wolflink9000]

@@kennynyc1197 no u

[@wolflink9000]

@@kennynyc1197 no u

[@Badalight]

Wait, Mark didn't talk about Eren and Zeke walking through the path memories? The revelation that Eren was actually orchestrating everything the whole time? How the Grisha panel from chapter fucking 1 was him actually looking at adult Eren? That's my favorite reveal in the entire series!

[@amadeusk525]

Tbf he didn't really go in depth about anything manga-only

[@Smithdabreo]

@@amadeusk525 he might be saving it to make a video about after the anime ends

[@jk2k187]

That shit was stupid asf

[@AintChillGuy]

Give him a fking rest

[@space5905]

He said he's going to cover it next week

[@thatguitarguyguy]

“See you later Eren” was never in the anime so 95% of its worldwide audience won’t get the reference”

[@elimullen9864]

Yeah I don’t understand can you explain ... and try not to spoil nothing cause the anime not finished yet

[@elimullen9864]

Please

[@thatguitarguyguy]

@@elimullen9864 I don’t know how to without spoiling anything sorry. I’m sure the anime will explain it better anyways since it’s still confusing for even the manga readers. Don’t worry about it

[@zon6158]

@@thatguitarguyguy tell me, i started reading the manga after S3P1 so i didnt read before that.

[@thatguitarguyguy]

@@zon6158 Sorry bro can't here. Eli Mullen will see.

[@AndyFuenzalida]

This was an amazingly beautiful, moving and well executed essay on the story that is Attack on Titan. I found myself moved to tears by your perspectives and understanding of the story. I have definitely subscribed and look forward to watching your other videos.

[@zenistu707]

*AOT goes on hiatus for 4 years* Hunter x hunter: A worthy opponent! Our battle will be legendary!

[@axelarias3067]

@@ImToad that's not what he was talking about, buddy.

[@cirmented]

Yeah hxh is hhhh it’s an experience to say the least

[@andrewb6194]

Berserk: You too?!

[@axelarias3067]

@@andrewb6194 vagabond: ay yo whats good?

[@krullachief669]

Berserk: Pathetic.

[@thatguyjaydos4689]

I like how that after all the twists and subversion, Attack on Titan still ends like any other Shonen, by fighting a God.

[@aaddiis45021]

But with freaking same power

[@aaddiis45021]

@@coopermacintosh8153 i mean other guys with thunder speae has same power levels.

[@aaddiis45021]

@Private Weaver nope talk no jutsu only work with erwin

[@aaddiis45021]

@Private Weaver it doesn't work lol

[@mariomaster4568]

With a twist that no one saw coming. There’s no way to stop the Titan power from killing you. Eren actually dies.

[@Badalight]

Aw man. Didn't mention my favorite "twist" which was the Owl talking about Mikasa and Armin.

[@Smithdabreo]

and eren saying to Grisha stand father.. that shit was fire wish he included it in the video

[@Scrapio12]

*insert DBZA Bardock 'I can see the future' *

[@fedebaguena1724]

So, I just finished the manga today after not accepting to wait for a last Anime season (because, if it says final season it must be the final season) I decided to watch 'The war on Paradise' part of your video at last, because I was waiting until the end of the Anime to be released. And realized that it was uploaded the same day today a year ago. Which recalls me that part of Eren you described being in the titan's mouth where he finally dies...Might be coincidence, but feels like everything is connected somehow. Thanks for your videos! Greetings from Spain!

[@slevinchannel7589]

Very Overhyped Anime and people like this youtuber claiming its some God-Send Anime aint no Help. Repepetiveness, bad Conveying of Information, Repetitivness, it's not that good of a Franchise. And the Anime literally 'ending without an End'? Haha, i dont even have Words for that.

[@Omphalite]

The handling of Floch by the editor is absolutely fantastic. I approve of this 100%.

[@VectraMedia]

I still got 3 episodes to go and I haven’t felt negatively about floch and it made me feel slightly defensive seeing him criticized.... dude must fuck up severely soon...

[@Omphalite]

@@VectraMedia Could just be differing opinifons.

[@Leit_fingies]

actually feel for flock, while people in the world were having the time of their lives flock and his people were being eaten alive by titans

[@iliamazor2336]

This show had the most scarf development of all time

[@Ramsey276one]

LOVE THIS XD

[@zaye400]

This deserves endless likes

[@larsnyman2455]

Y know, I didn’t expect a 3-hour long analysis of Attack on Titan, on the day it ended, from Mark. Damn.

[@onetimemusic6306]

Hopefully Isayama makes another manga 🥲 this man is a GENIUS

[@JRMARTS]

Every time I rewatch the show I keep figuring out new things it’s honestly amazing

[@JRMARTS]

Also btw this made me appreciate S2 just a little bit more

[@mangonicusmaximus369]

among animes Aot has the most easter eggs and in games gta san andreas & batman arkham city.

[@royalfun1031]

@@mangonicusmaximus369 OP too

[@mangonicusmaximus369]

@@royalfun1031 Yeah AOT opening has some cool easter eggs. Like daughters of Ymir Fritz eating her(Y) dead body

[@sprintdistance]

Random theory, the plague that Erien's Dad saved everyone from was caused by him. He brought in a virus that he was immune from because he was from the outside world, but since the people in the walls have been separated so long they didn't get it before and didn't have immunity from him carrying it

[@Scrapio12]

Lol, that's a good theory. The only way one can poke a hole in it is by saying when the plague took place. If it took place a while after Grisha came to Paradis then it would be unlikely that he caused it. If it was earlier than his arrival, no chance he caused it

[@sprintdistance]

@@Scrapio12 Agreed, from the drill instructor backstory I got the impression that it was pretty recent after he arrived and was why he got his name lol and his girl. So I think from that it was after since he also was established as a doctor that was in charge of a ward, as opposed to him walking up saying he knows what to do (my impressions again) I watched the anime and am at the retaking of wall in the manga so based on anime impressions

[@Scrapio12]

@@sprintdistance I'll have to take your word for this because I haven't watched sit in a while and haven't read the manga for the pre season 4 stuff yet

[@DrNiradino]

Doubt it. Immunity isn't something that develops over a few generations. What's more likely is that Grisha had advanced medical knowledge that he introduced to eldians. Something like penicillin or vaccination.

[@Motofanable]

That is legit

[@ReiRei12]

@2:20:22 To add on to what you said about Eren and Reiner, i remember reading a comment that said that Eren is the protagonist of Paradis, Reiner is the Protagonist of Marley. *EDIT* You said it in the video! Awesome.

[@Maestro2020]

The anime finally finished and I was finally able go back and see the end of this video. Was definitely worth the wait.