Shingeki no Kyojin is a unique manga, in that it is bears more of a resemblance to Western fiction than to Japanese fiction. In some ways, it is similar to Gantz, but overall it borrows heavily from western steampunk and fantasy novels.
STORY: 9/10
Even though I'm only 3 volumes in, it is apparent that the story has immense potential.
The immense world around the small area in which the story is set is shrouded in mystery. Absolutely nothing can be guessed about it at this point. In the future, the manga will most probably involve revelations and discoveries about this world.
Incidents in the protagonists' past are being gradually revealed. The main character seems to have some form of memory loss. While this may seem cliché, so far it has being handled well.
The author appears to have an extensive understanding of the world he has created, in the vein of JRR Tolkien's Middle Earth.
In addition, the steampunk technology used is fairly believable, and even explained at the end of chapters.
I must confess the revelation of the main character's power took me completely by surprise. This leads me to believe that the author will handle plot twists very well.
ART: 7.5/10
The art, while not bad by any means, has a tendency to be slightly rough. It is completely hand drawn. The illustrations of the giants are quite impressive, and character design is unique. Backgrounds are some times less detailed, while distant shots of characters tend to be "derpy". None of this takes away from enjoyment.
Note that the art has steadily improved through the chapters.
CHARACTERS: 8.5/10
There is a multitude of characters besides the protagonists that may be important later on.
Character emotions are handled quite well and are very believable.
The main characters all have rather engaging, if somewhat cliché personalities.
So far, there hasn't been too much character development, but this far in, that is only to be expected.
ENJOYMENT: 10/10
Action scenes well done and never seem drawn-out. There is a fairly large amount of blood and gore. Story pacing is excellent. Never a boring moment.
OVERALL: 9/10
This is definitely one for the long run.
