Story- The story kicks off wonderfully, very gritty and engaging. I had read about this anime when it first started airing but never watched it until a couple days ago, but when I started it I couldn't get enough. I watched the 17 currently aired episodes within two days. The plot appears to be a rather basic revenge story in the beginning but soon develops into something deeper. Webs are beginning to weave ( cliche I know ), and it seems like it's going to just keep getting better and better. Family, friends, politics, human experimentation, so much begins to unfold and it is truly gripping. As I said before this show is very gritty, it has its fair share of dark and depressing moments, but also has its lighter ones ( Mikasa blaming the noise on Sasha farting nearly killed me it was so unexpexted ) and throws in rays of hope and sunshine as well. It also seems to progress quite well, none of the episodes thus far feel like they're taking forever adding in too much filler but they also don't feel rushed. Overall it just feels like every episode means something and has bearing on the actual story and character development, etc.
Art- It's a new anime so the artwork is quite clean, and does a great job on facial expressions. My particular favorite is the way the eyes are done during a characters more intense moments, as well as the lack of expression a couple of characters have which adds to their personalities and personas. Epic moments abound, and the action is always crisp and engaging and you can tell whats going on.
Sound- The music generally seems to match each scenario very well, during the intense edge of your seat moments as well as the more lighthearted times. The soundtrack just seems to fit the whole show very well, no complaints.
Character- The characters are definitely proving to be my favorite parts of this show. I love the premise and the art work and action scenes are wonderful, but the characters are just evolving in such great ways that I can't wait for each new episode. The sheer range of personalities is wonderful, from gung-ho action heroes, the brooding reserved introverts, loveable eccentrics, and the attention seekers that make you grit your teeth at times. But, again, what I am loving so much is their transformations, evolutions, and the depth that so many of the characters have. I can't say enough good things about it, the characters are already some of my favorites and I've watched a plethora of different animes, and even out of movie and television characters!
Enjoyment- I was wanting something intense, gritty, dark, something that would jump out at me with awesomeness and also the occasional ability to tickle my funny bone. This show toppled my expectations! Already there's been moments where I have just been ecstatic with the intensity and visceral nature of this show. This will definitely be a show that I'll be sad to see end, but it has tons of potential and has already built and awesome framework that I'm very impressed with.
Overall- A very satisfying viewing experience with tons of awesome moments and epic action, as well as very emotional scenes and wonderful character development. Definitely a recommended watch, as long as you don't mind a decent amount of blood and gore, lol.
