Attack on Titan (2018)

[進撃の巨人]

Volume 27

Author/Artist: Hajime Isayama
Publisher: KC Magazine

Synopsis:
Eren is held in confinement while the government manages the fallout of the attack on Marley.

Story/Characters:
A lot of people weren't big fans of the arc leading up to the coup to overthrow the old government. Well, I hate to tell you, but it feels like we're covering similar ground for much of this volume. We start to piece a little more together but we're still not given much of a clear view on Eren's motivations and alienating him from Mikasa and Armin cuts us from the anchor of the whole story. We do learn some interesting things along the way such as Mikasa's heritage, but the way it gets presented is a bit spotty.

I can't say I'm terribly interested in Gabi's arc at the moment. Isayama really goes overboard with narrative convenience having her cross paths not only with Sasha's family but also the girl Sasha saved back during Zeke's little experiment in Connie's hometown. Gabi's such a brainwashed headcase that it's really hard to feel much of anything about her. At least Falco can actually think. At this point Gabi seems more like a rabid dog that just needs to be put down.

This volume was feeling like quite the drag, but I was intrigued by this sort of cult that's sprung up around Eren, particularly with the new generation of soldiers. Things take a dramatic turn at the end and it's just the shot in the arm I was needing to stay engaged. That was a close one, Isayama. You nearly lost me there for a moment.

Art:
There are no real action scenes, so we have to deal with more wonky faces in dialog-heavy segments. Because Eren's in prison, we have the shortcut of not drawing the bars to show characters' faces, which I find really distracting. I really wish Isayama just wouldn't draw doors with bars at all. (You may or may not share that gripe.)

Other:
More fun with the high school AU, my little ray of sunshine. Gesumin is on the attack. ^_^

Conclusion:
This volume certainly wasn't my favorite. There is some good content to be had, but it gets weighed down in a lot of political sludge, which isn't this story's strong point. I will give credit for the ending turning things around for me. Isayama will have me back for the next volume. Give this one a read, but don't get your hopes up too much.

Rating:
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