Attack on Titan (2018)

[進撃の巨人]

Volume 26

Author/Artist: Hajime Isayama
Publisher: KC Magazine

Synopsis:
Eren's rampage against the Marleyan Titan Shifters continues with the help of the Survey Corps.

Story/Characters:
I was looking forward to having the gaps in the story filled in now that our focus is returning to Eren and the gang. Let me say that situation wasn't remotely what I was expecting. Lines get crossed and things happen that can't be taken back. While part of me is intrigued to see what this will do to the character dynamics, I also feel something is lost in the exchange.

I can appreciate what Isayama is doing setting up Gabi as a parallel to Eren, but I don't feel it's very effective. While I was drawn to her character early on in this arc, the appeal has mostly worn off. All told, I'm just not that happy with the direction of the story. I'm still invested, but not as much as I was earlier in the series. We'll see how things go in the coming months, though.

Art:
As I've said many a time before, Isayama's art shines when there's plenty of action and we definitely get that here, at least in the first half. I want to make particular note of Armin's Titan form, which is both a cool and creepy new take on the iconic Colossal Titan.

Other:
We get more of the high school AU in the fake teaser with a positively amazing final frame. I may well be looking forward to the continuation of this more than the main story.

Conclusion:
I honestly feel a little conflicted here. I'm glad the perspective has changed and we've kicked off a new leg of the story, but some of the things that happen have rubbed me the wrong way. I feel it's by design, though, so I'm willing to give it some more time to play out, but I find it harder to be in Eren's corner after all this and that makes it hard to stay on board. Give it a read and expect to chew on it a bit. This could be the start of a compelling final act or we could be entering a death spiral. I just can't say at this point.

Rating:
Read It