Manga Review: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Volume 8, by Satoshi Shiki, Ryo Suzukaze, Hajime Isayama, and Thores Shibamoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: August 2016

Volumes: 11+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 7. 9.

Goodreads Synopsis:

WAITING IN THE DARK

Kuklo heads to Shiganshina District to test the new model of the Device, while Sharle anxiously awaits his return at Xenophon's workshop. But long after Kuklo’s expected date of return, there is still no sign of him… Meanwhile, an anti-government group carries out a plan in the Industrial City, where Sharle works. Little do they know, Xavi has infiltrated the mission on orders from above.

Review:

A lot of this volume is taken up by the underground movement, as they're planning an attack and to overtake the government. Xavi is a clear part in this, but he's also working behind the scenes to get to Sharle.

I will admit that I'm not a fan of Xavi, and I don't trust him. But I do like that he's worried for Sharle, and he had plans to get her to safety before everything blew up when he didn't have all of the information. And when things blow up, he doesn't even bother with formalities and his promised part in the scheme, he goes straight to find her. It makes me more confused about his intentions.

It's the same with Kuklo, of course. As soon as he finds out, he goes on a mission to get back to her.

I do enjoy this series. It's has it's ups and downs, and goes back and forth with each volume. But I'm enjoying it for the most part.

Manga Review: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Volume 7, by Satoshi Shiki, Ryo Suzukaze, Hajime Isayama, and Thores Shibamoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: April 2016

Volumes: 10+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 6. 8.

Goodreads Synopsis:

TURNING ON THEIR OWN
The Survey Corps sets a cunning trap to capture the mysterious Abnormal Titan that broke through their ranks. As Arwin tries to determine the grotesque creature’s identity and purpose, scouts report Titans closing in on all sides! But they don’t seem to be after the humans – instead they’re targeting the Titan!

Review:

Kuklo and Sharle and the group are getting along mostly fine in their little corner. Kuklo is learning everything he can about the vertical maneuvering equipment, and they go on their first titan expedition to use it and fight. It goes probably how you'd think it would.

Meanwhile, Xavi is getting along in the ranks. Slowly, in the background, he's working toward finding Kuklo and Sharle. He has a vendetta and he's not letting go of it any time soon.

I really like the artwork in this series, and I really like the main characters. I don't care for Xavi, he's a typical jerk villain. But I'm a fan of Sharle, and I really like her relationship with Kuklo. It's my favorite part of this series. I also like the glimpses of development we see in Kuklo's character. But this series does get quite boring at times. The heavy storyline, all the time spent on explaining backstory or mechanics. It can be very boring.

I'm still reading. I like it, but I don't love it.

Manga Review: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Volume 6, by Satoshi Shiki, Ryo Suzukaze, Hajime Isayama, Thores Shibamoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: December 2015

Volumes: 8+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository.

Volume: 1. 5. 7.

Goodreads Synopsis:

ON THE SHOULDERS OF TITANS
Fifteen years ago, humanity led a last-ditch attempt to discover the Titans' weakness – a survey expedition to capture one of the beasts. But the ten-meter Titan who appeared during the capture attempt threw the expedition into chaos. Among those who escaped behind Wall Maria was the genius craftsman Angel, a weapon-developer who was participating in the expedition as a researcher. What would he conjure up from this failure?

Review:

The first half of the volume continues the history lesson, showing us the first real titan death, and the weapon used for it. From there, it pushes the group to continue learning and practicing, and figuring out how to use the weapons and the maneuvering equipment correctly and how to develop it more effectively.

Aside from that, it looks like Sharle’s family is going to be causing some real drama soon. I don’t look forward to that.

I am still enjoying this series, though some of the history and teaching and politics can get a little long-winded and boring at times. I do enjoy the characterizing, and I like Sharle and Kuklo as characters. Will be reading more.

Manga Review: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Volume 5, by Satoshi Shiki, Ryo Suzukaze, Hajime Isayama, and Thores Shibamoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: August 2015

Volumes: 7+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 4. 6.

Goodreads Synopsis:

THE TITAN'S SON FIGHTS ON

Saved from exile, Kuklo and Cardina meet the hero Jorge Pikale, the first man ever to defeat a Titan in combat, and they learn how he did it: a mysterious gas-powered grappling machine known only as "the device." Jorge believes Kuklo might just have the agility and reflexes to master this startling weapon and take the Survey Corps to a new level. But Kuklo has his doubts, and what will Sharle think...?

Review:

Kuklo is finally reunited with Sharle, and it’s sweet. I like them together, even if it’s not quite romantic between them. They’re important to each other. They spend some time together that night, catching up, and Sharle getting to see Kuklo’s point of view from their past. He’s much more mature about it than anyone expected, not feeling anger for humans or even for Sharle’s family. Sharle isn’t quite so over it, though.

And then they all get to find out more about the devices and materials behind the weapons used to hurt titans, few as there are at this point. Kuklo in particular wants to learn and he wants to fight the titans; Sharle takes a bit to be convinced, but she wants to help Kuklo, even if it’s behind the scenes.

This volume was a little slower, with more talking and a lot of background story, as Kuklo learns and they get settled in this new place.

I’m rather enjoying this series, and don’t mind the wait so much for the next one.

Manga Review: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Volume 4, by Satoshi Shiki, Ryo Suzukaze, Hajime Isayama, Thores Shibamoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~4

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: March 31, 2015

Volumes: 5+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells. RightStuf.

Volume: 1. 3. 5.

Goodreads Synopsis:

A VILIFIED EXILE
After escaping what should have been certain death and defeating a Titan outside the walls, Kuklo and the Survey Corps make it back to the safety of Shiganshina, where the Military Police are waiting to arrest him for the murder of his former master Dario. But there will be no trial and no execution for the Titan's son. The MPs have a much crueler punishment in mind...

Review:

Is it just me, or do these books go by super fast? The page length is average, but these books take about half the time to read. I guess there’s less words and more action, but it seems ridiculous. It just makes me want more.

The beginning of the volume featured Sharle, trying to save Kuklo. And then we get Kuklo, locked up and mistreated, and then being thrown beyond the wall. He makes a fast friendship with another inmate, Cardina. And together, they make a plan to get back in the walls, with a little help.

I don’t want to talk too much and spoil the plot, but it was exciting. It’s very close, and death is definitely present. I like Kuklo, a lot, and I look forward to seeing what happens with him next. I hope we get to see him and Sharle together again, as it’s been a while, and I kind of love them. It was so sweet the way he worked hard to get back to her, and was relieved to hear that she was okay. My romance-loving heart just eats that stuff up.

The previous volume left me feeling meh, but this one has me all excited again, and I love it. I can’t wait for the next one.

Manga Review: Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Volume 3, by Satoshi Shiki, Ryo Suzukaze, Hajime Isayama, and Thores Shibamoto

Rating (Out of 5): ~3.5

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Release Date: December 9, 2014

Volumes: 4+

Spoilers?: No.

Buy it here: Amazon. Barnes and Noble. Book Depository. Powells.

Volume: 1. 2. 4.

Goodreads Synopsis:

TAKE A STAND FOR HUMANITY Kuklo left the walls behind for one reason: To see a Titan for himself, and finally banish the doubts that have dogged him about his own humanity. That mission has been accomplished, but not everything has gone according to plan. Now Kuklo is on the run with the Survey Corps from a 10-meter-class Titan. But it soon becomes clear to Kuklo and Commander Pikale that they have no chance to reach the wall in time. To live, they'll have to fight! 

Review:

There is a lot of titan fighting in this volume. Like, half of the volume is Kuklo on the field, fighting the titan, and figuring out a clever way to get back to safety.

It’s intense. And I did not necessarily love it. But it was all right. Some parts of the fighting were a little hard to follow, though.

Then we get back to town, and Sharle deals with some political drama. Kuklo is taken in again, badly, and Sharle is a little helpless as what to do about it. Things are not looking good for them.

This was not my favorite volume, I will say that, but I’m still sticking with it. I’m interested to see where it goes, and I’m definitely frustrated with the politics and the higher ups. They never even try to understand. Annoying, though not surprising.

Hoping the next volume pulls me back in.