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feedingbrett's reviews
187 reviews
Attack on Titan: Colossal Edition 5 by Hajime Isayama
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A clear transition point that certainly challenges our biases towards our familiar characters. Sympathy swings like a pendulum but with it come depth through context. Moving forward from the internal turmoil that its previous volumes have repeatedly served, now the bigger picture has been offered, but with it a logical anchor that gives greater meaning to such tragedies that we have previously witnessed. While the abstract philosophies that once hypothesised the repetitive chaos have begun to dwindle, I think the continuous search for meaning and a solution has kept my interest throughout this period of the story. I can only hope all of this contextualising will pay off.
Attack on Titan: Colossal Edition 4 by Hajime Isayama
adventurous
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
As one continues into the series, we start to see the clearing of the smokescreen as truths, even if currently fragmented, begin to emerge. Yet, the narrative's curiosity to sink deeper, uncovering the past and shaping humanity's future, enlarges the scope and density of its story. No longer is the plot of our protagonist to end this cruelty enough, and neither is it truly just his story alone. Hajime Isayame has slowly, thus far, chipped away at the human mould to eventually find the soul that would justify existence. When mortality is absolute, the ultimate search for meaning remains at the forefront, and sometimes those who have faced such realities from others, carry on the search that their peers were not able to answer. This fourth edition is <i>Attack on Titan</i>, at least to this point, at its most introspective; disillusioning past beliefs and rules, and reshaping trajectories that are equalled with newly found threats.
Attack on Titan: Colossal Edition 3 by Hajime Isayama
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Motivations revealed, internal corruption, scandals and disputes exploding, the fate of humanity on its last leg, this Colossal volume places its focus on bringing insight into the world-building and characterisations on the fringes of its core characters and story, recognising their motivations and the potential loss upon failure. For those searching for a kinetic narrative, these chapters may not serve as much as their predecessors, but enough are provided for good measure.
Attack on Titan: Colossal Edition 2 by Hajime Isayama
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Danger lurks on almost every page, if these characters are not fighting for their lives, they are exploring the purpose of all this cruelty. It is almost as if we are treated to a glimpse of humanity's response to such a threat, the confrontation of the potential of mortality, but to also rapidly find coping strategies to survive. This second edition brings an abundance of revelations that are not at all shocking to me since I have already watched these moments unfold in its Anime adaptation, but enduring through and reviewing the character motivations brought forth a greater appreciation of its ideas and storytelling. The artwork comes alive in this larger format, but its ergonomics are cumbersome, with the paperback's temperament fed by its broad weight. However, despite all of this, I was still enamoured.
Attack on Titan: Colossal Edition, Volume 1 by Hajime Isayama
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Though within the television format, my response stood on the feeling of melancholy as we watch pessimism pummel onto its unsuspecting viewers time after time. However, reading the story brought forth an appreciation of Hajime Isayama's intentions, with the bleak depth of its characters in stark clarity and contrasted with their seemingly impossible ambitions, these were qualities that emerged from the slower pace of consumption. This initial volume allowed the artwork to live up to its own name, with its sizing and paper choice bringing greater detail and cinematic attributes to the overall experience. Retreading the story still generated interest despite knowing their eventual outcomes, but instead, this time revealing the nuances in their motivations, deceptions, and ironies that would have only been possible with this context. I can only say that I am eager to open up the next colossal edition.
Dubliners by James Joyce
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
Perhaps it was in the individualised stories and a requirement to seek the bind that holds it all together that left Dubliners less than emotionally satisfying. Undoubtedly, Joyce's latter stories do carry a flair in writing characters and dialogue, creating modest interest and momentum that feels like a chapter from a novel. If only I felt that throughout the entire process.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 14 by Sui Ishida
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It shouldn't have surprised me that the concluding chapters of Tokyo Ghoul reveal itself as a tragedy rather than a triumph. Bloodshed and the meaning of such violence are placed into question, as we collectively see this operation for eradication, held by a clear disconnect between both sides; a raging cycle that would seemingly never end.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 13 by Sui Ishida
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Almost a return to form. On the eve of its concluding volume, we find Sui Ishida again returning to the duality of humans and ghouls, creating more significant parallels between multiple characters as it unpacks the masked and distorted prejudice that hides behind their violence. Whether it is a sense of justice, a craving for dominance, or merely for survival, bloodshed is poured without a desire to understand - and even if they do so, it is done so incognito for a fear of this misunderstanding. Ishida has assembled this climactic confrontation with a clearer purpose, its ideas more palpable, and its characters more transparent. If it continues at this rate, the catharsis should be splendid.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 12 by Sui Ishida
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Damn, an almost return to form, with its emotional core back at the forefront of its storytelling, Volume 12's chapters are shaping the series into a conclusion that may bring forth a catharsis that will live up to its own hype. Though still picking up the pieces, I am glad to see the upward curvature that this narrative may take, hoping that it doesn't loosen the reins of this moment of intimacy and continues forward with it. Without a doubt, I am eager to start the next book.
Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 11 by Sui Ishida
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
As the dust settles from the altercation within the secret laboratory, we find a story aiming to recalibrate itself as it prepares itself towards its conclusion. For those who remain enthusiastic about Sui Ishida's zig-zagging priorities, then at this point, Tokyo Ghoul is surely on track for them towards a satisfying end. However, its trailing chapters leave little to be desired, with the aftermath of such rage, violence, and urgency swelling up its (ineffective) melodrama. 11 chapters in, and perhaps Tokyo Ghoul has gotten too large in its cast for its own good, with that satisfying focus of its humbler beginnings only visible here as a glimmer.