Summary
Attack on Titanquickly became one of the biggest anime series of all time. Serving as the gateway for millions of viewers into the anime medium. Mikasa Ackerman, the middle member of the main protagonist trio, is easily one of the series' most popular and beloved characters. And yet, she’s always been a rather controversial character in some spaces. Many complain about Mikasa’s “obsession” with her childhood friend, Eren Jaeger, the protagonist ofAttack on Titan.
Some fans claim Mikasa’s entire life revolves around Eren, and that she cares about nothing else but him. And while Mikasa loves Eren, this couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’ve heard manga readers complain about WIT Studio’s original adaptation, Mikasa’s characterization is the biggest reason why.
Reduced To Obsession, Mikasa’s Lackluster Adaptation
Warrior Goddess in Manga, Obsessed in Anime
Attack On Titan owes a large part of its success to the adaptation made by WIT Studio. WIT gave the original manga theepic action, music, and drama it deserved. Elevating the series beyond the boundaries of dedicated anime fans. However, fans who have read the original manga from the start always noticed a massive flaw in WIT’s version: the characterization of Mikasa and Levi.
In the limited episode count,WIT Studio prioritized dramatic moments and action. Leaving a lot of character-building only in the manga. Scenes of the other members of the 104th Cadet Corp that fleshed them out and their relationships were not adapted, leaving these pivotal scenes only for manga readers. The most egregious of these omissions was for the character who needed these scenes the most: Mikasa.
“This world is cruel, but it’s also very beautiful”
Several scenes of Mikasa spending time with her friends were left out. Scenes that expanded on her backstory. Scenes that showed her personality beyond her devotion to Eren. In MAPPA’s adaptation, when the people of Hizuru meet Mikasa, she shows them a tattoo on her hand that proves she’s a descendant of their ruler. To most fans, this revelation came out of nowhere, but in truth, Mikasa had shown the tattoo to Eren when they were kids in the original manga. This scene wasn’t in WIT’s anime.
Scenes of Mikasa caring for and protecting others were omitted, while the times Mikasa screamed Eren’s name were increased. WIT Studio’s adaptation removed a lot of Mikasa’s personality, and enhanced her devotion to Eren, making her seem like an obsessed girl who cared about nothing else.
Mikasa Ackerman, The Warrior Goddess
Kind Heart, Overwhelming Strength
In a series that is all about morally gray characters and narratives, Mikasa stands as one of the few characters who’s undoubtedly a good, kind person. AfterGabi Braun killed her best friend, Sasha. Mikasa did not hold a grudge against the girl, instead, she forgave Gabi and even protected her. Mikasa cared for Gabi when Nicolo and Kaya attacked her, tending to her wounds and stopping Kaya from stabbing her.
Mikasa forgaveThe Warriors, Reiner and Annie, even after she was one of their victims, she looked after them and treated them as friends during the battle against the Yaegerists. Mikasa threatened the merchants who were blocking the evacuation during a titan invasion, saving civilians at the risk of being punished, as these merchants were corrupt. And most importantly, Mikasa battled and killed her former comrades and Eren, her true love, for the sake of the world.
Mikasa set aside her love and own desires to be with Eren and protect him because she knew wellshe had to stop him. She crushed her own heart, killing her beloved, to save the world, performing the ultimate sacrifice. Mikasa is not only defined by her skills as a fighter, but also by her endless kindness and righteousness.
