Watch Attack on Titan: Junior High

Attack on Titan: Junior High is a spinoff series of the hugely popular anime and manga series Attack on Titan. Produced by the animation studio Production I.G., the show premiered on October 4, 2015, and ran for 12 episodes. The show was licensed for North American distribution by FUNimation, and premiered on their streaming service the same day as its original broadcast in Japan.

The premise of Attack on Titan: Junior High is simple: imagine if the world of Attack on Titan was a high school, with Eren, Mikasa, and the other characters as students. The series reimagines the original series' characters as middle schoolers attending Titan Junior High, where they deal with typical teenage problems like crushes, homework, and sports clubs. Of course, this being Attack on Titan, there are still Titans in this world, and the students must navigate the challenges of giant monsters attacking their school and town.

The show follows Eren, Mikasa, and their friends as they go about their daily lives at Titan Junior High. Eren is the hot-headed protagonist, who is determined to defeat the Titans and discover the truth about their existence. Mikasa is his stoic, serious-minded best friend, who is always looking out for Eren. The two of them are joined by a colorful cast of characters, including the ambitious Jean, the quirky Sasha, and the bubbly Annie.

The show's humor is largely derived from the contrast between the grim, life-or-death world of the original series and the mundanity of high school life. For example, in one episode, the students participate in a dodgeball tournament, with the Titans serving as the opposing team. In another episode, the girls' volleyball team comes up with a new strategy to defeat their opponents by channeling their inner Titans.

One recurring joke in the series is the character of Mr. Kitagawa, the school's hapless faculty advisor, who is constantly being put upon by the students. Whether he's being tackled by Eren in the hallway or being forced to drink Mikasa's homemade smoothies, Mr. Kitagawa is always the butt of the joke. Another recurring gag is the character of Principal Zackley, who is obsessed with creating artistic masterpieces out of human waste.

Despite its lighthearted tone and comedic premise, Attack on Titan: Junior High still manages to sneak in moments of dramatic tension and character development. The series explores the relationships between the characters and delves into the motivations behind their actions. We see Eren struggling to control his rage towards the Titans, Mikasa dealing with the trauma of her past, and Jean wrestling with his desire for success and recognition.

The animation in Attack on Titan: Junior High is bright, colorful, and cartoonish, with exaggerated expressions and movements that are reminiscent of classic anime comedies. The show's visuals are a departure from the gritty, realistic style of the original series, but they still manage to capture the spirit of the world of Attack on Titan.

The show's soundtrack is also a departure from the original series, with catchy, upbeat theme songs and peppy background music that complement the show's comedic tone. However, the series still manages to include some of the iconic music from the original series, like "Guren no Yumiya" and "Call Your Name," adding to the show's sense of nostalgia and familiarity.

In conclusion, Attack on Titan: Junior High is a fun, lighthearted spinoff series that offers a fresh take on the world of Attack on Titan. While it may not have the same level of intensity and drama as the original series, it still manages to capture the essence of the characters and their world in a unique and entertaining way.

Attack on Titan: Junior High is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (12 episodes). The series first aired on October 3, 2015.