Before the Fall is a prequel to the widely acclaimed anime and manga series Attack on Titan, offering fans a deeper exploration into the world of Titans and humanity’s struggle for survival. Set decades before the events of the main series, Attack on Titan Before the Fall delves into the origins of the vertical maneuvering equipment, the development of humanity’s defenses, and the early encounters with Titans. This series provides a rich narrative that complements the main storyline, expanding the lore and giving insight into the struggles that shaped the society seen in Attack on Titan.
Overview of Before the Fall
Attack on Titan Before the Fall is a manga series written by Ryo Suzukaze and illustrated by Satoshi Shiki. It was serialized from 2011 to 2013, and it later received an anime adaptation in the form of light novels. The story takes place approximately 70 years before the fall of Wall Maria, during a time when humanity’s existence was perilous and the Titans were an ever-present threat. The series focuses on how humans adapted and developed new tools to fight back against the Titans.
Setting and Time Period
The series is set in the same universe as Attack on Titan, but it provides a historical perspective. Humanity lives within massive walled cities to protect themselves from the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures that devour humans. During this period, the technology to combat Titans was still primitive, and humanity was vulnerable to constant attacks. The story portrays the fear and desperation of this early era, emphasizing the brutality of life under the looming threat of Titans.
Main Characters
The prequel introduces several key characters whose actions and inventions have a lasting impact on the world of Attack on Titan. These characters provide depth to the history of humanity’s fight against Titans.
Kai Shiden
Kai Shiden is the protagonist of Before the Fall. He is a determined young man who witnesses the death of his mother at the hands of a Titan, which motivates him to become a soldier and fight for humanity. Kai’s journey reflects the struggle of early soldiers who lacked the advanced equipment and training that characters in the main series possess.
Angel Aaltonen
Angel Aaltonen is a pivotal character who designs the first vertical maneuvering equipment, an invention that revolutionizes humanity’s ability to fight Titans. His innovation sets the foundation for the Survey Corps and the battle strategies seen in the main series. Angel’s story highlights human ingenuity and the drive to survive against overwhelming odds.
Other Supporting Characters
- Grete A young girl who witnesses the horrors of Titan attacks and represents the civilian perspective of the story.
- Gavroche An early soldier who assists Kai and demonstrates the bravery and sacrifices of humanity in this era.
- Various Titan victims and survivors These characters provide a sense of scale to the human struggle and the dangers of early encounters with Titans.
Plot and Key Events
The narrative of Before the Fall follows Kai Shiden as he trains, struggles, and fights to protect humanity. Unlike the main series, which often focuses on mystery and political intrigue, this prequel emphasizes survival, innovation, and the evolution of combat tactics against Titans.
Early Encounters with Titans
During this era, humans face Titans with limited knowledge and primitive weapons. The story portrays the fear and helplessness of ordinary citizens and soldiers alike. Kai’s personal experiences with Titans serve as both a motivation and a lens through which the audience can understand the terror of this time.
Development of the Vertical Maneuvering Equipment
One of the most critical elements of the series is the invention and refinement of the vertical maneuvering equipment. Angel Aaltonen’s creation allows humans to fight Titans more effectively by giving them mobility and the ability to attack Titans’ weak points. This invention marks a turning point in humanity’s battle for survival and provides context for the technological advancements seen in the main series.
Training and Human Resilience
Much of the plot revolves around the rigorous training of soldiers who must overcome fear, develop skills, and build teamwork to survive. The story explores themes of courage, determination, and the human spirit’s resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. It shows how early soldiers paved the way for the organized and highly skilled Survey Corps in the main Attack on Titan timeline.
Themes in Before the Fall
Before the Fall shares thematic elements with the main Attack on Titan series but focuses more on innovation, early survival, and the evolution of human society in response to Titans.
Survival Against All Odds
The struggle to survive is central to the story. Humanity is shown at its most vulnerable, and every encounter with Titans carries life-or-death consequences. The series emphasizes that survival requires not only bravery but also ingenuity and cooperation.
Human Ingenuity
The invention of the vertical maneuvering equipment and other combat strategies highlights the importance of human creativity and adaptation. These advancements are portrayed as essential to overcoming the Titan threat, reflecting the series’ broader message that innovation is key to survival.
Loss and Sacrifice
As with the main series, Before the Fall explores themes of loss and sacrifice. Soldiers, civilians, and inventors alike face constant danger, and their sacrifices lay the foundation for humanity’s eventual progress. These themes add emotional depth and underscore the high stakes of early Titan encounters.
Impact on the Attack on Titan Universe
Before the Fall enriches the lore of Attack on Titan by providing historical context for the world, the Titans, and humanity’s response. It answers questions about the origins of key technologies and the early struggles that shaped the society within the walls. For fans of the main series, it offers a deeper understanding of the world and a new perspective on the bravery and ingenuity of early humans.
Connection to the Main Series
- The vertical maneuvering equipment introduced in Before the Fall becomes standard in the Survey Corps.
- The prequel explains the origins of training methods and combat strategies used against Titans.
- The personal stories of characters like Kai Shiden provide emotional resonance that enriches the main series’ narrative.
Attack on Titan Before the Fall is a compelling prequel that explores the early history of humanity’s fight against Titans. Through the journey of Kai Shiden, the invention of vertical maneuvering equipment by Angel Aaltonen, and the portrayal of early encounters with Titans, the series highlights themes of survival, innovation, loss, and human resilience. It expands the Attack on Titan universe by offering historical context, enriching the lore, and providing deeper insight into the evolution of humanity’s struggle against the Titan threat. For fans and newcomers alike, Before the Fall presents a gripping story of courage, ingenuity, and the relentless pursuit of survival in a world dominated by monstrous adversaries.