Did Attack on Titan Rip Off Muv-Luv?

The question of whether Attack on Titan (Attack on Titan) Rip Offs Muv-Luv has been a topic of both fan and academic discourse. This discussion delves into the similarities and differences between these two acclaimed series and provides a balanced analysis of the claims made against Attack on Titan.

Introduction to the Series

Attack on Titan was created by Hajime Isayama and began serialization in 2009. This manga and subsequently anime series is known for its dark themes, complex characters, and moral ambiguity. The story is set in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, and it explores themes of freedom, survival, and the consequences of war.

The Muv-Luv Series

Muv-Luv is a series that includes visual novels, anime, and other media. Although detailed information about the franchise's beginnings is not provided, the series has a distinct structure and plot that differs significantly from Attack on Titan.

Superficial Similarities and Common Tropes

There are superficial similarities in the overarching premise of humanity battling against monstrous threats. Both series feature a male protagonist and young heroes joining elite military groups to fight back against these threats. However, these similarities are more about common tropes in the sci-fi and fantasy genres rather than a direct rip-off. For instance, both series share a narrative of humanity being pushed to the brink of extinction by giant man-eating monsters, compelling young heroes to join an elite military group, and fighting back with exotic weapons and techniques.

Key Differences

The fundamental differences between the two series are profound and numerous. They are explored in the following sections.

Structure and Narrative

Attack on Titan is a linear manga and anime series, while the Muv-Luv franchise consists of a trilogy of visual novels with a branching storyline. The visual novel Muv-Luv Alternative features no choice points that significantly affect the story, unlike the Attack on Titan series, which is linear and does not rely heavily on branching plot elements.

Character Development and Romance

Muv-Luv is known for its harem-style setups, where a male protagonist is surrounded by many female characters, each potentially with a romantic interest. In contrast, Attack on Titan does not center around a male protagonist with multiple romantic interests. The best-developed romantic relationship in Attack on Titan is between supporting characters Krista/Historia and Ymir, indicating a different focus on character dynamics.

Plot Elements and Time Travel

Muv-Luv heavily relies on parallel timelines and time travel, which are not significant plot elements in Attack on Titan. This difference is one of the most notable distinctions between the two series, emphasizing the unique storytelling styles and narrative structures employed by each.

Contemporary Context and Author Statements

Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan, has openly credited Muv-Luv Alternative and other works and real-life influences as inspirations for his series. In an interview, he directly mentioned Muv-Luv Alternative as an inspiration, indicating that any similarity is more a reflection of genre conventions than a direct rip-off. The creators of both series, Hajime Isayama and Koki Yoshimune (creator of Muv-Luv), have on occasion been interviewed or appeared together, showing a friendly and cooperative relationship.

Conclusion

To conclude, the claim that Attack on Titan Rips Off Muv-Luv is based more on common elements in the sci-fi and fantasy genres rather than a direct derivative relationship. The differences in structure, character development, and plot elements make it clear that both series have distinct identities and creative visions. The mutual respect and friendly interactions between the creators further support the idea that any perceived similarities are more a product of genre conventions than a deliberate plagiarism.