Attack on Titan: Before the Fall, Vol. 1 by Satoshi Shiki

"Cut alive from his mother's womb after she had been eaten by a rampaging Titan, Kuklo has spent his entire life in chains as a freakish curiosity and a feared abomination. Eventually the boy they call the "Titan's son" finds hemself sold to wealthy merchant Dario Inocencio as a plaything for his cruel and ambitious son Xavi. Kuklo knows nothing but abuse and neglect but help may come from the most unexpected place" -- p. [4] of cover.

3.5 stars.

The story seems intriguing, but it started slow. Still looking forward to read the next volume.

Story
I'm still enjoying this, but the first 3 chapters of this volume seemed to drag a bit for me. There are some big revelations here though, and things picked up in the final chapter. However, we still don't have any hint of answers to the big questions.

I'm not sure if Mr. Isayama has a plan in place or if he's just dragging things out a bit as he tries to figure out what's going to happen next.

Does he know what's in Eren's basement? Or why exactly the titans are attacking? The final chapter of this one has me eager to get my hands on the next volume though to find out what comes next.

3.5 Stars

Artwork
I really enjoy all the still-frame artwork at this point. It's much improved from the start of the series. However the action scenes are still mostly just a bunch of lines.

This is a story that is told much better as an anime than a manga in my opinion. I really hope they greenlight a second season.

Man, this story moves fast compared to the books. I feel like I'm nearly caught up to where I left off (the end of Season 2), and it's really nice to be able to go back and see how everything unfolded. This series was fun to watch for the action, but to follow the story, I think the books are best in this case.

4.6

This manga is getting more and more intense as it progresses. All the possible feelings you could feel...it's all in this volume. From “omg wtf” to “:(“ to “uggghh” to “sigh” to “woah fucking plot twist!”. Isayama is just hands down a god when it comes to manga. I wholeheartedly recommend this to everyone because you won't ever regret it :D