Exploring freedom, inherited will, and the hidden similarities between two anime giants.
As much as anime fans can see how Attack on Titan and One Piece are alike, some things make them stand out. These two giants are known for having complex characters and stories that keep you interested the whole time. At first glance, the two shows may seem very different. However, when you look more closely, you can see that they share basic ideas, especially the ideas of freedom and inherited will.
Eren from Attack on Titan and Luffy from One Piece are both great examples of people who only want one thing: to be free. Eren believes that people who take away someone else’s freedom should face the consequences of their actions. The thought he has is what makes him want to start the Rumbling, a terrible act that will end the centuries of oppression of Eldians.
Luffy, on the other hand, thinks about freedom in a much more personal, liberating way. His crew is driven to achieve their own goals above all else because, in his opinion, pursuing their wants is the only way to experience freedom, no matter what problems may arise.
At their core, both of these people are enemies fighting against weak systems. To become the Pirate King, Luffy keeps fighting the Marines and the World Government. Eren, on the other hand, wants to end the generations-old feud between Eldia and Marley. Eren’s violent payback and Luffy’s brave defiance are two very different ways to achieve what they want: change.
Freedom serves as the engine that propels both of these universes.
More than just a subject, freedom is at the heart of the stories being shared. Everyone Luffy meets feels free because he tells his crew to never give up on their goals.
For the same reason, Eren’s actions are driven by his desire to live in a world without Titans, symbolizing his hope for a better future. Looking for freedom can lead to going on adventures, learning new things, and growing as a person in both of these situations.
Another interesting connection between the two is the idea of a genetic will. Most of the time, this is something that the characters in One Piece stress. Luffy takes over Shanks’s goal of becoming Pirate King, Zoro takes over his teacher’s goal of becoming the best fighter, and Sanji takes over Zeff’s goal of discovering the All Blue. This genealogy gives each character more meaning, and it shows how their individual stories are linked to a larger storyline.
Attack on Titan also explores this idea, but it’s presented in a darker, more complex way. The plot is driven by conflict between generations, as both Eldians and Marleyans carry grudges, beliefs, and duties from the generations that came before them.
Eren is the heir to the wills of people who used Attack and Founding Titan, but other characters, like Reiner and Annie, are shaped by what their families and society expect of them. These inherited wills have important and subtle effects on the choices made, the inner conflicts that arise, and the story’s progress.
Very small figures show this idea. Reiner has to deal with both his mother’s demands and his own wavering loyalties. In the end, he develops a dual personality to make sense of all these things. Annie’s adoptive father’s goals and the harsh realities of life in Marleyan society shape the choices she makes. Everything about the characters, from Gisha to Porco, shows how genetics shapes events and influences how people act.
When it comes to breaking patterns of hatred, understanding and courage are required.
Even though the tones and settings are different, the main characters in both shows will try to change the way things are done. In the same way that Luffy fights against the Marines and the strict pirate law, Eren fights against Marley and the strict rules that are common in his world. There is a lot of resistance in both of these people, which shows that real freedom and progress require bravery, persistence, and sometimes even loss.
Furthermore, these shows take a sophisticated approach to the subject of freedom. People look up to Luffy because he gives others the tools they need to reach their goals, a form of freedom called empowerment.
Eren, on the other hand, sees freedom as the best prize for going through unimaginable hardships and fighting hatred that has been passed down from generation to generation. Both points of view enrich their own worlds while also showing how universal the theme is.
Attack on Titan and One Piece have a lot more in common than fans might have thought. For example, both shows look at freedom and genetic will, which may surprise fans. Both of these shows make you feel about the choices you make, the effects of leaving a legacy for future generations, and how important it is to follow your dreams.
Their shared themes suggest that, despite their obvious differences, the basic mechanics of their stories are similar.
For people who like either show, these comparisons offer a new perspective. If you watch Attack on Titan after One Piece or the other way around, you might learn something new about the characters’ motivations, the way the story is structured, or the depth of the concepts being explored.
Discussions about which series is “better” will no doubt continue, but fans can enjoy the creativity and complexity of both by recognizing that both are excellent at telling stories.
