#snkjh

Episode 2: Chasing!

Armin and Levi debut in this episode. It was a little greedy of me, but I wanted to introduce the characters sooner than they appear in the manga, so I set the stage for them here. The Levi Squad and the Scout Regiment also make their debut. After the horrible things that happened to them in the main series, we got to see all these members alive, well, and enjoying life. From this fact alone, I feel that this episode justifies the creation of this spinoff series. “Tiger says♪ that the bees ate the bagel ♪”

Episode 3: Dodgeball!

This is Annie’s episode. I feel the manga story is very funny on its own, but I decided to add some parodies to the main series to it. Annie’s reveal was scary before, so for this spinoff I asked for the kind of charming reveal that you’d never see in the main show. I was also amazed by the power of Mr. Sawano’s musical score from the main show. I never would’ve imagined the the power of music could turn a silly game of dodgeball into something so epic!

Episode 4: Cleanup!

A key piece of the “Attack on Titan” puzzle, the omni-directional mobility gear, makes its debut. As the head of the wall cleanup club, it’s quite possible that Rico will get more screen time here than in the main show. I included many other references to the main show, including the way Rico runs, the ODM gear training, and Hannes’ soulful cry. Around this point, I predict that many viewers will begin to see how Bertholdt is portrayed in the spinoff. 

Episode 5: Studying Hard!

The papers on the notice board play a small part in this series. In the first five episodes, the board is covered in calligraphy sheets that answer the question, “what is your favorite food?” These are replaced with the students’ portraits in episode 6. Our staff members meticulously assumed each character’s role as they drew these pictures. Also, the school song is displayed next to the clock. It has three full parts to it, so I hope you’ll pause the video and check it out whenever there’s a good shot of it!

Episode 6: Love Letter!

Jean is true to his wants, so I made episode 6 with the idea that in this peaceful world, he’d probably be delusionally fixated on being popular with the girls. I definitely think Jean’s adolescence would be highlighted by thoughts of “does this girl like me? Does that girl like me?” Also, many junior high students these days have an extra circle of cram school friends outside of normal school. As an example of this, Annie studies Titanese at a cram school and even has titan friends. Cram school is really something!

Episode 7: Showdown!

I think every school has its own weird, unique rules concerning upper grades and lower grades that get passed down from one year to the next. These rules lead to confrontations, then reconciliations. I didn’t want to make anyone the “bad guy” in this episode, so I used the idea of those unwritten rules to give the upperclassmen a charming, childish bossiness instead. Oruo’s character fit the bill so incredibly well in this situation!

Episode 8: Spine-chiller!

It took a while, but Erwin finally makes his debut! I feel like this episode has the most successful jokes in this gag anime series. Between things like Frieda’s early introduction, Mr. Isayama’s face, Mikasa’s deadpan narration, and Levi’s -----, there are so many things that deserve a special mention. Personally, though, I really enjoy the role reversal in Ymir and Christa’s relationship. Thanks to her sobbing, Ymir comes across as very endearing and cute in this episode. 

Episode 9: Sweet Summer!

I love this episode. All of the misfortune given to Bertholdt in this spinoff was meant for this episode. I’m charmed by Reiner’s misguided love coaching and Bertholdt’s earnest attitude. The fireworks part was an opportunity to add the kind of emotional moment not normally found in this series. I haven’t been told what happens after the current part of the main anime series, but I hope this group finds the love they want. 

Episode 10: Recommendation!

Ilse and Marco never interact in the main series, so this episode really highlights what makes the spinoff so unique. I’m so glad that both characters get more to do in “Attack on Titan: Junior High.” Also, I feel that the way Marco never, ever abandons Jean shows that he’s a truly great friend.

Episode 11: Clear and Sunny!

The delightful school festival marks the start of the only two-part story in this series. The story centers on the chee-burg shop and shows all the fun of the school festival in an omnibus-like format.Through his class’ shop, Eren’s beloved chee-burgs become everyone’s beloved chee-burgs. Another key part of the episode was making sure Armin looked cute, but it was Hitch who wound up being far cuter than expected!

Episode 12: Attack!