Contrasting Visions of Freedom in ‘One Piece’ and ‘Attack on Titan’

As a teenager weighed down by emotions and struggles, I dream of tasting true freedom. I've always wondered what it means to be free. That is, until I watched two beautiful anime: One Piece and Attack on Titan.

Freedom is a central theme in both One Piece and Attack on Titan (AOT), yet Monkey D. Luffy and Eren Yeager, the protagonists of these series, embody profoundly different interpretations of what it means to be free.

Luffy, the pirate captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, symbolizes a vibrant and inclusive notion of freedom. Luffy's vision of freedom, as portrayed in "One Piece," is a beam of joy, camaraderie and exploration. His journey to becoming the Pirate King is not just about personal ambition but also about embracing the boundless opportunities for exploration and strengths. He opposes oppression in all its forms.

In contrast, Eren Yeager's pursuit of freedom in "Attack on Titan" is a dark and existential matter. Born within the confines of walls that shelter humanity from monstrous Titans, Eren's concept of freedom is born from a desire to break free from the shackles of oppression. However, as the series unfolds, Eren's vision takes a radical turn towards destruction and isolation. His relentless pursuit of freedom is marked by isolation, violence, sacrifice, and a

solitary struggle against fate itself, leading to morally complex decisions and existential questions.

Luffy's optimistic and inclusive approach to freedom offers a stark contrast to Eren's darker, more solitary, and struggling journey. This makes both "One Piece" and "Attack on Titan" compelling explorations of what it truly means to be free, the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of liberty.

Written by Meenakshi Yadav

Meenakshi wrote this article while working as an Intern at the Media Makers Fellowship.

This article was created for the program zine, The DIY Digest.

This zine was established to showcase the work of students and interns at the Media-Makers Fellowship's April '24 cohort.