“Eren…as long as you’re around, I can do anything.”

When Attack on Titan debuted in late 2009, it took the manga world by storm and debuted a female character whose behavior is different from many other heroines in shonen manga. Mikasa Ackerman blew many readers (and anime viewers in 2013) away with her strength, determination and intelligence. What’s interesting about Mikasa is that her positive attributes have been honed due to the main protagonist, Eren Jaeger. She is loyal to him to the point where it seems romantic. Is it cute or creepy? Let’s find out, shall we?

Mikasa’s love for Eren began when she was rescued by the latter from a group of slave traders back when she was really young. Eren unlocked Mikasa’s will to fight during that time. Since then, Mikasa lived with Eren’s family and began to watch over him. Throughout the series, Mikasa makes it apparent that she will follow Eren wherever he will go. Her reasoning is that she doesn’t want to lose any more family. She has been teased about her relationship with Eren and has disdain for anyone who hurts him. While Mikasa does argue with Eren from time-to-time, all she seems to really want more than anything is his affection.

Is being devoted to one person a good thing? It depends on the culture. What’s interesting is Mikasa’s cultural background. She is half-Asian and arguably the last Asian living in the AoT universe. You know the term “filial piety”? Let’s apply that to her. Asian culture emphasizes being loyal to those who have given you life through thick and thin. Always respect the family first and foremost. Do not bring shame unto them. Since Eren is her family and saved her life, Mikasa wants to honor that debt. You can say that it’s cute and admirable that Mikasa is respecting a cultural trait that is “dead” in the world she lives in.

Yet the power of devotion can backfire. Eren yelled at her once when she was determined to follow him into battle without thinking about the safety of people first. After Eren was supposedly dead, Mikasa rushes out to fight the Titans without thinking about her own well-being before realizing her error. She’s also willing to fight her own comrades for the sake of Eren. Her devotion was even used as evidence against Eren when his fate was being determined by court. Mikasa’s “heart” becomes vulnerable when Eren jumps into her sight.

The trick is how to maintain the balance between your heart and your head. Going extreme in one way leads to nowhere. One can say that you need to be able to love yourself first. Devote time to yourself more than anyone else. Once people see that you are passionate about being a better you, they will be drawn to that spirit. Mikasa does excel in terms of balance because of her past and also because she knows that’s what Eren would want out of her.

Yet setbacks can still happen. The most interesting dynamic about the Mikasa/Eren relationship is focused on “need.” Mikasa claims that Eren needs her, while Eren claims that he doesn’t need her around to help him. In some ways, both of them need each other to balance out whatever weaknesses they have. Eren unlocks the fighting spirit in Mikasa, while Mikasa tries to hone his behavior for the better. You can arguably say that Mikasa is a good girl that is attracted to the testosterone of “bad boy” Eren, but can one person truly meet all of your needs? It’s somewhat unfair and unreasonable to put a lot of pressure on one person to do so.

Thankfully, Mikasa has people like Armin Arlert, Captain Hannes and the rest of her Scouting Legion mates. You still need friends even if you’re romantically involved or hinting at it with someone. They provide experiences that give you different perspectives about life and can help to enhance your relationship. An interesting note is that Mikasa’s “Social Skill/Teamwork” level in the AoT “Inside” Guidebook is 5/10, which ranks her below the likes of Armin (8/10), Sasha Braus (6/10) and Connie Springer (7/10). Her attitude towards anyone outside of Eren, Armin and Hannes feels more like professional at best, but it’s better than nothing.

Despite all the views you may have about Mikasa, she is one of the top heroines in anime and manga today and possibly ever. When you have little girls cosplaying her, you know you have a female character that’s worthy of respect and love. I truly believe Mikasa is an amazing role model for girls that are trying to figure themselves out in a world where women still have to deal with so much crap, despite it being a somewhat better place for them to live in than before. Why can’t a young lady grow up to be BOTH mentally and physically beautiful?

Furthermore, Mikasa’s loyalty to Eren, while a bit extreme, is something that’s missing in many people. Loyalty, regardless of gender/race/status, is becoming an under-appreciated virtue in today’s world. Without loyalty that benefits both the person giving it and the person receiving it, people will fall. When people fall, society falls as well.

The blade of loyalty can be very double-edged. It’s impossible to be loyal to everyone. Wield it appropriately for those that truly matter.

And like Mikasa, you can do, be and possibly transcend anything in this cruel yet beautiful world.

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