
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress or Koutetsujou no Kabaneri, an anime that is rather similar to Attack on Titan in the premise. But do you know it was done by the same studio?
Though the ratings, reviews have all been not so impressive to this anime, it was still a blast for viewers. We think it is too underrated and needs more attention. Let’s get into the review so that you’ll know why it is a masterpiece!
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress Review!
Title | Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress |
Director | Tetsuro Araki |
Music Director | Hiroyuki Sawano |
Original run | April 8, 2016- June 30, 2016 |
Episodes | 12 + 1 Movie |
While this 12-episode anime series received mixed reviews from the audience, we say, it is too underrated. Every aspect has been implemented perfectly and perhaps it is because everyone compares this one to Attack on Titan. Sure Attack on Titan is a gem but so is Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress.
Plot & Setting

The story of Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is pretty decent and throughout the whole run, we didn’t see any kind of plot deviation. In fact, the pace of the story is terrific. There isn’t a moment where you get bored or wind up in useless conversations. And the fact that it took the setting to a whole new level makes it even more impressive.
The comparison in writing with Attack on Titan is only true with basic premises. With the rest, it has its own merits and in some instances, it even pars with Attack on Titan.
Normally, the post-apocalyptic stories fail to deliver the right content but this is definitely an exception. Thus, in our Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress review, we think the plot and setting are two great aspects.
Animation & Action

As we said earlier, Wit Studio is the one who animated Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress and Attack on Titan. The artworks are rather unique and much more dazzling in this anime. The visuals are on point and never fail to amuse us. The design of the corpses (kabane) is pretty eye-catching and in the end, Wit Studio went all out in making action scenes.
The action scenes are very well done and the way they presented them really shook us to the core. Especially a couple of scenes in the second half are one of the most iconic scenes in anime history. Thus, we think Wit Studio has done an appreciable job and this anime really needs more attention.
Soundtrack
While the opening song is enough to impress you, the ending song totally gives you a different feel. But can we talk about how epic the background score in the anime is? It literally took the anime to a whole new level. The singer “Aimer” with her soothing and perfect vocals along with Hiroyuki Sawano’s epic score is one more reason you must watch this anime.
Once you’ve watched the anime, we’re pretty sure you’ll keep listening to this ost for weeks. That’s how Hiroyuki Sawano’s masterpiece soundtrack ‘Through the Blood’ influenced this anime. So, if you’re going to watch this anime, get ready to witness one of the most epic background scores ever.
Well, considering all these elements from our Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress review, shouldn’t you at least give it a shot? And there’s also a sequel movie for this series by the name Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato.
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato (2019)

While the plot sets after half-year of the events from the anime, it shows us the deeper relationship between Ikoma and Mumei. At the same time, it delivers us with some fantastic action sequences.
This eighty-two-minute film is enough to satisfy you after watching the original anime. So, if you’re thinking to watch the anime, we also suggest you watch this movie once you finished watching the original anime.