There are several sacred rules that are followed by anime. These rules are silent but essential. Every isekai protagonist conveniently reincarnates into a suitable alternate world and long monologues need to end before another attack begins. Attack on Titan and Dragon Ball have paved the way for anime and also broken these silent rules.
Eren Jaeger is known for his utter lack of sympathy towards his enemies, and it is evident in every episode of Attack on Titan. Thus, it is no surprise that he has a complete disregard for anime rules. But there is another unexpected character who preceded Eren a long time ago.
Eren’s Rude Interruption of Titan Transformation
Hajime Isayama is known for many things, but being patient is not one of them. His virtue shines through Eren‘s Attack Titan, especially during the battle against Lara Tybur. Eren broke one of the greatest anime rules in existence in his battle with the War Hammer Titan.
In the final season of Attack on Titan when Eren interrupted Willy Tybur’s speech and gobbled him up, he also inevitably led to the exposure of the War Hammer Titan. Lara Tybur began her transformation into the War Hammer Titan, but unfortunately for her, Eren wanted to have none of it.
Before Lara could even complete her transformation, Eren began punching her half-finished state. He relentlessly punched the titan with hardened fists till Lara impaled him with spikes.
This moment is wildly popular among fans since Eren never let Lara complete her transformation before pummeling her, and breaking a huge anime stereotype.
Dragon Ball Broke Anime Rules Before Eren
Eren might be the most popular character to break the ‘no attacking while transformation’ rule, but he sure isn’t the only one. Dragon Ball Z achieved this feat way before Eren could.
When Goku and his team faced Team Universe 2, which comprised of Brianne de Chateau, Sanka Ku, and Su Roas. Together, they began a glittery transformation to achieve a higher level of power. Their transformation was so overly cute and blinding that everyone stared on, along with Goku. Goku seemed almost excited with the prospect of seeing a magical girl transformation with his own eyes.
Alas, the moment did not last too long as Android 17 attacked the trio before they could complete their transformation. The attack was so sudden that even the normally nonchalant Goku seemed bothered. The Saiyan came over to explain the situation to Android 17 but was interrupted by the Universe 2 trio who came over to lecture Android 17 on the ethics of attacking mid-transformation.
All in all, it was an extremely funny moment in the history of Dragon Ball, and it perfectly showcased Android 17’s innocent and no-nonsense mindset. The scene proved that Dragon Ball is the OG of breaking anime rules and Eren can’t take home all the accolades.
You can read Dragon Ball and Attack on Titan on Viz Media and watch the anime on Crunchyroll.
